Monday, January 19, 2009
Inauguration Video Clips!
here is a 1 minute video compiled from the excitement we shared on the weekend prior to Inauguration--the quality is pretty fuzzy so that I could upload it onto my blog, but I think you'll get the idea...
Saturday, December 20, 2008
teaching
talking to a friend tonight about her experiences as an elementary school teacher made me start to think about teaching. I wouldn't want to teach in the traditional public school setting--more like a Waldorf/Sidwell Friends/experiential/outdoor education/creative dramatics-style setting. Just thinking about the possibilities of teaching if you were creating things to do that inspired the students to want to learn and explore and grow as people is really exciting.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Publishing!
Through about 6 months of working at GU Press, I have come to the conclusion that working as an editorial/publishing assistant is one kind of work I might like to pursue after I graduate from Gallaudet next may. One issue with this (as with many fields at this time) is that it is very competitive and a lot of the Presses and Publishing houses I have researched are very small and unlikely to actively advertise or seek for people to fill positions; if anything, they will be cutting positions, not growing. But there is also opportunity to work as an editor/proofreader freelance or as part of other job duties in a number of different capacities, so I will not give up on it before I even explore the possibilities!
It's just so exciting being a part of the process of making books! I've always loved to read and my passion in life is derived from being a student. Working at the Press is the most "student-like"/"scholarly" job I've ever had~!
So the other night I was doing some research and I came across a few interesting tidbits...recording them here mostly for my own benefit so that I can look back to them later, but who knows..others may be interested in these as well!
The first (and number one on my mind) is a summer publishing immersion/intensive at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, Canada: Simon Fraser Program
Not only do i LOVE the idea of the program and the schedule and the intense experience and meeting hundreds of other people who have similar interests/curiosity about the publishing world, Vancouver is probably my favorite city in the world! It is like New York but more fresh and clean and outdoorsy. I doubt I will have the money or resources to attend, but it's fun to dream :) (not to mention that I think it would be super cool to go from Alaska to Vancouver before coming home to D.C.)
Second, when I told my boss about that program, she directed my attention to a similar program in Denver: Denver Program The program is twice as long, and also twice as expensive, and it seems there may be less opportunity for financial assistance...I certainly do not plan to take out any more loans, as I'm already nervous about paying back the debt I have accrued as a Masters student.
Third, looking at publishing internships, there is one in India that looks really neat! India Program As you probably know if you are reading this, it is one of my life-long goals to go to India, but I have always felt like I do not want to go as "just a tourist." I think it is important to have a reason behind going, not feel like I am just adding another person to an already crowded country for no good reason.
So these are the directions my mind takes when I have time off from my grad school responsibilities. Who knows what I'll come up with next week??
It's just so exciting being a part of the process of making books! I've always loved to read and my passion in life is derived from being a student. Working at the Press is the most "student-like"/"scholarly" job I've ever had~!
So the other night I was doing some research and I came across a few interesting tidbits...recording them here mostly for my own benefit so that I can look back to them later, but who knows..others may be interested in these as well!
The first (and number one on my mind) is a summer publishing immersion/intensive at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, Canada: Simon Fraser Program
Not only do i LOVE the idea of the program and the schedule and the intense experience and meeting hundreds of other people who have similar interests/curiosity about the publishing world, Vancouver is probably my favorite city in the world! It is like New York but more fresh and clean and outdoorsy. I doubt I will have the money or resources to attend, but it's fun to dream :) (not to mention that I think it would be super cool to go from Alaska to Vancouver before coming home to D.C.)
Second, when I told my boss about that program, she directed my attention to a similar program in Denver: Denver Program The program is twice as long, and also twice as expensive, and it seems there may be less opportunity for financial assistance...I certainly do not plan to take out any more loans, as I'm already nervous about paying back the debt I have accrued as a Masters student.
Third, looking at publishing internships, there is one in India that looks really neat! India Program As you probably know if you are reading this, it is one of my life-long goals to go to India, but I have always felt like I do not want to go as "just a tourist." I think it is important to have a reason behind going, not feel like I am just adding another person to an already crowded country for no good reason.
So these are the directions my mind takes when I have time off from my grad school responsibilities. Who knows what I'll come up with next week??
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Deaf Space
I feel like I have the Deaf Space bug. it's only one course, but I've been neglecting everything else to work on it all semester long. It makes my other work seem not as exciting. Today my friend and I went on some site visits to prepare for our final design project and we were really inspired by the grounds at the National Cathedral. I am posting a few pics...
