Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
One of those mornings
Its a Wednesday morning, and boy do I have a headache! Didn't sleep at all last nite--woke up every hour on the hour. Don't you just hate that? You finally fall asleep at 5:30am, and then its time to get up!
I love mornings, but waking up is hard to do! No matter what time I go to bed, how many hours of sleep I get, its the same thing over and over. I'm sure it happens to everyone!?
Got an MRI in the works of being scheduled--my legs were hurting pretty bad last nite, one of the reasons I didn't sleep. The joys (not) of people not paying attention, and rearending another!(Not me, them!)
I am so behind on blogging. But life is good! Its what we make it-and we shld try to make it goode everyday! But days like today I just feel lazy bec Im soo sleepy!
Tons to do, wash football clothes, my sisters laundry for her, since her washer decided to quit, dishes piled in the sink which doesn't happen too often, phone calls to make....
At least my asthma is feelin' better already thanks to all the inahilers I have--and the antibiotics are doing' their job for the bronchitis!
Much love--and have a great day with Jesus folks!
I love mornings, but waking up is hard to do! No matter what time I go to bed, how many hours of sleep I get, its the same thing over and over. I'm sure it happens to everyone!?
Got an MRI in the works of being scheduled--my legs were hurting pretty bad last nite, one of the reasons I didn't sleep. The joys (not) of people not paying attention, and rearending another!(Not me, them!)
I am so behind on blogging. But life is good! Its what we make it-and we shld try to make it goode everyday! But days like today I just feel lazy bec Im soo sleepy!
Tons to do, wash football clothes, my sisters laundry for her, since her washer decided to quit, dishes piled in the sink which doesn't happen too often, phone calls to make....
At least my asthma is feelin' better already thanks to all the inahilers I have--and the antibiotics are doing' their job for the bronchitis!
Much love--and have a great day with Jesus folks!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Sketti Dinner!
Well! This is one of those days that I'm in the mood to go shopping.
My kid on the other hand, is more interested in the OU game!
He has yet to shower and get ready to go!
Maybe I shld just leave him home? We are goin' to a "sketti" dinner tonite.
CODHI's Annual Spaghetti dinner. But momma wants to shop and meet up with a friend before the dinner!!
Oh well. I guess if he's not ready by 4pm, I can say "byebye!" :-P
Well...I'm just sayin..... haha no....I gotta have my kiddo with me. He's my life! Good thing he likes going with me!
Have a great day folks!
My kid on the other hand, is more interested in the OU game!
He has yet to shower and get ready to go!
Maybe I shld just leave him home? We are goin' to a "sketti" dinner tonite.
CODHI's Annual Spaghetti dinner. But momma wants to shop and meet up with a friend before the dinner!!
Oh well. I guess if he's not ready by 4pm, I can say "byebye!" :-P
Well...I'm just sayin..... haha no....I gotta have my kiddo with me. He's my life! Good thing he likes going with me!
Have a great day folks!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Socializing--and the flu
Tomorrow night, I am gonna go surround myself with people---because I wanna hear Dr. Emiline Thomas give her speech, and because an author friend is gonna be here visiting from washing DC and he owes me some books, which I am taking advantage of. My first autographed book! The downside to this? Well..the flu germs are still flyin' around. I already caught one round, I do not want to go to round 2.
So tmw means hugs, hugs and more hugs. I love hugs. But not tomorrow. Its safe to say I will carry germx in my purse, or my pocket even. Maybe I shld bring some lysol and spray them first? ;) yes, ofc I am only kidding! :-D
And I am soo hoping to sell tickets! The Abababa Road Tour is happening soon---I need to sell 40. