2006 has proven to me that the Gods felt Clyde needed to spend as much time as possible fixing other people's toilets. First it was Blondie's toilet, which we never fixed but lived with. Then it was my toilet the day before the party in November that broke and Clyde came to the rescue again. Then recently his toilet overflowed and now Baba's toilet has been acting up. Let's hope 2007 proves to be a toilet free year!
Spent the day with Mom yesterday, it was great to see her. We always have a great time. We hit Barnes and Nobles but I really couldn't find any books I wanted to read. It seems the older I get the harder it is to find fiction based stories to read. When I was a kid, I read books left and right, day and night. There was always a new story to read. I was into the Native American plights and a huge fan of Scott O Dell the author of Island of the Blue Dolphin and Streams to the River, the River to the Sea. Being a loner, I gravitated toward books like My Side of the Mountain and Where the Red Fern Grows, as well as Homeward Bound. In elementary school I couldnt get enough of Judy Blume's books or Beverly Cleary. As an adult I have enjoyed David Sedaris works and anything related to Psychology like Oilver Sacks. I dig autobiographies/biographies as well. Perhaps I'll bring back some of my childhood favorite books since the adult selection is slim.
BTW I hate these new "chick lit" books about women in the urban areas dating multiple men, trying to "catch a husband" and buying shoes. Hello, this is a fad created by Sex in the City and I can assure you none of my girlfriends lives resemble anything to that of Samantha or Carrie. We don't live our lives for Prada or wear 3 inch heels in the city. I mean don't get me wrong, I am all for Women Power when displayed in a realistic fashion. I think its great that femine images are embraced because in my 20s it was all GRUNGE and earthly stuff like Patcholi. Now girls/women can go off to paintball wars and then shower and slip into a evening gown and wear makeup and those 3 inch heels if they dare? I mean come on, a writer does not make enough to live off a weekly column and have an apt (a 1 bedroom no less) all to themselves. Unless Carrie has a sugar daddy that never came into play on the show?
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Da Vinci Chrismukah!
X-mas came and went. My Sweetie and I spent the day being lazy and I gave him his xmas gifts whi
ch included a cool Da Vinci Puzzle, 80s/90s game, a radio for the shower thats water proof and 2 books "The Color of Water" an
d "Lies My Teacher Told Me." We arrived at my hometown yesterday around lunch time. Shortly my uncle David, Nancy and Bobby stopped by and we all went to Roots, a local flea market that is only open on Tuesday. We came back to Baba's and ate dinner, played Pictionary. A lot of fun!! Ironically Baba gave my boyfriend a Da Vinci wooden block puzzle made by Family Game America called "The Clue" its the first one out of a series of 7 puzzles. Between Baba, my Sweetie and I we only succeeded to get the top block layer off but we still cannot access the scroll inside.
ch included a cool Da Vinci Puzzle, 80s/90s game, a radio for the shower thats water proof and 2 books "The Color of Water" an
d "Lies My Teacher Told Me." We arrived at my hometown yesterday around lunch time. Shortly my uncle David, Nancy and Bobby stopped by and we all went to Roots, a local flea market that is only open on Tuesday. We came back to Baba's and ate dinner, played Pictionary. A lot of fun!! Ironically Baba gave my boyfriend a Da Vinci wooden block puzzle made by Family Game America called "The Clue" its the first one out of a series of 7 puzzles. Between Baba, my Sweetie and I we only succeeded to get the top block layer off but we still cannot access the scroll inside.Today was an easy day, we did a little shopping, a lot of eating and watched the movie "T
he Count of Monte Cristo" which I had seen the name over the years but never knew what the story was about. It was pretty good, if youre in the mood for a little history I recommend this movie. Tmw I will spend with Mom while Clyde hangs around the house with Baba. He is working on getting a keyless lock remote for her car and wants to work on his car as well.
he Count of Monte Cristo" which I had seen the name over the years but never knew what the story was about. It was pretty good, if youre in the mood for a little history I recommend this movie. Tmw I will spend with Mom while Clyde hangs around the house with Baba. He is working on getting a keyless lock remote for her car and wants to work on his car as well. Really I am just enjoying the break from work. Last friday I finished the 1st Aid, CPR and AED training, a 16 hour training crammed into a 7 hour day workshop! The next step will be on Jan 6th for the pre-course testing and last will be the instructor training workshop later in Jan.. I return to work on the 3rd or the 4th. But I wont have to go back to my day job as a media tech till Jan 17th so I go back to work gradually, the best way if you ask me :-D
Ive been enjoying my new PSP gift from my Man for Chrismukah. I brought a game yesterday and a memory stick card today. Its amazing gadget, you can watch movies, tv shows, internet, mp3 music, take photos and even hook it up to your computer!! I had originally wanted a game boy but the PSP is WAY BETTER! As Play Station motto is "Live in your World, Play in Ours!"
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The Devil's Playground
This is a documentary on the Amish's Rumspinga unfortunately it was NOT closed captioned or subtitled!!! But nonetheless my boyfriend was willing to terp for me and I already knew much about this tradition. Its a rite of passage that all Amish Teenagers go through from age 16 to 19. 
They can join the "English" world, drive cards, use technology, smoke, drink, the whole 9 yards. Had it been captioned, I wouldve enjoyed it a lot more b
ecause seeing Amish in any kind of media is very unusual as they do not like to have their photos taken or filmed. They do not mingle with the outside world "English" folks like me and you. During this Rumspinga they must decide whether to stay in their community and be baptized (thats how the Amish Branch was founded, they thought baptizing babies was wrong and they were highly persecuted in the 1600s). Anyways if they stay with their community, they are baptized and welcomed with open arms. However if the outside world proves to be a too great of a temptation, they are shunned from their family and community. Its as if they were dead, they cannot keep any contact with their families and most of them never finished anything beyond 8th grade. I can imagine it must be very traumatic experience to be all alone and having grown up on farms and not with the modern world. Once in my early 20s or late teens, two Amish boys came up to me and my hearing friend Paula and asked if we wanted to go on a buggy ride. I declined because whether or not they are Amish, they were guys and guys all have the same thing on their mind. Be it a buggy ride or a drive in the car ;- D its all the same. Besides the "Dutch" boy haircuts didnt impress me much.
This week has been a long week. On Tuesday I went to Radio City Music Hall to catch their annual show for a terp gig I have on the 30th. It was my first time there and the interior was so regal and grand. I can imagine back in the day people dressing to the nines and g
oing to the show. It was neat to see the Rockettes for the first time. I enjoyed most of the show except the last 30 mins or so of it. Because the 1st 60 mins its all Christmas songs, about Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Reindeers, Nutcracker etc etc. Very light and visually pleasing to watch. Then it got very somber and the Nativity scene kicked in high gear. The whole re-enactment of the birth of Jesus and so on. I was NOT expecting that part of it and was very surprised. Then again this show has been around forever and I guess they want to keep it the same???
They can join the "English" world, drive cards, use technology, smoke, drink, the whole 9 yards. Had it been captioned, I wouldve enjoyed it a lot more b
ecause seeing Amish in any kind of media is very unusual as they do not like to have their photos taken or filmed. They do not mingle with the outside world "English" folks like me and you. During this Rumspinga they must decide whether to stay in their community and be baptized (thats how the Amish Branch was founded, they thought baptizing babies was wrong and they were highly persecuted in the 1600s). Anyways if they stay with their community, they are baptized and welcomed with open arms. However if the outside world proves to be a too great of a temptation, they are shunned from their family and community. Its as if they were dead, they cannot keep any contact with their families and most of them never finished anything beyond 8th grade. I can imagine it must be very traumatic experience to be all alone and having grown up on farms and not with the modern world. Once in my early 20s or late teens, two Amish boys came up to me and my hearing friend Paula and asked if we wanted to go on a buggy ride. I declined because whether or not they are Amish, they were guys and guys all have the same thing on their mind. Be it a buggy ride or a drive in the car ;- D its all the same. Besides the "Dutch" boy haircuts didnt impress me much.
This week has been a long week. On Tuesday I went to Radio City Music Hall to catch their annual show for a terp gig I have on the 30th. It was my first time there and the interior was so regal and grand. I can imagine back in the day people dressing to the nines and g
oing to the show. It was neat to see the Rockettes for the first time. I enjoyed most of the show except the last 30 mins or so of it. Because the 1st 60 mins its all Christmas songs, about Santa, Frosty the Snowman, Reindeers, Nutcracker etc etc. Very light and visually pleasing to watch. Then it got very somber and the Nativity scene kicked in high gear. The whole re-enactment of the birth of Jesus and so on. I was NOT expecting that part of it and was very surprised. Then again this show has been around forever and I guess they want to keep it the same???Work has been dragging along, I am so ready for some R & R. Tmw I will be at the Red Cross all day training for the basics of 1st Aid/CPR/AED. Ill be certified to save lives...scary I know.