Monday, November 03, 2008
Alaska
Dan and I are planning a trip to Alaska next Spring/early summer. I am super excited; it will be my 46th state. After that, only Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and North Dakota remain. Today I used my 40% off Borders coupon to order an Alaska Atlas. Probably overkill, considering we will only visit a tiny portion of the HUGE state, but since I love maps and planning, hopefully I will get good use out of it!! Not sure it will make the cut in my backpack though...maybe I'll just make a few photocopies of pertinent sections.
Three of the areas we are thinking about visiting are Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Haines, AK. We are also hoping to fly out to Portland for a few days before we head to Alaska; pending budget considerations.
That's all for now. I should search for a winter break job before bed!
Three of the areas we are thinking about visiting are Denali National Park, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Haines, AK. We are also hoping to fly out to Portland for a few days before we head to Alaska; pending budget considerations.
That's all for now. I should search for a winter break job before bed!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Long time no write
As much as I love and have always loved school, there is a large part of me that is now starting to itch for more 'freedom' in terms of my day-to-day activities. Work, come home, play. Not Work, school, work, school, school, weekendstudystudyweekend.
Also there are things about Gallaudet I won't miss.
Also there are things about Gallaudet I won't miss.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
dan and chuck
just as it says
Here is a silly video of Dan and Chuck from the 4th of July...we went down to the National Mall and it was quite a fun time! (albeit a little rainy ;))
If you'd like to see more pictures, click this link!!
 |
| july 4th |
Saturday, May 17, 2008
dan riding 2 bikes
dan requested that i post the video from our trip to the cherry blossom festival...here goes!!
p.s. sorry its not rotated.
p.s. sorry its not rotated.
Embassy Day
May 17, 2008
I went solo, which was actually quite refreshing and I found that I connected with the experience and the people running the various events.
First Stop: Embassy of Iraq.
When I first walked up, there was a man greeting at the door before the metal detector and he was holding prayer beads in his hand. I really wanted to snap a shot of the prayer beads, but thought it might not be appropriate. I need more of Paulette's photo-taking gusto. Later I saw the same guy walking around on a cell phone in front of the Embassy house; not nearly as intriguing.
The Embassy of Madagascar had a great celebration, but I didn't get any pictures.
The highlight of the tour was definitely the Embassy of India:
Dancing, food, pamphlets and an "I Love India" pin!!
Then it was off to Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Ethiopia has a cool metal sculpture on a wall as you enter the courtyard of the Embassy:
And Ghana has the neatest wooden spiral staircase:
All in all, an exhausting and memorable day traipsing through Embassy after Embassy! Well worth it.
I went solo, which was actually quite refreshing and I found that I connected with the experience and the people running the various events.
First Stop: Embassy of Iraq.
When I first walked up, there was a man greeting at the door before the metal detector and he was holding prayer beads in his hand. I really wanted to snap a shot of the prayer beads, but thought it might not be appropriate. I need more of Paulette's photo-taking gusto. Later I saw the same guy walking around on a cell phone in front of the Embassy house; not nearly as intriguing.
The Embassy of Madagascar had a great celebration, but I didn't get any pictures.
The highlight of the tour was definitely the Embassy of India:
Dancing, food, pamphlets and an "I Love India" pin!!
Then it was off to Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Ethiopia has a cool metal sculpture on a wall as you enter the courtyard of the Embassy:
And Ghana has the neatest wooden spiral staircase:
All in all, an exhausting and memorable day traipsing through Embassy after Embassy! Well worth it.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Top 10
This semester's schedule was certainly not one that allowed for much blogging. But now that it is over, I have the urge to think about it on "paper," to put it all down! (or at least what i can remember..)
So I have decided to write a Top 10 list. My Top 10 moments, experiences, or happenings of Spring Semester 2008.
10. my $100 parking ticket
ok..just kidding. Not really a fine moment. I'm still rather annoyed, and waiting for the parking people to respond to my letter of appeal. You can't park on D.C. streets without D.C. plates or a parking permit that costs $300 a year. Madness! And there's no sign on the street where I parked indicating that you need a permit. AND they said they gave me a warning, but they didn't!
THE REAL #10. My first trip to Litteris!!
