Now I'm waiting for the train here
in NJ to take me back to the city.
Its not a bad commute if I get the
job? There are 2 other candidates
so I have 33% chance! The lady who
interviewed me for some reason reminded
me of my Aunt Miriam. Nice woman, very
pleasant.
Tonight Jack plans to take me out after
I tutor the twins. I wonder what he has
planned for us? See see
Right now I'm on my way to NJ for an interview. I'm a little upset by an
email(s) I've received about student teaching. See the requirements are
200 hrs of student teaching but I'm being told I must do it full-time 40
hrs a week for 1 semester which well exceeds the minium of 200 hrs. If
that was the case, it could be done in 5 weeks! Its ridiculous I've
never in all the years of education both as a student and as an
employee, ever seen a student teacher work more than 2-3 days a week! I
feel like I'm never gonna graduate! I was actually told to consider
giving up a paying job for working for free for 40 hrs a week. Hello,
does money grow on trees?!? The other thing that really gets me is I was
suppose to do this 2 years ago, but the person who was suppose to be my
mentor for student teaching didn't return my emails for 2 months! By the
time he did, I was already working several jobs :( lastly in this
program I've seen several students get some flexibility on how they
complete the program but I'm not being extended the same courtesy. Its
very upsetting.
Good news tho, thanks to King for the referral I have a job interview
lined up for next wednesday, whee! Possible teach 2 ASL classes at a
college in NJ! Its in the early morning but I don't care cuz the pay is
excellent and well worth it. Ill make it happen! There's another college
also interested in meeting with me to set up ASL classes for the spring!
This is exactly what I wanted, to teach at College level. I'm feeling
good about this.
Gonna miss Jack this weekend. He's planning to work on his car and
probably ride his bike too. He's got a killer bike that I want to use
sometime soon. He and I have been getting along really well. Its nice to
be in sync for a change.
Tmw Mom has the whole day planned for me. I will also see my Aunt Nancy
and Bobby too. Tonight Baba is picking me up from the train station, the
bus drops off the passengers in front fo the train station in my home
town.
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever."
- Mahatma Gandhi
After I finished the nonsense paperwork, I was called back and met the
big boss lady. She was nice. She explained that they have 2 shifts. 1st
is 830am to 130pm. 2nd is 130pm to 730pm. Ugh no way to the 1st shift
and then 2nd shift would block me from teaching ASL which pays better.
Immediately she thanked me for my time and I left. Gladly because I knew
it wasn't the job for me. I learned today that 3 years old is as young
as I want to work with.
I did apply to one college who needs an ASL adjunct instructor and am
waiting to find out if the Bronxs HS that Blondie and I worked at last
spring will hire us? My current ASL job wants me to work with another
set of foster kids but I'm waiting till I know what my schedule will be
like (ie, what jobs come my way?)
Now I'm off to celebrate Blondies bday. Damn I forgot her bday card, its
at home. Ill give it to her when I return back from PA.. I'm leaving tmw
and returning Tuesday. Then back to the job hunt.
Annie starts off by explaining ASL isn't just signs but involves facial
expression, eyebrow motions and body language. Then she added he should
learn how to fingerspell by learning the ABCs. Ryan (Cameron Mathison),
her husband/bf on the show interrupted her to ask her to show him
quickly how to sign "I Love You"? Annie laughed and then showed him. She
repeated it and then he copied her. It was amazing to know that I taught
these two hearing actors a month ago how to do this. Even tho I was in a
lot of pain that morning due to the kidney infection. Ryan played by
Cameron Mathison, a nice guy. I remember when he came into one of the
dressing rooms the staff had me wait in, I felt so ewww, cuz I was
feeling so lousy and here's this very good looking guy entering and
sitting across from me. I wasn't nervous and it was a short meeting. He
seemed very nice. That's when I taught him the phrase "I love you." That
day I also met the director of AMC. He knew some signs, he signed to me
room (asl way, not with the R to initialize the sign). Apparently he
took some ASL classes in the past. I teased him and said, you know ASL
pretty well, sure you need me? He gushed, adding he only knew very
little.
