This is why we need to think

before we throw away things!

I saw this photo on Keri's blog and I had to copy it here. Next time think twice before throwing away anything plastic! This just about breaks my heart. How destructive we humans really are! We just don't get it, do we? How our actions have consquences, long lasting ones....

You speak so well...

How many times has a deafie been praised on their "hearing" like speech abilities? Why if I had a nickel for every time I was told I sounded like a hearie only with a slight... lisp...or..speech impediment? Why I'd be living in Soho! Truddy Suggs tells it like it is with Speak Up! Well, Maybe Not. One of the things that impressed me with Jack on my 1st date with him over sushi for lunch was his bluntness when I asked, "do I sound like a deaf person?" and without batting an eyelid, he replied "oh yeah you sure do." There was no sugar coating it, no placating my feelings but the simple truth. I'm deaf, therefore I speak like one. To this day my boyfriend doesn't understand why hearies feel the need to lie to us about our speaking ability. What does it achieve other than a false sense of conformity that doesn't exist any where else outside of the speech pathologist's office or special ed class ? In the real world I have seen my friends try to say what they mean only to have me intervene and say it for them. And even then there are no guarentees that I may have to then go to the next chain of command, from a deafie to a hoh, then a hoh to a hearie to get the message across. Jack has seen me at times speak and get annoyed when I am not understood because frankly it doesnt happen often. I do not consider this a bragging right but simply the fact that even I, known for my prowness among the hearies at times cannot be understood any better than any other deafie. I feel like the next time I get the whole "You speak so well..." like I'm a circus animal, I want to reply "if only you signed as well as I speak..." but thats the meanie in me tired of being an "inspiration" or whatever it is that makes the folks pat themselves on the back.

Been dealing with major allergies. All because I am a such a miser at times. While I was in Maine one day, I remember something flew up my right nostril *I kid you not* and from then on I tried to sneeze it out but never did. I don't know what it was, a loose pollen particle? Who knows but when I returned to NYC, my head rang and made me light headed. The same kind you get when you blow up too many balloons at once. Then last week it was all post-nasal drip, with a major sore throat that finally, after Baba talked some sense into me, I went to the doctor on Monday with Jack and it turns out that I either had a severe allergic reaction to whatever made its way up into my sinuses in Maine or I have some kind of viral infection. Either way I was given 3 rxs and within 12 hours I could "see clearly now that the rain has washed away..." or in my case the decongestant made life bearable once more. Argh there's a fine line between uncomfortable and plain outright suffering. I was SUFFERING just because I didn't want to shell out the money but in the end it cost me because I was in such bad shape I couldn't teach my class on Monday night cuz I was so miserable. Lesson learn! Deal with the doc fees and move on.

It rained here for the 4th of July. No biggie cuz Jack and I caught the Lancaster fireworks last Sunday night before we returned to NYC. Man they were amazing. I love NYC in every way but no way do their fireworks compare to mine back home. But I would easily give up good fireworks for NYC any day.

Well my ad on CL for ASL tutoring paid off. Got contacted for two jobs, 1 would be a private tutoring for 2 sisters who have a deaf cousin. The other is an ASL master for a play being performed later this month. Yay!

My birthday is about a month away and already I've been asking Jack, what are we gonna do? What are you gonna get me for my birthday? He just smiles and says its too soon, I only start thinking about it 4 weeks away. I explained my birthday gear goes to full throttle 3 months prior to the event. Don't ask me why, I am just a BIG KID! I've decided since my bday is on a Friday I would like for him to take me out to a private dinner, just the two of us. Then meet up with friends for drinks and dancing somewhere else. This way I get the best of both worlds. I already know which dress I'm gonna wear. Just need the neckline altered and I'm set. Man double digits this year!

A two week summary :)

Man life has flew by literally. I miss blogging, sure do but not having access to the internet on a regular basis makes it harder. Perhaps I should try to blog every day via email. Then when I do have access to the internet, I can copy and paste. Not sure if I can manipulate the posting date so it remains in chronicalogical order??

The trip to Maine was WONDERFUL. I'm gonna break this down by day to day...

Thursday Night

My flight out of LaGuardia was delayed by an hour and a half but the flight itself went by very quickly. The flight attendant on this small charter plane was so nerdy, the kind that Seymour Phillips characters usually play. I didn't have my hearing aid on and was using air plane plugs for my ears. The landing bit always hurts my ears a lot, and no amount of gum chewing is gonna change that! On a side note, if I fly up there again I think ill get roundtrip tickets as it couldn't be much more than one way. Ronnie met me at the airport sans the baby. Her dad, Paul Bunyan was watching her son and the babys father, Doogie was at work. (See Ronnies Dad Paul Bunyan used to call her bf "Doogie Howser" from the TV show cuz he's this skinny white guy, tall and lanky and works at a hospital as a surgeon tech assistant). We caught up and yakked a mile a minute. Once we arrived at her new house there was this baby fast asleep on Mr. Bunyans chest/stomach area. Then Ronnie picked up her son and it hit me. Ronnies a mommy now. It weirded me out BIG time for about 10 to 15 mins, but then it went away and I see Ronnie now with Peanuts as if it couldn't be any other way. Amazingly how quickly we adapt to new circumstances, especially pleasant ones such as this. We talked some more and then went to bed.

Friday


I was a lazy mofo. I admit I wanted to be able to read, hang out and get used to being in a different environment. I loved the room I stayed in because I could look out the window and see the trees, woods, and a fire pit. LOVED it, realize how much I miss nature and my old house where I grew up. The kitchen had a large window that faced the woods by my house. I think if I ever do buy a house I would want it to be in a woodsy area BUT within driving distance to a city. Granted I need sunlight but open fields like where Baba lives now doesn't cut it for me. Her house understandly I like a lot more than the old house but the view... anyhoo I rested about during the day.

Then around 6pm, it was suppose to start at 5 (but hell its Friday, who goes anywhere at 5pm?) deafies began to trickle in and by 7pm we began our lesson in Sushi making. Meanwhile Ronnie had made this into a friendly competition among the attendees. We were paired up. My partner was Josh.

As you can see, he's the life of the party. Pure ASL, deaf institute background. It was interesting to see the variation between the ASL signers and strong oralism influences within the group as a whole. There were 3 catagories for us to compete in1- best looking/appearance2- best tasting3- most creative via ingredients used within the roll? We conjured the "JJ Roll"

Daniel here was the Sage, and we all watched, with me jumping around the room snapping pictures. Hell if I can't film, let me shoot! So I shot away.

It was a good party! Near the end Richardson arrived. I wasn't sure if she would remember me as I was her peer advisor at MSSD when she was a freshmen in my dorm wing, along with Szymanski. She was a petit kid, very small, turns out she's very Italian and Irish ;) which would explain her tremendous vibrance out of such a small figure! She walked in and said hello to everyone, then looked at me, where I sat anxiously wondering if I would get? A blank stare, who the heck are you? Or a look of remembrance?She looked at me and for a split second I thought, man she doesn't know me. I signed "do you remember me?" Then her face broke out into a warm smile and she signed "hi JP (my old sign name fyi no longer in use) ofc I remember you!" and that was that. I got to know her a lot more as a person and as an adult over the weekend. She's a great person dealing with her own deck of cards dealt to her. I like her, still spunky.