Wanda took me on my first trip to Litteri's today..this unbelievably awesome Italian sub shop and grocery store. It is easy to overlook from the outside, but once you are in, it is soooooooo cool. The vegetarian sandwich options, not too exciting, but the pasta, wine, cheeses, desserts, sauces etc. etc., and all organized in a fun European-like style with pictures and pretty things. I can't wait to take Dan and show him this cool place that is so close to our house!
9. Artomatic!
YOU ALL HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT! its only a few blocks from our house and it is floors and floors of art, performance, and media. W-O-W. I only made it through about 3/4 of one floor, but I saw some really amazing and inspiring stuff (and also some weird/creepy/not so exciting stuff). We saw fire dancers, photography, a tattoo parlor, fireworks over the D.C. skyline, and digital images of a bust of jesus turned into drag queens. I plan to go back for sure. artomatic.org
8. Goya Trip to Towson University
The best part was when Hector and I cooked Enchiladas the Mexican way, and the amazing sushi place we went to (twice I think). (notice what I consider fun/priority is food...)
7. The "Y lounge" segment of the Deaf Women of Color show
I ran the lights and sound for a few nights for this performance, and during one part, the women did an entire scene of rehearsed improvisation. It got funnier and funnier every time they did it--crass jokes and earthy humor. My favorite!
6. My first ever all-nighter
That's right..I had never pulled an academic all-nighter until this week. I actually found it to be quite a liberating experience. When there is no pressure of "time" or appointments/meetings/people e-mailing or paging me, or feeling like "oh, it's dark, I should be getting home" I found that I was really able to focus on the work and accomplish good things. Plus, the projects that Megan and I created from our work that night and throughout the semester turned out really well! At the close of the semester, I have finished with a sense of accomplishment.
5. Cherry Blossoms and Kite festival
I was away from D.C. last year, and though Portland does have a few blossoms here and there, it is NOTHING like the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin. I got to visit the blossoms two weeks in a row, first week they were budding, second week they were in full bloom, at their peak. The kite festival always makes me smile. The giant shark. The kids running around. The hanggliders. The sky FILLED with kites.
4. When Dan and I made all raw food for Valentine's day dinner
Yep! That's right! We made our first foray into an all-raw meal! It turned out pretty well (except for the califlower mashed potatoes...they were DISGUSTING). The "meatloaf" and the delicious salad were too good to be true.
3. getting a sneak peak at brainstorming, plans, and ideas for Gallaudet's 6th street development project
I had the opportunity to participate in a big planning/brainstorming meeting for a project Gallaudet is working on, and though my part of the project turned out pretty piddly, just being in that environment with people who are organizing and rooting for their ideas, working towards positive change was a really neat experience.
2. Agamemnon!
I saw the play soooo many times, but it got better each time. I seriously didn't get sick of it until the last night..at which point I was just so burnt out and tired from trying to keep up with school at the same time as the play and work..Did one of my semester projects on this play and..its not something I can put into words. Just a very cool experience, the lights, colors, the language, the nudity, the blood, the fight scenes. SUPERB!
1. 2nd Years' Thesis Defenses and the night of debauchary following
This day was not only my favorite of the semester, I think it also goes down as my favorite day since I came to Gallaudet. I spent the majority of the day watching the second year culture studies students defending their theses to the "panel" (our three professors, no one too scary or intimidating). The quality of work the 2nd years did, how they presented their ideas, what feedback and questions the panel had for them--extremely stimulating and made me excited for the challenge of writing my first thesis. It left me pondering the ideas I have had so far--which now seem too superficial. I want to work on something meaningful, and something I enjoy. After a whole day of thinking and pondering and soaking up that stressful atmosphere of nerves and tension, we went to the cutest bar on H street, Pat and Peteys. What followed--a lot of drinking, joking, dancing (ok, I was pretty much the only one dancing, but who's counting??)--and I had a smile on my face the entire next day because it was just pure fun.
So I have decided to write a Top 10 list. My Top 10 moments, experiences, or happenings of Spring Semester 2008.
10. my $100 parking ticket
ok..just kidding. Not really a fine moment. I'm still rather annoyed, and waiting for the parking people to respond to my letter of appeal. You can't park on D.C. streets without D.C. plates or a parking permit that costs $300 a year. Madness! And there's no sign on the street where I parked indicating that you need a permit. AND they said they gave me a warning, but they didn't!
THE REAL #10. My first trip to Litteris!!
