Hi All!
Another day, another walk and another swim. The walk was ridiculously sweaty! I guess that is bound to happen when it is in the upper 80s at 7:00 A.M.! The swim was heavenly. The water was nice and cool (they must be adding water every morning to keep it cool) and I had the pool all to myself. I upped the lap count by one to 17 (!) and it felt good. I feel stronger each day I swim.
Of course, then I have to walk home and get all sweaty again!
Watering the flowers helps a bit since I can "accidentally" spray myself when I get too hot.
Mom pointed out that I didn't tell you all that I did buy a new oven to replace the clean, dead one. It has to be ordered because I am terribly unfashionable and want white instead of stainless steel (all of my other appliances are white and I don't want mismatched appliances AND I just don't fancy stainless steel too much. I know - that makes me a bit of a freak but . . . they just remind me too much of industrial cafeterias!). Anyway- the oven will be here - eventually! Until then it is a bakeless life for Hubby and me!
Speaking of Hubby. Last night he said something that triggered a memory for me.
We were watching a show called something like "Rick's Restorations" or something. Anyway - the man who does the restorations, Rick, apparently fascinated Hubby. He said "That guy just seems like a neat guy. I like him."
That comment - the "neat" part - reminded me of hearing my dad, the high school principal, talk about this kid or that kid and say that they were "neat." He would always say this with such admiration that I wanted to be a "neat kid" too. I wanted someone to look at me and say I was a "neat kid" with admiration - the way my Dad said it about these other kids.
Now, I am not saying that this has been the guiding principle of my life - to be "neat-" but, it has always been there in the back of my mind somewhere. Even when I was messing up colossally (and I do everything in a big way!). I wanted to make a positive impression on someone, somehow.
For a long time, I thought that I would make an impression as a teacher. I thought that parents and kiddos would look back on their time in my class and think that I was a "neat" teacher. Well, I am not really sure that I met that mark. Yes, I do have many students who still remember me fondly but did they think I was "neat?" I just don't know.
Once the whole teaching thing was taken from me due to my "dance" with SD, I found myself floundering in so many ways. In the midst of trying to deal with my voice and its sudden demands on my time and consciousness, I struggled with wanting to do something that people would appreciate and admire.
During my most intense dance with SD I was dedicated to spreading the word about SD to people. I started up a podcast to let people hear someone with an SD voice. Then I started this blog. The purpose for the blog was to talk about SD. Maybe, just maybe I could help someone with their own SD dance and they could (possibly!) think I was "neat."
However, both the podcast and the blog (at least the part focused on SD) lost momentum as my voice got better and more and more people expressed doubt about me even having SD. This really knocked the legs out from under me. I found myself struggling with all kinds of self-doubt and feelings of anger and frustration. I had worked so hard and so darn long to improve my voice and as soon as it was better (through the grace of God and a lot of hard work with a FABULOUS speech therapist) people had the nerve to tell me to my face that they thought I was a fake!
Definitely not thinking I was "neat," were they?
After much self-examination, I decided to veer away from my SD mission. Yes, I still have SD. I STILL HAVE SD. It won't go away. Even though my voice is WONDERFUL, I still have SD. Just stress me out or make me upset and you will hear the SD come right in to lead the dance!
Now I am trying, once more, to find something to do with my life that might make a favorable impression. A lasting impression. I am training to be an American Sign Language Interpreter. Sign language fascinated me and I like being able to communicate with Deaf people. However, I find myself struggling. Is this really what I should be doing? This summer, with its medicine issues, has kept me from really working on my ASL skills (which really need work!). Now I am thinking . . . is this the way I want to go? Will I ever be able to do this?
Am I just trying to do something that other people will think is "neat" or am I doing something that I really like?
Can't people just think I am "neat" because of who I am? Does it have to be dependent on what I do?
Trisha
Voice Update: I am pleased to say that I am back on top of the game with my massage. I haven't been doing too many exercises and I probably should be since I am not really talking to many people (and thus exercising my voice) this summer. It seems like there is always something else I "should" be doing! However, it is all worth it in the end if my voice keeps rockin' and rollin' right?
Showing posts with label sign language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sign language. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
What To Do? What To Do?
Hi All!
In the insanity that is my mind, much has been happening lately. As you know, I am preparing to go to the NSDA National Symposium this weekend and this means getting a presentation about podcasting ready to go. Also, I am in the midst of project central for my ASL classes. One project is pretty much complete - that is the Americans with Disabilities presentation. Another project . . . well, let's just say that it is moving a bit lethargically.
What might that project be, you ask? Well, it is taking a book and converting it into an ASL play. This task has many inherent problems since there are four people working together to complete the task. First, all four people must agree upon a book to convert. Next, the four people must read the book so that they know what it is about. Then, the four people must meet and hash out a script for the play. Finally, the four people must meet and rehearse the play prior to presenting it in class.
Doesn't that sound like fun? At least we have agreed upon a book - Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I am positive that it will make for an interesting play once we get to that point. Currently, I am only on the third chapter. Oh well - it will make good airplane reading!
Anyway - back to the mess that is my brain. One thing that has been floating around in there for quite a while is the need to figure out just what in the world I will be doing with the rest of my life.
In case you don't know, or have forgotten, I used to teach elementary school. My "dream job," which I spent five and a half years doing, was teaching fifth graders in a magnet program for highly gifted students. I loved that job. Unfortunately, I was required to quit teaching because of the onset of Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia. After all, it is tough to teach when you have no voice!
I really enjoy teaching - all levels and all ages. It really feels right to me when I am teaching someone something. I am good at teaching and have a gift to help people learn so . . . I would like to continue teaching.
However, my voice is pretty "fragile" and really can't handle talking all day long - which is something that is required when teaching. Also, listening to my friends who are still teaching . . . the paperwork and the "baloney" which teachers must endure is becoming ever greater each year. I could really do without all of that hassle!
Add to the fray the fact that I am taking American Sign Language and really, really enjoy it. In my brain all of this is mixing and mixing . . . and mixing. Maybe I could teach Deaf children? I could also continue classes and become an ASL interpreter but . . . that isn't where my heart is leading.
The only thing about becoming a teacher of the Deaf is that it would require that I get ANOTHER Master's degree. My mind rebels quite loudly at the thought of spending more time in classrooms learning more stuff (which I probably already know anyway) and spending more money which I am not earning.
When I think about it . . . a sense of dread looms up from my toes and overtakes my chest making it slightly difficult to breath freely.
What to do? What to do?
Trisha
Voice Update: Speech today! I am sure that Susan will work ALL of the crunch out of my throat as she prepares me for my presentation on Friday. Doesn't that sound like fun? I wonder how long my neck will be sore!
In the insanity that is my mind, much has been happening lately. As you know, I am preparing to go to the NSDA National Symposium this weekend and this means getting a presentation about podcasting ready to go. Also, I am in the midst of project central for my ASL classes. One project is pretty much complete - that is the Americans with Disabilities presentation. Another project . . . well, let's just say that it is moving a bit lethargically.
What might that project be, you ask? Well, it is taking a book and converting it into an ASL play. This task has many inherent problems since there are four people working together to complete the task. First, all four people must agree upon a book to convert. Next, the four people must read the book so that they know what it is about. Then, the four people must meet and hash out a script for the play. Finally, the four people must meet and rehearse the play prior to presenting it in class.
Doesn't that sound like fun? At least we have agreed upon a book - Agatha Christie's The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I am positive that it will make for an interesting play once we get to that point. Currently, I am only on the third chapter. Oh well - it will make good airplane reading!
Anyway - back to the mess that is my brain. One thing that has been floating around in there for quite a while is the need to figure out just what in the world I will be doing with the rest of my life.
In case you don't know, or have forgotten, I used to teach elementary school. My "dream job," which I spent five and a half years doing, was teaching fifth graders in a magnet program for highly gifted students. I loved that job. Unfortunately, I was required to quit teaching because of the onset of Abductor Spasmodic Dysphonia. After all, it is tough to teach when you have no voice!
I really enjoy teaching - all levels and all ages. It really feels right to me when I am teaching someone something. I am good at teaching and have a gift to help people learn so . . . I would like to continue teaching.
However, my voice is pretty "fragile" and really can't handle talking all day long - which is something that is required when teaching. Also, listening to my friends who are still teaching . . . the paperwork and the "baloney" which teachers must endure is becoming ever greater each year. I could really do without all of that hassle!
Add to the fray the fact that I am taking American Sign Language and really, really enjoy it. In my brain all of this is mixing and mixing . . . and mixing. Maybe I could teach Deaf children? I could also continue classes and become an ASL interpreter but . . . that isn't where my heart is leading.
The only thing about becoming a teacher of the Deaf is that it would require that I get ANOTHER Master's degree. My mind rebels quite loudly at the thought of spending more time in classrooms learning more stuff (which I probably already know anyway) and spending more money which I am not earning.
When I think about it . . . a sense of dread looms up from my toes and overtakes my chest making it slightly difficult to breath freely.
What to do? What to do?
Trisha
Voice Update: Speech today! I am sure that Susan will work ALL of the crunch out of my throat as she prepares me for my presentation on Friday. Doesn't that sound like fun? I wonder how long my neck will be sore!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Meeting Flea
Hi All!
Well, I did it! I met Flea yesterday as she made her way from her home to visit her grandmother! How exciting! This was the first time I met a blogger friend in real life! Now I can tell Hubby that I do know Flea - I have met her!
We met at La Madeline's - a French bistro like restaurant which serves a mean breakfast as well as nice lunches. The desserts are really good - especially the fruit tart - but, I did give up desserts for Lent and I am sticking to it!
Flea showed me her smocking projects and I have to tell you - they are even more beautiful in person! Flea is one talented blogger!
Oh - I should tell you that Flea was surprised by how young I am (not that I am THAT young). She says that I look much older in my Blog picture. What do you think?
Today I have speech so we will see how I have been doing with everything lately. I am always a little nervous about my speech appointments. I am not really sure why!
After speech . . . I might take a nap with these two.
Well, I did it! I met Flea yesterday as she made her way from her home to visit her grandmother! How exciting! This was the first time I met a blogger friend in real life! Now I can tell Hubby that I do know Flea - I have met her!