I was then invited to sit in the rehersal part of Melissa and Ryan,
while he directed and other producers sat at a long table, having me sit
smack dab in the middle. I watched as the actos rehearsed, it was
amazing because when I worked with Annie, her eyes really sparkle, very
upbeat. But as soon as they began to rehearse, her eyes changed! Became
very serious, it was like a switch, so weird. Nothing else changed just
her eyes, not the eyelids or eyebrows just how her eyes shone, amazing.
That convinced me right there and then she truly is a talented actress
who got the ability to change herself from within. As for what was said
in the rehersal, damn if I know. They spoke so softly I hadn't a clue.
Funny one of the other directors/producers asked me a question about
their performance and I told him honestly I couldn't hear a word they
said. He began to scramble around trying to find a copy of the scripts
but I didn't want to burden him so I told him he didn't have to. It was
entertaining enough to watch. Cameron (Ryan on the show) was silly in
between the scenes. Seems like a fun guy to work with. I saw some of the
other cast members and they seem to really enjoy each others company
during the rehersals and makeup/wardrobe. As I was leaving that day I
got a little lost in the maze of offices and dressing rooms. I saw one
of the staff (make up artist or wardrobe) standing so I asked him where
the exit was so I could leave. He gave me a real dirty look of contempt,
replied and quickly turned away. I had no idea what he said but I didn't
appreciate how he was fanning all over the actors and treated me like a
leper! But other than that, it was a great experience. I remember
Melissa (Annie on the show) was very determined to sign ASL correctly
and not do anything that would make her look foolish to the Deaf
community. I was pleased by that. She was a quick study. I remember
teaching her the difference for the sign Love (as in the emotion, I love
you) and Love (as when you dig something like sports- the sign is a fist
to your mouth and you "kiss" the back of your palm moving outwards.) She
digged that sign a LOT.
Today was suppose to go to the DMV with Joe Joy but he got sick so we re
postponing to maybe next Monday? See see
Tonight I have an interview via webcam. Am a little nervous and trying
not to get my hopes up. Cuz the chances of getting this gig and being
paid reasonably remains to be seen.
I am also waiting on a followup on a possible teaching job that pays
pretty well.
Today I will head over to TC to check my emails for any possible job
replies or new job postings.
Not this weekend but the following weekend I will visit the folks back
home for a few days. I'm excited because Mom and I will hit Goodwill to
do some thrift shopping and payless too because Mom wants some new
shoes. Then we will meet up with Aunt Nancy, Bobby and possibly Uncle
David for dinner. I didn't get to see Mom during my last visit because I
was sick. Man last winter I was hardly sick but this summer has been the
opposite and I don't know why? Nyways it will be a fun visit, I always
have a wonderful time with Baba. The only drawback is I will not be in
town for Blondies birthday (on the 25th). I think I will take her out
Thurs the 23rd for dinner and give her a birthday gift (still looking
for the perfect one!)
This Sunday will meet up with Jane and Martin for South Seaport Deaf
Awareness day. Saturday is still up in the air, Jack is planning a nice
date for us that day. I guess its gonna be a surprise?
"Live as if you were to die tomorrow.
Learn as if you were to live forever."
- Mahatma Gandhi
Hi, Dad....
I love you (not ILY)
Family signs (mother, father, sister...)
Thank you/welcome
I gave her an article on CODAs
And I also gave her some info on some other actors who are deafies! Like
Ty, Sho (hint hint, get em on the show)
http://www.melissaclaireegan.com/
Other good news, I got a followup from a job I applied for. Its not in
education but for a film gig, I'm not getting my hopes up but still its
exciting bc the other internships orjobs related to video media I never
got any replies, all hearing. This job is deaf related, no surprise. I
have wondered if I would benefit from changing my website
Perlisfilms.com to a more neutral approach, meaning less emphasis on
deaf culture and more on just filming? I think that the hearing folks
see my website and freak a little? Or assume I won't be any good with
audio? I don't know?