Wanda took me on my first trip to Litteri's today..this unbelievably awesome Italian sub shop and grocery store. It is easy to overlook from the outside, but once you are in, it is soooooooo cool. The vegetarian sandwich options, not too exciting, but the pasta, wine, cheeses, desserts, sauces etc. etc., and all organized in a fun European-like style with pictures and pretty things. I can't wait to take Dan and show him this cool place that is so close to our house!
9. Artomatic!
YOU ALL HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT! its only a few blocks from our house and it is floors and floors of art, performance, and media. W-O-W. I only made it through about 3/4 of one floor, but I saw some really amazing and inspiring stuff (and also some weird/creepy/not so exciting stuff). We saw fire dancers, photography, a tattoo parlor, fireworks over the D.C. skyline, and digital images of a bust of jesus turned into drag queens. I plan to go back for sure. artomatic.org
8. Goya Trip to Towson University
The best part was when Hector and I cooked Enchiladas the Mexican way, and the amazing sushi place we went to (twice I think). (notice what I consider fun/priority is food...)
7. The "Y lounge" segment of the Deaf Women of Color show
I ran the lights and sound for a few nights for this performance, and during one part, the women did an entire scene of rehearsed improvisation. It got funnier and funnier every time they did it--crass jokes and earthy humor. My favorite!
6. My first ever all-nighter
That's right..I had never pulled an academic all-nighter until this week. I actually found it to be quite a liberating experience. When there is no pressure of "time" or appointments/meetings/people e-mailing or paging me, or feeling like "oh, it's dark, I should be getting home" I found that I was really able to focus on the work and accomplish good things. Plus, the projects that Megan and I created from our work that night and throughout the semester turned out really well! At the close of the semester, I have finished with a sense of accomplishment.
5. Cherry Blossoms and Kite festival
I was away from D.C. last year, and though Portland does have a few blossoms here and there, it is NOTHING like the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin. I got to visit the blossoms two weeks in a row, first week they were budding, second week they were in full bloom, at their peak. The kite festival always makes me smile. The giant shark. The kids running around. The hanggliders. The sky FILLED with kites.
4. When Dan and I made all raw food for Valentine's day dinner
Yep! That's right! We made our first foray into an all-raw meal! It turned out pretty well (except for the califlower mashed potatoes...they were DISGUSTING). The "meatloaf" and the delicious salad were too good to be true.
3. getting a sneak peak at brainstorming, plans, and ideas for Gallaudet's 6th street development project
I had the opportunity to participate in a big planning/brainstorming meeting for a project Gallaudet is working on, and though my part of the project turned out pretty piddly, just being in that environment with people who are organizing and rooting for their ideas, working towards positive change was a really neat experience.
2. Agamemnon!
I saw the play soooo many times, but it got better each time. I seriously didn't get sick of it until the last night..at which point I was just so burnt out and tired from trying to keep up with school at the same time as the play and work..Did one of my semester projects on this play and..its not something I can put into words. Just a very cool experience, the lights, colors, the language, the nudity, the blood, the fight scenes. SUPERB!
1. 2nd Years' Thesis Defenses and the night of debauchary following
This day was not only my favorite of the semester, I think it also goes down as my favorite day since I came to Gallaudet. I spent the majority of the day watching the second year culture studies students defending their theses to the "panel" (our three professors, no one too scary or intimidating). The quality of work the 2nd years did, how they presented their ideas, what feedback and questions the panel had for them--extremely stimulating and made me excited for the challenge of writing my first thesis. It left me pondering the ideas I have had so far--which now seem too superficial. I want to work on something meaningful, and something I enjoy. After a whole day of thinking and pondering and soaking up that stressful atmosphere of nerves and tension, we went to the cutest bar on H street, Pat and Peteys. What followed--a lot of drinking, joking, dancing (ok, I was pretty much the only one dancing, but who's counting??)--and I had a smile on my face the entire next day because it was just pure fun.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Welcome to D.C.!
It's official..we are unofficial D.C. residents! Here are some snapshots of our experiences and our place...
Arlington National Cemetary entrance--the gray is the Women's memorial, and the little house on the hill is Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial (though I still don't understand how all it all works between the Custises and the Lees and the Washingtons)
Arlington National Cemetary entrance--the gray is the Women's memorial, and the little house on the hill is Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial (though I still don't understand how all it all works between the Custises and the Lees and the Washingtons)
Sunday, December 16, 2007
I survived!