We met at La Madeline's - a French bistro like restaurant which serves a mean breakfast as well as nice lunches. The desserts are really good - especially the fruit tart - but, I did give up desserts for Lent and I am sticking to it!Flea showed me her smocking projects and I have to tell you - they are even more beautiful in person! Flea is one talented blogger!
Oh - I should tell you that Flea was surprised by how young I am (not that I am THAT young). She says that I look much older in my Blog picture. What do you think?
Today I have speech so we will see how I have been doing with everything lately. I am always a little nervous about my speech appointments. I am not really sure why!
After speech . . . I might take a nap with these two.
Oh - I planted moonflower seeds yesterday and today I am going to pick up some tomato plants on my way home from speech. My garden is starting to shape up!
By the way- I still have a TON of moonflower seeds. Who wants me to send them some? If you want some, email me at the address on my profile!
Trisha
Voice Update: I think I am doing pretty well - we will see what Susan thinks. The NSDA National Symposium is coming up and I am getting excited!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Unexpected Visitor
Hi All!
It has been a busy, busy weekend for me. There was the support group meeting. Then I needed to get busy on Destination Imagination stuff. Then last night I was invited to go bowling and out to eat with two friends from class and two deaf guys they had met.
It was a neat chance to interact with Deaf people. We bowled (actually, I watched since my fingers REALLY don't like bowling too much) and then went to Chipotle for dinner. The guys were young (as were the other girls I was with) and were really nice. It was fun. However, I didn't get home until about 10:40 last night. A late night for an old person like me!
On Sunday, while I was trudging through DI stuff in the living room, Hubby walked into the kitchen, stopped short, and told me that we had a visitor. It was this guy.
Our local hawk! This picture isn't the best but I was moving up towards the window trying not to frighten him so he wouldn't fly away. It didn't work too well since he flew away about five seconds after I snapped this shot. He (or she) was pretty amazing. Of course, there were no other birds in the area. Gee - I wonder why!
Today will continue my busy week - which I don't think will end until after this weekend when the DI tournament is over. I have some homework for class to finish up, I have a lunch with my friend M and her daughter. I need to grocery shop so there is food in the house! Doesn't that sound like fun? Stay tuned for updates because I think I just might go nuts this week!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still going strong thanks to massage and exercises!
It has been a busy, busy weekend for me. There was the support group meeting. Then I needed to get busy on Destination Imagination stuff. Then last night I was invited to go bowling and out to eat with two friends from class and two deaf guys they had met.
It was a neat chance to interact with Deaf people. We bowled (actually, I watched since my fingers REALLY don't like bowling too much) and then went to Chipotle for dinner. The guys were young (as were the other girls I was with) and were really nice. It was fun. However, I didn't get home until about 10:40 last night. A late night for an old person like me!
On Sunday, while I was trudging through DI stuff in the living room, Hubby walked into the kitchen, stopped short, and told me that we had a visitor. It was this guy.
Our local hawk! This picture isn't the best but I was moving up towards the window trying not to frighten him so he wouldn't fly away. It didn't work too well since he flew away about five seconds after I snapped this shot. He (or she) was pretty amazing. Of course, there were no other birds in the area. Gee - I wonder why!Today will continue my busy week - which I don't think will end until after this weekend when the DI tournament is over. I have some homework for class to finish up, I have a lunch with my friend M and her daughter. I need to grocery shop so there is food in the house! Doesn't that sound like fun? Stay tuned for updates because I think I just might go nuts this week!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still going strong thanks to massage and exercises!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Mother Nature is Fickle!
Hi All!
Do you recall my post from yesterday? I was waxing poetic about Spring? My walk had revealed all kinds of signs that Spring had "sprung." Well, let me tell you, Mother Nature is certainly a fickle lady. During my walk, the weather was lovely, the sun was shining, the wind wafting gently and the day promised to be wonderful.
NOT!
The day turned out to be a bit chilly and overcast! By the time I got to my classes at around 1:30, the day even looked like it might rain! It was cold enough to warrant the wearing of a jacket and a long sleeved shirt. Where was the lovely Spring day I had seen hints of in the morning?
*sigh!*
Anyway - classes were fun. I handed in two papers (Well, to be perfectly honest, they were the SAME paper printed twice with different cover pages for two different classes. It is fine - the teachers said I could do it. I swear!) and had my homework done and was feeling fine. It was a good day for learning ASL!
I took pictures of my teachers to show Mom and here is my Deaf Culture teacher, Kelly (on the left) and my friend Beth (on the right) signing "I love you, Mom!"
Quickly changing gears . . . here is a visitor to my birdfeeder. He stayed around for a long time just sitting and swinging while all puffed up against the grey, ugly day. Redwinged Blackbirds are frequent visitors to our feeders but this one if the first I have seen for a long time.
Maybe Spring will really show up today!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing really well. Of course, I am going to Speech today so I can give you the full update from the professional tomorrow. I HAVE been doing my massage and exercises!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Presentation . . . Complete!
Hi All!
Thank you all for your good wishes. I am feeling much better today after a good night's sleep only interrupted by two annoying kitties. Hubby just trotted out the door to have blood drawn for his doctor's appointment next week, the kitties are fed, I have a nice glass of orange juice on the desk and I am ready to blog!
After a long weekend of waiting, I FINALLY got my presentation for ASL 3 done. In fact, despite feeling rather bad, I volunteered to go first! A few times I was corrected by the teacher but he does it so nicely - compared to last semester's teacher - that I don't mind his corrections at all. About halfway through my presentation, my teacher's evaluator came into the room with an interpreter. It is very, very weird to be signing and have someone in the room voicing, albeit in a whisper, what you are signing. Strange! At least I didn't have any embarrassing topics to sign about. One poor woman had to sign about the prevention of AIDS and condoms and sex. She was NOT comfortable doing that with the evaluator in the room!
Anyway, I think that I did pretty well. Some of the other students said that I sign fast but I couldn't get them to tell me if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Oh well. The teacher, Henry (who is also the head of the ASL department, by the way) had a few things to correct at the end of the presentation but over-all I am relieved. The only bad thing is that because this was out first presentation, Henry said he would give everyone an a. So- how am I supposed to know how I did? At least now I won't be so nervous about presenting in front of the class and Henry!
In addition to the presentation, I also turned in a video of myself signing a magazine article. My article was about the increase in the population of wild turkeys (really!) and how they are starting to cause problems by entering suburban areas. These turkeys are huge - they can stand 4 feet tall - and can be very dangerous since they can peck and get you with their feet as well. In fact, one family has a hole in their door (a small one) where turkeys have pecked their way through!
Now, I HATE videoing myself but it is a requirement for fingerspelling class. I turned in the turkey article and got back the first video I turned in - twenty sentences with numbers and fingerspellings. Worth a total of twenty points, I got a nineteen. Not too bad! It seemed like a lot of work for only twenty points but who am I to quibble?
The college bookstore FINALLY got the last two books I needed in stock! I bought them for a ridiculously high price but by now I was willing to pay almost anything to get the darn things! Now I can do my homework! YEAH!
Last night Hubby bought a chicken and sides from Boston Market for dinner and had it waiting for me when I got home. If you haven't tried "the Market," you should. The chicken was moist and flavorful and the sides . .. well, you can never go wrong with mashed potatoes in my book. Besides, Hubby and I met at "the Market!"
It was a pretty good day despite the whole stomach issue. Of course, we did have a tense moment or two when it looked like a tornado might be headed out way. Hubby and I gathered the kitties and took shelter in our closet under the stairs for about half an hour. While not the most fun thing I have ever done it did give me a chance to play with the crank powered radio! We also formulated a better plan on just how to get kitties into the closet if and when we ever need to take shelter again.
Luckily, the tornado, if there was one, didn't come into our area and we only got some torrential rain and strong winds out of the whole thing. I know some people in southern Oklahoma got hit with tornadoes as well as some people in other parts of Texas. I hope they are doing well today.
Trisha
Voice Update: My throat is a bit "crunch" again and that is never a good sign but I persist with the massage so hopefully, that will help. My voice is good with hardly any pauses or misses. I did have some problems in Deaf Culture class when everyone was talking in groups and a member of my group needed me to repeat something. Darn!
Thank you all for your good wishes. I am feeling much better today after a good night's sleep only interrupted by two annoying kitties. Hubby just trotted out the door to have blood drawn for his doctor's appointment next week, the kitties are fed, I have a nice glass of orange juice on the desk and I am ready to blog!
After a long weekend of waiting, I FINALLY got my presentation for ASL 3 done. In fact, despite feeling rather bad, I volunteered to go first! A few times I was corrected by the teacher but he does it so nicely - compared to last semester's teacher - that I don't mind his corrections at all. About halfway through my presentation, my teacher's evaluator came into the room with an interpreter. It is very, very weird to be signing and have someone in the room voicing, albeit in a whisper, what you are signing. Strange! At least I didn't have any embarrassing topics to sign about. One poor woman had to sign about the prevention of AIDS and condoms and sex. She was NOT comfortable doing that with the evaluator in the room!
Anyway, I think that I did pretty well. Some of the other students said that I sign fast but I couldn't get them to tell me if that was a good thing or a bad thing. Oh well. The teacher, Henry (who is also the head of the ASL department, by the way) had a few things to correct at the end of the presentation but over-all I am relieved. The only bad thing is that because this was out first presentation, Henry said he would give everyone an a. So- how am I supposed to know how I did? At least now I won't be so nervous about presenting in front of the class and Henry!
In addition to the presentation, I also turned in a video of myself signing a magazine article. My article was about the increase in the population of wild turkeys (really!) and how they are starting to cause problems by entering suburban areas. These turkeys are huge - they can stand 4 feet tall - and can be very dangerous since they can peck and get you with their feet as well. In fact, one family has a hole in their door (a small one) where turkeys have pecked their way through!
Now, I HATE videoing myself but it is a requirement for fingerspelling class. I turned in the turkey article and got back the first video I turned in - twenty sentences with numbers and fingerspellings. Worth a total of twenty points, I got a nineteen. Not too bad! It seemed like a lot of work for only twenty points but who am I to quibble?