Finally Saturday will be ME day. I want to do some holiday shopping for the f
olks back in PA. Clyde and I are driving down on Xmas night, on Monday. I will have to return the 29th that night because the DB terp gig on the 30th is at 2pm. I return to work on the 4th of Jan. Not a long break but I dont mind. You know what they say (in the spirit of the Amish) "Idle Hands is the Devil's Play!"
olks back in PA. Clyde and I are driving down on Xmas night, on Monday. I will have to return the 29th that night because the DB terp gig on the 30th is at 2pm. I return to work on the 4th of Jan. Not a long break but I dont mind. You know what they say (in the spirit of the Amish) "Idle Hands is the Devil's Play!"Thursday, December 14, 2006
My Cat Hates You!
Got 30 minutes to kill, so figured I what the heck, lets surf the net and voila came to a few sites for us cat lovers (dog lovers suck!) ok well they dont but I love cats more!!
try the following sites
My cat hates you!
here's 2 examples from that site;
'Must... not fall to sleep... sooo.. many souls to steal!'
'You saw nuuthing... NUTTTHINGG!'
Another cool one is called
Stuff on my Cat
This one is hilarious! From WayODD
For the dog lovers out there, here's one dog's view on technology!!
Good job Fido, PC sucks ass! Macs RULE!!!
The last one here is so funny because many of my friends know when I don't like someone I tend to refer to them as ASSWipes, now here finally is a product for those A-holes!
try the following sites
My cat hates you!
here's 2 examples from that site;
'Must... not fall to sleep... sooo.. many souls to steal!'
'You saw nuuthing... NUTTTHINGG!'
Another cool one is called
Stuff on my Cat
This one is hilarious! From WayODD
For the dog lovers out there, here's one dog's view on technology!!
Good job Fido, PC sucks ass! Macs RULE!!!
The last one here is so funny because many of my friends know when I don't like someone I tend to refer to them as ASSWipes, now here finally is a product for those A-holes!
Wall Street Bull
I had a major misunderstanding about the Writing Class I teach, see I was following the academic calendar and I wasn't aware that the class requires me to teach 60 hours! So after much mulling over what to do? Considering most of my students have finished their course requirements I suggested they write a short story in an educational setting and then we make a short film out of. Luckily for me the supervisors approved! *whew!* for once I can go in there confidently and teach something thats in my domain for a change.
Tonight the class will be divided into two groups, after we review all of the short stories. They will vote on one story to convert into a script/storyboard and we will shoot it in Jan when we come back from the winter break! I love filmmaking!!!! Like Rusty says my middle name should be changed to footage or editing instead of Eileen :D
Last night's ASL class final exam went quite smoothly. Then I spent the night for the first time in my beau's new apt down at Wall Street. Yep where all the major businesses take place. The Trump Plaza is only a few doors down. I do feel a little out of place but I will adjust to it as time passes. If I can handle Hyattsville, MD, Washington Heights and Harlem here in NYC, I can get used to a posh setting for a change. There's a lot nearby, a West Nine store that Blondie got me hooked on and many other places like Barnes and Nobles. I look forward to learning my way around the very southern tip of Manhattan. The photo below is of the "Charging Bull" also known as the "Wall Street Bull" is a popular sculpture here in NYC
Tonight the class will be divided into two groups, after we review all of the short stories. They will vote on one story to convert into a script/storyboard and we will shoot it in Jan when we come back from the winter break! I love filmmaking!!!! Like Rusty says my middle name should be changed to footage or editing instead of Eileen :D
Last night's ASL class final exam went quite smoothly. Then I spent the night for the first time in my beau's new apt down at Wall Street. Yep where all the major businesses take place. The Trump Plaza is only a few doors down. I do feel a little out of place but I will adjust to it as time passes. If I can handle Hyattsville, MD, Washington Heights and Harlem here in NYC, I can get used to a posh setting for a change. There's a lot nearby, a West Nine store that Blondie got me hooked on and many other places like Barnes and Nobles. I look forward to learning my way around the very southern tip of Manhattan. The photo below is of the "Charging Bull" also known as the "Wall Street Bull" is a popular sculpture here in NYC
From Wikipedia;
The sculpture depicts a bull, the symbol of aggressive financial optimism and prosperity, leaning back on its haunches and with its head lowered as if ready to charge.
Di Modica reportedly created the sculpture following the 1987 stock market crash as a testament to his belief in the unceasing vitality of American capitalism. The sculpture, however, was not commissioned by the city as a work of public art. Rather, Di Modica created it on his own (at a personal cost of some $360,000) and installed it in December 1989 as "guerrilla art", trucking it to Lower Manhattan and placing it in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a Christmas gift to the people of New York.
Monday, December 11, 2006
New Gally Prez Announced!!!
Here at CNN you can read more about it;
I do not know much about Robert R. Davila other than he was the VP of NTID in the late 90s. I hope he does a good job but it concerns me as he did serve on the Bush adminstration and that alone makes me wonder what kind of views he has? Liberal or conservative and how this will impact the future of Gally? For now, I will take the high road and wish him a warm welcome as the new Prez! Mr. Davila make us proud!!!
I do not know much about Robert R. Davila other than he was the VP of NTID in the late 90s. I hope he does a good job but it concerns me as he did serve on the Bush adminstration and that alone makes me wonder what kind of views he has? Liberal or conservative and how this will impact the future of Gally? For now, I will take the high road and wish him a warm welcome as the new Prez! Mr. Davila make us proud!!!
All that Jive!!!
Last Friday I finally got to hang with Joe Joy and Szymanski. Szymanski made wicked Mac and Cheese that we gorged on along with other goodies like Cinnamon Rolls, hot apple cider spiced with rum, egg nog saturated in whiskey etc etc.. I also got to meet this cool guy who moved back to NYC last year. I have yet to invent a code name for him, after I hang with him a few more times, Ill come up with something good.
Over the weekend, I stayed in to try to kill off the sinus infection. I dont think the antibiotics are doing that great of a job, but I have 3 more days to go before I am done with them. Clyde was a sweetie, he and I lounged around in our pjs. Today he moves into his new apt, he is so looking forward to having a place to call his own. I will get to see it this Wednesday night after I am done with work. He has already declared he will be cooking me dinner that night, filet miganon. I don't think I have ever seen him cook, it should be interesting. Funny last night he went to buy some juice downstairs at the Bogeda next door and this woman kept asking him these inane stuff like "Have you ever noticed these stores never have good chips?" again and again, finally he turned around (remmy its 11 30pm on a sunday night and hes just buying some juice and doesnt know this woman) he replied "What am I the Dorito man?" that just cracked me up. I agree, who wants to make small talk that time of night with someone they dont know?
There's a new book has been published called Hand Jive which can be found at Hardcore ASL. I will check it out over the winter break and see if its any good? There's another book that Blondie swears by called Master ASL which can be found at Sign Media. Every bit helps :D Its good to see this market growing, after suffering many years with "The Joy Of Signing" I can't help but do a small happy dance!!! Now if only Rusty would finish his books!! (hint hint!)
I got the special effects added to my 1st movie, through the help of a guy name Adam Hinterlang who only charges $25 an hour!! I should have it edited by this weekend and I can finally send copies to my actor friends back in MD and put it on my new website, wheee! I highly recommend him as he was very quick, efficient and easy to work with. He really knows his stuff and just finished his master in Electronic Arts.
My Mom sent me this cute link called "Have You Ever Been this Tired?"
aww so cute!!
This one below is my favorite!
Enjoy the Monday blues!
Over the weekend, I stayed in to try to kill off the sinus infection. I dont think the antibiotics are doing that great of a job, but I have 3 more days to go before I am done with them. Clyde was a sweetie, he and I lounged around in our pjs. Today he moves into his new apt, he is so looking forward to having a place to call his own. I will get to see it this Wednesday night after I am done with work. He has already declared he will be cooking me dinner that night, filet miganon. I don't think I have ever seen him cook, it should be interesting. Funny last night he went to buy some juice downstairs at the Bogeda next door and this woman kept asking him these inane stuff like "Have you ever noticed these stores never have good chips?" again and again, finally he turned around (remmy its 11 30pm on a sunday night and hes just buying some juice and doesnt know this woman) he replied "What am I the Dorito man?" that just cracked me up. I agree, who wants to make small talk that time of night with someone they dont know?
There's a new book has been published called Hand Jive which can be found at Hardcore ASL. I will check it out over the winter break and see if its any good? There's another book that Blondie swears by called Master ASL which can be found at Sign Media. Every bit helps :D Its good to see this market growing, after suffering many years with "The Joy Of Signing" I can't help but do a small happy dance!!! Now if only Rusty would finish his books!! (hint hint!)
I got the special effects added to my 1st movie, through the help of a guy name Adam Hinterlang who only charges $25 an hour!! I should have it edited by this weekend and I can finally send copies to my actor friends back in MD and put it on my new website, wheee! I highly recommend him as he was very quick, efficient and easy to work with. He really knows his stuff and just finished his master in Electronic Arts.
My Mom sent me this cute link called "Have You Ever Been this Tired?"
aww so cute!!
This one below is my favorite!
Enjoy the Monday blues!
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Pumpkin Chunkin Time!
I recently learned from Ricky's blog that Gil Eastman died last Sunday of Cancer, more can be read at DeafTimes . He was well known in the Deaf Community but I only knew of him as one of the co-host of Deaf Mosiac, a deaf news show that covered various events all over the world. Well back in 92' my Physic from MSSD entered a Pumpkin Chunkin Event in Deleware, where we spent several month
s building a
wooden catapult kinda like the picture below. My teacher Mary Elsworth, one of the nicest teachers' at MSSD really went the extra mile to secure the supplies we needed and to arrange for us to attend this event which started back in 1986. It was a great experience and my class was divided into three teams. I was the "captian" of my team (no surprise right!). Well guess what? Deaf Mosiac came out to cover
our event and we appeared in one of their episodes. To this day people still come up to me, teasing me about seeing me in the video with my hair waving all over the place and my red glasses,
and heavy metal tee I was wearing. I would kill to see this video, as I have never seen it and have not been able to locate which episode its in? If anyone knows, pls lmk where to look. Most of the competetion made catapults with metal supplies, my class was the only one to use wood and the event coordinators decided to have us compete among ourselves, my team won! I have no idea how far the pumpkin was toss, I only know that the hat I recieved for my team winning has found a home with my Uncle Robbie who came across it one day and said "Do you use this?" and before I could answer "Yeah you don't use it, let me have it, its a cool hat." So Robbie has the hat, at least its still in the family :)
How well do you know where all the states are? Try this test.
Just finished grading my student's final exams, now am off to meet with my supervisor to discuss their grades.
s building a
wooden catapult kinda like the picture below. My teacher Mary Elsworth, one of the nicest teachers' at MSSD really went the extra mile to secure the supplies we needed and to arrange for us to attend this event which started back in 1986. It was a great experience and my class was divided into three teams. I was the "captian" of my team (no surprise right!). Well guess what? Deaf Mosiac came out to cover
our event and we appeared in one of their episodes. To this day people still come up to me, teasing me about seeing me in the video with my hair waving all over the place and my red glasses,
and heavy metal tee I was wearing. I would kill to see this video, as I have never seen it and have not been able to locate which episode its in? If anyone knows, pls lmk where to look. Most of the competetion made catapults with metal supplies, my class was the only one to use wood and the event coordinators decided to have us compete among ourselves, my team won! I have no idea how far the pumpkin was toss, I only know that the hat I recieved for my team winning has found a home with my Uncle Robbie who came across it one day and said "Do you use this?" and before I could answer "Yeah you don't use it, let me have it, its a cool hat." So Robbie has the hat, at least its still in the family :)How well do you know where all the states are? Try this test.
Just finished grading my student's final exams, now am off to meet with my supervisor to discuss their grades.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
ASL Pro
There's a wonderful site you can go to called ASL Pro where you can register and create tests under the "Quiz Me" section. I find it to be very useful. I hope they will add on a feature that allows you to quiz your students on phrases and sentences. I will write to them, suggesting that idea. There is also another nifty section on fingerspelling, that you can pick, slow, medium or fast to practice your finger spelling reception skills.
I have an appt with a special after effects editor this friday, he only charges $25 per hour and I think he could get all of the effects done within 2 to 3 hours. I am so jazzed to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The same goes for my website, the only thing left to do is add my team bios, additional photos and the trailers and then I can finally unveil my website for my movie, wheee as Ronnie always says.
Class last night was relatively painless. The students turned in their final exams and it was a short class. I am concerned about one student who hasnt been handing in her work, I will have to speak to my supervisor about seeing if she qualifies for an incomplete or??
Right now am at work and working on my lesson plan for tonight's class. My supervisor will be observing so I am already working on keeping my mouth (lips) from moving when I sign because it is consider cheating when you mouth the words and the students don't learn as effectively that way.
I love Farscape, they have the best swear words like "What the Yotz are you doing?" "What the Frell is going on!!" also when the other shipmates (various aliens) try to repeat whatever the human (John Critchon) says like Chicken Soup, it comes out as "Zeekin Zoop" and so on. And I thought us deafies had it bad...
I have an appt with a special after effects editor this friday, he only charges $25 per hour and I think he could get all of the effects done within 2 to 3 hours. I am so jazzed to finally see a light at the end of the tunnel. The same goes for my website, the only thing left to do is add my team bios, additional photos and the trailers and then I can finally unveil my website for my movie, wheee as Ronnie always says.
Class last night was relatively painless. The students turned in their final exams and it was a short class. I am concerned about one student who hasnt been handing in her work, I will have to speak to my supervisor about seeing if she qualifies for an incomplete or??
Right now am at work and working on my lesson plan for tonight's class. My supervisor will be observing so I am already working on keeping my mouth (lips) from moving when I sign because it is consider cheating when you mouth the words and the students don't learn as effectively that way.
I love Farscape, they have the best swear words like "What the Yotz are you doing?" "What the Frell is going on!!" also when the other shipmates (various aliens) try to repeat whatever the human (John Critchon) says like Chicken Soup, it comes out as "Zeekin Zoop" and so on. And I thought us deafies had it bad...
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
I feel beta
soon to be back in alpha mode and back into the swing of life. Its amazing how fragile our bodies are and what happens when we don't heed to its warnings. I shouldve, couldve, wouldve but didnt and it cost me 1.5 days of work! I got a nice email from Baba telling me not to wait so long next time and I wont because now that I have a place to go and a doctor assigned to me, I wont be so hesitant to see one. I really liked the William Ryan Center, they couldve made me feel like a 2nd class citizen but they didnt. In a place like NYC, you have to marvel at the level of care and compassion I was given yesterday :) Plus it helps to have a boyfriend who shuffled along side me to the infirmary, then to the apt, back out again to the Clinic and then to Drug Reade. Basically giving up his day for me to help me out.
I also recieved a lovely thank you note from Peep. I was touched and I am glad she s doing so well. I was in much worse shape then she is in considering that its only been a few months since her breakup. Shes a smart girl because she walked away. I didn't. I always wondered why I didnt stand up for myself as a kid and again when I saw my own relationship going down the toilet. Am I one of those captains who drowns with their ship? For me, I think I was naive in the fact, that I thought love conquers all. If there is enough love, you can get through anything. But I have since re-evaluated that claim and realize its not love but commitment that sees through the trials and tribulations of the affairs of the heart. Besides love doesn't put bread on the table. Its hard work, a level of respect and a commitment to work through the bad as well as the good. Knowing Peep she will enjoy this time being single. I sure did enjoy the 4 years I was. There's something to be said for only having to worry about one's self.
Clyde recieved good news today, he is moving into his new one bedroom apt downtown in the finacial district. I am happy because he had also considered Roosevelt Island but changed his mind when the suburban mentality became glaringly clear. I don't blame him. Who wants a socceer mom and a PTA dad deciding whether he can live? Nah, I want him to live somewhere where his American dollars and credibility speaks for itself. Not where I have to worry about their percieved notion of his ethnic, race, creed and or nationality and if it fits in with theirs. He is thrilled to finally be settling down and have an address to call his own. I know the feeling, 3 months of not knowing where I would settle down did a number on my nerves. Its good to see Clyde in such good spirits.
The antibiotics are working their magic :)
I also recieved a lovely thank you note from Peep. I was touched and I am glad she s doing so well. I was in much worse shape then she is in considering that its only been a few months since her breakup. Shes a smart girl because she walked away. I didn't. I always wondered why I didnt stand up for myself as a kid and again when I saw my own relationship going down the toilet. Am I one of those captains who drowns with their ship? For me, I think I was naive in the fact, that I thought love conquers all. If there is enough love, you can get through anything. But I have since re-evaluated that claim and realize its not love but commitment that sees through the trials and tribulations of the affairs of the heart. Besides love doesn't put bread on the table. Its hard work, a level of respect and a commitment to work through the bad as well as the good. Knowing Peep she will enjoy this time being single. I sure did enjoy the 4 years I was. There's something to be said for only having to worry about one's self.
Clyde recieved good news today, he is moving into his new one bedroom apt downtown in the finacial district. I am happy because he had also considered Roosevelt Island but changed his mind when the suburban mentality became glaringly clear. I don't blame him. Who wants a socceer mom and a PTA dad deciding whether he can live? Nah, I want him to live somewhere where his American dollars and credibility speaks for itself. Not where I have to worry about their percieved notion of his ethnic, race, creed and or nationality and if it fits in with theirs. He is thrilled to finally be settling down and have an address to call his own. I know the feeling, 3 months of not knowing where I would settle down did a number on my nerves. Its good to see Clyde in such good spirits.
