Wonders of nature

In the past month I have been privy to
experience 2 different natural phenomenas.
1st was the spectacular lunar eclipse
a few weeks ago. Jack and I stayed up
till 2am to witness it and it was breath-
taking! Especially when the moon turned
orange/red! I tried to snap photos but
my camera wasn't strong enough to capture
a clear shot. Bummer because it was a
clear night and the moon was awesome.

The 2nd event was a few days ago on
the 26th when NYC was dumped 20 inches
of snow. When it was coming down, Jack &
I bundled up in layers and took a quick
walk around the block in all that snow &
wind and it was absolutely invigorating! I
was laughing and panting as we trekked
through the knee high deep snow. Its a
real workout you know. Jack face was
all bunched up but to me, I didn't mind the
cold, it just served as a reminder how lucky
we are to be alive!

My New Year's Resolutions Possibilites...

1- stop eating fast food- I normally don't
eat it more than 1 or 2xs a week but still
that's 1 too many times

2- stop biting my nails! Part of the
problem why I never succeeded in this
is because I would let the nails
grow past my fingertips. For some
reason the feelings of nails bothers
me, especially when I close my hand
to make a fist, it really weirds me out.
But I would like to stop so I could
occasionally get a manicure and have
color painted nails.

3- stop wasting time on lost causes
or people which is self explanatory.
I tend to not give up on things/people
even when its not in my best interest.
Loyalty is a good thing but I have to
learn when its time to let go.

4- finish my movies, I am mad at myself
for not doing so already!

5- teach my family basic ASL phrases
& fingerspelling so I don't feel so left
out during my visits. I don't expect
them to be fluent, but an occasional
phrase or finger spelled word could
make a world of difference in my life. And
I won't force anyone in my family to sign, I
only ask if they might consider it? I've
thought about creating small mini lessons
and posting them on youtube. This way
they could watch it any time.

6- find a pet friendly place for my
next apt so I can bring Tom my
Bastard Kitty back here to NYC. What
can I say? I miss him! Teethmarks and all!

7- eat less meat, learn to like
more vegetarian foods. Basically for
2 reasons. 1, meat is expensive. 2, its healthier for me.

8- use coupons, coupons, coupons!
(I stopped using them when I moved
to NYC). Granted I use groupons,
discounts, promo codes, wait for sales
but groceries I've slacked off on.

9- revamp my lesson plans for 1 of
the schools I teach at, I am not currently
satisfied with it.

10-keep all my receipts so I can itemize
my tax return in 2011. Depending on
what I learn from my Uncle Robbie
because he does this for himself and
would be able to advise me if its a good
idea for me to do or not?

All of these resolutions are areas, I really
want to improve in. After all, isn't life
about chances to improve yourself
and become a well rounded person?

What's 'foreign' about sign language?

A recent commentary by conservative radio host, Dom Giordano in response to the New York Tine article has many of us Deafies fuming! He basically states there is nothing "foreign about sign language." First of all, at least address the issue correctly and use ASL, because there are many different sign languages all over the world. So in a way, depending on which sign language you're referring to, may be foreign. And hello, we never claimed it was a foreign language but rather A language. That ASL developed with French influence and later Martha's Vineyard as well as numerous Deaf schools all over the country. He obviously is unaware but the A in ASL stands for American Sign Language.

Another area that shows Mr. Giordano clearly didn't do his homework. Had he, he would've realized that Higher Education has already rectify the misleading subject title Foreign Languages to Modern Languages. Which means languages used in the modern day world and numerous of them are used here in the United States every day! The term Foreign language is antiquated as apparently he is too with his backward approach to ASL. The beauty of living in this country, is the right to chose which language(s) you want to speak/use at any given time. That millions upon millions who immigrated to this country in the past or present still use their native or preferred language at home and among peers.

Now the next part that he tries to dismantle ASL credibility is with his attack on Deaf Culture and the validity of it. He basically insinuates we are deluding ourselves from our assigned handicaps by mainstream society. He then ask if other "should people who are blind and paralyzed be pushing for their own culture?" Uh they already have as I know there is a lingo speak and shared culture among many paraplegics rugby players as evident in the movie Murderball. In this film, the players share parts of their lives that no one else (able bodied) could understand completely. They tear down the veil of pity that most people want to impart on them. As for the Blind community, I came across this site which I do not think Mr. Giordano if he ever reads it, would still argue that everyone in America lives this way or that American Blind people live the same everyday lives as the rest of America does. And having been active in the Deaf-blind world, I know they too have a culture that could be seen as an extension of both Deaf culture and Blind culture or a culture in their own rights depending on who you ask.

Mr. Giordano, a culture can often arise within a group of people who share similarities due to oppression/discrimination they've experienced. These prejudices are often based on physical characteristics or belief systems that perhaps the majority does not know about or share. Its not limited to geography or what food is eaten which are in some ways superficial as all human beings originated from the same place. Your statement "What harmful nonsense [in response to Deaf people reference to cultural genocide]. The drive to aid people to overcome handicap is not an attempt to demean them, but to enable them to have and fuller life." Our language, culture and history is not nonsense. We don't personally feel that our lives are less than because we are Deaf. But rather our culture encourages to focus on what we can do. I can't speak for the others, paraplegics, blinds or whoever else is labeled "handicap."