The college bookstore FINALLY got the last two books I needed in stock! I bought them for a ridiculously high price but by now I was willing to pay almost anything to get the darn things! Now I can do my homework! YEAH!
Last night Hubby bought a chicken and sides from Boston Market for dinner and had it waiting for me when I got home. If you haven't tried "the Market," you should. The chicken was moist and flavorful and the sides . .. well, you can never go wrong with mashed potatoes in my book. Besides, Hubby and I met at "the Market!"
It was a pretty good day despite the whole stomach issue. Of course, we did have a tense moment or two when it looked like a tornado might be headed out way. Hubby and I gathered the kitties and took shelter in our closet under the stairs for about half an hour. While not the most fun thing I have ever done it did give me a chance to play with the crank powered radio! We also formulated a better plan on just how to get kitties into the closet if and when we ever need to take shelter again.
Luckily, the tornado, if there was one, didn't come into our area and we only got some torrential rain and strong winds out of the whole thing. I know some people in southern Oklahoma got hit with tornadoes as well as some people in other parts of Texas. I hope they are doing well today.
Trisha
Voice Update: My throat is a bit "crunch" again and that is never a good sign but I persist with the massage so hopefully, that will help. My voice is good with hardly any pauses or misses. I did have some problems in Deaf Culture class when everyone was talking in groups and a member of my group needed me to repeat something. Darn!
Friday, February 6, 2009
All That For Nothing . . .
Hi All!
Remember all the hassle my procrastination caused me? I rushed around like a crazy person and worked and reworked my paper and my Powerpoint. I sweated over my AOL Gloss paper making sure that I had the right number of each specific kind of sign. Forgoing lunch, I headed to the lab early to practice my presentation and to learn the signs I didn't know.
While not feeling really prepared, I was resigned to the fact that I was as prepared as I was going to be. Class came and I sat at my desk nervously only comforted slightly by the fact that I knew every other person in class was just as nervous. After the professor told us how he would evaluate our presentations and all of that vital information, the presentations started.
Only THREE students gave their presentations before the end of class. THREE! I was not one of the THREE! Now I have to wait until Tuesday! I have MORE time to sweat and stew and refine and tinker. Great!
Today I am going to attempt to show you some sign language using the movie function on my camera. I don't know how this is going to work yet so . .. be patient and please, please, please, ignore the fact that I have no make-up on! I will give you a transcript of what I sign so you know what is going on.
Remember all the hassle my procrastination caused me? I rushed around like a crazy person and worked and reworked my paper and my Powerpoint. I sweated over my AOL Gloss paper making sure that I had the right number of each specific kind of sign. Forgoing lunch, I headed to the lab early to practice my presentation and to learn the signs I didn't know.
While not feeling really prepared, I was resigned to the fact that I was as prepared as I was going to be. Class came and I sat at my desk nervously only comforted slightly by the fact that I knew every other person in class was just as nervous. After the professor told us how he would evaluate our presentations and all of that vital information, the presentations started.
Only THREE students gave their presentations before the end of class. THREE! I was not one of the THREE! Now I have to wait until Tuesday! I have MORE time to sweat and stew and refine and tinker. Great!
Today I am going to attempt to show you some sign language using the movie function on my camera. I don't know how this is going to work yet so . .. be patient and please, please, please, ignore the fact that I have no make-up on! I will give you a transcript of what I sign so you know what is going on.
Transcript: Hi! My name is Trisha. I live in Texas. I took up ASL because I have a voice problem called Spasmodic Dysphonia. It isn't bad. It doesn't hurt at all. ASL interests me. I learn a lot about Deaf culture and I meet nice Deaf people. If you are interested in ASL, you should take up ASL classes. Ok. Bye!
Now wasn't that a hideous video of me? Oh well! Enjoy!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still truckin' right along. I am still doing my massage in the car despite the odd looks I get from people. Last night, in Deaf Culture class, I remembered to turn my body towards the movie screen while we watched a video. If I only turn my neck, I usually end up with a stiff neck that complicated everything! The joys of SD!
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Working, Working, Working . . .
Hi All!
Well, today is the day my presentation is due in class and so I am working like a busy little beaver. What? Oh . . . I guess because I am blogging right now I am not exactly working at the moment. Let me restate. . .
Well, today is the day my presentation is due in class and so I have been working like a busy little beaver. Is that better? Okay!
Did I mention that I have been busy? First, I researched my topic (The Pros and Cons of Easy Access to Information and Communication). There is a LOT of stuff on the Internet that is almost,but not quite, what I wanted. Having to narrow things down was quite a challenge! Next, I wrote my paper. This wasn't too hard because I have been doing papers for classes for years and years! This one included footnotes and references. Fun! Then, I worked on my PowerPoint keeping it succinct and making sure that I didn't overload people with the content. After that, I started planning what I would actually say during the presentation. Since the teacher wants us to basically say the same thing as our paper . . . I went back and forth to get everything in the presentation. While doing the presentation part I had to be aware of requirements to include - this was the frustrating part of the whole thing!
You see - in ASL classes, they teach you various things and then expect you to include them in your next presentation even if your topic isn't conducive to using those particular things! Hence the struggle. However, I believe that I finally, after much angst, got everything included. I hope.
Today I need to get to the ASL lab early so I have plenty of time to have someone work with me to refine my presentation. I don't know all of the signs I need! Yikes! I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS TODAY!!!!!!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still on track with the massage. My throat has been really dry lately making talking a bit difficult.
Well, today is the day my presentation is due in class and so I am working like a busy little beaver. What? Oh . . . I guess because I am blogging right now I am not exactly working at the moment. Let me restate. . .
Well, today is the day my presentation is due in class and so I have been working like a busy little beaver. Is that better? Okay!
Did I mention that I have been busy? First, I researched my topic (The Pros and Cons of Easy Access to Information and Communication). There is a LOT of stuff on the Internet that is almost,but not quite, what I wanted. Having to narrow things down was quite a challenge! Next, I wrote my paper. This wasn't too hard because I have been doing papers for classes for years and years! This one included footnotes and references. Fun! Then, I worked on my PowerPoint keeping it succinct and making sure that I didn't overload people with the content. After that, I started planning what I would actually say during the presentation. Since the teacher wants us to basically say the same thing as our paper . . . I went back and forth to get everything in the presentation. While doing the presentation part I had to be aware of requirements to include - this was the frustrating part of the whole thing!
You see - in ASL classes, they teach you various things and then expect you to include them in your next presentation even if your topic isn't conducive to using those particular things! Hence the struggle. However, I believe that I finally, after much angst, got everything included. I hope.
Today I need to get to the ASL lab early so I have plenty of time to have someone work with me to refine my presentation. I don't know all of the signs I need! Yikes! I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS TODAY!!!!!!
Trisha
Voice Update: Still on track with the massage. My throat has been really dry lately making talking a bit difficult.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Procrastination
Hi All!
Ever since I can remember, I have been plagued with the propensity to procrastinate (and to alliterate!). Being very "head strong (stubborn?? No way!)" I found that procrastination put me in control of things I didn't want to do.
The teacher wants me to write a boring report of mythology? I don't want to do it so . . . put it off until the last possible minute and then cram to get it done.
Somehow, the teacher never figured out that it was done hastily. I had gotten away with it so I continued to practice procrastination. Or course, I totally understood that procrastination wasn't a good thing. I don't particularly like the pressure of knowing something is coming up and that I might not have time to finish my project properly. Much of the pressure came from the expectations others had for my performance. I was expected to do great things - creative, interesting, unique.
It is a lot of pressure to have people expect that kind of thing from you! The dislike of the pressure and the fear that I wouldn't live up to the expectations pushed me deeper into the world of procrastination. If I don't have to think about it . . . I don't have to worry about it. Right?
Wrong. Sort of. I am able to forget about projects for short periods of time but then they start to creep into the edges of my thoughts. They invade my dreams and wake me in the night. Then they decline to allow me to drift off to sleep again and keep me up, tossing and turning, while details of the project run endlessly through my head.
Currently, I am in full procrastination mode about a paper and presentation I need to finish for my ASL 3 class on Thursday. I am nervous about the presentation so I have put it off. Now that the time is running out and I am faced with limited time to both create and practice the presentation . . . I am feeling pressured!
I should tell you that as I have matured I have become much better with procrastination. Normally, I do things ahead of time now - even things I would rather not do at all. I have learned that procrastination - and the sleepless nights that come with it - isn't exactly my favorite past time. Take my classes - I am ahead in every single class and on every single project - except this one.
And what am I currently doing? Procrastinating by blogging, of course!
Trisha
Voice Update: Not too much to say - things are still going well. I am going to have to cancel my speech session for this week so I can stay home for the plumbers. Hubby said he would take another day off of work but he has already taken a bunch lately so . . . I am biting the bullet and taking one for the team!
Ever since I can remember, I have been plagued with the propensity to procrastinate (and to alliterate!). Being very "head strong (stubborn?? No way!)" I found that procrastination put me in control of things I didn't want to do.
The teacher wants me to write a boring report of mythology? I don't want to do it so . . . put it off until the last possible minute and then cram to get it done.
Somehow, the teacher never figured out that it was done hastily. I had gotten away with it so I continued to practice procrastination. Or course, I totally understood that procrastination wasn't a good thing. I don't particularly like the pressure of knowing something is coming up and that I might not have time to finish my project properly. Much of the pressure came from the expectations others had for my performance. I was expected to do great things - creative, interesting, unique.
It is a lot of pressure to have people expect that kind of thing from you! The dislike of the pressure and the fear that I wouldn't live up to the expectations pushed me deeper into the world of procrastination. If I don't have to think about it . . . I don't have to worry about it. Right?
Wrong. Sort of. I am able to forget about projects for short periods of time but then they start to creep into the edges of my thoughts. They invade my dreams and wake me in the night. Then they decline to allow me to drift off to sleep again and keep me up, tossing and turning, while details of the project run endlessly through my head.
Currently, I am in full procrastination mode about a paper and presentation I need to finish for my ASL 3 class on Thursday. I am nervous about the presentation so I have put it off. Now that the time is running out and I am faced with limited time to both create and practice the presentation . . . I am feeling pressured!