The antibiotics are working their magic :)
Monday, December 04, 2006
Drug Reade is my New Friend
Dang it, no amount of sleeping will cure me of my sinus infection. After pulling a Rip Van Wrinkle for the weekend, only going out to dinner and a play on saturday night with Clyde, Blondie and Cain. Unforunately I fell asleep in the play :( I did get to see my old classmate Aaron Kubey starring in the play Brillant Traces.
I finally caved in and went to William Ryan Center where they have a walk in clinic. They charged me $93 and their staff was very nice. I could barely hear anything so Clyde did his best to terp when it was needed.
not much else to report, will go to bed soon and hopefully the rxs will help soon?
I finally caved in and went to William Ryan Center where they have a walk in clinic. They charged me $93 and their staff was very nice. I could barely hear anything so Clyde did his best to terp when it was needed.
not much else to report, will go to bed soon and hopefully the rxs will help soon?
Thursday, November 30, 2006
My 2 sample essays
I had to write 2 sample essays for my student's final exam. I decided to use real life experiences. These are from when I was a kid/teenager and do not reflect my current way of life;
Here are the 2 essays I am asking for;
Please pick either A or B and type a two page Essay on the topic you have choosen.
A- Write about a time when you did something you were not supposed to do and where it took place. What did you do and why did you do it? How old were you? Explain all details of what happened, -slowly, and step by step. What did you learn from this experience?
B- Write about a disagreement you had with your parents. What was the disagreement about and where did it take place? How did the disagreement start? How did the disagreement end? How old were you when this disagreement happened? Explain in details of what happened, -slowly, and step by step. What did you learn from this experience?
Here are my examples;
I Stole From the Gap!
When I was 15 years old and at MSSD (Model Secondary School for the Deaf) I became friends with a girl name Annie. We both were oral students learning ASL as teenagers. She was one of my closest friends. I discovered one day while we were off campus in George Town that Annie liked to shoplift. I was so surprised because I had never stolen anything before in my life!
After a few more times, she showed me how to shoplift. Basically you take an item or object which has to be pretty small, small enough to slide up your sleeves. We would go to different stores and slide make up and music cassette tapes up our sleeves and walk out the store. This went on for a few months.
One night our dorm had a trip to SpringField Mall in VA, and we were in the Gap store. It was near the winter holidays and I didn’t have any money to buy things so we decided we would each take a shirt from the Gap store and we did. We also stole earrings and necklaces from a Claire’s boutique store and other stuff.
Then riding the bus on the way back to MSSD, Annie and I took our stolen goods out and was bragging about them to the other girls on the bus. We were stupid and admitted we stole from the Gap. One girl who I hated name Deanna was nosey and saw what we signed.
We got back to Dorm D and went to our rooms. About 30 minutes later an REA (Residential Education Advisor) came to my room and told me to come into the office to talk to the CRE (Campus Resident Educator) who was the head of the dorm. I can’t remember the CRE’s name but she confronted us about the things we brought. Making us show her all of the stolen goods. She asked us where the receipts were? We both lied and said we threw them out and put everything in one bag to make it easier to carry. She told us how Deanna said we were bragging about stealing from the Gap. We were busted! Of course I was crying my eyes out but Annie stayed calm and cool. She didn’t care or worry about the CRE calling her parents. I was very upset about my family knowing.
Then the CRE said we would have to go back the next night to the Gap store and return the shirts. She also told us they may call the police and file a report on us but it was their decision not MSSD’s. I cried all night and felt terrible.
The next night, it was just me, and Annie with one REA driving us back to SpringField Mall and I didn’t want to go but had no choice! Annie was quiet the whole ride there. I felt like Annie didn’t care and I started not to like Annie.
We got there and went to the Gap store. I was so ashamed. We gave back the shirts and the Gap store people said they decided not to call the police. The REA said we were very lucky. It was so humiliating to admit it to their faces.
We got back to MSSD and we both were punished with community service and had OCR (off campus restriction) meaning we were not allowed off campus on the weekends for 2 months. Then after that, we both couldn’t go off campus without a staff with us for another month. I stopped hanging out with Annie. She still would steal stuff and brag about it. I never stole again!
I learned that even if you have a friend you like, if they do things that are wrong or convince you to do those things with them. They aren’t your friends. I learned that stealing is wrong and that I don’t like the humiliation of being caught.
I Never Liked Wearing Dresses
My Mother always wanted me to wear dresses. From the time I was a little child throughout most of my teenage years I never liked to wear dresses. Every year for school photos my Mother would beg and plead with me to wear something nice for my picture. I just wanted to wear a tee shirt and jeans. I was not happy at my hearing school. I had no friends and I wanted to be invisible.
When I was a senior at MSSD (Model Secondary School for the Deaf) it was time for graduation. I decided to wear jeans, converse sneakers and a black tee. I figured that I was wearing a graduation gown so no one could see my clothes underneath it.
Well, my assistant principal Vivian Rice read me the “riot act.” Saying the way I dressed was not appropriate and that I needed to go and change my clothes. I told her “I don’t have any dresses or nice pants.” She didn’t believe me. So we went back to the dorm to my room where I opened up my closet and my dresser and I was right, I only had jeans and tee shirts with flannels. Back then I was into heavy metal so of course most of my clothing were dark colored or skulls and roses with thorns. I just couldn’t see what the big deal was.
Then when I went to Gallaudet University, my mother would complain about me dressing so ugly and never using a purse. I said “Mom, who cares, I am not a girly girl!” And then she said “Jenny you are so pretty, why do you want to cover yourself up like that?” She would try to get me to go shopping for new clothes and pick out clothes like skirts and blouses. I wasn’t happy.
I dated one deaf guy for almost 7 years and then we broke up. Somehow something inside of me changed. I no longer wanted to dress down all the time. I wanted to dress pretty so I could feel pretty. I realized that I spent most of my life feeling ugly and my clothes reflected my self-esteem.
My Mom is now happy with the way I dress. I even learned to use a purse. My new boyfriend teases me about the way I used to dress when he sees older photos of me. My Mom was right, I am attractive and I do not need to hide my body in baggy clothing. I still wear jeans a lot but mostly on the weekends. I dress professionally for work, and pretty for when I go out with friends or my boyfriend. Now I go shopping with Mom and it is fun. She loves it when I buy something she picked out for me.
I learned that I don’t have to be invisible or wear ugly clothes. I know now when I see girls dressed in baggy clothes that it may mean they are embarrass about how they look or not comfortable with their bodies. A woman doesn’t have to dress girly but dress nicely. I think when you dress nicely it makes you feel better about yourself.
Here are the 2 essays I am asking for;
Please pick either A or B and type a two page Essay on the topic you have choosen.
A- Write about a time when you did something you were not supposed to do and where it took place. What did you do and why did you do it? How old were you? Explain all details of what happened, -slowly, and step by step. What did you learn from this experience?
B- Write about a disagreement you had with your parents. What was the disagreement about and where did it take place? How did the disagreement start? How did the disagreement end? How old were you when this disagreement happened? Explain in details of what happened, -slowly, and step by step. What did you learn from this experience?
Here are my examples;
I Stole From the Gap!
When I was 15 years old and at MSSD (Model Secondary School for the Deaf) I became friends with a girl name Annie. We both were oral students learning ASL as teenagers. She was one of my closest friends. I discovered one day while we were off campus in George Town that Annie liked to shoplift. I was so surprised because I had never stolen anything before in my life!
After a few more times, she showed me how to shoplift. Basically you take an item or object which has to be pretty small, small enough to slide up your sleeves. We would go to different stores and slide make up and music cassette tapes up our sleeves and walk out the store. This went on for a few months.
One night our dorm had a trip to SpringField Mall in VA, and we were in the Gap store. It was near the winter holidays and I didn’t have any money to buy things so we decided we would each take a shirt from the Gap store and we did. We also stole earrings and necklaces from a Claire’s boutique store and other stuff.
Then riding the bus on the way back to MSSD, Annie and I took our stolen goods out and was bragging about them to the other girls on the bus. We were stupid and admitted we stole from the Gap. One girl who I hated name Deanna was nosey and saw what we signed.
We got back to Dorm D and went to our rooms. About 30 minutes later an REA (Residential Education Advisor) came to my room and told me to come into the office to talk to the CRE (Campus Resident Educator) who was the head of the dorm. I can’t remember the CRE’s name but she confronted us about the things we brought. Making us show her all of the stolen goods. She asked us where the receipts were? We both lied and said we threw them out and put everything in one bag to make it easier to carry. She told us how Deanna said we were bragging about stealing from the Gap. We were busted! Of course I was crying my eyes out but Annie stayed calm and cool. She didn’t care or worry about the CRE calling her parents. I was very upset about my family knowing.
Then the CRE said we would have to go back the next night to the Gap store and return the shirts. She also told us they may call the police and file a report on us but it was their decision not MSSD’s. I cried all night and felt terrible.