Mr. Giordano, I earned my Masters in ASL from the Teacher's College, Columbia University who I doubt share your views on 'sign language.' My Master studies included both linguistic knowledge and teaching methods. Both legitimate subjects in the real world we share. In addition, I have been teaching ASL professionally for the past 6 years including undergrads for the recent 4 out of 6 years. These students take my ASL course at higher institutions, not the local Y to meet their modern language requirements. And not everyone earns an easy A and does well in my class. My curriculum is 3 parts, ASL the language, ASL linguistic properties and Deaf culture knowledge. I strive to take away the stereotype that ASL is a hobby, that ASL is broken English or that ASL is all gesture and easy to acquire. Also many of my students have told me they feel ASL will be useful in their chosen field because honestly, you never know when you'll run into a ASL user recreationally or professionally. Some have had Deaf family members or socialize or work with a Deaf individuals. Others are encouraged or modify their future plans to be aware and inclusive towards the Deaf community. To me learning ASL wouldn't be any different than learning a language for heritage reasons or your chosen profession will take you abroad. And what about students who choose to become Teachers? Doctors? Lawyers? you don't think they won't ever cross path with a Deaf individual?

Every since Blondie sent me Mr. Giordano's article, I have been ticked off. It only perpetuates the already existing ignorance on what being Deaf is all about. I was glad to see Queen Alpo already wrote a response to this hurtful and bias article. Funny I don't write every day about Deaf politics and believe me there's plenty. But this particular case, I had to stand up for myself and for my peers.

Lastly in the words of a famous sport's writer Ford Frick "Hear only the things you should hear - be deaf to others." So I ask you readers out in cyberland, please do me a favor and turn a deaf ear to Mr. Giordano. I gaurentee, the silence will be golden.

Yay its SNOWING :]

I LOVE snOw!
Bring it on Mother Nature, put my
fantastic Ugg Boots to use along with
the warmest winter coat I've ever own
I am roaring for
snOw.

"An ode to Winter"
by mE

Ugh, Jury Duty

Oh come on! I already about 6 months
ago got out of it by playing the Deaf
card. Even had a doctor write a letter of
proof that I am Deaf and would require
an interpreter! Now today I got a new
more official looking summon that
has the "don't f*ck with me* appearance.
So now I've emailed my bosses to find
out if lowly adjuncts such as myself are
paid while serving jury duty and on top
of that I will have to jump through many
hoops to obtain a terp. Another option is
to file for a postponement till summer
when I am not swamped with work.

Grr, Jury duty!

A great quote

By Mary Taylor Moore
"Sometimes you have to get to know someone really well to realize you're
really strangers."
So true

Say NO to

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/11/29/2010-11-29_bloombergs_school_pick_cathie_black_could_get_state_approval_in_controversial_ed.html

Cathie Black as our future NYC chancellor!
What is wrong with this city government?
I sure hope David Steiner doesn't grant
Mrs. Black the waiver she needs to become
chancellor. We don't need someone with
zero educational background overseeing
the NYC public schools. This isn't a
magazine giant (Hearst), this is a
SCHOOL SYSTEM! I am tired of these
political or financial bigwigs telling us
educators how to do our job. How about
these "know it all" spend a month in
a classroom and see 1st hand how
hard it is to be a teacher. That relying
on state or city mandated standardized
tests is not akin to a business tool!
Teachers here and all across America
are being treated like sales reps that
have a monthly status quo to reach.
And when they fail to do so (and not
due to the lack of supplies or
support) but the lack of promising
test results it only serves to undermine
the already existed low morales.
We the public lose. Mrs. Black
won't lose anything. As a matter of
fact she will gain another shinning
spot on her resume. These cronies
need to stop posting there friends to
government roles and start focusing
on people who deserve these positions!
Ugh I am disgusted by the lack of
humility Mrs. Black shows and the fact
she would actually accept this position.
Shame on you Bloomberg for even
appointing her as chancellor! You are
NOT King Henry the VIII. In this realm
we expect qualified appointments,
not business deals or elbow rubbing :(

MICA Photos

There are really no photos with me in them except these from MICA, it was extremely hetic at the time!

Here is me and Annie watching this terrific modern dancer!
Uh, I have no idea why I look so disgusted or what I am referring to? 2 what? Peace? huh? But nonetheless it was cool to hang out with John Kovacs as we hadnt seen each other in years!

Yep, I am just enjoying the rewards of all the hard work we did setting up for the Fashion Runway

This dancer was so elegant!

Belated Lady Gaga Photos

Photos from the Lady Gaga concert taken in July by Staci!

Here's me and Blondie waiting excitedly for the next Lady Gaga song despite the lousy seats and 1 of the terps being terrible! Shame on you Madison Sq Gardens!

Lady Gaga being her usual weird self, playing the piano in a way that would make Liberace proud!

BFF!!

Annie & Staci all grins

Annie & Blondie nicely tanned, damn why can't I tan too???

Lady Gaga in one of her infamous outfits

Our view, yep pretty lame for a bunch of Deafies who rely on their sight and not our ears primarily! You think a venue that size could squeeze about 10 Deafies somewhere a little closer right???

Thank goodness for Staci zoom feature on her camera and despite the zoom this was the best we could do for photos!

I loved the stage props once I could see them from the photos. Live it was like an inch or smaller from my viewpoint.

Lady Gaga, how do you wear those tortuous heels???

Extra Halloween Photos

Watch out! You don't want to mess with this Alien who's half human, and half Andorian and enjoys the heat from radioactive materials

Fellow monsters

God I love these 2-D folks!

Aww, I don't think she will bite

Party on!

Damsel in distress!

Apollo Theatre

The other night at the Apollo Theatre was
a free panel discussion about careers on
and off Broadway. Martin ask me to go with
him. It was neat to enter the famous theater
the same one that has breathed life into
many famous performers. Unfortunately Martin
did not want to stay because he had
misunderstood and thought this was a Deaf
based event with Deafies on the panel. Not
hearing folks with an ASL terp. After 15 mins
or so we left. It was too dark for him anyways.
I didn't mind because I was just happy to see
him and catch up. Its awesome having a
Jewish friend here in NYC. We are already
going to 2 different Hannukah related
events in early December. Potato latkas here
I come! Give me some sour cream and apple
sauce and I am good to go!