Saturday

We went to Mister Eagle's party. Mister Eagle rocks. I met him 3 years ago thru Ronnie. We've always gotten along famously. Lots of new faces at the party. Lots of food, yay! Me is the happy, home made food is not something a New Yorker comes across very often ;) deviled eggs, casseroles, chips, veggies and dips and so on. I noshed all day we were there. Even had Ronnies famouse Moose Chilli, delish! Gawd I'm slightly salivating as I write. I just remind myself not to eat too much and be like the Europeans. Eat within moderations but also enjoy the food and the company you're with.

Im hooked on the art of Bocce. So anyways Doogie was in charge of setting up a Bocce Tourney. I drew the tourney map and got people to sign up. Just when I didn't think I get enough people to sign up, I ran out of space and ended up making the chart go from 8 teams to 16 teams! I really enjoyed learning how to play Bocce. I even later helped ref other teams playing their rounds and keeping score. Bocce rules!

Sunday


Fathers day. Imagine to my surprise waking up to a strobe alarm blaring, blinking away. Felt like I was back at MSSD dorms! Turns out Ronnie was making pancakses but some smoke from the pan made a sensitive fire alarm repeatedly go off. Peanuts didn't enjoy the alarm much. I stumbled over to breakfast barely awake and ended up going back to bed. Sundway was mostly hanging out. We did touch a goodwill that I brought some tees from, whee! That night on TNT or TBS they were having a Clint Eastwood movie-thon. Mr Buynyan and I watched "Heartbreak Ridge" it was pretty good actually.

Monday


Ronnie, Peanuts and I left to return to NYC. The drive back down went just fine. Hit a little traffic here and there, nothing major. That night Jack and Szymanski came by. Jack and I had a dumbass fight and I realize I was nitpicking the small stuff instead of sticking to what was bothering me. Once that became apparent I resolved to do what Blondie once said to me many years ago "Pick ur battles wisely". She's right. If you find yourself bugging over little stuff its probably a good idea to step back and think about what's really bothering you? So without going into details I apologize to Jack for blowing the small stuff into major arguments. And he too understood I was frusturated by the issue itself.

Tuesday


I had to work in the Bronxs but that night was A LOT of fun. We had a small party for Ronnie. Nutter, King, Szymanski, Joe Joy, Knob, Blondie all made it over to my place. Where I had lots of good food to nosh on. The veggies and fruits, plus the bread and olive oil were a smash! We had a wonderful time. Later on the Mothmen also stopped by for a short visit.

Wednesday


Ronnie got to meet up with Rusty and Blondie to discuss the Rosen Project. We agreed to do the DVD shoot in the middle of July. Finally, a laid out plan!

I brought a Bocce set last weekend so Jack and I could play. We went to the Bronxs for Greek food and then hit Target off of 225th street. Then on Sunday I met up with my friend Martin and Jane Q for the Gay/Lesbian parade. That night Jack met up with me and we played Bocce. Jack wasn't too terribly impress but he was a good sport about it.

All week I had been feeling very lethargic, then this weekend I went to PA.. I hadn't seen my folks in a few months and I needed the break. I ended up with a small cold/sinus infection that began the week before which would explain my low energy levels lately. See my allergies sometimes causes my head to ring and I didn't realize this was also the sign of a sinus infection till the post nasal drip became problematic and the sore throat developed. So Baba and Jack and I spent most of the visit at home, watching tv/movies, eating good food and Jack worked on his BMW too. He had order new interior strips for his car. Looked great and he also upgraded the angel eyes on the headlights. There's something sexy about a man who can fixs his own car. Its something to see him tinkering with all these wires. I'm glad Jacks a reniassance type of man. He's not afraid of hard work. That's one of the reasons why I love him! We also played some more Bocce outside Baba's house. Afterwards once it got dark, we sat in the grass, chatting and watching the fireflies. Something neither of us had done in years. I think he's starting to like the game Bocce, see see? We also played a little Jenga indoors when my energy was low. Jenga is an easy game for people of all ages.

The Rosen Project!

Today Blondie, Rusty and I finalized our summer agreement for the curriculum aka "Rosen Project." I am happy to know what is expectedc of me and when its expected. We agreed the DVD project needs to be put on hold till more grant money is achieved. Whew, I didn't want to do a poor job due to a low budget or limited amount of time to complete it. Afterall our names will be on this and knowing the deaf community are like burracudas, ready to rip apart any newly printed ASL materials. I am not looking forward to the inevitable criticism that's likely to accompany our final copy of the Rosen Project. But thats not for a while and hopefully we will do an excellent job of researching how to best present the materials in a way that ensures effective acqusition of ASL.



Tmw nite I fly out from LaGuardia airport to Portland, Maine. I cannot wait to see Ronnie! Its been way too lunch and almost feels surreal. This morning in her email she wrote "It feels like a set-up almost...I'm going to really see you?" I couldn't agree more. We have tried in the past year like 4 or 5 times to make a visit happen, be it here or up there. Each time it fell through, usually do to money or conflict of schedule. I know I'm gonna have a blast. I have never not had a great visit up there. I hope to see her Dad. Her Dad is like Paul Buyannan, looks gruffy but has a BIG heart!



The other day as I was taking out the trash, someone in my building must've just moved out and left several boxes of clothes and household items by the mailbox area. I was able to snag a Bass Co. backpack, free and in excellent condition. As well as a pair of nice pants for teaching in the fall during colder weather. There's nothing like freebies! Ironically the road to hell is paved with good intentions. You see, I was telling Jack one day how I wanted a toaster or toaster oven. He mentioned having a few extra ones and would bring me one shortly. But then I got a free working toaster when I went to a moving sale, the woman had items she planned to donate and one of them was a toaster in excellent shape. I took it home and showed Jack but somehow a week or two later he brought over a toaster oven. Which was very sweet of him but I have no room for it as its a MONSTER size, as big as some microwaves are! And if you seen my kitchen, you know there's no room. Now its sitting in a box in my living room, blocking my closet. I will ask Jack to remove it this weekend while I am in Maine. Or else I am giving it away to the first taker. I am a strong believer in recycling and re-using items. I don't mind wear and tear. Afterall we too age, why should inanimated objects be any different?

And then some...

Folks, I apologize, lately I have been working everyday either teaching ASL at the SLC, private tutoring, the Bronxs and now I've just been asked to start teaching a class on Thursdays by a different organization :) Its a great feeling to know there's steady work for me for a change. I havent been working at the Media center for a while now. That's another reason for my lack of blog postings.

Last night I watched the cult classic Silent Running starring Bruce Dern in 1971. I was disappointed with the ending but in many ways it reminded me of Space Odessy 2001. The pace of the movie, the hippie/folksy soundtrack with Joan Benz etc etc.. If you like sci-fi classics and don't mind a slower pace, then definitely take the time to see this flick.

As for the DVD curriculum, Rusty, Bianca and I are currently working on 1 unit prototype to hammer out the kinks and to create a standard format to use for the curriculum as a whole. We hope to start photographing soon. We got our work cut out!

Last night hung out with Eddie, Blondie and Jack. We had a nice visit. I also booked my plane ticket for Portland, Maine where I will fly to in another week to visit Ronnie and her baby boy! I am sooo excited to finally see her! Its been too long and besides I just love Maine! I'll be attending a sushi party with 19 other deafies. We will be paired up and instructed on how to make sushi rolls. I can't wait! I need a change of scenery from NY. I love it here but sometimes, you gotta get away to reset your mind.