The next night, it was just me, and Annie with one REA driving us back to SpringField Mall and I didn’t want to go but had no choice! Annie was quiet the whole ride there. I felt like Annie didn’t care and I started not to like Annie.
We got there and went to the Gap store. I was so ashamed. We gave back the shirts and the Gap store people said they decided not to call the police. The REA said we were very lucky. It was so humiliating to admit it to their faces.
We got back to MSSD and we both were punished with community service and had OCR (off campus restriction) meaning we were not allowed off campus on the weekends for 2 months. Then after that, we both couldn’t go off campus without a staff with us for another month. I stopped hanging out with Annie. She still would steal stuff and brag about it. I never stole again!
I learned that even if you have a friend you like, if they do things that are wrong or convince you to do those things with them. They aren’t your friends. I learned that stealing is wrong and that I don’t like the humiliation of being caught.
I Never Liked Wearing Dresses
My Mother always wanted me to wear dresses. From the time I was a little child throughout most of my teenage years I never liked to wear dresses. Every year for school photos my Mother would beg and plead with me to wear something nice for my picture. I just wanted to wear a tee shirt and jeans. I was not happy at my hearing school. I had no friends and I wanted to be invisible.
When I was a senior at MSSD (Model Secondary School for the Deaf) it was time for graduation. I decided to wear jeans, converse sneakers and a black tee. I figured that I was wearing a graduation gown so no one could see my clothes underneath it.
Well, my assistant principal Vivian Rice read me the “riot act.” Saying the way I dressed was not appropriate and that I needed to go and change my clothes. I told her “I don’t have any dresses or nice pants.” She didn’t believe me. So we went back to the dorm to my room where I opened up my closet and my dresser and I was right, I only had jeans and tee shirts with flannels. Back then I was into heavy metal so of course most of my clothing were dark colored or skulls and roses with thorns. I just couldn’t see what the big deal was.
Then when I went to Gallaudet University, my mother would complain about me dressing so ugly and never using a purse. I said “Mom, who cares, I am not a girly girl!” And then she said “Jenny you are so pretty, why do you want to cover yourself up like that?” She would try to get me to go shopping for new clothes and pick out clothes like skirts and blouses. I wasn’t happy.
I dated one deaf guy for almost 7 years and then we broke up. Somehow something inside of me changed. I no longer wanted to dress down all the time. I wanted to dress pretty so I could feel pretty. I realized that I spent most of my life feeling ugly and my clothes reflected my self-esteem.
My Mom is now happy with the way I dress. I even learned to use a purse. My new boyfriend teases me about the way I used to dress when he sees older photos of me. My Mom was right, I am attractive and I do not need to hide my body in baggy clothing. I still wear jeans a lot but mostly on the weekends. I dress professionally for work, and pretty for when I go out with friends or my boyfriend. Now I go shopping with Mom and it is fun. She loves it when I buy something she picked out for me.
I learned that I don’t have to be invisible or wear ugly clothes. I know now when I see girls dressed in baggy clothes that it may mean they are embarrass about how they look or not comfortable with their bodies. A woman doesn’t have to dress girly but dress nicely. I think when you dress nicely it makes you feel better about yourself.
Krammar Jewish? I dont think so!
Ugh please Michael Richards dont try to make yourself look good by jumping on the Jewish bandwagon. The Jews have already been blamed enough for the discrimination Black people face and we don't need your name added to it. Not that theres any validity to that myth that the Jews want to keep the Black people down, Richard's racist remarks are not of that of a Jew and to call himself as one... Any self-respecting Jew such as myself this to be quite distasteful. You can read more at CNN.
Working on final exam format for my class tonight. I am a little nervous as I have never given a final exam before in my life! But I gotta admit, seeing my name on my student papers "Instructor X X" inflates my ego a bit more than usual. And those who know me know I have quite an ego (often hearies complain of hot air hissing out of my left ear which is unobstructed by a hearing aid)! JK, yeah I do have an ego but not to a point where people avoid me :D
Baba sent me this email earlier and I thought it was a beautiful, but bittersweet memory and I wanted to share it;
It was summer, as you know, so the boys were home from school. X and X were twelve and still little kids, so every day we brought them to our friends the Raudenbushes (Papa called them the Rubberbrushes!), so we could be at the hospital. The Raudenbushes lived at the top of a hill so the road up there was winding. Papa always kept cigars on the dashboard. As we rounded a turn, a cigar slid down to my side and Papa said, "Have a cigar." Then the car turned the other way and the cigar slid back to his side and I said, "No thanks, I just had one." Then we turned again and the cigar slid back to my side and he said, "Have another." Well, at that we just broke up and laughed until we almost cried. As you know, laughter and tears are close cousins. It was a way of coping with the unacceptable although some people might find it strange that we were laughing while X was dying in the hospital.
Baba is right, laughing and crying are more alike than most people realize. Evolution standpoint says laughing occurred in response to being nervous. Like if we were back in the caveman era and we felt threatened, we would laugh and bare our teeth.
Working on final exam format for my class tonight. I am a little nervous as I have never given a final exam before in my life! But I gotta admit, seeing my name on my student papers "Instructor X X" inflates my ego a bit more than usual. And those who know me know I have quite an ego (often hearies complain of hot air hissing out of my left ear which is unobstructed by a hearing aid)! JK, yeah I do have an ego but not to a point where people avoid me :D
Baba sent me this email earlier and I thought it was a beautiful, but bittersweet memory and I wanted to share it;
It was summer, as you know, so the boys were home from school. X and X were twelve and still little kids, so every day we brought them to our friends the Raudenbushes (Papa called them the Rubberbrushes!), so we could be at the hospital. The Raudenbushes lived at the top of a hill so the road up there was winding. Papa always kept cigars on the dashboard. As we rounded a turn, a cigar slid down to my side and Papa said, "Have a cigar." Then the car turned the other way and the cigar slid back to his side and I said, "No thanks, I just had one." Then we turned again and the cigar slid back to my side and he said, "Have another." Well, at that we just broke up and laughed until we almost cried. As you know, laughter and tears are close cousins. It was a way of coping with the unacceptable although some people might find it strange that we were laughing while X was dying in the hospital.
Baba is right, laughing and crying are more alike than most people realize. Evolution standpoint says laughing occurred in response to being nervous. Like if we were back in the caveman era and we felt threatened, we would laugh and bare our teeth.
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Ah.. the scent of cat pee....
For some crazy reason yesterday while I was at work in Queens, I kept smelling cat pee. I checked my shirt, slacks, even my bra. I checked my backpack, purse and my shoes and nada, no cat pee. But still it drove me crazy. Perhaps that was a premonition of what was gonna happen today. When I arrived at my Media job, again I caught the scent of cat piss and realized the black shirt I had for 10 years carried a faint scent of cat pee! Ugh so I went to the nearby store and brought a tee to wear today instead... Damn cats, I came home last night to find a nice mixture of cat vomit and a massive hairball on my bed and comforter, lovely! Gee this is the thanks I get for going out of town for a few days. Tom and Kat not likieee... teach me a lesson or two will they? Now they are banned from my room when I am not home.
A little relaxation goes a long way! My Sweetie, posted this on his blog about my evil influences of being lazy 1x a week (ok, sometimes 2x or 3xs a week...)
On Sunday we got back to the city and totally relaxed. We only went outside once to obtain food and that was about it. We watched a bunch of corny comedies such as Deuce Biegelow: Male Gigolo, but it worked. It was the first time in 2 years that I've just shut down my brain totally for an entire day and did absolutely nothing. The most interesting part was going outside to realize it was already dark by the time I had decided to get dressed to get dinner. I literally can not remember the last time I've just hung around that long doing nothing, but it was definitely worth it.
Funny, he IMed me on Monday telling me he decided to get rid of the garage that he rented for the purposes of working on his cars. When I asked him why? He said he no longer needed it and prefer to have days like we did on Sunday. I agree, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!"
I made a major decision yesterday, I decided not to teach Writing to deaf adults again in Jan. My heart wasnt into it and it was making me miserable because I felt I was doing a disservice to the students who are all a great bunch of kids! They need a teacher who has all the answer and gets a hard on for the English language. I only write well cuz I grew up oral so I write how I speak. Not because I know the correct word order, what verbs are main verbs? Auxillary verbs? Infinitive verbs.... etc etc so when I met with my supervisor I told her the truth that I wasn't digging this subject and I was sorry that I didnt want to keep teaching that class. She was very understanding and although disappointed with my decision, she remarked she thought I was a wonderful teacher but she could sense when she observe my class there was some disconnection between myself and the materials I was teaching. She wished me well and I feel that I will still see her occasionally as one of my mentor for advice.
Now I will contact one other school and see if they need me in Jan because they wanted me this fall but I declined due to conflicts in my schedule. Hopefully they will still want me to teach?
This weekend I plan redo my room set up, the current floorplan sucks and I am going crazy with the chaotic feelings of my room. Thats one of the disadvantages of ADD, when something is bothering you, it makes you nutty and unable to focus on anything but what is bothering you. I cannot ignore my surroundings, if I am not at peace with it, I cannot relaxs.