Friday night Szymanski and I met up with Blondie, Knob, Eddie and Jack
for dinner at Carmines 91st and Broadway. I had been there once before
with Eddie a little over a year ago and the food was fantastic and they
give you a lot of food, enough to feed a small village. The dinner was
nice, the food a bit saltier than I wouldve liked but it was great to
see Knob. She finally quit her job, last day is early Sept, whee! At
last she is free! That job was sucking the life out of her. I think 5
years is more than enough dedication and shows she's a loyal worker.
Hooray for Knob!
On Sunday met Carmen for a late late birthday brunch at 3pm at the
Manhattan dinner. It was great seeing her, she's a wonderful friend.
Today I got my lesson plans done for tmw and wednesday. Finally
organized the paperwork that accumilated since before the DVD shoot. You
can actually see the table now!
Fyi this Wednesday at 1pm on ABC All My Children will have one of the
main character Annie (Played by Melissa Claire Egan) using asl *ok, its
really simcom per director's request not mine* I met with her twice in
July to go over her lines, nice woman. Very petite and pretty. For those
who don't watch the show, Annie's dating/married to Ryan. Ryan has a son
from a previous relationship name Spike. Spike's real Mom got into a car
accident with Spike in the car and this caused him to become deaf
permanently. Annie's displays unusual knowledge of deaf culture and asl,
why? Her father happens to be Deaf too (played by Bob Hiltermann). I've
asked Jack to tivo/record the episode for me and a few more that follow.
I have no idea if they will ask me back onto the set. The last time I
went, I was very ill with the kidney infection (which I didn't realize
it at the time.) I did tell Jack I hope I didn't look too bad that day?
I've also read online about this show that there will be an "ASL
Teacher" in the near future for Spike's character (age 3 years old). See
see how the story unfolds??
So far Blondie took me out for steaks last week friday. Baba sent me the
best birthday card! Szymanski is going to take me to the Sex Museum here
as well as a pedicure for my bday. Then we will meet up with Knob that
night for sushi and pool. Saturday if the weather cooperates, Jack and I
will go to LI or Coney Island for the day. Plus Nancy emailed me and
invited me for lunch when I go back to PA at the end of August. I'm
thinking Friendlys so that way Bobby can have ice cream for dessert. Mom
won't tell me what she got me but that's ok. Same as Jack, they're all
hush hush when it comes to my gifts. Even my students today all wished
me a wonderful birthday!
Now I'm on my way home to do some editing. King and Nutter will be by
thurs nite to watch a sneak peek of their footage from PAWS.
BTW Mos Deux is doing a film in September in Texas, here's the info
below;
Anything that could go wrong inside The Deaf Family will go wrong! This
light-hearted family sitcom about a dysfunctional deaf family going
through trials and tribulations as each characters experiments with
something new, only to realize that by being deaf and accepting one's
identity as a deaf person, they will be accepted by everyone (including
hearing people). The story is written by DJ Kurs who also wrote A
Permanent Grave.
Mosdeux and Hands On VRS entered an agreement to produce two more movies
for you. The Deaf Family will shoot on location at Texas School for
the Deaf (TSD) from September 6th to 25th.
Daily production blogging will be done by Tate Tullier. Additionally,
Tate will also be our photographer capturing memorial still images for
your viewing pleasure.
Kurt the IRISH Chef is also returning to our set to make sure everybody
is well fed with his mouth-watering meals.
Check our Behind the Scene link in the next upcoming weeks for updates
on The Deaf Family from our Mosdeux website.
We are calling for talented and motivated people to play one of the
characters in The Deaf Family.
Auditions will take place in Austin, Texas very shortly. More
information and details of the auditions (dates and times) will be
announced on www.mosdeux.com.