It was a close call for a while there, but somehow I made it through my first semester of graduate school at Gallaudet.
Now I am cozily ensconsed in our new apartment in D.C.--tomorrow we go to Eastern Market and the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market...delicious!
Here is Dan filling up the bookshelves:
Now I am cozily ensconsed in our new apartment in D.C.--tomorrow we go to Eastern Market and the Dupont Circle Farmer's Market...delicious!
Here is Dan filling up the bookshelves:
Monday, November 05, 2007
Goya: En la Quinta del Sordo
Shameless plug for our play!
One hour of intense movement, masks, dancing, and odd body contortions, this will be an enjoyable night of theatre. You might not understand it all (I don't really understand it all myself and I've been immersed in it for 2 months) but it is certainly visually creepy and fun, and you will get to see me playing a role I never imagined I would play.
The performance is not in sign language, so don't be afraid to come if you dont know ASL, and don't get excited to see a signed performance if that is what you were looking forward to :)
The Gallaudet theatre website indicates that it is intended for mature audiences. That should entice some of you as well.
Hope to see you there!
Where?
Gallaudet University Gil Eastman Black Box (inside the Elstad theater building, first building on the right when you enter campus from Florida Ave)
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington DC 20002
When?
FIRST WEEKEND:
Thursday, Nov. 8 (Preview - FREE) - 8 pm
Friday, Nov. 9 (Opening Night) - 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 10 (2 Performances) - 2 pm; 8 pm
Sunday, Nov. 11 - 2 pm
SECOND WEEKEND:
Thursday, Nov. 15 - 8 pm
Friday, Nov. 16 - 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 17 (2 Performances) - 2 pm; 8 pm
Sunday, Nov. 18 - 2 pm
What's it gonna cost me?
Ticket Prices
Gallaudet students (with ID) - FREE
General admission, students (with ID) - $8*
General admission, adults - $10
One hour of intense movement, masks, dancing, and odd body contortions, this will be an enjoyable night of theatre. You might not understand it all (I don't really understand it all myself and I've been immersed in it for 2 months) but it is certainly visually creepy and fun, and you will get to see me playing a role I never imagined I would play.
The performance is not in sign language, so don't be afraid to come if you dont know ASL, and don't get excited to see a signed performance if that is what you were looking forward to :)
The Gallaudet theatre website indicates that it is intended for mature audiences. That should entice some of you as well.
Hope to see you there!
Where?
Gallaudet University Gil Eastman Black Box (inside the Elstad theater building, first building on the right when you enter campus from Florida Ave)
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington DC 20002
When?
FIRST WEEKEND:
Thursday, Nov. 8 (Preview - FREE) - 8 pm
Friday, Nov. 9 (Opening Night) - 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 10 (2 Performances) - 2 pm; 8 pm
Sunday, Nov. 11 - 2 pm
SECOND WEEKEND:
Thursday, Nov. 15 - 8 pm
Friday, Nov. 16 - 8 pm
Saturday, Nov. 17 (2 Performances) - 2 pm; 8 pm
Sunday, Nov. 18 - 2 pm
What's it gonna cost me?
Ticket Prices
Gallaudet students (with ID) - FREE
General admission, students (with ID) - $8*
General admission, adults - $10
Monday, October 08, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Quick Update.
"It is good to see the spirits on campus soaring as the homing pigeons did just before the Town Hall meeting two weeks ago." -campus e-mail
Things are going well! learning a lot, very very busy...missing Dan :(
But overall I am very happy to be where I am doing what I am. I have been cast in the fall play here at Gallaudet, and it is SO MUCH FUN to put my acting shoes back on. They've been off for well nigh six years!! I've also started working in the scene shop one day a week and trying to keep up with all my classwork on top of that.
Meeting lots of neat people, my roommates are great...here are a few photos, some visuals of my life here at Gallaudet.
my lovely desk. back to dorm life :)
my roommate, Tiffany.
Tiffany, Justin, Jessica, Kristi, and Dana
Iosif preparing to make my mask for the play.
my mask mold.
Things are going well! learning a lot, very very busy...missing Dan :(
But overall I am very happy to be where I am doing what I am. I have been cast in the fall play here at Gallaudet, and it is SO MUCH FUN to put my acting shoes back on. They've been off for well nigh six years!! I've also started working in the scene shop one day a week and trying to keep up with all my classwork on top of that.