I should tell you that as I have matured I have become much better with procrastination. Normally, I do things ahead of time now - even things I would rather not do at all. I have learned that procrastination - and the sleepless nights that come with it - isn't exactly my favorite past time. Take my classes - I am ahead in every single class and on every single project - except this one.
And what am I currently doing? Procrastinating by blogging, of course!
Trisha
Voice Update: Not too much to say - things are still going well. I am going to have to cancel my speech session for this week so I can stay home for the plumbers. Hubby said he would take another day off of work but he has already taken a bunch lately so . . . I am biting the bullet and taking one for the team!
Friday, January 23, 2009
I Told Them So!
Hi All!
Yesterday was the second day of classes for me - and I survived! I must admit that taking three classes, all back-to-back makes for a LONG day! This situation was compounded by the fact that every single clock in the darn place was WRONG! I was in four different rooms and each clock had a different time! Supposedly the clocks are the atomic clocks which reset themselves automatically but - they must need new batteries! Frustrating.
As I was leaving the building from my last class, Deaf Culture, I encountered a rather large group of people near the doors. Recognizing several of the people, I stopped and asked what was going on.
It turns out that the group had just come out of ASL 2 with my "favorite" teacher (remember my experiences with her from last semester????) and they were upset. Mad. Disgruntled. The group was brainstorming ways to approach the dean of the college and the head of the ASL department to voice their displeasure.
What were they so upset about? The teacher, of course! Apparently, she has said some things that directly contradict what they were taught in ASL 1 (which was taught by a Deaf person, by the way). Also, she allegedly told the class one thing and they went to ask the head of the department. When he said she was wrong and confronted her, she then claimed to have never told the class the wrong information.
There was also a rumble of dissatisfaction with the way the teacher signs. When she signs, she sort of "talks" along with the signs. This is annoying several of her students and this was only the second class of the semester.
When the group was done telling me what they were upset about, they then asked me what it was like for me in this teacher's class last semester. I told them the truth - that I basically ended up just gutting it out for the semester in order to get through the class. They didn't seem too excited about the prospect of sitting in the class all semester.
What can I say other than "I told you so!"
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing pretty good. I did my massage yesterday. Drainage from Mountain Cedar allergies are sort of mucking things up at the moment. Darn those trees!
Yesterday was the second day of classes for me - and I survived! I must admit that taking three classes, all back-to-back makes for a LONG day! This situation was compounded by the fact that every single clock in the darn place was WRONG! I was in four different rooms and each clock had a different time! Supposedly the clocks are the atomic clocks which reset themselves automatically but - they must need new batteries! Frustrating.
As I was leaving the building from my last class, Deaf Culture, I encountered a rather large group of people near the doors. Recognizing several of the people, I stopped and asked what was going on.
It turns out that the group had just come out of ASL 2 with my "favorite" teacher (remember my experiences with her from last semester????) and they were upset. Mad. Disgruntled. The group was brainstorming ways to approach the dean of the college and the head of the ASL department to voice their displeasure.
What were they so upset about? The teacher, of course! Apparently, she has said some things that directly contradict what they were taught in ASL 1 (which was taught by a Deaf person, by the way). Also, she allegedly told the class one thing and they went to ask the head of the department. When he said she was wrong and confronted her, she then claimed to have never told the class the wrong information.
There was also a rumble of dissatisfaction with the way the teacher signs. When she signs, she sort of "talks" along with the signs. This is annoying several of her students and this was only the second class of the semester.
When the group was done telling me what they were upset about, they then asked me what it was like for me in this teacher's class last semester. I told them the truth - that I basically ended up just gutting it out for the semester in order to get through the class. They didn't seem too excited about the prospect of sitting in the class all semester.
What can I say other than "I told you so!"
Trisha
Voice Update: Still doing pretty good. I did my massage yesterday. Drainage from Mountain Cedar allergies are sort of mucking things up at the moment. Darn those trees!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Classes and Crock Pot Crash
Hi All!
Yesterday I started a new semester of classes at the community college. I am taking three classes, all related to American Sign Language, in an effort to further my progress in the program so that IF I go back to work next school year I can continue taking relevant classes. There are two "background" kind of classes which need to be taken and so I am taking those, Finger spelling and Deaf Culture, along with ASL 3.
All three classes are basically back-to-back-to-back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is convenient for me. I can get all three out of the way at one time without having to worry about going on different days. A few focused hours and . .. done!
While attending ASL 1 and ASL 2, I have met many of the other ASL students in the program but last night, I met a LOT more. Two of my classes are packed to the gills with 23 and 24 students. Most of these students are people I have never met. Since I am not really comfortable with meeting new people (even though people think I am really outgoing, I sort of quake inside at the thought of meeting new people), last night was an interesting time for me. Luckily, in two of my classes, there is at least one other student from my ASL 2 class - the teenager. It is nice to have a familiar face!
Now that I have the first day out of the way I can settle in to the homework I have for Thursday. Fun, fun! I will be reading A LOT this semester and spending a LOT of time in the ASL lab! I am required to have 20 hours for each of two classes for a grand total of 40 hours! Of course, I have 30+ hours last semester for ASL 3 so it shouldn't be too much more effort. I hope.
Do you cook in a crock pot? I never do but I tried to yesterday. Why, you may ask, don't I cook in a crock pot when it is SOOOO convenient? Well, Hubby is afraid that the house will burn down if I leave the thing on while we are both at work and since that was for the large part of our life together, I have gotten out of the habit of thinking of the crock pot. Yesterday, Hubby was out of town and I had a beef roast just begging to be made and I had classes all afternoon/evening. So, I got out the crock pot.
First, I browned the roast on all sides, seasoned it, and added water and orange juice (I don't know why the OJ - I just like the flavor it gives the roast).. I put the whole shebang on the base and set the temp to medium low while I was home in the morning. After an hour or so, I added cut up potatoes and carrots. I checked the whole thing before leaving for class and it seemed to be doing fine. I turned the temp to low and left - for nine hours.
When I got home, the house smelled wonderfully like roast beef. My mouth watered in anticipation. Then . . . I was disappointed. The beef was done but the potatoes and carrots were half cooked and half hard. Where did I go wrong?
I decided to cut up the roast and potatoes and cook it some more today to make a beef stew. I will thicken the liquid and, hopefully, it will turn out yummy.
Oh - I just want to say that this week - since it is my first back to school and with Hubby away - is a bit wacky so if I don't get a comment posted at your blog, forgive me and be patient! I am reading but don't have the time to type!
Trisha
Voice Update: I have speech today. I say that with a bit of a nervous feeling. Despite the fact that I HAVE been doing my massage and exercises pretty regularly lately (right?) my throat is a bit "crunchy." Normally, that is a sign that I haven't been massaging. I am worried that Susan is going to think that I have been slacking when I haven't! I don't know if the allergy bout I have been dealing with has caused some of the crunchiness or not. I have been sneezing a LOT lately and some of the sneezes seem to reach my throat. Also, I have drainage that causes me to cough -I try not to since coughing isn't good for your vocal cords (it isn't good for even healthy cords, by the way) but sometime I wake up coughing. I guess I will have to wait and see what Susan says.
Yesterday I started a new semester of classes at the community college. I am taking three classes, all related to American Sign Language, in an effort to further my progress in the program so that IF I go back to work next school year I can continue taking relevant classes. There are two "background" kind of classes which need to be taken and so I am taking those, Finger spelling and Deaf Culture, along with ASL 3.
All three classes are basically back-to-back-to-back on Tuesdays and Thursdays, which is convenient for me. I can get all three out of the way at one time without having to worry about going on different days. A few focused hours and . .. done!
While attending ASL 1 and ASL 2, I have met many of the other ASL students in the program but last night, I met a LOT more. Two of my classes are packed to the gills with 23 and 24 students. Most of these students are people I have never met. Since I am not really comfortable with meeting new people (even though people think I am really outgoing, I sort of quake inside at the thought of meeting new people), last night was an interesting time for me. Luckily, in two of my classes, there is at least one other student from my ASL 2 class - the teenager. It is nice to have a familiar face!
Now that I have the first day out of the way I can settle in to the homework I have for Thursday. Fun, fun! I will be reading A LOT this semester and spending a LOT of time in the ASL lab! I am required to have 20 hours for each of two classes for a grand total of 40 hours! Of course, I have 30+ hours last semester for ASL 3 so it shouldn't be too much more effort. I hope.
Do you cook in a crock pot? I never do but I tried to yesterday. Why, you may ask, don't I cook in a crock pot when it is SOOOO convenient? Well, Hubby is afraid that the house will burn down if I leave the thing on while we are both at work and since that was for the large part of our life together, I have gotten out of the habit of thinking of the crock pot. Yesterday, Hubby was out of town and I had a beef roast just begging to be made and I had classes all afternoon/evening. So, I got out the crock pot.
First, I browned the roast on all sides, seasoned it, and added water and orange juice (I don't know why the OJ - I just like the flavor it gives the roast).. I put the whole shebang on the base and set the temp to medium low while I was home in the morning. After an hour or so, I added cut up potatoes and carrots. I checked the whole thing before leaving for class and it seemed to be doing fine. I turned the temp to low and left - for nine hours.
When I got home, the house smelled wonderfully like roast beef. My mouth watered in anticipation. Then . . . I was disappointed. The beef was done but the potatoes and carrots were half cooked and half hard. Where did I go wrong?
I decided to cut up the roast and potatoes and cook it some more today to make a beef stew. I will thicken the liquid and, hopefully, it will turn out yummy.
Oh - I just want to say that this week - since it is my first back to school and with Hubby away - is a bit wacky so if I don't get a comment posted at your blog, forgive me and be patient! I am reading but don't have the time to type!
Trisha
Voice Update: I have speech today. I say that with a bit of a nervous feeling. Despite the fact that I HAVE been doing my massage and exercises pretty regularly lately (right?) my throat is a bit "crunchy." Normally, that is a sign that I haven't been massaging. I am worried that Susan is going to think that I have been slacking when I haven't! I don't know if the allergy bout I have been dealing with has caused some of the crunchiness or not. I have been sneezing a LOT lately and some of the sneezes seem to reach my throat. Also, I have drainage that causes me to cough -I try not to since coughing isn't good for your vocal cords (it isn't good for even healthy cords, by the way) but sometime I wake up coughing. I guess I will have to wait and see what Susan says.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Shopping Cart Rescue
Hi All!