Today marks 1 year that Jack and I have been dating. It was a bumpy year with lots of highs and lows. I think overall we've reached a place that is comfortable for us both. We plan to celebrate this weekend.

You can't get there from here

I saw that on a postcard one time while I was visiting Maine with Ronnie and Zaxy two years ago. Hard to believe how much has changed in 2 years!

nyhoo the last few weeks has been one big blur of teaching, teaching, working on the DVD curriculum, teaching and um some more teaching ;)

Its Memorial Day Weekend and all I have planned is to edit tmw while Szymanski works on her jewerly making. Saturday morning teach and then hopefully meet up with Jack later that day.

Sunday I want to spend with Jack. He was sick with the flu for 2 weeks, and not just tiny sick, but sick sick. The kind where he seems catonic at times. And this man always has something to say so it was unusual. I am glad tho he's the kind of guy who when he gets sick, hes very easy to be around. He's not at all cranky or moody. Nor does he want to sleep it off either. I was glad he spent a lot of last week at my place. He had a fever on and off for a week. One night I stopped by BlockBuster where they were having a sale on used DVDs four for $20. I got a bunch for us to watch while he recovered. I know how it is to be sick. But whats even worse than that is being sick and BORED. Not having any energy to do anything makes it even easier to become depressed or despondent. Luckily Jack hung in there, and finally, today after 2 weeks of the flu, he's starting to feel normal again. I'm glad. I wasn't used to seeing him so ill for so long.

BTW as far as movies go from the past few weeks here's what I thought of the following;

Marie Antoninette with Kirstin Durnst, directed by Sophia Crapola *yeah I spelled it right* no wonder this movie bombed. There was nothing learned or gained from watching this fluff of people playing dress up. Plus whoever was the music director for this movie must've gotten the job through a family member or something. No way did that person earn this job on their own. Their choice in music was pitiful at times and this is coming from a DEAF woman who lack's the ability to tell if a person is singing off key or not. Now as for Kirstin Durnst. She always plays a snob role well, I loved how she ignored her Father in Law's whore. But, I thought was the most interesting part of the movie was the guy who played the prince, later turned King. Now here was an interesting face. I would've liked to have seen more focus on King Louis XVI (Jason Schwartzman) and his role in all of it. And that brings me to why I hated the movie. WHAT WAS THE POINT!?! I mean really, what did anyone learn or take away from the story when the movie ended? Sure the dresses and scene sets, PrETtiE yes, but what else? The ending SUCKED. I mean come on Sofia Crapola? What were you thinking? The movie lacked any real effort in character exploration or historical research *which always helps if youre gonna do a historical movie!* Nyways for several days after watching the movie, Jack had to listen to me grumble about how I watched all of it and it ended like that? Its not even "two thumbs down". Its "two bloody stumps attempting to use Sign Language down!!!"

I am hereby announcing I am a hyprocrite because while I swore off Mel Gibson. Not because of the Passion of Christ. No siree, it was when I saw him during a tv interview. When he was asked if he truly believed in evil spirits. He suddenly looked around his vincinity, eyes transfixed on specific points as if


he saw several imps jumping about and was annoyed and slighty afraid of them at the same time. I immediately thought cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs. He would get along with my friend Paula splendidly and they could do spiritual warfare sessions and be Christian or in his case Catholic warriors together... Then add on the anti-semite rant from last summer, I was never gonna give him a chance to grace my tv screen again till.... one night last week coming home from work, saw a young couple throw several dvds on the floor next to the trash cans. Immediately me and this one guy made a mad dash for the movies. The only one I scored that was worth any interest was Apocalypto. Jack and I decided to give it a whirl. Neither one expected it to be any good. I was intrigued because its suppose to be about the Mayan Civilization. This was one of the best "period" movies I had seen in a while. I cannot say how historically accurrate it was, considering the reviews are mixed. Most agree its epic vistas and I was hooked from beginning to end. I still don't like Mel Gibson, but this movie was well done, cannot be argued otherwise.



We also watched the Da Vinci Code which was nicely done too. Very straight-forward and amazingly just like the book. Nevermind the storyline itself was shit but the ideas brought forth from the story was great. I remember reading poor reviews of this movie. I don't see why tho because again, the actors, director and producers all followed the story line, chronologically. I guess the Priory of Sion and hidden messages within Leonardo's famous artworks wasn't enough to keep the audience interested. Granted the movie was 2 1/2 hrs long. Too long to sit on your arse in the movie theater with no bathroom breaks or to stretch your legs. I suspect that might have been part of the problem. The story is not fast, fast paced like most action movies are. Then again, it follows the speed of events from the book. If you have an interest in religion, then you will enjoy this movie. Just watch it on DVD so you can pause and take periodical breaks. Btw, Jack and I agree, Paul Bettany *he played the role of the imaginary friend in the movie A Beautiful Mind* was one of the best 'psychos-type character' we've seen on screen in a while. Kudos to Bettany on his performance.

Still here

lately, seems like everyone around me is having a horrible time or majorly depressed for one reason or another. Me I am not depressed at all, rather I am very content but its hard to see so many people around me in such poor spirits :(

But I am well, when I have access to the internet again, will write a LONGer entry!

"You're nothing but a pack of cards!"

-Alice in Wonderland

You see, I loused up and forgot to buy mother's day cards for Mom, Baba, Aunt Nancy and Aunt Maria. I decided instead to do special Mothers day blog posting :)

Before I start... for inquiring minds

Alan Perlis was a computer scientist, known for his pioneering work in programming languages and the first recipient of the Turing Award.

Sarah Perlis who makes jewelery resides here in NYC, work has been seen in Lucky magazine among several others.

Vivian Perlis, American music historian and faculty member at Yale School of Music

Perlis Films, by yours truly.

Did you know there's a clothing name Perlis in New Orleans

There's also a country name Perlis in Malayasia!

Gonna start of with Maria;
Maria I know we don't know each other well but I wanted to let you know I think you are a terrific mother to the boys. I think its amazing you became a doctor and you never mind answering my nagging health questions either. I always feel welcome in your home and I look forward to getting to know you better! I am glad you use some asl with the boys, it means so much to me.

Nancy;
Nancy I know when you first met me as a child, I was rather mean and spiteful to you. I was jealous of all the attention my uncle David was giving you so that was part of the reason why, plus a big case of immaturity (hell, what do you expect, I was like what 10 years old???) but since I have turned into an adult, we have become such good friends. I still have the beautiful quilt you made for me when I left home for the 1st time to go live at MSSD. I love to brag about how my aunt made this for me. I also love how we both dig the Addams Family and how you we adore collecting vintage items like the original Nancy Drew books and thrift shopping! I look forward to you all visiting me this spring and good news, one of my students in ASL works at the Bronx Zoo and will give us FREE admission, (maybe get some behind the scene looks too! she works with monkeys most of the time)


Go to www.classicmusical.com for a list of all the movies made during the "Golden Era" The below titles are 2-4 minute video clips from Youtube

!!! ONLY one thats SUBTITLED! Fiddler on the Roof !!!

George M Cohan
West Side Story
White Christmas
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Oklahoma!