Last weekend Jack & I went to the Greek
Bazaar with David, Nancy & Bobby. As
usual we had to wait in line for like an
hour. By the time we go into the main
area to sit down and eat our Greek
food I was famished! I literally inhaled
my pistichio (sp?)! Jack of course didn't
want his. As far as I was concerned
that was just dandy, more for me!
We didn't stay too long afterwards simply
because Jack's back was acting up and
my head was ringing from a small head
cold. Still it was nice to attend again.

I am happy to say my cold is gone now.
I thank Baba for the clementines she sent
back with me. Along with dry mango, delish!
Both loaded with a ton of vitamin Cs!

Well I am really looking forward to
Thanksgiving and a few days of R&R.

Also today my bastard kitty, Tom had
surgery on his paw. He has had a chronic
infection for a few years now that we
decided as a family to have part of his
paw removed. I am worried because he
is 15 yrs old. I hope it isn't too much of
a shock for him? I am ever grateful to
Baba & Mom for taking care of him.
I swear the next apt I move to must
be cat friendly! I can't stand being apart
from him anymore. Its been about 3 yrs
now and when I dream, I dream of Tom.
He's been with me since I was 21 yrs old!

Well I am off to teach a class tonight, ciao!

Halloween 2010

Sometimes too much of a good thing can make you blue

Other species join us in having a grand time

Jack wants YOU to know that Uncle Picard needs you in the Starfleet Federation!

Oh no, a prisoner from the Department of Erections has escaped!!!

The gang-Blondie, Jack, me, Staci & Shannon! (Eddie missing)

Jack wants YOU to know these are really happy folks!

Jack & Blondie, dancing the night away

How can I be blue when I am with you???

DeCamp bus #66 blows chunks

So this morning I figured why not
take the DeCamp 66 bus to work,
gives me extra time in the morning.
I arrive to Time Square without any
problems, grab an egg sandwich with
time to spare. The bus is suppose to
leave at 9am. 9:05am, no bus. 9:10am
no bus. 9:15am, all of us passengers
are getting annoyed then finally,
finally it rolls in at 9:20am! Wtf?!?
The arrival time to my job was suppose
to be 9:25am and now it will be
closer to 9:45am. I will now have
to rush to pick up the laptop and
start class by 10am. I hate being rushed!

Hope you all voted yesterday? I did and
it paid off, no Paladino w00t! And
thank goodness the Democrats did
not lose majority in the senate.
I am however disappointed the
Republicans aka a bunch of fat white
men are now running the House of
Representatives. The last thing we
need are these morons undoing the
Democratic attempts to clean up
their messes from the early 2000
when the Bush clan along with
the greedy bankers ruined the
economy! How can the American
people expect Obama to clean
up the Republican's screw up in
only 2 yrs? We knew things were bad
and it isn't Obama's fault these GOPs
"left the seat up" for the rest of us
to fall into the cold toilets!

Halloween weekend was a success in
more than 1 way. I was able to grade
all 100+ midterms and still celebrate
Halloween. Saturday night I transformed
myself into an Andorian Starfleet
Federation member. I don't think there
has ever been an Andorian in Starfleet?
Maybe I'll spark that possibility for
future Star Trek series or movies?
We all met up at Blondie's place to
get ready. It took me over 2 hours to
put the blue makeup on my hands and
face, neck, chest area etc etc.. But it
was so cool once I finished! Jack
kept teasing me that he was a higher
rank than me. Because his star trek
shirt had 2 bars making him a commander
and mine only had 1 bar. Hmph!
Jack was so much fun to be with at
the party, he had a few drinks and was
suddenly everyone's best friend.
Extremely friendly, outgoing and he
danced with me and Blondie. He was
signing a mile a minute! Blondie was
surprise at how much he knew. Makes
me want to have Jack drink more often
not to the point he's drunk but a buzz
wouldn't hurt.

This weekend, Jack & I are going
to the annual Greek Bazaar. It
will be good to see the family.

Good morning Mr. Moon

What will you be for Halloween?

Well I am still assembling bits to my
costume. I am going as an Adorian
Federation Member. I got the classic
Star Trek Red Dress, the knee high
black boots. I also brought blue
polymer clay to make the Andorian
antennas. And I ordered the Avatar
blue make up kit (enough to do
my face, hands etc etc). Now I am
waiting on my phaser to arrive, whee!

This year I am actually excited to
celebrate Halloween. Last year
I wasn't. Dunno what changed but
glad it did. I am still deciding what
to do over Halloween weekend?
The famous NYC Halloween parade
takes place on Halloween which
unfortunately this year falls on Sunday
Oct 31st :( Blondie is planning to go
and I would like to go too but I
have to get up so early the next
morning. What's a deafie gal like
me to do? Be responsible? Or have
fun? She also wants to attend the
Masquerade Macabre on Saturday
night, the 30th. http://geminiandscorpio.com/events.html Looks
interesting
just wish it wasn't all the way down
in Brooklyn! And I am not sure if I
can alter my costume to fit the theme?

For Friday night the 29th, I may do the
Halloween Bar Pub crawl here in the
city with Jack.

Decisions, decisions!

Bite me Carl Paladino!

Grr, I can't believe the nerve of this NY
hopeful Governor. First he attacks the
GLBT community with his recent
remarks about how he doesn't want
his children to be brainwashed that
homosexuality is ok. Then he comments
on the Gay Pride Parade as "disgusting."
Now he has issued a letter of apology
and while he remains against Gay
marriages, he will "fight for all gay
New Yorkers' rights." Whatever!
You can't expect anyone to believe
that a homophobe such as yourself
would fight on behalf of the GLBT
community! Come on, does he
seriously think that voters buy this
crap he's shoveling out? And its
moronic that he would make these
remarks in light of the recent horrific
attacks on 2 gay teens and 1 male
adult last week in the Bronx!