For those who will be unable to make it
to the audition, you can submit your resume, headshot and video (if you
have any) to casting@mosdeux.com.
Following are the character breakdowns:
Father - profoundly deaf, early 30's to late 50's, any ethnicity. Has a
tendency to dream too big and believes that he can change the world. He
is never able to give up the deaf-school mentality. Has the look of a
thin and healthy person.
Mother - has cochlear implants, early 30's to late 50's, any ethnicity.
Focuses on her children and goes through a mid-life crisis when her
Cochlear Implant doctor checks up on her.
Son - profoundly deaf, 8 to 15 years old, any ethnicity. Looks up to his
father. He dreams of becoming a professional tap dancer one day.
Daughter - profoundly deaf, 8 to 15 years old, any ethnicity. A very
curious girl and looks up to her mother. The smartest member in her
family.
We have more acting positions to be announced. They will be posted on
our Mosdeux website in the next few days.
Actors and actresses must be available on location in Austin, Texas from
September 5th to 26th.
We are looking to hire crews for the following paid positions:
Assistant Director Script Director Costume and Make-up Artist Set
Designer Carpenters Assistant Producer Director of Photography Unit
(camera and lights) To submit your interest in the above positions,
please submit your resume and interested position to jobs@mosdeux.com
"If soul may look and body touch,
Which is the more blest?"
- Yeats
In other news... 2 possible education jobs/interview this week, the
mighty wheel of posperity turns.....
This weekend stayed home mostly, cleaned the bathroom from ceiling to
floor. The deep down, get on your knees cleaning. My roommate while we
get along well. Her "deep" cleaning methods do not meet my standards.
Saw Eddie, Blondie, Szymanski and Jack was there too on Friday night.
Blondie took me out for a steak dinner. We shared a sirlon steak, each
go 1 side and for an appetizer we had these delicious crab cakes. A very
nice dinner. We also talked about going to great adventure for Blondies
and my bday.
As for movies I've seen quite a few these past few weeks.
'300' while action packed, lacked any real story line in my opinion.
Don't get me wrong, the movie never slowed down but at the end I felt
kind of cheated. Like I had only seen one very narrow view of the whole
story, the Spartans view. I think the movie downplayed the Persia Empire
and the ruler at the time. I can see why some people protested the
movie, saying it was intent on making the Persian *now known as Arabs*
look bad even back then. Whether this is true or not? I can't say.
"Little Miss Sunshine" I had read the book back when I still lived in
Maryland. I remember feeling disappointed with the writing style but
whoever did the screenplay for the movie was able to zero in on the
keypoints that made the book any good. I really liked all the actors in
this movie, each one was able to hold their own among the other. No one
slipped into the "background." Its as good of a movie on the
dsyfunctional aspect of families and being in one.
"Nacho Libre" with Jack Black was painfully mundane. I often found
myself backtracking because I was easily distracted by other things. The
movie did not captivate me :( but I could see what they were trying for,
somehow it just didn't come across.
"Open Season" ah, too much like "Shrek" the ending was cute. I didn't
watch it all the way through but occassionally looked down to my SK3 to
google stuff so maybe this movie is better for kids?
I won't repeat what Nancy wrote in her email but it made me literally
LOL (laugh out loud). Personally I never do and find it iditioc when
people type it to me but I cannot deny this time I did! I'm a HUGE fan
of abbreviations! It was so nice of both Baba and Nancy to address my
recent blog posting. (Baba, I hope none of what I write upsets you, I
use this blog to vent, not to upset anyone)
Right now am on the way to Blondies. I cancelled yesterday because it
was too damn hot and my bedroom has the best air conditioner! I love it
cuz it maintains temperature, not just non-stop blasting of cold air.
And also it has an energy saver button! I've been working on also
keeping my charger unplugged. What I want to know is, if you're using a
power strip for all of your electronics, can I simply just turn it off
and then it still saves electricity or does that need to be unplugged as
well? (Keri, if you're reading this, do you know?)