Mom;
What can I say? I enjoy being with you very much! As you can see, one of the biggest influences you had on me is the art of performing and a love for musicals both old and new. (I know, I know I risk losing my "deaf identity badge" for admitting during the time when I had no deaf identity I watch tv, movies without closed captioned!)I learned about George M Cohan, Bing Crosby, Julie Andrews, John F Kennedy not the musical but the movie Pt .109. Plus the fact you were involved with Stars of Fantasy at the Lancaster Metaphysical Chapel to raise money for various charities by putting on fabulous shows, with lots of glitz and pizzazz! I still remember you doing the number from a famous dirty talking comedienne, I can't remmy her name but you had the audience members in stiches, roaring with laughter.I am glad I grow up involved with the gay community. Lord its still sad to believe that the Tally Ho is still the only GAY bar anywhere in Lancaster!You should read this blog entry to get a taste of what my hometown is all about. Joziu Also knowing people who had AIDs both straight and gay taught me early on, that diseases do not discriminate! You showed me no matter how small or big a task is, always do things well. Or don't bother doing them at all. Thats why to this day I never do anything half-ass. I also remember you being the manager at the coffee shop at St. Joesph. We had a lot of fun working there. You gave me my first experience with grill cooking. Before that I was a bus girl or dishwasher at other restuarants. I also wanted to thank you for introducing me to all walks of life, and to accept people for who they are, not what society thinks but based on their individual behavior as a decent human being. My life is fuller because you showed me real people, living real lives!

Baba;
Where do I begin? I will write about how you influenced me with your own activism in life, considering I was born and you were already 49, goes to show, political activism is a life-long commitment. I loved how you went to college in the 70s during the women's lib. You even attempted Law School in California which is no easy feat! You worked for section 8 housing (low income) and you taught me, the ideals that all people deserve to have a roof over their head and food on their table. Poverty should not be limited to a certain color(s), especially here in America, one of the richest countries in the world. Its astonishing to see the poverty lines that exist right here in our own backyards, that there are kids who go to bed hungry every night, domestic or sexual violence taking place hourly, etc. I remember once, we stopped somewhere at a store and I decided to wait in the car. I must have been 8 or 9 years old and of course already have experienced being a latchkey kid that you told me to make sure the doors are locked and not to open them for anyone. I obeyed and when you returned back to the car, and we were driving you added something along the line of this. "You can't depend on others. You can only depend on youself." Basically the idea that ONLY I could be responsible, take care of, and look out for MYself...that its a big world out there, filled with lots of bad people. And I can't just assume everything will be ok, I have to make it ok for ME. I have always remembered that particular talk to this day. Another thing you did was volunteer at Planned Parenthood when I was a teenie booper, you told me about the girls walking in knocked up and still playing with barbie dolls. You were also involved with NOW and marched in DC. You spoke about roe V wade all my life, reminding me of a time where women had back alley abortions and wire hangers were used. You've been an active DEMOCRAT all my life that I too am a blue blooded Democrat all the way! My god, Clinton had a surplus when he left, the monkey ass Bush used it all up within a year, mustve been all those vavcations he took before 9/11! I joke to people, the reason why our blood veins are blue is that blood is truly blue (thereby, we are democrats to the core!) that till the blood comes into contact with oxygen then it turns blood REd! One of my mantras in life was said by Eleanor Roosevelt "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent." I see why you admired her, she was a woman who believed in serious social reforms. Much a product of her generation in which the Women's Suffarge took place. Funny I never realized it, but I truly am a feminist in a sense of social activism not just for women, but for the Deaf community, Gay community and so on and so on based on you being a wonderful role model who like the rest of our family has a big heart filled with a lot of generoisty. Besides sharing is more FUN. Last but not least, I must also mention that you never cease to amaze me by always being involved in social events or organizations such as book clubs, elderhostel, a trip across Canada, volunteering at the library or Deaf services, letting numerous people over the years between all of our friends live with us for short and extended period of time. I don't think anyone ever walked in our home and was made to feel unwelcomed. No one ever walked away hungry. Even before I was born you did this for some of my uncles friends or Mom's friends too. Later you did the same for my friends. By the way, check this site out on Alice in Wonderland

This 13p stamp from July 1979 was issued to mark the International Year of the Child. It features Alice, the Mad Hatter and the Cheshire Cat in one of John Tenniel's memorable illustrations from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Happy Mother's Day!

Nyways I apologize again for not getting those Mother's Day Cards, but I wanted you all to know that I may have forgotten the cards, but I didn't ever forget the significance of being a mother is all about. Besides you know my hallmark genes make me feel shitty that all last week, and this week I didnt get around to buying them.

Dont'cha just hate it...

When youre somewhere in public and you see someone in your line of vision that looks like someone you know that you keep looking up anyways. Even tho you know its not who you think it is, but still you keep looking...I am at the TC library right now, finished tutoring so am finally catching up on emails, PAH!

Blondie and I nabbed some goodies from a nearby dorm where they were giving clothes away for FREE! Donations accepted for a local charity, you bet we were like vultures, its FREE, whee as Ronnie always says! By the way her son's birthday will be next week, he looks so BIG in the pictures she sent me. God I miss RoNNie! Anyways I was hoping for a freecylce meet this weekend, have 3 bags full of clothes, books to give away. Instead I ended up browsing for local garage sales (which of course is unheard of here, who the heck owns garages??)

Tmw night my Sweets and I will meet in LES for Cinco De Mayo celebration, its a Mexican celebration of the dead. Reminds me a little of Halloween but defintely not as scary. I also snagged him some button shirts where the free clothes were. I enjoy picking up stuff I know or hope he will like?. He liked his bday gift from last weekend, I gave him a gorgeous suhsi set for two people, a book, a "zen" garden. Very simple and he liked them all. We both have been so busy we were having difficulty finding free time to meet this weekend but I am glad hes super busy too.

Szymanski left for California last Wed night into Thurs(about 3am) when the shuttle bus came to pick her up. She decided to take it from Blondies apt as its closer to downtown than her apt.. I stopped by to keep her company till the shuttle bus picked her up for the airport. I ended up crashing there for the night. Then last night while visiting with Eddie and Blondie, it got kinda late and I decided to crash on Eddie's couch, so been feeling like a hobo the past few days, tonight I am sleeping in MY bed.

Our Bronx's class got cancelled for tmw, due to most of the students are taking their SATs. Man I don't envy them at all. I remember when I took mine by in my junior or senior year of MSSD I had pneumonia and I was sooo sick. I remember taking the test and getting dizzy. I eventually at one point ended up playing connect the dots with my answer sheet because my focus was shot and I was running a fever. No wonder I only scored like 850, I didnt care cuz I knew that test doesnt mean squat in the real world. I still went to college and grad school, so SATs do not make or break you.

Got a pay raise at one of my jobs, a $5 an hour increase, yeah! I could sure use the moolah. Tonights is DPHH but I am not in the mood to mingle, I rather start putting away my winter clothes and get out my summer clothes, even tho I need to lose 5-10 lbs. I dont look bad or anything, but when the clothes are tight on me, it doesn't make me feel very attractive. I am soooo waiting on my tax refund, half will go to bills the other half I want to use to get a really good haircut, the $75 kind.

I also have a possible job interview next week, am waiting for a reply back to my email... Plus one interpreting agency seems very interested in adding me to their database even tho I am not RID certified.. hell its MONEY!

alrighty I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! later man....