And that poor kid Clementine (sp?)
who committed suicide when his
asshole roommate streamed live
through the web his sexual encounters.
I don't know what's wrong with people
these days! This is a big enough
country to accommodate all of us.
If you don't want to live your life
a certain way then don't. But
at least have the decency to be
respectful towards other walks
of life. See I grew up during a time
when being Gay was hush hush,
especially in my hometown. I
was blessed with a Mom who knew
God or the life force doesn't judge
by color, race, creed etc., etc.. So
why should we? I've attended
Gay weddings (the best kind there is!)
and drag shows. And met some of the
nicest folks you ever want to meet.
Most of them even had children but
later came out of the closet. I do know
there is still a lot of fear for millions
of Gay Americans in this country who
shared Carl's backwards mentality.
I haven't forgotten Ryan White or
the many others who have been
brutalized for being themselves.

So Carl, I can only hope that voters
will not buy this crap. And think his
homophobic behavior is suitable for
our next Governor here in NY!

And lastly Carl, it would be hilarious should
your kids grow up to be gay despite all
of your backwards attempt to "brainwash"
them into being as hateful and closed-
minded as you are! Perhaps this will
come back to haunt you when they say
"Dad, I have something to tell you...."

A great bumper sticker

I saw today a great bumper sticker that
read "if progress means moving forward,
what does congress mean?" true true!

Well MICA (www.micarunway) is only days
away. I was sad to learn that the reality
star I had contacted won't be able to attend.
It would've been such a neat experience to
have her come. But that's life, its full of
minor disappointments. However I am
still excited to be a part of this 3 day event.
The past few Saturdays filming has been
awesome. I feel so at home behind a
camera lens. I enjoy especially trying to
take shots that allow the viewers to see
through the eyes of the models, what they're
going through etc etc.. I also successfully
got several contributing sponsors. I wasn't
able to get one alcohol company that
seemed interested in our event and then
without any explanation they declined.
I sent a follow up email to inquire why
our event was declined? This way I can
avoid this rookie mistake in the future.
My motto when it comes to fundraising
or asking for product donations is
"If you don't ask, you don't get!"
Its true. The worst thing that can happen
is they deny my request. This and
past experience of fundraising has
tempted me to learn how to be a good
grant writer. It would be a valuable
skill to have in any regard. Especially
within the Deaf world where we are
often overlooked or an after thought.

My classes are going well. I've changed
some techniques this year and I think
its helping. I do still struggle with how
to make my midterm and final exam more
challenging? On www.ratemyprofessor.com
I still have high marks and terrific
comments left by former students. They
all had the same remark that my class
exams are an easy. That does not sit
well with me because I am teaching
college level, therefore I better find
a way to make them harder. Part of
it is that I always hand out a detailed
outline of what will be on the exam so
as long as the student actually use the
outline they do well. I have seen some
students obviously didn't use the outline
and it showed on their exams. So maybe
its a matter of the scoring system? I
am not sure but midterms are not far
off so I better get to it!

Jack's new car is a dream! I don't even
miss his old beamer. Yes it was a nice
car but this new one is amazing! I love
everything about it from the color of the
car exterior and interior to the size etc etc.
I will have to snap some photos and post
at a later date. Jack did a great job! I
admire his ability to work on cars and
his mechanical brain!

Well the 2 train is here and its off
to the Bronx to teach!

Only in NY!

Ask and ye shall receive? Maybe...

Well the past week and a half I have been
so busy with work and looking for
sponsors for MICA 2010! Www.micarunway.com
This will be my 3rd time volunteering for
MICA and I am loving every minute of it!
I may have even gotten one of my
favorite reality stars to attend too!
I can't say who but either you'll
love or hate this person.

Life with Jack is good. We seem to have
settle into a nice routine of work, school
and living together. Its awesome we are
working as a team now!

I must say being back in NYC still thrills
me to no end. Despite the cost of living
and the ever increasing MTA fare hikes!
And the overcrowding. This city still
#1 in my book.

Recently Jack & I watched Spartacus:
Blood & Sand by Encore. Wow,
this movie is all sex, violence and
phrases like "Jupiter's cock!" which
is like their version of swearing.
The blood baths are amazing! I
watched the special features which
lucky was subtitled! The writer was
glad to have a lot of freedom to write
an R rated series and boy oh boy did they!
A guilty pleasure for anyone who
enjoys Gladiator related stories!
If you don't mind a lot of death and
sex, do que it in your netflix!

Freeway Fliers

In todays Metro newspapers there was
a short article called "An assault on our
education." Basically it talks about
how many colleges & universities have
developed a corporate mentality when
it comes to administration. Yeah, no
kidding! The tutition rate has almost
tripled in the past decade alone! It also
mentions a new term being used
"Freeway fliers" where part-time *ding ding
ding that's me* instructors are commuting
from 1 institution to another. And because we
have enormous teaching loads, the
quality of education can suffer. There is also
additional pressure to give good grades also
because student evaluations have become
more important. So if you're an unpopular
part time teacher, watch out, popularity
rules and you better be cool.

The other day one of my former students
told me how many students hate signing
in front of the whole class. I was a little
surprised but I feel this is necessary. It
keeps them on their toes. But I have
decided to do less of that and more of
informally observing the students while
I roam the room. At the same time I
won't completely rid my policy of
signing in front of the class.