A little relaxation goes a long way! My Sweetie, posted this on his blog about my evil influences of being lazy 1x a week (ok, sometimes 2x or 3xs a week...)
On Sunday we got back to the city and totally relaxed. We only went outside once to obtain food and that was about it. We watched a bunch of corny comedies such as Deuce Biegelow: Male Gigolo, but it worked. It was the first time in 2 years that I've just shut down my brain totally for an entire day and did absolutely nothing. The most interesting part was going outside to realize it was already dark by the time I had decided to get dressed to get dinner. I literally can not remember the last time I've just hung around that long doing nothing, but it was definitely worth it.
Funny, he IMed me on Monday telling me he decided to get rid of the garage that he rented for the purposes of working on his cars. When I asked him why? He said he no longer needed it and prefer to have days like we did on Sunday. I agree, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!"
I made a major decision yesterday, I decided not to teach Writing to deaf adults again in Jan. My heart wasnt into it and it was making me miserable because I felt I was doing a disservice to the students who are all a great bunch of kids! They need a teacher who has all the answer and gets a hard on for the English language. I only write well cuz I grew up oral so I write how I speak. Not because I know the correct word order, what verbs are main verbs? Auxillary verbs? Infinitive verbs.... etc etc so when I met with my supervisor I told her the truth that I wasn't digging this subject and I was sorry that I didnt want to keep teaching that class. She was very understanding and although disappointed with my decision, she remarked she thought I was a wonderful teacher but she could sense when she observe my class there was some disconnection between myself and the materials I was teaching. She wished me well and I feel that I will still see her occasionally as one of my mentor for advice.
Now I will contact one other school and see if they need me in Jan because they wanted me this fall but I declined due to conflicts in my schedule. Hopefully they will still want me to teach?
This weekend I plan redo my room set up, the current floorplan sucks and I am going crazy with the chaotic feelings of my room. Thats one of the disadvantages of ADD, when something is bothering you, it makes you nutty and unable to focus on anything but what is bothering you. I cannot ignore my surroundings, if I am not at peace with it, I cannot relaxs.
Monday, November 27, 2006
my hearing aid battery
Would give me away if I ever committed a serious crime. Think about it, all they'd have to do is notify the pharmacy chains, send out a bulletin of a deaf woman, 5 ft 6 inches, 130lbs (ok, 135 lbs), brownish, reddish hair, bluish, greenish eyes, big toothy smile... id be 3 states over and stop by to get diet coke and damnit, on my last hearing aid battery is dying! I'm on the run, trying to elude authorities.
Of course I couldn't listen to the radio, ya know to check in periodically on any news updates. Can't use a non traceable cell phone, same thing, too deaf to use it. Couldn't switch my accent and pretend to be "hearing", its a deaf voice all the way!
I use my hands too much between life and ASL, my fingerprints be all over the damn place. Everyone knows I'm a slob, so of course lots of evidence for "the man" to follow my trail.
Man, CSI sure does give a deafie a lot to think about. I used to major in criminology. I was very interested in learning why some people commit crimes and others don't. Then after a year and 5 classes later. I realized it was a depressing field to be in and knew that reading about it, and learning the theories is fascinating on its own. But real life wouldn't be as exciting or rosy.
Of course I couldn't listen to the radio, ya know to check in periodically on any news updates. Can't use a non traceable cell phone, same thing, too deaf to use it. Couldn't switch my accent and pretend to be "hearing", its a deaf voice all the way!
I use my hands too much between life and ASL, my fingerprints be all over the damn place. Everyone knows I'm a slob, so of course lots of evidence for "the man" to follow my trail.
Man, CSI sure does give a deafie a lot to think about. I used to major in criminology. I was very interested in learning why some people commit crimes and others don't. Then after a year and 5 classes later. I realized it was a depressing field to be in and knew that reading about it, and learning the theories is fascinating on its own. But real life wouldn't be as exciting or rosy.
1st official review of...
Save the deaf theater at this Znuage blog and I also got the link for an interview with Christy Smith and her experiences with Survivors. Its old news, but for me, I had never seen the video from Deaf Nation, so check it out. I sure do miss Christy, she was a cool chick at Gally and we hit it off like kindred spirits. I hope she is well in Colorado?
Glad to be back in NYC. I do truly consider it to be my home these days. Clyde and I hung around Sunday, watched Garfield's movie "A Tale of Two Kitties" cute. I liked the 1st Garfield movie better.
Not much else to report, the website for my movies is almost done!! Whee and I've contacted several after effect editors for my 1st movie, because damnit, its been 3 long years my friends have been waiting for it and I cannot nor will I delay the completion any longer!
Oh right, I finally saw Ty's movie "The Family Stone." Wow, the clothes were the lamest I had ever seen him in but I know as an actor on a movie set, he had very little say on the wardrobe. But I am proud of Ty, two movies under his belt. Hope more on the way? I did find it ironic that the only diversity the movie included was Ty and his BLACK gay lover. Its always the same story for deafies and Black folks, they get type cast as the deviants from the norms of society and to be embraced by the audience as if they were like everyone else. Helllllll-O, ofc we are like everyone else, is it not 2006? When is Hollywood gonna stop treating Blacks and Deafies as special ed? For example in the movie "Rosemary's baby" it was the Black guy who was the groundkeeper and slighty retarded. Same for "The Green Mile," the one prisoner, a Black man also retarded. *retches* enuff is enuff..
Glad to be back in NYC. I do truly consider it to be my home these days. Clyde and I hung around Sunday, watched Garfield's movie "A Tale of Two Kitties" cute. I liked the 1st Garfield movie better. Not much else to report, the website for my movies is almost done!! Whee and I've contacted several after effect editors for my 1st movie, because damnit, its been 3 long years my friends have been waiting for it and I cannot nor will I delay the completion any longer!
Oh right, I finally saw Ty's movie "The Family Stone." Wow, the clothes were the lamest I had ever seen him in but I know as an actor on a movie set, he had very little say on the wardrobe. But I am proud of Ty, two movies under his belt. Hope more on the way? I did find it ironic that the only diversity the movie included was Ty and his BLACK gay lover. Its always the same story for deafies and Black folks, they get type cast as the deviants from the norms of society and to be embraced by the audience as if they were like everyone else. Helllllll-O, ofc we are like everyone else, is it not 2006? When is Hollywood gonna stop treating Blacks and Deafies as special ed? For example in the movie "Rosemary's baby" it was the Black guy who was the groundkeeper and slighty retarded. Same for "The Green Mile," the one prisoner, a Black man also retarded. *retches* enuff is enuff..
Friday, November 24, 2006
Say Toilet Seat!!
When Baba snapped this pix below, instead of asking us "say cheese", she instead asked us to "say Toilet Seat!!" I replied "Toilet Seat!" and Clyde replied "No!" and began to laugh and voila, a great pix!
Clyde and I arrived to my hometown, in the nasty drizzling rain and cold front. We missed the Thanksgiving dinner, partly because I couldn't get moving so we could get on the road and partly the weather kept us at a safe speed driving wise.
I love the way he drives now. I think he's one of the best drivers I've ever met. When we first starting date, I didn't think so. His old car made me nervous because it didn't feel like anything would stop it if it spun out of control. I like his new car a lot better, its interesting to see how people react when he tells what kind of car he drives. Yeah its a BMW. *yawns* really I don't pay any attention to car makes or whatnots. I am happy if it has 4 wheels and gets me from point A to point B. It could be a cardboard box with wings for all I care. Slap any brandname on it and voila it still a car, you have to pay insurance on and deal with the upkeep. I'm a retired car owner myself. Don't miss it. At the same time, there's perks with dating a guy with a set of wheels, I won't deny that. As long as he wants to remain in the driver seat and me a mere passenger, heck I can live with that!
It was good seeing the folks tonight. My uncle's corn bread pudding, excellent. The turkey too. I didn't get my stuffing fixs because the kind there had mushrooms *retches* mushroom, the horror! The inhumanity!!
Tmw will have lunch with Baba and Clyde before he heads back to NYC for a meeting tmw late afternoon. Then ill head to my Moms place. No way am I getting caught in the whole "Black Friday" deal. Id like to keep all my limbs attached and not have to wrestle some lady over a pair of pants!
I am glad to be here, I needed a break from NYC and my responsibilities. Hope everyone had a wonderful Gobble time!
I love the way he drives now. I think he's one of the best drivers I've ever met. When we first starting date, I didn't think so. His old car made me nervous because it didn't feel like anything would stop it if it spun out of control. I like his new car a lot better, its interesting to see how people react when he tells what kind of car he drives. Yeah its a BMW. *yawns* really I don't pay any attention to car makes or whatnots. I am happy if it has 4 wheels and gets me from point A to point B. It could be a cardboard box with wings for all I care. Slap any brandname on it and voila it still a car, you have to pay insurance on and deal with the upkeep. I'm a retired car owner myself. Don't miss it. At the same time, there's perks with dating a guy with a set of wheels, I won't deny that. As long as he wants to remain in the driver seat and me a mere passenger, heck I can live with that!