Sorry no time

to really blog today, lately I just seem to never have enough time!! Today is EDDIES birthday, Happieee Birthday Eddie!

will blog more later this week, its all good, just very #BUSY :P

Happy 25th Bday Jack!

Today is my Sweets bday, I plan to take him to dinner at Cafe Mozart here in Manhattan, the reviews all raved about their desserts and atmosphere. I think Jack will like it because its classy and thats the kind of guy he is. Also want to give him the gifts I brought. Luckily I dont have to work tmw morning so I can spend a lot of time with him this weekend. Sunday I will help Szymanski with communications between herself and the movers at 11am and then we have plans to meet King for dinner that night (if my budget permits?)

I have been so busy with all of the work Ive gotten lately, heres a breakdown of my schedule

Mondays I work as a Technician during the day, teach ASL that night
Tues I work as ASL Instructor in the Bronxs and then return to Manhattan for private tutoring
Wed I work as a Technician during the day, teach ASL that night
Thurs I am off during the day and teach ASL that night
Fridays I private tutor in the afternoons (soon to end after next week)
Saturdays I work ASL Instructor in the Bronxs and then return to Manhattan for private tutoring

so between having 3 classes to teach at night, 2 classes during the day and 1-2 private ASL tutoring sessions each week means a LOT of lesson plans. This is good that work has finally picked up! Been collecting possible work gigs contacts for me to fax my resumes to this Monday at work. Ive decided if I cant find enough work for me here in Manhattan I may temporarily move to another state and city in August to work as a FT ASL instructor and get my student teaching over with as well as make some decent money and pay off bills that have accumulated over the past few years of grad school such as school loans. I wont know for sure till July whethere I stay or go?

Wasn't feeling well this week so am tired today and damn the man! Or the lady who invented ice cream! The past week I devoured 2 pints of Hagen Das carmel cone flavor, its sooo addictive but now all of my clothes are too tight. I already knew ice cream was a no no, but try telling that to my ovaries and aunt flo, they just dont listen. Therefore NO ice cream for me, no sireee

Been busy working on the DVD curriculum outline, we figure we'll start filming in June. Its a great opportunity for me and I miss filming anways.

"These times, they are a'changin"

Come writers and critics
Who prophesize with your pen
And keep your eyes wide
The chance won't come again
And don't speak too soon
For the wheel's still in spin
And there's no tellin' who that it's namin'.
'Cause the loser now
Will be later to win
For the times they are a-changin'.

Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
The battle outside ragin'
Will soon shake your windows *)
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'.

Bob Dylan's song sums up my feelings well on the past week with the VA Tech shooting, the war in Iraq, The Columbia grad student who was raped and tortured over the weekend, the Supreme ruling on banning partial abortions, the 9-11 victims (those suffering from post chemical exposure)... and so on and so on. Quite dreary I feel. But life has always been a struggle, its just sad that no matter how much man evolves, we are still primates in our sense of interaction and how we let our emotions take over our reasons.

On a different note, had a great week. I really enjoy teaching ASL on a regular basis. Plus I got finally most of my paperwork that I have been complaining about for months organize. I saw Jack a little wednesday night, we didnt go out to eat, instead visited some. It was nice. I am really enjoying the way things are going between us. I can appreciate the time we do spend together a lot more. And I am taking care of myself and making progress. Jack seems to be doing well, very busy and happy too. Im just relieved it worked out for the both of us. Luckily we hadnt even dated for a year so taking a step back and going from serious to casual has been relatively easy for the both of us. I think what we have now is what we wanted all along. At least for me it is.

Soon I am off to LaGuardia to take photos of tonights ASL events taking place at the Little Theatre. Then tomorrow I work from 1 to 3 30 and plan to do laundry afterwards. Trying to stay home and not spend money. Plus I want to hit the local library now that I finally found my library card.

ASL CST here I come!

Well its been about a year since I last took the ASL content specialty test here in NYC and I finally registered for it again for June 9th, I am feeling a lot more confident about taking the test this time around because I have been teaching ASL now for the past few years (but a lot more so recently).

Another good news is, Blondie and I will start a ASL pilot program in a Bronx's HS next week. Things are falling into place slowly but surely. I will meet with Rusty shortly for all the details.

Yesterday met up with Blondie to talk about the DVD curriculum and how we want to format it? Glad we have a whole month of May to plan this out to the last details. I want to do the best we can! Ronnie may come down and help too.

Tonight after work I will see my Sweets for sushi. We havent been seeing each other as frequently and its working in my favor because I have been much more productive with the extra time to myself. Sometimes I wonder if I am meant to be in a serious relationship these days? Its not Jack's fault that I am struggling to make my own stand and a decent living. I am glad he still wants to date, even if its only casually. I would miss him a lot if he decided that wasn't enough for him. He's a great guy and in spite of our many differences I am glad he has chosen to stay in my life :) I am starting to agree with Audrey Hepburn that couples are better off living next door to each other. I guess because I was in such a LTR in the past with my ex, I know what its like to be committed and having someone else's best interest in addition to mine but the problem now is I am too bogged down by my own crap/issues that I dont have much room for anyone else's... I know I have disappointed Jack because I don't have the focus right now for a serious relationship. I don't know if I ever will? All I do know is if Jack decided for any reason not to see me anymore, I would take a major break from dating in general. I just don't want to be serious with anyone these days. I have to be a selfish bitch and focus on me and me only. Ay yi yi, how to do this gracefully?

NYDT's Pool Tourney is OvER

Well the fundraiser I believe raised $1700, not bad at all considering we only had 14 individual players. That means we made $460 from the players registration, the rest we got from selling raffle tickets in the past 6 days. As for the players, we had a couple of hearies, they were nice even tho they couldn't communicate too well but we had several terps of hohs help with that. The rest of us were either deafies or signers. The tourney atmosphere was very low key. The players were all happy with our announcement at 5ish that we went from single eliminations to double eliminations. That meant the losers got a 2nd chance to redeem themselves. We had the space and the time, why not right?

I was the "official" authority at the event. Along with Cool-B, but basically it was me that people referred to for the bottom line rules such as issues related to scratches, legal breaks, etc etc.. It was fun, we had pool moderators in between the tables to keep an steady eye(s) on the games as they occurred. We had 8 tables to work with so it went very well. This photo is me in a cab on the way to the tourney itself, amazing how sunlight can change one's features :D

Our volunteers were an excellent bunch. I was pleased at their enthusiams and their professionalism at the task at hand. I wish to watch the footage from the event, very curious how well the camera picked up images when the location was so dim? Problem is, I'm suppose to edit but its on one of those mini cd/dvds and I don't think Mac is compatible with those and I'm sure as hell not gonna risk jamming one into my precious babieeeeeeeeeee so gotta come to TC tmw to use the media lab and speak to one of the tech geeks for help.

Having finished the NYDT pool tourney this past weekend, I am planning to now re-direct my enegery into the academic curriculum DVD that Blondie and I will start planning this week.

Hmm, what else is new? Not a whole lot, the weekend zoomed by quickly in spite of the record rainfall we had yesterday (a months worth of rain in 1 day!)

NYDT on the Brain!

Met up with Rusty and Blondie to discuss the curriculum DVD we will be developing starting in June. Right now we re at the planning stages for this project but it should be a good experience. And a nice addition to my film-making portfolio.