In other news I have been mulling over
whether or not I should go for a 2nd
MA? Part of me dreads the idea of going
back to school! I feel schooled out
still! If I take a class, I want it to be fun,
something I will enjoy. I am grateful for
my jobs but I yearn to earn more. And I
really don't want to take on more debts
when my student loans already exceed
50K. I think I may look to online classes
as a possibility. That way I could do it
at my own pace and not have to worry
so much about getting ASL terps etc., etc..
It already feels like I will be paying of
my student loans for the rest of my life!

Enough already! I am stressing myself out
over this. I gotta just focus on working
and living right now. I truly have a hard
time relaxing these days. I miss my
carefree summer days!

I also had a bad dream about my Bastard
Kitty, Tom. How I was visiting him and he
looked funny to me and I couldn't figure out
why at 1st. Then it dawned on me his cute
little pink nose with a spot was gone! It
was like another cat had ripped off he poor
little nose and cheek/whisker areas. I was
mortified and asked the woman (unknown to
me) if her other cat had done this to my boy?
She said no. Made me wonder if my cat is
ok? I know he's very happy at Mom's but I
can't help missing him.

Why my Mom rules

Today is Mom's birthday and I thought I
take a few minutes to share why my Mom
Is #1!
My Mom has always been my biggest
cheerleader. She stands behind me and
always says "you can do it!"
My Mom taught me how to be a good
friend. To accept people, flaws and all.
My Mom is a terrific cook and has
taught me how to be as well.
My Mom is a card shark, where do you
think I picked up my skills?!
My Mom is intelligent, always reading
and knows all the answers on Jeopardy
and trivia pursuit.
My Mom knows how to stretch a dollar
and make her money last. As well
as ways to save money. Where to
shop to get the best bargains.
My Mom has a real knack for interior
decorating and has numerous times
over the years, helped me organized
my infamous clutter piles.
My Mom has always picked me up
when I've been down or felt defeated.
She's always been there for me.
So Mom, thank you for being my Mom
and again Happy Birthday!

Before & After Photos

All in the name of Allah

In the past 2 days there's been a lot
of coverage by the media about Koran
burning. Apparently there's a church in
Florida that has plans to do a good old
fashion book burning on Sept 11th! They
want to burn copies of the Koran to send a
message to Islamic extremists. This idea
personally for me doesn't sit right. I have
always believed religions in general are
laced with moral values, its the fanatics
in any religion that destroys the
messages.

Besides ALL religions are open to
interpretations. Unfortunately in this
its the Arab world, the ones in power
(Men) who choose to abuse the
messages from the Koran. I don't think
God, Allah whatever name(s) you give
to the life force you pray to has any
view on violence, neither for or against.
Unfortunately in the Koran there are
109 verses that call Muslims to war
with non-believers. And a lot of
conflicting messages found in the
Koran such as violence to only be used
as self-defense but also slaughter any
non-believer in graphic details. What is
ironic is that some critics (both Muslims and
a few selected Christians) argue that the
Old Testament has many parallel
verses/ideas of violence as well.
But these views are very misguided
according to this link;
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/Bible-Quran-Violence.htm

[Update] I did some more reading at this
link and I hadn't realized the history
behind Islamic faith.
http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/023-violence.htm
The brutality Islam has caused over
centuries. What's really sad is the
earlier parts of the Koran does have
a more neutral/positive approach but
the later parts promote destructions to
all non-believers.

So back to violence,
Violence among humans is a conscious
choice. Any religious figure/fraction
that hides behind spiritual intended
documents to promote violence are
cowards. Basically someone who can't
think for themselves. To use their
religion to justify criminal/destructive
behavior is inexcusable.

The Army General David Petraeus warns
that the book burning of the Korans
would endanger U.S. troops. That's pretty
stupid if you ask me. I mean first of all
why are we even there? Our mere presence
incenses things already. Does he honestly
think one small group of narrow minded
folks down south is going to turn the tides
any worst than they already are? Its not
like our soldiers are being welcomed in
these Arab countries with arms wide open
and suddenly burning the Koran would
change the already standing propaganda
of hate towards Americans.

And what about the mosque being built
near Ground Zero and all the controversy
its caused. Am I for or against. Its hard to
say. If I am for it, many families who lost
members to the 9/11 attacks feel its a
slap in the face. That the ultra liberals
are living in la la land. But if I am against
the building of the mosque, then am I
promoting racism? Do I let a few rotten
apples ruin the barrel? I know or have
worked with a few Muslims and they're
the nicest people you ever want to
meet. I don't forsee them or most
others having a "jihad" kind of day.
I think Muslims born over here have
been westernized compared to the ones
over there where they are the majority.
Their religious upbringing is quite
different and in a sense a lot less
literal in terms of the Koran. Although
I am sure that is not always the case.
As there are plenty of examples of
backwards thinking among non-Muslims
as well. But the fact that our country is
built upon religious freedom makes it hard
for me to decide what the right answer is.

Do I worry about the future in this country
and possible further attacks made by
cell terrorist, sure I do. Why it was only
last May that there was a man who
planned to set off a car bomb at Time Square
which I pass through there several
times a week. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faisal_Shahzad. Quite scary
to even contemplate what
these extremist will do. And for those of
you who while watched the horror of 9/11
and acknowledge the travesty, but the
effects have worn off. Or perhaps still
don't fully comprehend the lengths
these "Muslim Soldiers" will go all in the
name of Allah. I recommend watching a
really good movie called "The Siege"
with Denzel Washington made pre 9/11
about this very topic. And while the
movies didn't do well in theaters largely
due to Muslim based groups protesting it,
it was rented by many on DVDs. Which
I think says a lot. We want to appear to
be politically correct outside, but in the
privacy of our homes we can be true to
ourselves.