It was good seeing the folks tonight. My uncle's corn bread pudding, excellent. The turkey too. I didn't get my stuffing fixs because the kind there had mushrooms *retches* mushroom, the horror! The inhumanity!!
Tmw will have lunch with Baba and Clyde before he heads back to NYC for a meeting tmw late afternoon. Then ill head to my Moms place. No way am I getting caught in the whole "Black Friday" deal. Id like to keep all my limbs attached and not have to wrestle some lady over a pair of pants!
I am glad to be here, I needed a break from NYC and my responsibilities. Hope everyone had a wonderful Gobble time!
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Boyfriend is watching Racist Seinfeld
*tsk tsk* his ancestors genes would roll in their graves if they knew...
Yep Krammar a closest racist has debut in LA recently, full blown rant tirade led to our KKK membership card inclusion of Michael Richards. Too bad, my boyfriend used to be a big fan of Seinfeld, one of the few Jewish things I had in my favor and he destroyed it, thanks a lot Richards.
Ech today was a day where my head cold kept me indoors more of the day. I ran a few earrands nearby 110th st, I live off of 125th so I was able to avoid downtown mad ass traffic of Holiday travelers.... thank god! I learned my lesson a few years back when a normal 2 1/2 hour drive turned into a 6 hour drive from MD to PA for Thanksgiving. Ever since I only travel on Thanskgiving day, I skip the wednesday horror gridlocks!
I got the cutest pictures from both Ronnie of Averi who is 6 months old and my other friend Joe Joy who became an uncle recently. Babies are so cute, as long as they arent mine. I still havent made up my mind, kids or no kids... the biological clock is a ticking, only a 7 year window left for me.
The kitties both Tom and Kat were so sweet, they laid next to each other by my feet earlier today as I was cleaning and packing. Cylde is here now, we ordered some pizza cuz my roommie has taken the kitchen hostage and has been cooking for a group of 15 to 20 people worth of food but sadly maybe 4 people are expected to show, I dont know why or how she wants to cook so much food all day long??? I truly have lost all intertest in cooking from scratch.
Tmw my sweetie and I head to PA for thanksgiving at my Uncle Robbies. I cant wait, I really enjoy my Mom's stuffing and my uncle Davids corn pudding! Plus turkey and gravey, yum yum!
alrighty to all of you, happy Gobble TIME!
xx
Yep Krammar a closest racist has debut in LA recently, full blown rant tirade led to our KKK membership card inclusion of Michael Richards. Too bad, my boyfriend used to be a big fan of Seinfeld, one of the few Jewish things I had in my favor and he destroyed it, thanks a lot Richards.
Ech today was a day where my head cold kept me indoors more of the day. I ran a few earrands nearby 110th st, I live off of 125th so I was able to avoid downtown mad ass traffic of Holiday travelers.... thank god! I learned my lesson a few years back when a normal 2 1/2 hour drive turned into a 6 hour drive from MD to PA for Thanksgiving. Ever since I only travel on Thanskgiving day, I skip the wednesday horror gridlocks!
I got the cutest pictures from both Ronnie of Averi who is 6 months old and my other friend Joe Joy who became an uncle recently. Babies are so cute, as long as they arent mine. I still havent made up my mind, kids or no kids... the biological clock is a ticking, only a 7 year window left for me.
The kitties both Tom and Kat were so sweet, they laid next to each other by my feet earlier today as I was cleaning and packing. Cylde is here now, we ordered some pizza cuz my roommie has taken the kitchen hostage and has been cooking for a group of 15 to 20 people worth of food but sadly maybe 4 people are expected to show, I dont know why or how she wants to cook so much food all day long??? I truly have lost all intertest in cooking from scratch.
Tmw my sweetie and I head to PA for thanksgiving at my Uncle Robbies. I cant wait, I really enjoy my Mom's stuffing and my uncle Davids corn pudding! Plus turkey and gravey, yum yum!
alrighty to all of you, happy Gobble TIME!
xx
Sunday, November 19, 2006
almost over
The event in my opinion went as smoothly as it could. (You know how that story goes, what starts out small, becomes grande). There were some technical difficulties with the chocolate foundue and making cosmo martinis but all in all the attendees made the hard work worthwhile.
The food selection was EXCELLENT, I was quite pleased. Both of the women in charge of that left no stone unturned.
The selected workshop from an outside source went quite well. I like the presentator because she's so energetic and outgoing. I enjoy being around people like that.
The other mini presentation by one of our hostess was quite entertaining and informative. Led to many interesting tidbits for discussions. Hands wave or in this case "hands off" *winks*
The Goody Bags well received. Ill be reviewing which samples, products I liked or didn't like sometime this week.
I overall enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to meet some new faces, I was quite impress as one of our attendee was a Yale student, grad level. Another traveled from Maryland. One was sick with a cold and still she made the effort to be there.
Will I do it again? I feel like no but my mind screams yes cuz if you aint dead, you better be living! Do something that you consider worthy of your time and energy. I could never do the same thing, day in and out. Occassions like last night open room for other possibilites.
Clyde also gets a BIG worthwhile mentioned in the whole scheme of things. He allowed us to use his post office address, he hefted back and forth packages for the event itself. He drove me to several places the past 2 days to prepare and he was so generous with his time in doing all of this. I consider him to be very supportative in nature. I'm glad he can see and appreciate why I dedicate my efforts to such projects. I would like to reciprocate somehow with his projects, but its difficult because most are related to technology and mechanics. Ill figure out sumthing along the way.
Shortly 2 of the hostesses and I will begin putting the apt back together again. Whew, then the week begins for me. Glad its a short one due to Thanksgiving.
The food selection was EXCELLENT, I was quite pleased. Both of the women in charge of that left no stone unturned.
The selected workshop from an outside source went quite well. I like the presentator because she's so energetic and outgoing. I enjoy being around people like that.
The other mini presentation by one of our hostess was quite entertaining and informative. Led to many interesting tidbits for discussions. Hands wave or in this case "hands off" *winks*
The Goody Bags well received. Ill be reviewing which samples, products I liked or didn't like sometime this week.
I overall enjoyed the experience and had the opportunity to meet some new faces, I was quite impress as one of our attendee was a Yale student, grad level. Another traveled from Maryland. One was sick with a cold and still she made the effort to be there.
Will I do it again? I feel like no but my mind screams yes cuz if you aint dead, you better be living! Do something that you consider worthy of your time and energy. I could never do the same thing, day in and out. Occassions like last night open room for other possibilites.
Clyde also gets a BIG worthwhile mentioned in the whole scheme of things. He allowed us to use his post office address, he hefted back and forth packages for the event itself. He drove me to several places the past 2 days to prepare and he was so generous with his time in doing all of this. I consider him to be very supportative in nature. I'm glad he can see and appreciate why I dedicate my efforts to such projects. I would like to reciprocate somehow with his projects, but its difficult because most are related to technology and mechanics. Ill figure out sumthing along the way.
Shortly 2 of the hostesses and I will begin putting the apt back together again. Whew, then the week begins for me. Glad its a short one due to Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Who nose?
I know its highly frown upon to make English puns out of ASL such as signing "who" but instead of by the mouth, you do it on the nose. So it sounds and looks like "who nose/knows?" Been missing my friend Handler who moved to Baltimore last year. He is always signing crazy stuff like that.
Today got me a cold that kept me in bed most of the morning but finally drag my arse to work at Media services so I could get some hours in today and work on lesson plans. I teach ASL level II tonight and am putting together some activities for review purposes.
Last night Szymanski and I worked on a decoulage (sp?) where you add layers of fine paper with special glue for items for this saturdays private event that we're hosting with two other deafies. We got over 30 sponsors for this event, whee! Friday we will be busy picking up items and preparing for the event which begins saturday evening at 5pm. I am very excited and looking forward to it. Word is starting to get out there of the event itself but I am not at liberty to discuss it on my blog :( afterwards maybe, depends on the other hostesses but no names will be used to protect the identities of the attendees.
I have learned a lot about the art of asking. It really depends on who you asked and where? The very poor areas and the very high scale areas usually said no when we went in person to ask for samples. But the average stores like Body Shop, Sephora... they all agreed and gave us samples to use in the goody bags.
Sunday I plan to do nothing except relax and watch movies all day. I know I will be wiped out by then. Luckily next week is a short week due to Thanksgiving. I am excited to see the folks back home.
Clyde is well, saw him over the weekend. I went to a mall on Sunday in Queens, the first time Ive ever touched a mall here in NYC. I will see him tonight after class too. Hes doing great, busy with his wireless business and he has been helping me out with getting supplies or deliveries for saturday night event.