Well, Hubby is off on his business trip and I am looking forward to the roast which is bubbling away in my crock pot - something Hubby doesn't like to eat. The cats don't know that he is gone yet because they think he just went to work as normal. It will be interesting to see how they react tonight. This is the first time Skor will have experienced Hubby being gone with me still being home.
In preparation for my week alone, Hubby and I went to Wal Mart yesterday. We really went because Hubby rented a car for the journey from the Budget rental place in Wal Mart and I had to take him to get the car. Since we were there anyway . . . we decided to pick up a few things.
Isn't it always that was at Wal Mart?
Well, while shopping, Hubby and I had the dubious pleasure of escorting a shopping cart up and down the aisles. This, by the way, was not one of those shopping carts that smoothly and quietly went about its business of collecting miscellaneous items. No, this cart was bound and determined to make its presence known to all shoppers near and far. It wasn't losing its rubber wheel like a shopping cart we had a while ago but, for some reason, one of its wheels loudly protested any movement in any direction.
Hubby and I were accompanied by a loud "thump . . . thump . . . thump . . ." as we walked peppered with the occasionally skidding sound as the affected wheel simply refused to spin at all and let its co patriots push it along.
*sigh* It is at times like this that my most frequent fantasy comes to life.
No - it isn't one of THOSE fantasies! In this fantasy, I am a shopping cart rescue person - similar to a dog or cat rescue person. I troll the stores for shopping carts in distress and whisk them off to my truck waiting in the parking lot. Next, I hurry the ailing cart to my cozy workshop when I fix its broken down wheels and feed it a good diet of lubricating oil. I give the cart a thorough bath, making sure to scrape off the sticker residue on its handle and the gum from its basket. A warm blow dry with a brisk towel buff is the final step before I take the cart back to its natural environment and set it free.
If I were on the job, there would be significantly fewer "injured" carts out there demanding attention and the world of stores would be nicer and safer for everyone.
However, I realize just how fanciful this fantasy is when Hubby and I maneuver the thumping cart out of the store, across the horrendously bumpy tile in the entryway, and out to the parking lot. As we walk to our car we near another shopper pushing her cart up the row with her cart adding a nice "thump . . . thump . . . thump . . ." in syncopation to ours.
Poor shopping carts!
I walked today after a week of "loafing." It felt good to be back in the swing of things. However, I did not get my weight routine done. My eyes are really bothering me this mornings so, after my walk, I flushed them with solution and rested for about 15 minutes prior to getting on the computer to IM with Mom.
I hope my eyes calm down quickly - today is my first day back to classes at Collin County Community College and I have THREE classes all in a row to attend. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I can't wait to go to the bookstore to buy my new books but I hope I can handle three classes. I am a little out of shape for such a heavy class schedule!
Wish me luck!
Trisha
Voice Update: I did my exercises yesterday and my voice seems pretty good. I will have to make sure I get my exercises and massage in between classes today while I am "at school!" How fun will that be? With Hubby out of town I won't have people to talk to at night so I think I will need to be making some phone calls in the evenings (well, on Wednesday because on Tuesday and Thursday I will be in class until 8:30).
Well, Hubby is off on his business trip and I am looking forward to the roast which is bubbling away in my crock pot - something Hubby doesn't like to eat. The cats don't know that he is gone yet because they think he just went to work as normal. It will be interesting to see how they react tonight. This is the first time Skor will have experienced Hubby being gone with me still being home.
In preparation for my week alone, Hubby and I went to Wal Mart yesterday. We really went because Hubby rented a car for the journey from the Budget rental place in Wal Mart and I had to take him to get the car. Since we were there anyway . . . we decided to pick up a few things.
Isn't it always that was at Wal Mart?
Well, while shopping, Hubby and I had the dubious pleasure of escorting a shopping cart up and down the aisles. This, by the way, was not one of those shopping carts that smoothly and quietly went about its business of collecting miscellaneous items. No, this cart was bound and determined to make its presence known to all shoppers near and far. It wasn't losing its rubber wheel like a shopping cart we had a while ago but, for some reason, one of its wheels loudly protested any movement in any direction.
Hubby and I were accompanied by a loud "thump . . . thump . . . thump . . ." as we walked peppered with the occasionally skidding sound as the affected wheel simply refused to spin at all and let its co patriots push it along.
*sigh* It is at times like this that my most frequent fantasy comes to life.
No - it isn't one of THOSE fantasies! In this fantasy, I am a shopping cart rescue person - similar to a dog or cat rescue person. I troll the stores for shopping carts in distress and whisk them off to my truck waiting in the parking lot. Next, I hurry the ailing cart to my cozy workshop when I fix its broken down wheels and feed it a good diet of lubricating oil. I give the cart a thorough bath, making sure to scrape off the sticker residue on its handle and the gum from its basket. A warm blow dry with a brisk towel buff is the final step before I take the cart back to its natural environment and set it free.
If I were on the job, there would be significantly fewer "injured" carts out there demanding attention and the world of stores would be nicer and safer for everyone.
However, I realize just how fanciful this fantasy is when Hubby and I maneuver the thumping cart out of the store, across the horrendously bumpy tile in the entryway, and out to the parking lot. As we walk to our car we near another shopper pushing her cart up the row with her cart adding a nice "thump . . . thump . . . thump . . ." in syncopation to ours.
Poor shopping carts!
I walked today after a week of "loafing." It felt good to be back in the swing of things. However, I did not get my weight routine done. My eyes are really bothering me this mornings so, after my walk, I flushed them with solution and rested for about 15 minutes prior to getting on the computer to IM with Mom.
I hope my eyes calm down quickly - today is my first day back to classes at Collin County Community College and I have THREE classes all in a row to attend. I am nervous and excited all at the same time. I can't wait to go to the bookstore to buy my new books but I hope I can handle three classes. I am a little out of shape for such a heavy class schedule!
Wish me luck!
Trisha
Voice Update: I did my exercises yesterday and my voice seems pretty good. I will have to make sure I get my exercises and massage in between classes today while I am "at school!" How fun will that be? With Hubby out of town I won't have people to talk to at night so I think I will need to be making some phone calls in the evenings (well, on Wednesday because on Tuesday and Thursday I will be in class until 8:30).
Friday, December 12, 2008
I'm Done, I'm Done, I'm Done!
Hi All!
Well - my ASL 2 class is OVER! I am done with ASL 2 and with that teacher and with all of that nonsense! Done, done, done!
You can't tell that I am excited or anything can you?
It was actually a rather pleasant experience. The test wasn't too hard - except for that first sentence in the receptive section. The sentence used a sign for Shakespeare which no one in the class remembered. That means that there were five blank faces staring back at the teacher when she signed that sentence. To her credit, she did try to help us out by giving us a few hints. It didn't work.
After the test four of us hung around and had a little "party." We brought food - SHE brought sandwiches and plates and napkins, etc. It was really nice. One of us (one of the favorites) had to leave right after finishing the test because her cousin was having a baby. The rest of us hung out until everyone was done and then chatted and the teacher even told us what the receptive sentences were.
SHE was surprisingly friendly. (For those of you confused about who SHE is - SHE is a woman who, at the beginning of class, just was nasty to me. SHE mellowed quite a bit during the progression of the semester but . . . .) To my shock, SHE even hugged everyone when they left class for the last time. EVEN ME! Wow!
I guess SHE isn't so bad - just very, very STRANGE!
Next topic -
I would love to "freshen" up my site a bit and need some help/advice. How in the world do you create new headers? What program do you use? How big does it need to be? Help, help, help!
Trisha
Voice Update: I did it. Yesterday, I kept to my new routine and massaged three times (once in the parking lot of the grocery store) and did the inhale "e" routine three times. This was hard to do because my neck is SORE from Susan's ministrations on Wednesday. It is still sore today but I am determined to keep going with my routine until it is just a habit. Wish me luck and - if I lag - kick me in the rear!
Well - my ASL 2 class is OVER! I am done with ASL 2 and with that teacher and with all of that nonsense! Done, done, done!
You can't tell that I am excited or anything can you?
It was actually a rather pleasant experience. The test wasn't too hard - except for that first sentence in the receptive section. The sentence used a sign for Shakespeare which no one in the class remembered. That means that there were five blank faces staring back at the teacher when she signed that sentence. To her credit, she did try to help us out by giving us a few hints. It didn't work.
After the test four of us hung around and had a little "party." We brought food - SHE brought sandwiches and plates and napkins, etc. It was really nice. One of us (one of the favorites) had to leave right after finishing the test because her cousin was having a baby. The rest of us hung out until everyone was done and then chatted and the teacher even told us what the receptive sentences were.
SHE was surprisingly friendly. (For those of you confused about who SHE is - SHE is a woman who, at the beginning of class, just was nasty to me. SHE mellowed quite a bit during the progression of the semester but . . . .) To my shock, SHE even hugged everyone when they left class for the last time. EVEN ME! Wow!
I guess SHE isn't so bad - just very, very STRANGE!
Next topic -
I would love to "freshen" up my site a bit and need some help/advice. How in the world do you create new headers? What program do you use? How big does it need to be? Help, help, help!
Trisha
Voice Update: I did it. Yesterday, I kept to my new routine and massaged three times (once in the parking lot of the grocery store) and did the inhale "e" routine three times. This was hard to do because my neck is SORE from Susan's ministrations on Wednesday. It is still sore today but I am determined to keep going with my routine until it is just a habit. Wish me luck and - if I lag - kick me in the rear!
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Kitty at Play and Speech
Hi All!
Here is Skor in his self-imposed "kitty jail." He jumped into the hamper and the lid closed. He couldn't figure out how to get out. Doesn't he look peeved?
Here is Skor in his self-imposed "kitty jail." He jumped into the hamper and the lid closed. He couldn't figure out how to get out. Doesn't he look peeved?
And yet - do you think he will learn from this? I doubt it!