Meeting lots of neat people, my roommates are great...here are a few photos, some visuals of my life here at Gallaudet.
my lovely desk. back to dorm life :)
my roommate, Tiffany.
Tiffany, Justin, Jessica, Kristi, and Dana
Iosif preparing to make my mask for the play.
my mask mold.
Friday, August 31, 2007
I ... Love ... School!
I've been here at Gallaudet for a little over one week, and I can honestly say that so far it has been one of the most exciting, challenging, rewarding experiences of my life. I thrive on busy-ness, and these last few days have not let me down in that respect.
I have settled into my dorm room with my fabulous roommate and suitemates, and sadly kissed Dan goodbye on my birthday. He's going back to Portland for a while, and he seems very excited about his plans there, so I am happy we are both busy doing what we want to do, but I know it will be difficult not seeing him often.
My classes are amazing. If I could only understand them, I'm sure I would be brilliant within a few weeks. They are all signed, but the format of the class and the style of the lecturer really change my experience. My ASL Media class is easy to follow because the professor is super clear and the work is very hands-on. The Deaf Cultural studies class is a much greater challenge because the professor encourages open discussion. Let me tell you, it is a REAL CHALLENGE trying to keep up with the native signers in my class--they bounce ideas back and forth so fast, I feel like a dog watching someone "throwing" a ball, but really just putting it behind their back. You know that feeling? When you turn your head around in three different directions, looking for the ball, then realize it is right beside you? Yeah. that.
I am so happy to be living on campus. It is one of the greatest joys of academic life to have your bed, your classes, your work, your food, and your friends all within a mile of each other. "The Good Life."
Now I just have to figure out how I will manage to chew through piles and piles of books and articles in time to discuss them.
On a personal note (yes, I know my whole blog is personal), I stopped by the University of Maryland today and got to see my undergraduate mentor, David. He is just the neatest guy. I always like him when I was in school, but my fondness for him has grown stronger looking back and seeing him again.
Other exciting news--I'm getting involved with the theatre department here on campus! More on that will follow later.
I have settled into my dorm room with my fabulous roommate and suitemates, and sadly kissed Dan goodbye on my birthday. He's going back to Portland for a while, and he seems very excited about his plans there, so I am happy we are both busy doing what we want to do, but I know it will be difficult not seeing him often.
My classes are amazing. If I could only understand them, I'm sure I would be brilliant within a few weeks. They are all signed, but the format of the class and the style of the lecturer really change my experience. My ASL Media class is easy to follow because the professor is super clear and the work is very hands-on. The Deaf Cultural studies class is a much greater challenge because the professor encourages open discussion. Let me tell you, it is a REAL CHALLENGE trying to keep up with the native signers in my class--they bounce ideas back and forth so fast, I feel like a dog watching someone "throwing" a ball, but really just putting it behind their back. You know that feeling? When you turn your head around in three different directions, looking for the ball, then realize it is right beside you? Yeah. that.
I am so happy to be living on campus. It is one of the greatest joys of academic life to have your bed, your classes, your work, your food, and your friends all within a mile of each other. "The Good Life."
Now I just have to figure out how I will manage to chew through piles and piles of books and articles in time to discuss them.
On a personal note (yes, I know my whole blog is personal), I stopped by the University of Maryland today and got to see my undergraduate mentor, David. He is just the neatest guy. I always like him when I was in school, but my fondness for him has grown stronger looking back and seeing him again.
Other exciting news--I'm getting involved with the theatre department here on campus! More on that will follow later.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
my first experiences at gallaudet
I have arrived at Gallaudet University after a very fun and refreshing road trip across the country!! (see silly pictures below)
here are my first impressions of my new home:
Gallaudet itself is much smaller than UMD--and the feeling as I moved into the dorm was totally different. At Maryland, as soon as you show up, you get lost in the shuffle, pushed out of the way, and you have to wait in lots of long, long lines. Here, people were immediately smiling and offering to help carry in my bags from the car, and it seems the school truly is dedicated to accessible communication and developing a community feeling from the very first day.