Nyhoo tmw Jack and I will go to a luncheon of some kind for people who
drive similar cars or something. Honestly the details are fuzzy to me
but I'm just glad to be able to go out to an event that Jack would like
:)
"If soul may look and body touch,
Which is the more blest?"
- Yeats
In ancient Greece, Socrates was reputed to hold knowledge in high
esteem. One day an acquaintance met the great philosopher and said, "Do
you know what I just heard about your friend?"
"Hold on a minute," Socrates replied. "Before telling me anything I'd
like you to pass a little test. It"s called the Three Filters Test."
"Three Filters?"
"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my
friend, it might be a good idea to take a moment and filter what you're
going to say. That's why I call it the Three Filters Test.
The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you
are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it and..."
"All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know if it"s true or
not. Now let"s try the second filter, the filter of goodness. Is what
you are about to tell me about my friend something good?"
"No, on the contrary..."
"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him,
but you're not certain it"s true. You may still pass the test though,
because there's one filter left: the filter of usefulness. Is what you
want to tell me about my friend going to be useful to me?"
"No, not really."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither true
nor good nor even useful, why tell it to me at all?"
This is why Socrates was a great philosopher & held in such high esteem.
Last 2 days of work have been good. I really like my new tutoring job on
the UWS. The girls are very sweet and quick learners. I'm confident by
the end of August they should be able to use ASL well enough to
communicate with their cousin. Apparently he either has Asperger or
Downs Syndrome, not sure. Today I asked the girls if he speaks and signs
or just signs, no voice? Apparently he just signs and no voice. How
interesting to me. I'm curious to meet him (if circumstances permit?)
down the road? At the end of the hour, the girls grandparents arrived.
Made me miss Papa, also they call their grandfather Papa, and their
grandmother Mumsy. I guess for me overall the whole grandparents being
separate from my day to day life never existed. I grew up in their home.
Nyhoo, they were escastic about it, jumping up and down. I like the 4
year old girl the best, she's very easy to work with. If kids stayed
under the age of 7, id have a bunch, its after 7 or 8, things start to
change and honestly after they're a 11/12 its done for. The kid has no
interest in pleasing you or sees the world without bias. This is the age
they discover that, no, we adults don't know everything.
My noon classes on tues/wed awesome! Because of my kidney infection,
Szymanski covered my tues night class and we agreed for her to take over
that class for several reasons.
1- the chemistry between myself and the student during the week before
at the 1st class was off
2- I teach at noon to 2, then a 4 hour gap, then teach from 6 to 8 30,
not fun. 4 hrs is not enough time to go home and who wants to wander
around for that long?
3- I like having my evenings lately. Its nice to be home when the sun is
still out.
Tonight I tutored the twins. I've been teaching them separately because
its easier to retain their attention. The brother is so easy, putty in
my hand but the sister, oh boy. She's bossy. They love when I read them
stories. Lately I've been making them sign words they recognize. This
isn't even simcom, this is flat out speaking English and then teaching
them ASL signs. That's the way the gig was established. The foster
mother made it clear, she wanted voice on. Now I wonder if that's what's
holding them back from real progress or if she's right, their real mom
doesn't even sign to them often or see them regularly. How much can they
learn in 1 hour *now 30 mins a piece* 1x a week? At the end of the
summer, I have to end that gig. I've been doing it since Jan.. I love
the twins but life goes on and depending on what the fall brings me, I
dont want to be tied down with that during the week day evenings.
Tmw I see Blondie for the day. We haven't figured out what yet. The
weather is so bloody hot its hard. We may shoot pool? Or go to a museum
with AC? See see?
Wondering if my uncle and aunt who drove across the country from
California to east coast arrived at Baba's yet? Or if its this weekend?
Hope Baba snaps up some pictures? My uncle is not fond of me. I've given
up trying because that's what Baba wants. It bothers me he dislikes me
when he doesn't even know me. Oh well, life goes on eh?