On to Speech. Well, I had an appointment yesterday for the first time in about a month (due to the holiday, etc.). Let me just say that Susan was NOT happy with my voice. Like I have been saying - it isn't doing really well. I have been having a lot of breaks, etc. Well, I got a good tongue lashing about how my recovery has been miraculous but that I can't just rest on my laurels (not exactly her words) now. I need to keep up a routine to make sure that my voice is at its best and so it doesn't backslide.
The thing that Susan really emphasized was the massage. When my larynx gets tight it makes talking harder and that just snowballs into "bad voice."
Of course, I KNOW all of this. I KNOW it but I procrastinate and don't DO it!
Well, I have been properly chastised and now I am determined to get myself on a good routine of massage and exercises three times a day (at least) with the "thumper" massager at least three times a week.
Hopefully, that will improve the state of things and keep my voice at its best.
Tonight is the last part of my ASL final. This is the written test covering history and grammar rules as well as the receptive part where the teacher signs things and we have to write down what she says. Doesn't that sound like fun?
Several of you have mentioned you would like to see me tell a story in ASL - I might get up the gumption to actually record something for you.
Trisha
Voice Update: It is better - I did some major massage yesterday with Susan and then I also did a session at home myself. On to the routine!!!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Back in Business - So to Speak!
Hi All!
I am back! For those of you who noticed that I didn't blog for a couple days . . .I am still alive. It was just some computer issues that Hubby and I had to take care of. For those of you who didn't notice . . .thanks a lot!
Here is the story in a nutshell. On Saturday, Hubby was streaming the Mount Union College football game when the computer just started acting nuts. He kept getting kicked out of the internet. For a couple of days he messed around trying to fix the problem himself. On Monday Hubby finally broke down and called the computer people who took over the computer and fixed it. On Tuesday morning, I wasn't sure if it was finished being fixed or not so I didn't blog. Today - I know it is fixed so, here I am!
Last night was the expressive part of my ASL final exam. That means that I "got" to tell a story to the teacher (and class) to be graded. I did pretty well - everyone in the class except for HER understood the story and laughed at all the right places. Of course, SHE didn't even try to understand my story so . . .nuts to her. The whole class was interesting considering that we had to evacuate the building twice due to fire alarms and the fact that it was literally freezing outside! Luckily, our class is small and we didn't have to actually do our test while the alarms were still going off (they went off for about 45 minutes the first time). Some classes were taking written finals and had to take them during the noise and chaos!
My friend "T" from class called me afterwards to tell me that she thought my story was the best of the class. Of course, I didn't get the best grade in the class - we only knew the grades that the two of us got but she got much better than I did. Typical for the teacher. I knew going in that there was no way that I was going to do really well. I will probably end up with an A in the class but . . . what a hassle it has been! At least Thursday is the last day. I think I might even study a little bit today for the test.
Last night while I was trying to fall asleep I thought it would be a good idea for the ASL department to publish vodcasts (podcasts with video) for the ASL students to be able to access at home for additional practice. In my dreamy state I even thought it might be a good job for me - editing the video and getting it online. Of course, I doubt that they have money to pay me and the college probably has tech people who could/would do the editing, etc. I still think it would be a good idea.
Then I thought that I should be getting busy on a new podcast of my own. I thought of a good title - "Can You Hear Me Now?" I think it will be a review of the info about the amplified phone and the microphone for people who may have missed it. I still need to get in touch with the doctor who gave the lecture at the NSDA symposium to see if I can use the recording I made on a podcast. I should probably do that today!
Later this afternoon I have speech - the first time in about a month. It should be interesting. My throat is not too loose and I am still having some "skips" in my voice. I don't think Susan will be too happy with me. Oh well!
I am sure that there are other things I wanted to "talk" to you about when I couldn't blog but . . . I can't think of anything else at the moment. I hope everyone is doing well and I will be trying to catch up a bit on my blog reading.
Trisha
Voice Update: I already told you I had speech today. I have been having problems with the unvoiced "p, h, and c's" and my throat has been awful tight. I am sure that Susan will "beat me up" by massaging my throat today. I wonder if I will be sore all week. Maybe I will get my thumper massager out and try to loosen things up a bit before I go.
I am back! For those of you who noticed that I didn't blog for a couple days . . .I am still alive. It was just some computer issues that Hubby and I had to take care of. For those of you who didn't notice . . .thanks a lot!
Here is the story in a nutshell. On Saturday, Hubby was streaming the Mount Union College football game when the computer just started acting nuts. He kept getting kicked out of the internet. For a couple of days he messed around trying to fix the problem himself. On Monday Hubby finally broke down and called the computer people who took over the computer and fixed it. On Tuesday morning, I wasn't sure if it was finished being fixed or not so I didn't blog. Today - I know it is fixed so, here I am!
Last night was the expressive part of my ASL final exam. That means that I "got" to tell a story to the teacher (and class) to be graded. I did pretty well - everyone in the class except for HER understood the story and laughed at all the right places. Of course, SHE didn't even try to understand my story so . . .nuts to her. The whole class was interesting considering that we had to evacuate the building twice due to fire alarms and the fact that it was literally freezing outside! Luckily, our class is small and we didn't have to actually do our test while the alarms were still going off (they went off for about 45 minutes the first time). Some classes were taking written finals and had to take them during the noise and chaos!
My friend "T" from class called me afterwards to tell me that she thought my story was the best of the class. Of course, I didn't get the best grade in the class - we only knew the grades that the two of us got but she got much better than I did. Typical for the teacher. I knew going in that there was no way that I was going to do really well. I will probably end up with an A in the class but . . . what a hassle it has been! At least Thursday is the last day. I think I might even study a little bit today for the test.
Last night while I was trying to fall asleep I thought it would be a good idea for the ASL department to publish vodcasts (podcasts with video) for the ASL students to be able to access at home for additional practice. In my dreamy state I even thought it might be a good job for me - editing the video and getting it online. Of course, I doubt that they have money to pay me and the college probably has tech people who could/would do the editing, etc. I still think it would be a good idea.
Then I thought that I should be getting busy on a new podcast of my own. I thought of a good title - "Can You Hear Me Now?" I think it will be a review of the info about the amplified phone and the microphone for people who may have missed it. I still need to get in touch with the doctor who gave the lecture at the NSDA symposium to see if I can use the recording I made on a podcast. I should probably do that today!
Later this afternoon I have speech - the first time in about a month. It should be interesting. My throat is not too loose and I am still having some "skips" in my voice. I don't think Susan will be too happy with me. Oh well!
I am sure that there are other things I wanted to "talk" to you about when I couldn't blog but . . . I can't think of anything else at the moment. I hope everyone is doing well and I will be trying to catch up a bit on my blog reading.
Trisha
Voice Update: I already told you I had speech today. I have been having problems with the unvoiced "p, h, and c's" and my throat has been awful tight. I am sure that Susan will "beat me up" by massaging my throat today. I wonder if I will be sore all week. Maybe I will get my thumper massager out and try to loosen things up a bit before I go.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Workin' Up to a Panic Wednesday
Hi All!
First of all, I should clarify something. When I said that I LOVE being videotaped, it was meant to be literally dripping with sarcasm. Personally, I hate being videotaped but I have learned that it is a part of ASL classes so . . .
Speaking of class, the "test" is over. Now just the final to do (and, I need a story to prepare for the expressive part of the test and just have no clue what to talk about!) and I am free!
A question for you, during the test, the teacher asked each of us which of the other students in our class we felt was "behind." Do you think that is ethical to ask students? I had a real problem with that question and so I turned it into which student I think is the "best." The teacher didn't seem to mind.
Okay - tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am working up to the panic mode. I should mention that tomorrow's dinner will only be for four (my parents, Hubby and me). The big family meal will be Saturday when my brother and his family (wife and two kids) come down from Oklahoma. My panic is not about tomorrow. I have that under control. It is about Saturday.
Chris H - you may want to stop reading now. I am going to talk about food for a bit. I promise it is only for a couple paragraphs.
I need to go grocery shopping today to pick up all of the stuff I need for dinner tomorrow and Saturday. Then I need to figure out when I am going to make all of the food for dinner tomorrow and Saturday. Is it too early to make pumpkin pie tomorrow for Saturday? What about rolls? And just what in the heck is "stuffing bread?" I am supposed to get some for my stuffing but have no clue! What about twice baked potatoes. How far in advance can I make those things? Should I make the spiced pecans I read about in Oprah's magazine and some cake balls? I know I can do that in advance. I am thinking pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting for the cake balls - do you think that would be a good combo? Covered in Chocolate?
Is it too early to panic?
Okay Chris H - I am done talking about food. I promise!
Today I have a friend and her daughter stopping by before the three of us go out to lunch. This is a friend who I taught with briefly and whose daughter I had in my fifth grade class. They are fabulous people and have stood beside me during my terrible voice days. They are excited to meet Skor. I just hope that he doesn't run away from them when they get here!
When my parents arrived Miss Cleo, normally the scaredy-cat of the pair, came out and got petting right away while Skor ran around the house like a nervous-nelly. Weird! I am happy that Miss Cleo is becoming a bit less anxious but what in the world is up with Skor? When Dad got out the fishing pole toy Skor was his best friend but, once the toy was away, he didn't want to go near Dad!
Cats, what do you do with them (and please don't tell me that you kill them or kick them or any other bad thing! Miss Know-it-all in class has given me enough of that for a lifetime. She even found a shirt in a magazine which said "I like cats. I just can't eat a whole one by myself." Gross!)?
Trisha
Voice Update: Can you say FRUSTRATING? I am really having issues with h's and p's and other assorted consonants. Interestingly, c's seems to be a problem as well. That is new. I am digging out Mr. Timer and getting to work. I did record a podcast episode inspired by my voice problems though. I hope to get it out today or Friday.
First of all, I should clarify something. When I said that I LOVE being videotaped, it was meant to be literally dripping with sarcasm. Personally, I hate being videotaped but I have learned that it is a part of ASL classes so . . .
Speaking of class, the "test" is over. Now just the final to do (and, I need a story to prepare for the expressive part of the test and just have no clue what to talk about!) and I am free!