The power of clothes

I must say I enjoy dressing nicely when I
work. Dress pants and a nice top really
makes me feel good and confident too.
Funny thing happened today when I was
setting up technical equipment for one
teacher who happened to be wearing
blue jeans and a tee shirt versus me
wearing grey pants with blue pin strips
and fuchsia top. One of the students
began telling me she didn't know whether
or not she was enrolled in my class and
I realized she thought I was her professor
and her professor was one of her peers!
Her professor immediately interjected
and clarified who she was. I couldn't
help but smirk inside.
The funny thing is I am a professor and
tonight I am teaching my 1st class in
the Bronx so I am dressed just right
for the part :}

Sometimes

We do things that have to be done but it
brings enormous unhappiness. Otherwise
if we don't we will never be happy.

Right now I feel like Humpty Dumpty,
my inside shattered. And I am not sure
they can be put back together again or
if I want to be the same as I was?

An unexpected surprise

Hmm, its a good thing I was checking
online for where (room #s) my classes
were assigned to and found out that
I actually teach M/W not M/TH as I
previously thought. Ugh it would've
been embarrassing to show up on the
wrong day. The good news however
is since school (In NJ) starts Sept 2nd a
Thursday I don't have to start till the following
week Wed the 8th. But technically I will go
back to work Tues the 7th (for the other school
I teach at in NYC)! Yay which means more
time with family!

Kidney stones anyone?

Well, these past 2 weeks have been
hellish with the plumbing below. At
1st I thought I had an UTI again but
after taking some antibiotics which made
me really sick and the pain was getting
worst. The urologist's office pushed back
my cat scan from next Tues to earlier
today to find out what the heck was
wrong with me.
Looks as if I passed kidney stones earlier
this week. Yes it was painful and the
worst of its over now, *whew!* I am
lucky though because mine were quite
small compared to some other people.
There is no more blood in my urine and
my bladder and kidneys look primo!
It was my 1st time having a cat scan
and I must say my tech was the meow!
She was awesome and knowing I was
Deaf decided to use a system where she
dimmed the lights and used a flash light
to signal when I should take deep breaths
and release the breaths too. Awesome lady!
Anyhoo, previously there were calcium
deposits noted either in my kidneys or
bladder, I can't remmy which and now
there are none. Yay! I am however left
with a bitter yeast infection from the
antibiotics (ironic because it made me
so sick! Doh! Double whammy!) today
was the 1st day I felt good in a while.
I am fortunate it happened now and not
next week.

Tomorrow I will go to the PA reinfaire, 1st
time in like 2 decades I've attended the
medieval festival in this state. MD's version
is ok. NYC version is weak! Can't wait to
check it out tmw and see my DB friend
Martin and my Deaf friend Blake. Will
be fun going to various shows that have
ASL terps ready! "Oh ye miserable wrench
fetch me ale!" or in my case hard cider, yum!

I'm still a "reality" junkie

Right now I am enjoying Comcast's on-demand
series Colony 2nd season. As much as I enjoy
end of the world movies, I certainly wouldn't
want to experience it first hand. This show
was first brought to my attention by another
blogger, Max Power (a little shout out :-]
This series is very interesting because
while it claims to be "experimental" they
had some practical luxuries such as "starter"
bins with food and medical supplies. Luckily
tho, it is still hardcore enough to get your
head shaking. Such as the idea of empty
1 week's urinal of (I think?) 7 people bodily
waste. Plus the pig fat to diesel was brilliant
In addition to that whiz mechanic woman
helps give this reality show an overall
sense of cleverness/resourcefulness. I
also like how they inserted clips of experts
resounding the participants actions/survival
methods. Very interesting to watch, not
my cup of tea to spend 50 days or my life
doing.

In other exciting news, I have decided to get
a new hairstyle. Its TiME. The side part has
to be transform to a middle one (that's gonna
be the hardest change. I can handle having
bangs but the hair part...hmm. Now that I
think about it, it is TIMe. I emailed about 4-5
closest female friends and attached photos
I snapped at the salon last night. I love Baba
but her hairstylist is too chatty for me.
This means I got to pick a place soon
and schedule an appt. I've done some
research but I am spoiled by NYC online
reviews of business. Around here there's
like maybe 1 review or less on the hair
salons around here....not a good sign.
Makes me work harder to find someone
who can cut GOOD! And actually for once
leaving the salon feeling good?

Yesterday I did preparations to
school starting up next week.
Things such as updating my Fall
classes syllabus. Plus a class schedule
for what units (a1, b4, c3) is covered
what days/dates (M or Th, Day/Month).
This I have found helps me prepare
for the semester as a whole and to
spread the instruction materials
accordingly. I made a rookie mistake
the 1st year as an Adjunct. I allowed
my midterm to occur too close to Thanksgiving.
Which meant my final exam was only 4 weeks
after the midterm instead of the halfway
point. Not fair to my students and made
my life harder too. The beauty
of teaching in my opinion is the ability
to modify and upgrade your lesson
plans and instruction abilities too. I'm
mostly an easy-going professor and
approach my class as somewhat a "fun"
atmosphere. But not to the point I come
off as a community center hobby class.
No, my classes are not painfully hard. Why
make the experience tortous for us both,
me as the instructor and them as learners
of a new language? The only way you would
say/think my class was hard is if were NOT
paying attention or missing a lot of classes :}

Jack return to NYC tonight for his classes
start tomorrow, bleah. Because along
side of missing him, his departure marks
the beginning of the end. Personally if
I was in his shoes I would bitch and moan
all the way back to NYC if I had to be in
school so soon. Its only August 25th ONLY!
:]
Sorry I am physically allergic to the idea
of going to school as either a student or
teacher before Labor Day. Funny though
the actual teaching isn't what I dread. Its
the lost of free time and relaxation.
Anyways Jack going back to our apartment
tonight makes me feel bad he's all alone.
Missing my dear friend tonight. He
really does love me despite our
many issues. I have no doubts about
that. Its the day to day living I question
at time. But right NOW, tonight I miss him!
For sure if he were here we would've
watched the Colony together. Or I would've
told him about it. I've really enjoyed
seeing the sweeter side of him these
past few months. When he's happier we
are happier.