Made a major decision to today to stay put at my current apt instead of possibly moving in with Jack. See I promised myself after my 1st ex and I broke up that I would not live with a boyfriend again, only if I am married. Jack was so sweet to offer to let me stay with him to save money and I probably would save $$ but I don't think thats a good enough reason to do this. If we do get married down the road, I want to build a home together but not this way. Not because I'm struggling to make ends meet. Jack has enough to worry about, without me being a burden *he would argue I am not a burden* but I'm the one who has to live with myself. Now having decided that, I gotta create a workspace in my current apt where I am at now. I need an area to edit. I havent been editing because I dont have a place to do so. But gonna talk to my roommate this weekend about letting me have this one corner outside my bedroom that would be good to set up a little table and chair. I would even use a folding table to save space if needed.

NYDT fundraising is going along nicely. We have over $1300 in raffle prizes and cash prizes for our tourney winners. Been working on the program layout for Saturday and updating the forms as needed. Right now not much else is going on except NYDT and thats fine, I can get my life back after Saturday :)

Raffle-Mania!!

Friday night, Jack and I watched this great movie Nero. If you like ancient Roman history, this is the movie for you! This past weekend was bitterly cold so Szymanski and I hit Brooklyn Saturday but it was too cold to really shmy around. We went to the BeeHive Salon. We made an appt on the 20th to get our hair cut by "Queen Bees." We may move it to the 19th, see see. Then yesterday went to a NYDT meeting at Nutter's place where he made us waffles. Really it was the kind of weekend you expect in January not April!

Well as of today here's where NYDT's Pool Tourney stands at

Make up Consultation and complimentary gift products from Malin + Goetz ($200 value) courtesy of Miomia, www.shopmiomia.com
$125 Gift Certificate for Dop Dop Salon for wash and deep conditioning by Josie; www.dopdop.com
$100 Complimentary Pilate Session (at your home)
$75 Gift Certificate for Kyotofu (Boutique Dessert Restaurant); www.kyotofu-nyc.com
$75 Gift Certificate for Cake Man; www.cakemanraven.com
$65 Gift Certificate for Amsterdam Restaurant www.amsterdamrestaurant.com
$50 Gift Certificate for Massawa Restaurant (Ethiopian); www.massawanyc.com
$50 Gift Certificate for Eden Spa and Salon; www.edensalonspany.com
$50 Gift Certificate for Burgers and Cupcakes; www.burgersandcupcakes.us
$50 Gift Certificate for Stone Park Cafe; www.stoneparkcafe.com
$50 Gift Certificate for Che Bella’s Pizzeria; www.chebellapizza.com
$50 Gift Certificate for Night of The Cookers (Southern Restaurant) www.nightofthecooker.com
2 dozen cupcakes from Billy’s Bakery ($42 value); www.billysbakery.com Mary's Dairy Ice Cream Cake ($39 value) www.marysdairynyc.com
(2) Large Tee Shirts by De La Vega (valued at $38 each); www.delavegainternational.com
$25 Gift Certificate for Tees.com
(2) $25 Gift Certificate for 8th Street Lab; www.myspace.com/8thstreetlab
$25 Gift Certificate for Allan/Suzi (Vintage Store) www.allanandsuzi.net
$25 Gift Certificate for LiLac Chocolates; www.li-lacchocolates.com
$16 Bottle of Olive Oil from Fig & Olive; www.figandolive.com

For the pool players themselves;

1st place for Individual pool player is $200
2nd place for Individual pool player is a 1 month gym pass for David Barton Gym ($100 value) www.davidbartongym.com

1st place for Team pool players is $400
2nd place for Team pool players is two 1 month gym passes for David Barton Gym ($200 value) www.davidbartongym.com

So what are you waiting for?! Come to NYC DPHH's Banc Cafe at 431 3rd Avenue (near 30th Street) next Friday April 13th to buy raffle tickets. You don't even have to come to the tourney itself, we will contact you if you win anything. If you have any futher question, email at nydeaftheatre@gmail.com!

Raffle tickets cost the following
1 ticket $2
3 tickets $5
7 tickets for $10
20 tickets for $20
100 tickets for $50

not bad eh?

Conehead Sundaes

Last night was the 2nd night of Sedar. Jack was well enough so he decided to join us. I was very pleased to have my Sweets with us. My ex never came so he's my first boyfriend to celebrate Passover with me. The service was fun and the food, mighty good. I had two helpings of matzo ball soup. We informed the Rabbi that we needed to leave a little earlier due to the Law and Order CI "Silencer" being aired last night. We got home in plenty of time and waited for the countdown to 9pm.

At last 9pm rolled around. For the next hour I got in and out of my seat to show Baba which scene I was in and we did catch a glimpse of my head for a fleeting second here and there. Ironically I had several friends email me saying that saw me in this or that scene. Sadly tho it wasnt me. I was only in the scenes where its outside after the play ends (which was in the 1st section of the show) and then again later when Alexa has been informed of the shooting (its a shot from above the roof downward) I could also recognize Nutter in one scene where they were protesting outside the doctors office. I thought Dar did a great job as the character "Larry" being a deaf militant! One scene I thought was overly exagrarated was the scene with Hilary Bacck as the cousin with the baby. The bit about having a celebration gathering in honor of their deaf baby is not something I have ever seen within the deaf community myself. Unless this is a new trend among Deaf dynasty-like families?? But of course Hilary looked wonderful, Wailes smashing and Zuercher wide eye doe like. Its funny because all of the lead deaf roles are friends of mine who have been in my movies (Fraizer and Wailes), and I know Zuercher and Bacck as well :D Just goes to show how microscopic the deaf community truly is.

Today I spent with Mom, we went out to lunch and did some shopping. She is moving to a new apt in the same building but 1 floor up. Her old apt is right above the apt lobby and my Mom has supersonic hearing. It was driving her crazy! I like her new pad because there are more windows and she will have the peace she deserves. Ofc I had to swing by the thrift store like always and found some shirts for Sweets as well as a pair of jeans for myself. I also saw Nancy and Bobby for a bit. I plan to sell Nancy's quilts at the NYDT fundraiser.

Tmw Jack and I will pack up the car and meet up with Robviously and Nathan for lunch at Friendlys before driving back to NYC. I havent eaten there in ages. I miss the cone head sundaes. When I was a little girl I used to take all kinds of classes, tap, ballet, jazz, gymnastic etc etc and after the lessons would end my grandfather (Papa) would treat me to a conehead sundae every week. I still miss Papa a lot, found a note he wrote to me the day I left for MSSD back in 1989, he mustve been out of town but it was such a sweet note. Even tho its been 15 going on 16 years since he died, I still wish he was here. He wouldve loved Jack and how Jack is so responsible and does what needs to be done without any complaints. They wouldve been good friends.

"Silencer" Preview

Check out the NBC trailer video of tonight's episode "Silencer"

Happy Passover!

Law & Order "Silencer"

NYDT's Pool Tourney is really starting to pick up in terms of sponsors!!! I got two more on Saturday while out and about with Szymanski in the NYU/St. Marks area. The 8th Street Lab donated two gift certificates for $25 each and one independent artist also donated two tees with his work printed on em. We also hit the Pommes Frites on 2nd ave between 7th and 8th st for some Belgian fries. What's cool about this little FF shack is, you have your choice of 25 plus dipping sauces. We got the peanut satay sauce, the pesto sauce and then horseradish sauce, along with good old fashion ketchup, yummy! Another cool store we visited was called Giant Robot, I am hoping they will donate for NYDT's Pool tourney raffle as well *keep your fingers crossed!* I was suppose to go see 300 the movie but my Sweets wasn't up to going, still recovering from his dental surgery and that was fine by me. It gave me more chance to scout while out with Szymanski during the evening.