People always say the Deaf community is small, and my first day at Gallaudet was solid proof of that. waiting in line to get my parking permit came the greatest surprise and happiest moment of my time so far here at school. through the door walked my high school friend Jen's mom and sister...and her sister is a freshman at school here this Fall. I hadn't seen Jen or any of her family for years, and it was such a surprise and delight to see them walk through that door! Whenever people ask for the long story of why I started learning ASL or taking an interest in Deaf Culture, it always winds up back at Jen's house, meeting her Deaf family for the first time. That experience was one I didn't give a second thought to at the time, but I think I learned something then that I have carried with me years later.
My second surprise (and further reinforcement of the "small world" thing ) came in the dining hall. A favorite teacher of mine from Washington State was eating lunch with a guy I had met in Portland..little did I know, they are father and son! Wow.
I am set up in my new spot in Carlin hall, where many of the grad students live. I have 3 suitemates (one of whom is an actual room-mate), lots of books stacked up on my desk, a brand new mailbox, and 1 dinky chair.
Tomorrow morning is orientation for my department and I couldnt be more excited!
I hope all is well with friends and family, please write soon!
here are my first impressions of my new home:
Gallaudet itself is much smaller than UMD--and the feeling as I moved into the dorm was totally different. At Maryland, as soon as you show up, you get lost in the shuffle, pushed out of the way, and you have to wait in lots of long, long lines. Here, people were immediately smiling and offering to help carry in my bags from the car, and it seems the school truly is dedicated to accessible communication and developing a community feeling from the very first day.
People always say the Deaf community is small, and my first day at Gallaudet was solid proof of that. waiting in line to get my parking permit came the greatest surprise and happiest moment of my time so far here at school. through the door walked my high school friend Jen's mom and sister...and her sister is a freshman at school here this Fall. I hadn't seen Jen or any of her family for years, and it was such a surprise and delight to see them walk through that door! Whenever people ask for the long story of why I started learning ASL or taking an interest in Deaf Culture, it always winds up back at Jen's house, meeting her Deaf family for the first time. That experience was one I didn't give a second thought to at the time, but I think I learned something then that I have carried with me years later.
My second surprise (and further reinforcement of the "small world" thing ) came in the dining hall. A favorite teacher of mine from Washington State was eating lunch with a guy I had met in Portland..little did I know, they are father and son! Wow.
I am set up in my new spot in Carlin hall, where many of the grad students live. I have 3 suitemates (one of whom is an actual room-mate), lots of books stacked up on my desk, a brand new mailbox, and 1 dinky chair.
Tomorrow morning is orientation for my department and I couldnt be more excited!
I hope all is well with friends and family, please write soon!
Monday, August 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Goodbye Portland!
Here is a whirlwind of our last few days:
Dan played his last futsal game with his team (he's the orange guy kicking in the upper left)
This is a demonstration of the double lives the Portland Center Stage box office staff lead:
Jonny, looking so innocent filing forms in alphabetical order:
But ask him about that time he climbed Mount Defiance, and you'll hear a whole different story (not to be published on THIS blog. This is a family-friendly blog.)
Kim, ostensibly a hardworking, friendly box office supervisor:
But take a gander at her behind the glass..you see her true nature..a viking pirate!
This is Zach's cool cartoon art. I hope he doesn't get mad at me for publishing his work. I'm trying to make him famous:
After my last day at PCS we gathered at a tavern down the street.
Here's Kim and Lindsey:
Liz and Christine:
Angela and Dan:
And Zach introducing Claire and Monkey! Monkey flew all the way from North Carolina and as fate would have it, he and Claire could only spend a few short hours together before she takes a trip back east. needless to say, they got on very well.
Dan played his last futsal game with his team (he's the orange guy kicking in the upper left)
This is a demonstration of the double lives the Portland Center Stage box office staff lead:
Jonny, looking so innocent filing forms in alphabetical order:
But ask him about that time he climbed Mount Defiance, and you'll hear a whole different story (not to be published on THIS blog. This is a family-friendly blog.)
Kim, ostensibly a hardworking, friendly box office supervisor:
But take a gander at her behind the glass..you see her true nature..a viking pirate!
This is Zach's cool cartoon art. I hope he doesn't get mad at me for publishing his work. I'm trying to make him famous:
After my last day at PCS we gathered at a tavern down the street.
Here's Kim and Lindsey:
Liz and Christine:
Angela and Dan:
And Zach introducing Claire and Monkey! Monkey flew all the way from North Carolina and as fate would have it, he and Claire could only spend a few short hours together before she takes a trip back east. needless to say, they got on very well.
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