19 yrs since you've departed...

Today is the anniversary of Papa's
death, this may also be another reason
why I am so down. I miss him and send
my love to him in the great beyond.

Papa, I have never forgotten you and
you'll never be far from my heart!
I am glad I was the apple of your eye!
That you took me sailing/boating.
And for all the wonderful memories.
Thank you for being the best grandfather
a girl like me could hope to have.

Things I am going to miss

So right now I am sort of sad about the
impending end of summer vacation and
decided to list the things I will miss!

I will miss ALL of my family!
I will miss cable tv.
I will miss eating at good restaurants or having access to really
mouthwatering fruits and veggies!
I will miss my cat Tom.
I will miss the bed I sleep on at Baba's, so comfortable!
I will miss eating well.
I will miss skipbo card game that Mom & I play
I will miss sleeping in daily and not having to feel bad about it.
I will miss watching historical docu-dramas with Baba and Jack such as
John Adams.
I will miss talking Star Trek stuff with Uncle David and seeing Jack
crack him up!
I will miss seeing Jack so happy and relax. He's so guarded in the city
:(
I will miss living with Baba as she's my rock.
I will miss seeing Aunt Nancy's new kitten, Kisa who is a doll!

When I return to NYC full time next week
I will have to say goodbye to my hometown,
and most sadly, my family. I have been
sort of sad today knowing that my days of
complete relaxation and lounging around
are fewer and fewer. I love living at Baba's
not only is her home beautiful, but its
warm and comfortable.

The good news is I plan to return here
fulltime either this winter or more likely
next summer. The cost of living in NYC
just keep getting higher and higher.
And I feel like if I can't live in Manhattan
then the next best place would be in PA!
My money/income would go so much
further. It would also mean giving up my
life in NYC which will also be very hard to
do. I love using public transportation!
I love attending Town & Village Synagogue
with ASL terped services, or DINGO
sponsored by one of the NYC Deaf clubs.
I have never grown tired of NYC but I do
miss having space! Most of my
recreational stuff such as books are in
storage! For what Jack & I pay now to
live in a shoebox there, we can get a 3
bedroom apt, 2.5 bath here! I could
actually have guests visit me! Or
host a dinner party, and have a real
kitchen!

Also having my family around has meant
the world to me. Mom and I hang out, and
she's one of the few people who make me
laugh! Aunt Nancy is my thrift store
buddy! Jack and Uncle Robbie work on
his classic car (Alpine Sunbeam). Plus Rob
& I compare notes on teaching :-]
Jack and I enjoy Baba's company immensely!
I like having dinner with David on Weds at
Baba's. I like seeing my Aunt Maria and
getting to know her as a person. Plus Paula my
childhood friend has greeted me with open
arms and is always fingerspelling or asking
me to teach her new signs. She deAfinitely will
keep me busy. So while I am sad right now I
must remind myself its only temporarily!
And I should enjoy the time I have left in the
Big Apple while I can.

I guess anyone who knows me knows
I hate goodbyes, even if its only for a
few days. When I was a kid I used to
cry/sob whenever Uncle Robbie would go
back to Boston. I even cried when Blondie
went back to NYC last June, despite knowing
I see her the following week. Sometimes it
sucks to be so emotional because I truly
feel it, the sadness and sense of loss. I
asked my therapist last spring if I was
normal to be emotional as I am and
she said YES. That I didn't need help
controlling it. People have various
degrees of it, mine just happens to be
more than some others. And while it was
nice to have affirmation that being emotional
is ok, it still feels like a burden or something
beyond my control and no one likes feeling
out of control! I have always admired people
who can remain calm and collected. Ever so
cool! Unfortunately, I have never been
one of them. When I am sad you know it.
When I am mad you know it. When I am
happy you know it. What you see is what you get.

My inner metal head!

Last Sunday my inner metal head came out to play. Paula came by and drove us to Middletown/Hummelstown to visit an old friend name Adam (pronounce Ad-Damn!) Man, I hadn't seen that mofo in like 15 years or more! We showed up for their band practice, talk about walking into a time portal and being transported back to the late 80s! The band members are all still metal heads and in to death metal. The standard requirements are the same, drinking beers, smoking marlboros, swearing and riding motorcycles or driving cool cars still exist and apply today. I saw leather boots, death metal tees, ripped jeans and so on. It made me want to go out and buy a bunch of tees with Guns-N-Roses and Metallica logos (and yes to death metal fans, I realize these guys are more hair bands than hard core metal bands!) but I am a girl and we love hair bands and cute lead signers like Brett Michaels from Poison or Sebastian Back from Skid Row.

I truly thought this breed had died off boy was I wrong. My metal head radar must have dimmed after being in NYC for the past 6 years. It was so much fun to be there and just chillax with old friends. Paula is so much fun to be with and I just enjoy her company immensely. As different as we are, we are still both the same, even after 24 years of friendship. We drank beer and listen to them play and they were kick-ass! I had no idea Ad-Damn could sing so good. They did a lot of cover band songs. I really liked their version of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire song.

Being with the band brought flashbacks of the days when Wayne's World was popular and everyone was citing quotes like

Party on Wayne/Party on Garth

Schwing!

Exsqueeze me? A baking-powder? [for excuse me, I beg your pardon]

No Stairway, denied!

Benjamin is nobody's friend. If Benjamin were an ice cream flavor, he'd be pralines and dick.