When I came home Saturday night, Jack and I watched A Perfect Storm. I love that movie. I just love movies about mother nature and her wrath. It was just nice to be with him.

Sunday met up with the NYDT's developing committee members for brunch at Art's Cafe, a little pricey but delicious. I drank like 4 flutes of mimosa and caught a little buzz by the time our "meeting" ended. Then I came back home to find that Jack had tidied up some of the apt and I finished the dishes and got the place in decent shape before we hit the road to PA. We also stopped by his storage to put some of my crap away (Jack figured if I have less crap at my place, it will be less likely to get cluttered.) Only time will tell.

We arrived to PA to find Baba in great spirits and had a lovely dinner of salmon steaks, spinach souffle and yams. YUMMY!

Today Jack and I were lazy bums, we slept most of the day. Me because it was the first day I had to myself in so long and for him to get the rest he needed from the surgery last Thursday. Now its 2am and we're both wide awake. Well I am kinda tired but will keep him company for a little longer.

Tonight was the 1st night of Passover, tmw night I will go to Temple with Baba, Mom and Uncle David for the 2nd night of Sedar. I love going to this event yearly and missed last year due to my surgery. That's right its been a year since I had my melons reduced to oranges. It was one of the most painful thing I ever went thru but my back doesn't act up like it used to and my clothes fit me right. I still have some visible scarring but I don't care because it was worth it to me.

Don't forget to tune in tmw night at 9pm on NBC for Law and Order:CI Silencer. If you see a girl in a long black winter coat with a gray hat and pink mitts, thats me! My scenes were all outdoors so maybe you'll catch a fleeting moment of me? Who knows but I am so excited for Alexa, this is her 2nd Law and Order series she's done. Hooray!

Basking in the Sun

Being a true LEO at heart, I am soaking in the warmer weather and sunlight filled days like today. I feel energetic and wanting to be outside as much as possible. Stopped by work to print out forms. Then went to Szymanski for a mid afternoon lunch (thanks to the printer not cooperating with me!) Joe Joy happened to join us and it was so nice to sit in the dinning area of her apt with the windows open and the view of the street. Just a lovely day.

Later I rendezvous with Nutter for a mini stragetic planning for NYDT. He was on his way to Knob's MET tour but unfortunately I couldnt go due to other commitments. That commitment was my Sweets last min dental surgery on Thurs a.m.. Yep, I was Florence Nightingales for a change, and I was glad to be able to be there for him. He is recovering just nicely and it was sweet how Baba and my friends emailed me yesterday and today checking up on him. We are very fortunate to have so many people care about our well being.

Stopped by Blondie's apt, just missed her by mere minutes. Instead hung out with Cain for a bit before hitting Zabars and Circuit City and then home to be with Sweets. The NYDT's Pool Tourney is coming along too, got a new gift certificate today for the raffle, whee... we're at $1,000 + value in prizes as of now, and it will continue to grow in the next two weeks!

Snagged two sponsors!!

It must be the beautiful weather but today while I was on break from Media services, I went to the nearby restaurants seeking sponsors for NYDT's 1st Annual Pool Tournament and already scored two $50 gift certificates and have 4 more to follow up in the next two days :) King also has been very successful and there's tmw as well to try.

Yesterday the twins were very hyper, it was hard to get them to sit still for me to teach them ASL. But overall they've seemed to have finally mastered their colors. Part of the reason why they struggle so much is they are 3 years old and they had a hard time identifying the colors, so how could they remember which sign was right for which color? Nyhoo they are now doing great with their verb/action signs.

Seems possible that Blondie and I will be teaching a pilot ASL program at a Bronx HS later in April for 2xs a week? We will have our confirmation within the next several weeks. I also got contacted for a different job as well. Funny for the past 3 months, work has been so slow, and now everyone is trying to reach me for possible employment. Its always that way, either everyone calls or the phone never rings...

Sweets and I are doing so good. Our communication skills have been slowly but surely improving. Sometimes we don't realize the consequence of our actions and how they affect those who loves us. We are learning to check in with each other to help avoid miscommunication which often leads to hurt feelings. I am so lucky Jack is willing to try and not say "My way or the Highway!" He will come with me to PA this Sat and stay till Monday. That way I can spend some time with Mom by myself. Mom's health hasnt been so good so I am anxious to visit with her during the Passover.

Had to cancel plans tonight with Szymanski due to a editing project I promised King I would complete for her after work ends. Provided the equipment works once we get the cleaning solution. Right now my shitty 1ccd dv camera will not read the mini dv tapes so Jack thinks the head needs to be cleaned and will pick up cleaning stuff today for me to use tonight. Otherwise I am SOL.

I am LOVING this beautiful weather, my energy level is through the roof. I MUST get a light box for next winter to help me with my depression during the winter time when there is less light.

Ronnie may come to town with her son and stay at my place during the NYDT's pool tourney, she will let me know soon if she can definitely make it or not. I know its kinda hard for her as she just moved into her new house only a week or two ago and she and her sweetie are still settling in with the baby. I would love for her to come but will understand if she can't make it?

Hmm what else.. been mad crazy with trying to get the website email contact form working correctly and will add two more short films to the site as well. One from LaGuardia Community College and one from the Teacher's College last year.

Nyhoo, go out and enjoy the sunshine!

Meet "Through Deaf Eyes" Producers!

Meet the Producers of the Film Through Deaf Eyes; Also View Clips 4/7

The New York Public Library is pleased to announce that we will be having a screening of clips from the new documentary film, Through Deaf Eyes, Followed by a discussion/q&a session with the director/producer, Lawrence Hott, as well as the co-producer and film editor, Diane Garey.

The event will take place at the Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 5th Avenue (southeast corner of E. 40 St.)

Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 2:30 P.M.

A team of interpreters will be present for ASL/voice interpreting.

Just am

Woke up on and off last night (kinda in a daze today). Not sad, mad or happy, just am. This weekend I finally got a lot of the apt organized. Some of my stuff will go into Sweet's storage space to free up more room at my place. We didn't go dancing last Sat night, it was rainy and cold. Everyone kinda agreed it wasnt the right now for dancing, so Sweets and I went and visited with Cain and Blondie.

Yesterday I spent the afternoon in Soho with King, trying to find sponsors for NYDT. We made some progress and then met up with the others for Indian dinner (vegeterian) and it was good! I was surprised cuz I normally don't like vegeterian food. Then when I got home, Joe Joy swung by for a few hours. We got a chance to really catch up and gab. Sweets joined us a little while later. After Joe Joy left, Sweets and I got into this dumb argument. We have been doing very good lately but every now and then we relaspe. That's normal but at least it wasn't a major fight nor are we upset about it today. We agreed it was stupid and to forget about it. I agree, some things are best left alone.

Lately Sweets has been running now that the weather is warmer. I am not much of a runner but I figure I'll try jogging with him sometime soon. I myself prefer to bike ride but I have no bike and there's really not many places to ride in Manhattan without dealing with the cars and pedestrians.