Not a whole lot of exciting things to write about, basically teaching has taken over my life. So much paperwork. But I am happy to say I did some logging of footage for the 3rd movie this past weekend. I hope to on Sunday finish the logging and then like a puzzle start putting the pieces together.
Today got me a cold that kept me in bed most of the morning but finally drag my arse to work at Media services so I could get some hours in today and work on lesson plans. I teach ASL level II tonight and am putting together some activities for review purposes.
Last night Szymanski and I worked on a decoulage (sp?) where you add layers of fine paper with special glue for items for this saturdays private event that we're hosting with two other deafies. We got over 30 sponsors for this event, whee! Friday we will be busy picking up items and preparing for the event which begins saturday evening at 5pm. I am very excited and looking forward to it. Word is starting to get out there of the event itself but I am not at liberty to discuss it on my blog :( afterwards maybe, depends on the other hostesses but no names will be used to protect the identities of the attendees.
I have learned a lot about the art of asking. It really depends on who you asked and where? The very poor areas and the very high scale areas usually said no when we went in person to ask for samples. But the average stores like Body Shop, Sephora... they all agreed and gave us samples to use in the goody bags.
Sunday I plan to do nothing except relax and watch movies all day. I know I will be wiped out by then. Luckily next week is a short week due to Thanksgiving. I am excited to see the folks back home.
Clyde is well, saw him over the weekend. I went to a mall on Sunday in Queens, the first time Ive ever touched a mall here in NYC. I will see him tonight after class too. Hes doing great, busy with his wireless business and he has been helping me out with getting supplies or deliveries for saturday night event.
Not a whole lot of exciting things to write about, basically teaching has taken over my life. So much paperwork. But I am happy to say I did some logging of footage for the 3rd movie this past weekend. I hope to on Sunday finish the logging and then like a puzzle start putting the pieces together.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Save Deaf Theater
My friend Joe Joy has been working very hard these past few months on a project to save "Deaf Theater." I am in the video and I hope he can bring and raise the awareness for the need to fund deaf related cultural endeavors. You can watch the video at this link;
Save Deaf Theater
Last night's ASL class went really well. Tonight is English Writing class. My students for the most part are almost done with their first essays. Its interesting to read what topics they choose (1st date, traveling, deaf and hearing differences and similarities...) Never in my wildest dream did I ever think I would be teaching writing skills but ofc I love it as I have been a writer all my life. I try to help my students see where there may be confusions or unnecessary words or sentences. The goal is not to be wordy but to be clear so the reader can understand what the writer is trying to say? Next Tues will be my first class with a supervisor observing it. I am already nervous about it. Not because I think I do a lousy job but that I may not be doing what she expects or wants? She's very nice and supportative so I know I am worrying for nothing but I am a perfectionist so of course I worry.
Speaking of perfectionist, my boyfriend will not sign 1 word signs only but he rather sign sentences and phrases. But what he doesnt realize is that by not signing words at all, how can he ever hope to sign sentences? You have to have the basics building blocks in order to put them together and form thoughts. He is trying his best and I appreciate it.
Tmw I plan to edit. Yep nothing is gonna stop me tomorrow. I cannot keep putting off my movies, its ridiculous!
Save Deaf Theater
Last night's ASL class went really well. Tonight is English Writing class. My students for the most part are almost done with their first essays. Its interesting to read what topics they choose (1st date, traveling, deaf and hearing differences and similarities...) Never in my wildest dream did I ever think I would be teaching writing skills but ofc I love it as I have been a writer all my life. I try to help my students see where there may be confusions or unnecessary words or sentences. The goal is not to be wordy but to be clear so the reader can understand what the writer is trying to say? Next Tues will be my first class with a supervisor observing it. I am already nervous about it. Not because I think I do a lousy job but that I may not be doing what she expects or wants? She's very nice and supportative so I know I am worrying for nothing but I am a perfectionist so of course I worry.
Speaking of perfectionist, my boyfriend will not sign 1 word signs only but he rather sign sentences and phrases. But what he doesnt realize is that by not signing words at all, how can he ever hope to sign sentences? You have to have the basics building blocks in order to put them together and form thoughts. He is trying his best and I appreciate it.
Tmw I plan to edit. Yep nothing is gonna stop me tomorrow. I cannot keep putting off my movies, its ridiculous!
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
How lucky am I!!
How weird is it when you get lucky enough for the following to happen?
Go to the snack machine for a bag of sourdough pretzels to snack on and voila, not only do you get the pretzels but two other candy bars came out too!
Walk down the stairs into the subway station only to see the train is there and you are too late. Well I saw the train conductor and he actually waited for me! I had to run quickly and of course I dropped my metro card but nonetheless he waited! I couldnt believe my luck so of course I shouted before entering the train "How cool are you!!"
To have scored possibly 15 sponsors by emails alone, not counting the freebies King and I gathered on Sunday when we did some footwork here in Manhattan for our private event! Whoever attends this event will more than get their money's worth!
As you can see I am in a great mood. I came across a site called Strange New Products which is worthwhile to check out when you have the time :)
My 5 classes that I am teaching are falling into place and Ive been able to establish a rountine for myself now. I am out 12 hours Mon thru Thurs for both of my jobs. Then Friday I usually take care of things around the apt (laundry, cleaning...) then the weekends are mine (sort of, I often spend one afternoon preparing lesson plans for the following week).
Clyde is well, he joined me for Szymanski's birthday dinner sunday nite where we ate Sushi at Blue Ginger. The Crazy Roll was absolutely delish! I ate too much and had a bad stomach ache the whole night and all of Monday. I will never again eat too much, I learned my lesson.
I have been watching a lot of Home Movies which a cartoon series from Cartoon Network Adult Swim and its hilarious. If you get a chance to check out this grown up cartoon I highly recommend. I also been watching the 1st season of Farscape. I love Netflix!
Go to the snack machine for a bag of sourdough pretzels to snack on and voila, not only do you get the pretzels but two other candy bars came out too!
Walk down the stairs into the subway station only to see the train is there and you are too late. Well I saw the train conductor and he actually waited for me! I had to run quickly and of course I dropped my metro card but nonetheless he waited! I couldnt believe my luck so of course I shouted before entering the train "How cool are you!!"
To have scored possibly 15 sponsors by emails alone, not counting the freebies King and I gathered on Sunday when we did some footwork here in Manhattan for our private event! Whoever attends this event will more than get their money's worth!
As you can see I am in a great mood. I came across a site called Strange New Products which is worthwhile to check out when you have the time :)
My 5 classes that I am teaching are falling into place and Ive been able to establish a rountine for myself now. I am out 12 hours Mon thru Thurs for both of my jobs. Then Friday I usually take care of things around the apt (laundry, cleaning...) then the weekends are mine (sort of, I often spend one afternoon preparing lesson plans for the following week).
Clyde is well, he joined me for Szymanski's birthday dinner sunday nite where we ate Sushi at Blue Ginger. The Crazy Roll was absolutely delish! I ate too much and had a bad stomach ache the whole night and all of Monday. I will never again eat too much, I learned my lesson.
I have been watching a lot of Home Movies which a cartoon series from Cartoon Network Adult Swim and its hilarious. If you get a chance to check out this grown up cartoon I highly recommend. I also been watching the 1st season of Farscape. I love Netflix!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Pixs from My trip
All of these photos were taken by Karen, still need a firewire to post my photos.
Karen on the morning of the cruise in Miami.(You can see our ship in the background)
Here I am on the way to the Mayan Ruins in Mexico
At the Mayan Ruins, man the misquiotoes crucified us!!
In Mexico at a nearby beach
Here's me snorkeling for the first time!
Here's Karen, already a pro!
I am headed back to the ship for food after a long day of Mexico!!
Karen and me at the Turtle Farm, Grand Cayman Island
Another deaf couple, Jim and Sue from Wisconsin with their coda son.
Me
Me and look-a-like Nicholas Cage (George) petting the turtles.
Yep, me and the turtle, we be happy!
Here's me on the boat, while we head to Sting Ray City, Grand Cayman Island
Karen and a Sting Ray moment
Karen
Me barely touching the Sting Ray...
Karen and George
Karen gets frisky with the locals!
Karen on the morning of the cruise in Miami.(You can see our ship in the background)
Here I am on the way to the Mayan Ruins in Mexico
At the Mayan Ruins, man the misquiotoes crucified us!!
In Mexico at a nearby beach
Here's me snorkeling for the first time!
Here's Karen, already a pro!
I am headed back to the ship for food after a long day of Mexico!!
Karen and me at the Turtle Farm, Grand Cayman Island
Another deaf couple, Jim and Sue from Wisconsin with their coda son.
Me
Me and look-a-like Nicholas Cage (George) petting the turtles.
Yep, me and the turtle, we be happy!
Here's me on the boat, while we head to Sting Ray City, Grand Cayman Island
Karen and a Sting Ray moment
Karen
Me barely touching the Sting Ray...
Karen and George
Karen gets frisky with the locals!
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