A question for you, during the test, the teacher asked each of us which of the other students in our class we felt was "behind." Do you think that is ethical to ask students? I had a real problem with that question and so I turned it into which student I think is the "best." The teacher didn't seem to mind.
Okay - tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I am working up to the panic mode. I should mention that tomorrow's dinner will only be for four (my parents, Hubby and me). The big family meal will be Saturday when my brother and his family (wife and two kids) come down from Oklahoma. My panic is not about tomorrow. I have that under control. It is about Saturday.
Chris H - you may want to stop reading now. I am going to talk about food for a bit. I promise it is only for a couple paragraphs.
I need to go grocery shopping today to pick up all of the stuff I need for dinner tomorrow and Saturday. Then I need to figure out when I am going to make all of the food for dinner tomorrow and Saturday. Is it too early to make pumpkin pie tomorrow for Saturday? What about rolls? And just what in the heck is "stuffing bread?" I am supposed to get some for my stuffing but have no clue! What about twice baked potatoes. How far in advance can I make those things? Should I make the spiced pecans I read about in Oprah's magazine and some cake balls? I know I can do that in advance. I am thinking pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting for the cake balls - do you think that would be a good combo? Covered in Chocolate?
Is it too early to panic?
Okay Chris H - I am done talking about food. I promise!
Today I have a friend and her daughter stopping by before the three of us go out to lunch. This is a friend who I taught with briefly and whose daughter I had in my fifth grade class. They are fabulous people and have stood beside me during my terrible voice days. They are excited to meet Skor. I just hope that he doesn't run away from them when they get here!
When my parents arrived Miss Cleo, normally the scaredy-cat of the pair, came out and got petting right away while Skor ran around the house like a nervous-nelly. Weird! I am happy that Miss Cleo is becoming a bit less anxious but what in the world is up with Skor? When Dad got out the fishing pole toy Skor was his best friend but, once the toy was away, he didn't want to go near Dad!
Cats, what do you do with them (and please don't tell me that you kill them or kick them or any other bad thing! Miss Know-it-all in class has given me enough of that for a lifetime. She even found a shirt in a magazine which said "I like cats. I just can't eat a whole one by myself." Gross!)?
Trisha
Voice Update: Can you say FRUSTRATING? I am really having issues with h's and p's and other assorted consonants. Interestingly, c's seems to be a problem as well. That is new. I am digging out Mr. Timer and getting to work. I did record a podcast episode inspired by my voice problems though. I hope to get it out today or Friday.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
It's Tuesday, Test Day!
Hi All!
Sorry this is late being posted but, family will do that to you! My parents came into town yesterday afternoon and I picked them up from the airport.
We went to eat lunch at Cracker Barrel - I have only eaten there one other time so I wanted to try it out. The food was okay but the service was slow. Not a restaurant that I am missing by not going out to eat too often!
After eating we headed to Wal Mart where Dad arranged to rent a car and Mom and I shopped. We bought some food that we needed (cereal to keep the place running in the morning!) and then we hit the rest of the place. We bought fabric for a Thanksgiving tablecloth after going back and forth on just how long we should buy the fabric. That poor woman who was helping us in the fabric section! I think we even ended up confusing ourselves by the end of the whole process! Anyway - we got it and it is going to look nice!
Then it was home and hanging out for a while before dinner at IHOP. Have you been there lately? They have this pancake special on their menu (I have forgotten the name) which has pecans, granola clusters , and butterscotch chips in it. It looked fabulous. It may even have had caramel sauce on it too! Yumm! I didn't have that though - I had an omelet and pumpkin pancakes - yumm, again!
I have mentioned that I have a slight infatuation with pumpkin flavored foods, didn't I? Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin milkshakes, pumpkin blizzards (from Dairy Queen - FANTASTIC, by the way!). Anything is fair game. However, I must admit that I tried pumpkin honey once and it was just plain gross.
This morning my parents got their car from Wal Mart (I drove them!) and headed off to Oklahoma to visit my brother and his family for a few days. When will they be back? I am not actually sure. I think they will be back on Thursday to have a Thanksgiving dinner with Hubby and me. But - plans can change (and they have before)!
Today I am hitting the computer to type a paper for ASL class. I am not putting too much effort into it because the less effort I put in, the more the teacher seems to like the results. Weird, huh? I also looked on the schedule and saw that I have a signing post test tonight. That means that we will get to sit one-on-one with the teacher and she will ask us questions. We will answer in sign language and then she will evaluate us to see if we learned anything this semester. Did I mention that this will be video taped? No? Well, it will and I just LOVE getting video taped! I have a couple reasons to be a bit anxious about the entire situation - the video tape and the fact that I can't sign anything right according to the teacher. Oh well, I am going to get all Zen and remember that I don't care anymore.
I just want the class to be finished for the semester so I can move on!
Trisha
P.S. Skor has jumped in to sit on top of my CPU and his eyes are even with my mouse. Each time I click he swats my hand with his paw. Isn't it nice he is "helping?"
Voice Update: Darn, darn, double darn! Still missing those darn unvoiced consonants and now it has moved onto the letter "p" which is usually the last to go. Drat, drat, drat! I guess I need to unearth Mr. Timer again and get his help with my exercises. Grrrrr. Not really what I feel like doing at this time. Oh well, I guess you can't choose the timing of these things.
Sorry this is late being posted but, family will do that to you! My parents came into town yesterday afternoon and I picked them up from the airport.
We went to eat lunch at Cracker Barrel - I have only eaten there one other time so I wanted to try it out. The food was okay but the service was slow. Not a restaurant that I am missing by not going out to eat too often!
After eating we headed to Wal Mart where Dad arranged to rent a car and Mom and I shopped. We bought some food that we needed (cereal to keep the place running in the morning!) and then we hit the rest of the place. We bought fabric for a Thanksgiving tablecloth after going back and forth on just how long we should buy the fabric. That poor woman who was helping us in the fabric section! I think we even ended up confusing ourselves by the end of the whole process! Anyway - we got it and it is going to look nice!
Then it was home and hanging out for a while before dinner at IHOP. Have you been there lately? They have this pancake special on their menu (I have forgotten the name) which has pecans, granola clusters , and butterscotch chips in it. It looked fabulous. It may even have had caramel sauce on it too! Yumm! I didn't have that though - I had an omelet and pumpkin pancakes - yumm, again!
I have mentioned that I have a slight infatuation with pumpkin flavored foods, didn't I? Pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pancakes, pumpkin milkshakes, pumpkin blizzards (from Dairy Queen - FANTASTIC, by the way!). Anything is fair game. However, I must admit that I tried pumpkin honey once and it was just plain gross.
This morning my parents got their car from Wal Mart (I drove them!) and headed off to Oklahoma to visit my brother and his family for a few days. When will they be back? I am not actually sure. I think they will be back on Thursday to have a Thanksgiving dinner with Hubby and me. But - plans can change (and they have before)!
Today I am hitting the computer to type a paper for ASL class. I am not putting too much effort into it because the less effort I put in, the more the teacher seems to like the results. Weird, huh? I also looked on the schedule and saw that I have a signing post test tonight. That means that we will get to sit one-on-one with the teacher and she will ask us questions. We will answer in sign language and then she will evaluate us to see if we learned anything this semester. Did I mention that this will be video taped? No? Well, it will and I just LOVE getting video taped! I have a couple reasons to be a bit anxious about the entire situation - the video tape and the fact that I can't sign anything right according to the teacher. Oh well, I am going to get all Zen and remember that I don't care anymore.
I just want the class to be finished for the semester so I can move on!
Trisha
P.S. Skor has jumped in to sit on top of my CPU and his eyes are even with my mouse. Each time I click he swats my hand with his paw. Isn't it nice he is "helping?"
Voice Update: Darn, darn, double darn! Still missing those darn unvoiced consonants and now it has moved onto the letter "p" which is usually the last to go. Drat, drat, drat! I guess I need to unearth Mr. Timer again and get his help with my exercises. Grrrrr. Not really what I feel like doing at this time. Oh well, I guess you can't choose the timing of these things.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday Night Live at FCOP
Hi All!
Just a quick post for today.
Last night I ventured out to the city of Mesquite (home of the Mesquite Rodeo) to attend Saturday Night Live at the Family Cathedral of Praise. This is not something that I would normally attend but, it was for class.
You see, this was an activity primarily for Deaf people. For my ASL class, we are required to attend various Deaf activities and one is due on Tuesday. That means that I needed to go somewhere and . . . this just sort of "fell" into my lap. It turned out that four of the five people who are in my ASL class were there (including me!). It was an interesting experience.
The whole evening started off with dinner (sloppy joes, chips, and cookies) and then the fun for the evening started. The people were divided into six groups and then the groups rotated through various workshop stations. This was basically a church function so some of the stations were religious - learning how to witness to children, learning how to give your testimony, etc. However, some were just fun - learning to mime certain songs and learning to dance to certain songs. It was fun!
Speaking to the different Deaf people who were attending was a neat aspect of the evening. I ended up connecting with several Deaf young adults - guys who were all about 18 - 19 years old. They were fun to talk to!
At the beginning of the evening, I was nervous about going and meeting people I didn't know. By the end of the evening, I felt totally comfortable. Learning sign language is something which has opened up totally different worlds to me and I am enjoying everything I am learning!
There were many hearing people at this event. Most knew sign language (like my classmates and me) but some didn't. There was always someone willing to "voice" for these people so they could enjoy the events also.
Maybe you will hear about some Deaf activity through your church or neighborhood. It might be worth your time to check it out. You might meet someone great to be friends with. Friends with differences only enrich our lives!
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is doing well. My throat is still a bit tight but I am still working on that. I was a bit frustrated yesterday because my voice had more breaks than it has for a while - I know that having SD is really a roller coaster but sometimes I just want off for a while!
Just a quick post for today.
Last night I ventured out to the city of Mesquite (home of the Mesquite Rodeo) to attend Saturday Night Live at the Family Cathedral of Praise. This is not something that I would normally attend but, it was for class.
You see, this was an activity primarily for Deaf people. For my ASL class, we are required to attend various Deaf activities and one is due on Tuesday. That means that I needed to go somewhere and . . . this just sort of "fell" into my lap. It turned out that four of the five people who are in my ASL class were there (including me!). It was an interesting experience.