Tmw before I go to my 3pm appt, I plan to do some editing, havent edited in weeks! Bad I know. Between work, my apt being a mess and NYDT havent had much time for editing. I gotta start scheduling in the time. I dont like to edit at the end of the day when my mind is tired. I prefer when I wake up or in the afternoons, early evening but not after a LONG day out and about.

Hmmm.... not a whole lot new is happening. I am so looking forward to going to PA this Saturday for Passover.

*1 train rumbles by*

Most of the time, I can feel the train when I am watching tv at my apt. Its kinda neat cuz I see the 1 trains go by all the time from my living room window. Before I moved here I used to ride the 1 train (past this location) on my way home to either Washington Heights or Harlem. I would look at the buildings thru the train windows, wondering who lived there. Now I wonder if someone else on the train is doing what I used to do before I moved here?? And I'm looking right back out at them, wondering instead, "Who's riding the trains?"

Been missing my old job as a resident advisor. Working with the kids, helping them with their homework, scheduling sports, drama and other activities. Celebrating the holidays with them. I contacted my old job on Wednesday to leave a msg for three friends/former co workers. I learned one of them isnt there anymore. It made me wonder what happened and why he left? I hope the other two actually get the msg? See see. I am conflicted when it comes to working in a school environment. On the one hand I LOVE kids and doing things with them, be it homework or an art project. Its all good. Then on the other hand, there's all these policies (the evil adminstration) and the famous red tape. Plus the unsigned fear of being accused of something such as sexual abuse or what have yous? I mean its sad but there are some sick enuff pre teens out there that could tell someone their staff at the deaf school did X on X day... even if it turns out the kid has lied for its own revenge, then what? Your name is ruined anyways. Doesn't matter if you worked at the school for years and years, once you have been accused of something in the lines of sexual abuse and within or near an educational setting, youre doubly screwed. Sad how deaf schools and schools in general has gotten to this point.

Nyhoo, THROUGH DEAF EYES was excellent. I was so impress how many areas it touched on, history, culture, ASL, controversial issues, etc etc. I may have not liked all of the people who were asked to speak during the special but a majority of them I felt did a good job representing what and how many of us feel. I thought it was done tastefully and I am glad to have had a chance to see it with Blondie and Szymanski. I will also add that there were some parts that for me were hard to watch because it hit so close to home. Not in a bad way (sometimes) but overall you just feel better knowing you are one of MANY who go thru the same things. The same old tired song and dance when it comes to methods of communication and cultural participations within the Deaf and hearing worlds.

Saw Nutter a little while ago, discussed what kind of presentation materials we want to use and how to present it. We're gonna have some mock practice during Sunday's brunch. Which means for me, that tmw night, when a bunch of us are gonna go dancing, I gotta be home at a reasonable hour. That way when I go to brunch on Sunday late morning, I don't alarm the NY residents with my raccoon eyes and pale white skin. As for tmw night's dancing, I am looking forward to it. All except getting dress for it. I still got some winter weight to shed. I know, I know, everyone has to do damage control from the holiday eatings. But the older you get, the worse it seems. Every spring around this time, everyone is muttering about their weight.

This morning starting gathering all the little things, bits of makeup, business cards, lotion, knick knacks etc etc. Ive piled them on the table in the living room and have seriously either got to throw some away or pack away some of it. I am trying for the minimalist approach for a change... sorta, kinda, well I am gonna try. Or as Yoda says "There is no try. Only do."

Kung Fu Anyone?

Blondie has been raving about this Deaf Ninja video and its very good to watch, a lot of usage of Classifiers and NMM. Also this is an older video on Stick Figures Kung Fu Fighting.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, my mood has been improving. Spent some time with Blondie earlier. We will be doing a DVD together over the summer and already agreed to meet up Saturday night to get an outline going and some ideas down on paper.

Also tonight at 9pm, Through Deaf Eyes will be on PBS. Do watch it if you can! Szymanski and I plan to catch it tonight at my place.

Tmw I will meet Nutter at 1pm to go out and about to seek gift certificates or prizes for the NYDT fundraiser. I sure hope we score some excellent goodies??

Wonder Woman!!!

I have no idea whats being said but still fun to watch if you are a WONDER WOMAN fan :D This girl takes her comics pretty seriously.

By the way, BIG time props to Ronnie, Baba, Jack and Peeps ;P

Out of focus

Forgot my ADD med this morning and my mind is everywhere except where it needs to be! Focus on paperwork and media related work today. I just have a bad case of spring fever and long to be on a bicycle out and about!

This past weekend was slow, mostly indoors due to the snow and cold weather. Brought a filing cabinet finally at Target last Friday when I was with Sweets. We also had Greek food for lunch, yummy! Now I know where to get my Greek fixs when I need it.

Saw Szymanski and Joe Joy Friday night. It was good to catch up with them and the usual BS. Then I worked Saturday morning, teaching, yep I typed it, morning! Last night was the weekly NYDT meeting. I did modify some of the needed forms already but its hard to do it when my mind is like a monkey, jumping all over the place.

Kinda in a shitty mood today, dunno why? Well probably cuz there's hardly any work for me to make ends meet :( Kinda tired of the struggle of make money, pay bills and still have none leftover... yikes, tmw will be better I hope!

Gay sheeps...

What's the difference between a "straight" sheep and a "gay" sheep? A straight sheep wears wool while a gay sheep wears Cashmere ;) One of my advance ASL student came up with that joke tonight, cute I know.

Been busy sending out resumes for FT jobs for next fall but not much luck in getting any bites. I also have been working a lot on forms for NYDT. Its interesting work and I am glad to be a part of the "developing" committee to help revamp NYDT.

Poor King locked out last night at her apt, paged me around 1 am asking if I was still awake, of course I was and I offered her my couch to crash on. She got to my place close to 2am. Thank goodness for sidekicks/cell phones. Otherwise us deafies would be SOL.

Tmw got a couple of appts and plan to see my Sweets as well. I am itching for a two tier filing cabinet to organize my paper work. I am buried in piles of clutter...

Some days you get the bear.

And other days the bear gets you...

Minnesota's Deaf Shootings & Suicide

Curt Slater was recently shot by a guy name Paul Koster who then killed himself. Ridor speculates it could be based on infidelity issues on the Koster's behalf. Man what can I say? I knew Curt back at MSSD. We weren't friends but we weren"t enemies. Overall I never thought he was a very nice guy. But I didn't know him as an adult. Kinda forgot about him till tonight when I saw his name on Ridor's blog. You can read more about it at wwco.

I think the last few times I saw Curt was on Gally campus mid 90s when I transferred there from Pitt University. I feel very bad for the little girl who has to grow up around this. It'll probably be another "Dupree" syndrome...

Reminded me about that one deaf guy who killed I think a woman about 4 or 5 years ago. I think he was originally from Boston but the murder may have taken place elsewhere. He was 2 or 3 years ahead of me at MSSD. I only knew him a short while. I saw him about a year before he committed the muder(s) at a coffee/bar house in DC..He was smoking cigerrattes just like he did back in HS.. I was friendly with him, he was very tall and skinny. That one surprised me more than Curt above.

One last thing, as I was reading the comment's left on Ridor's blog about Curt Slater I was kinda surprised at the backlash. I mean come on, this story was gonna leak out one way or another. You know what they say in the hearing world "Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game!"