Yesterday was my birthday and for the 1st time ever, it snuck up on me. See normally I start talking about my birthday in May, 4 months prior but this year was different. I don't know how or why I wasn't as excited. It's a very weird feeling indeed. Nonetheless, Baba and Jack brought me this awesome peanut butter pie and champagne. Exactly what I wanted. It was a low keyed birthday and that was fine by me. On the 21st, Nancy (my aunt) and I will have a joint bday party (her bday is the 20th) with the whole family. I am looking forward to that a lot. But I wanted to give a special thanks to both Baba & Jack for yesterday. And to my sweet Mom who gushed I was lucky she didn't call me at 10:22am (the time I was born) to wish me a wonderful birthday. I joked to her, even if she had called at 10:22am, I wouldn't have heard the phone ha ha ;-)

Lastly, a funny tidbit I wanted to share; you see I was using relay earlier today to call Con Edison to dispute my bill ($114 for 1 month is insane and not possible since neither Jack and I have been there in weeks!) anyhoo the relay operator typed the recording "Hi, you have reached Khan Edison..." ha ha Khan! Yeah its true, this ruthless leader Khan Edison is ripping me off financially!

Cluster headaches

For the past week ore more, I've been having
on-going cluster headaches. The last episode
lasted 3 days! And last night it started up
again. Its debilitating and really wrecks
havoc on my plans. For example last week
I had to cancel with Mom and my aunt Nancy.
Today again because I didn't sleep well due
to the pain behind my left eye/temple area
I had to cancel on Mom again! Very annoying
to have my life interrupted with this cluster
headache :( I've been taking aspirin and using
nasal sprays in case my sinus is also causing
the severe pain? Nothing is helping and it
makes me nauseous too. Thank goodness my
Mom completely understood but still it makes
me feel like a heel to cancel again. I MUST go
tmw and see her, headache or not!

In other news Hanover Dutch day wasn't
as interesting as I had hope. I thought there
would be more artwork instead of
pre-manufactured country goods which isn't
considered art to me. Don't get me a wrong
a few vendors had their own art work for sale.
The high light of Hanover Dutch day was the
food and antique cars. Nancy was in 7th
Heaven after eyeing (er drooling) over her
dream car, a Chrysler Concord, an 85 I think?
The color was yucky but that didn't put a
damper on the heart shapes flying off of her :]
Uncle David seemed to like some of the cars
too. We also drove by their old house and
it was a nice day. Then that evening Uncle
Robbie and his clan came by and we watched
Kung Fu Panda which was light and fun.
Who doesn't love Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman,
Jackie Chan and David Cross just to name a
few of the star studded voice actors.

Sunday Baba took me out for a real treat
at Marshalls where we brought a new summer
blankets and a matching set of towels. I was
a very happy camper. Marshalls has some real
cute affordable stuff for home furnishing in
addition to clothes and accessories.

Last night despite my headache, the 3 of
us (Jack, Baba & I) watched a movie
called "The Siege" about Islamic terrorist
activities in NYC which I think was made
back in 97/98, a few years before 9-11
happened. How eerie is that? If you haven't
seen this film, it is a MUST. Bruce Willis
plays the Army General and as always plays
the cold hard ass type perfectly. Denzel
Washington and Tony Shalhoub are the main
stars and give a tremendous performance.

Well its August the 3rd already! By far, despite
some health issues and not being able to go to
Maine for the literacy camp or WV for a volunteer
opportunity this has been 1 of the best summers
of my life. The free time has been such a blessing.
Not having to go to work or plan lessons or deal
with the usual stress has been wonderful. I have
1 month of freedom left and I hope it doesn't go
by too fast!?! In less than 2 weeks my friend Ellie
will visit, yay! Then at the end of August my DB
friend Martin will come. I am excited for both of
my friends to see my hometown and meet my
family. Plus on the 19th I will get to meet my
friend Karen in Hershey for a few hours too and
hear about her new motherhood and being
married less than a year. Her life has changed
dramatically in the past year and a half and its
amazing to be on the sideline watching.

Paws the movie

Well despite being hounded by a headache
from hell the past few days I am happy to
report I did some editing yesterday afternoon.
I worked on my movie Paws! Yep, and got
some much needed scenes out of the way.
I always dread editing because its time
consuming but once I start I enjoy it so much.
If you like jig saw puzzles then you would
like editing because its a matter of putting
the pieces together and shaving off the
excess materials. I do have a hard time
slimming non-essential scenes such as one
in which the main character comes home,
greets his dog, gets the leash and exits his
apt with the dog. Do I need all of this or
don't I? This is what differentiates amateurs
and professional filmmakers. Despite having
directed, shot and edited over 20 movies,
I still struggle with this area. I am determined
to finish this movie before Sept 2nd! I read
somewhere once if you declare a deadline
publicly you're more likely to complete
your project than when you don't.

I am excited because finally (Pah!) for my
birthday Baba will be getting me a digital
camcorder of my very own! No more borrowing
videocameras! Its amazing how much I was
able to do without one! I think for my next
film project I want to do a documentary
style one related to Deaf culture. I don't
want to give away the details yet. And there
is one story I have had simmering on the
back burner of my brain for the past 4 years
but it would require a lot of support and
commitment. Perhaps if I write the script
during the school year I can shoot it next
summer, see see?

Today Jack and I joined Nancy & David to
a mini trip to Hanover for their annual
"Dutch Hanover Day." Lots of good food,
arts to look over, antique cars to ooh and
ahh at :] we should be there soon!
Tonight Rob, Maria and their boys are
coming by for ice cream and a movie at Baba's.
An awesome day ahead of me.

Tmw my goal is to rest and to edit Paws
some more. Feel free to leave me comments
encouraging me to edit and finish Paws once
and for all!

Toy Robot Museum Part III

Here's the gang!
:}