The whole evening started off with dinner (sloppy joes, chips, and cookies) and then the fun for the evening started. The people were divided into six groups and then the groups rotated through various workshop stations. This was basically a church function so some of the stations were religious - learning how to witness to children, learning how to give your testimony, etc. However, some were just fun - learning to mime certain songs and learning to dance to certain songs. It was fun!
Speaking to the different Deaf people who were attending was a neat aspect of the evening. I ended up connecting with several Deaf young adults - guys who were all about 18 - 19 years old. They were fun to talk to!
At the beginning of the evening, I was nervous about going and meeting people I didn't know. By the end of the evening, I felt totally comfortable. Learning sign language is something which has opened up totally different worlds to me and I am enjoying everything I am learning!
There were many hearing people at this event. Most knew sign language (like my classmates and me) but some didn't. There was always someone willing to "voice" for these people so they could enjoy the events also.
Maybe you will hear about some Deaf activity through your church or neighborhood. It might be worth your time to check it out. You might meet someone great to be friends with. Friends with differences only enrich our lives!
Trisha
Voice Update: My voice is doing well. My throat is still a bit tight but I am still working on that. I was a bit frustrated yesterday because my voice had more breaks than it has for a while - I know that having SD is really a roller coaster but sometimes I just want off for a while!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Presentations and Johnny Bush
Hi All!
I think that I have found the key to doing well in my ASL class. Not caring! No, really! My presentation last night was a retelling of a story. I didn't even look at the story until yesterday afternoon and I only practiced the story twice with Skor as a very sleepy audience. Then, I went into class and, without any paper to look at, I retold the story my way. AND - I was only stopped once when I signed the word LOG. What I signed was an old sign and there was a better sign which the teacher told me. When I got done - the teacher seemed to almost stumble over herself telling me that I did well.
In fact, she seemed to stumble all over herself telling everyone they did well. She almost seemed apologetic when she had to tell us we did something wrong. Hmmmm. I wonder what happened here.
I'll bet that the ASL lab assistants told Henry, the head of the department, that things were not all roses and sunshine in the class. Or - maybe the teacher reads my blog. If that is so . . .oops! It isn't that I don't like her as a person, I think she is a very nice and interesting person.
Okay - that is out of the way.
Do you know who Johnny Bush is? If you don't and you like country music, I would check out his CDs.
Johnny Bush is a country singer from Houston who was rising up the ranks in the country music scene with Willie Nelson and others. Unfortunately, just as he was poised for national attention and fame, he was stricken with SD. He was unable to perform for approximately 30 years! Now he is being treated with Botox and is recording and performing live again.
Johnny is also speaking out for SD awareness. He was at the meeting in San Antonio and spoke to us about his career and struggles with SD. I bought his book- a fun reading biography that I am about halfway through - and Lori bought his CD. Yesterday at our meeting, Lori let me borrow the CD to bring home. I popped it into the player on my way to class and . . . I love it!
In fact, I am listening to it right now as I write this post. The music is reminiscent of old time country with steel guitars, fiddles, banjos, and guitars. The songs are diverse in their sounds and their messages but, they are all fun to listen to. My toe was tapping the entire was to class (and home again!).
I must admit that I had never heard of Johnny Bush prior to reading that he had SD. I think that is mostly due to the fact that I am not a native Texas but was raised up north. Some of the native Texans I know have heard of Johnny before but not recently.
He is a musical treasure.
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well. Still tight - darn it! The fact that Skor tries to help early (and I do mean early) each morning by massaging my throat as I sleep just doesn't seem to be helping! Back to more e's and massage!
I think that I have found the key to doing well in my ASL class. Not caring! No, really! My presentation last night was a retelling of a story. I didn't even look at the story until yesterday afternoon and I only practiced the story twice with Skor as a very sleepy audience. Then, I went into class and, without any paper to look at, I retold the story my way. AND - I was only stopped once when I signed the word LOG. What I signed was an old sign and there was a better sign which the teacher told me. When I got done - the teacher seemed to almost stumble over herself telling me that I did well.
In fact, she seemed to stumble all over herself telling everyone they did well. She almost seemed apologetic when she had to tell us we did something wrong. Hmmmm. I wonder what happened here.
I'll bet that the ASL lab assistants told Henry, the head of the department, that things were not all roses and sunshine in the class. Or - maybe the teacher reads my blog. If that is so . . .oops! It isn't that I don't like her as a person, I think she is a very nice and interesting person.
Okay - that is out of the way.
Do you know who Johnny Bush is? If you don't and you like country music, I would check out his CDs.
Johnny Bush is a country singer from Houston who was rising up the ranks in the country music scene with Willie Nelson and others. Unfortunately, just as he was poised for national attention and fame, he was stricken with SD. He was unable to perform for approximately 30 years! Now he is being treated with Botox and is recording and performing live again.
Johnny is also speaking out for SD awareness. He was at the meeting in San Antonio and spoke to us about his career and struggles with SD. I bought his book- a fun reading biography that I am about halfway through - and Lori bought his CD. Yesterday at our meeting, Lori let me borrow the CD to bring home. I popped it into the player on my way to class and . . . I love it!
In fact, I am listening to it right now as I write this post. The music is reminiscent of old time country with steel guitars, fiddles, banjos, and guitars. The songs are diverse in their sounds and their messages but, they are all fun to listen to. My toe was tapping the entire was to class (and home again!).
I must admit that I had never heard of Johnny Bush prior to reading that he had SD. I think that is mostly due to the fact that I am not a native Texas but was raised up north. Some of the native Texans I know have heard of Johnny before but not recently.
He is a musical treasure.
Trisha
Voice Update: Doing well. Still tight - darn it! The fact that Skor tries to help early (and I do mean early) each morning by massaging my throat as I sleep just doesn't seem to be helping! Back to more e's and massage!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Do They Do This in YOUR Neck of the Woods?
Hi All!
On my way home from the ASL lab on Monday, I was stopped at a red light when I saw this.
My first thought was . . . is the team named the Geaux Tigers or are they trying to be "cute" when spelling the rather simple word "go?" Then I looked a little closer.
Do you see this tiger? It is really well done! Is it a decal? It certainly looked like the same stuff that the other writing was done with. If that is drawn by hand . . .someone is a really good artist!
Rarely a day goes by that I don't see a car with something inscribed on the windows passing me on the street. My favorite are the ones that decorate every single window in the car. The front window usually has a big circle of clear space for the driver to see through - sometimes actually outlined - and then a lot of writing on the rest of the window. I think it is a little crazy!
Moving on . . .
Yesterday I worked in Susan's office. Her regular secretary, L, was on vacation for her 30th anniversary! As usual, it was a fun experience. Since I had done my previous stint in the office, I pretty much knew what I was doing. I was there for about six hours and when I finally fought my way through the rush hour traffic to get home - I was TIRED! It was nice to be making a little money though. Now Hubby says I can buy one more thing that I want - since I paid for my new Coach purse by working!
Today I am going to a late lunch with Lori to talk about support group stuff. We are revving up to have regular meetings in 2009. Then it will be off to class. Gee - I am SO looking forward to class. NOT! *sigh* At least this class will mean I am one class closer to being through!
Tonight I have yet another presentation to do. I wonder how many times I will be interrupted this time? I will say that on Tuesday, when I did my story, I wasn't interrupted much. Maybe it is a good sign!
I'll let you know how it went tomorrow!
Trisha
Voice Update: My neck is tight. Susan told me she thinks it is because my knees still hurt and that makes me tighten up muscles to try to keep them from hurting and because I am not feeling too well. Great! I guess it is continue with the massage and the e's! Last night Hubby joined me for a "rousing chorus" of e's before we went to bed. It is so nice that he is on board with the whole thing. Of course, he was making fun of me but still . . . company in the exercises is nice!
On my way home from the ASL lab on Monday, I was stopped at a red light when I saw this.
My first thought was . . . is the team named the Geaux Tigers or are they trying to be "cute" when spelling the rather simple word "go?" Then I looked a little closer.
Do you see this tiger? It is really well done! Is it a decal? It certainly looked like the same stuff that the other writing was done with. If that is drawn by hand . . .someone is a really good artist!Anyway, artwork aside, I wanted to know, do they do this in your neck of the woods? I had never really seen this done (other than for weddings and such) very frequently until I moved to Texas. It seems like here people decorate the windows of cars just for kicks and giggles. Besides sports related themes like the car above, I have seen birthday messages, "congratulations on making the team" messages, "I love you" messages, "hot chick/dude driving" messages, "senior 09" messages, and just plain "studmuffin" messages.
Rarely a day goes by that I don't see a car with something inscribed on the windows passing me on the street. My favorite are the ones that decorate every single window in the car. The front window usually has a big circle of clear space for the driver to see through - sometimes actually outlined - and then a lot of writing on the rest of the window. I think it is a little crazy!
Moving on . . .
Yesterday I worked in Susan's office. Her regular secretary, L, was on vacation for her 30th anniversary! As usual, it was a fun experience. Since I had done my previous stint in the office, I pretty much knew what I was doing. I was there for about six hours and when I finally fought my way through the rush hour traffic to get home - I was TIRED! It was nice to be making a little money though. Now Hubby says I can buy one more thing that I want - since I paid for my new Coach purse by working!
Today I am going to a late lunch with Lori to talk about support group stuff. We are revving up to have regular meetings in 2009. Then it will be off to class. Gee - I am SO looking forward to class. NOT! *sigh* At least this class will mean I am one class closer to being through!
Tonight I have yet another presentation to do. I wonder how many times I will be interrupted this time? I will say that on Tuesday, when I did my story, I wasn't interrupted much. Maybe it is a good sign!
I'll let you know how it went tomorrow!
Trisha
Voice Update: My neck is tight. Susan told me she thinks it is because my knees still hurt and that makes me tighten up muscles to try to keep them from hurting and because I am not feeling too well. Great! I guess it is continue with the massage and the e's! Last night Hubby joined me for a "rousing chorus" of e's before we went to bed. It is so nice that he is on board with the whole thing. Of course, he was making fun of me but still . . . company in the exercises is nice!
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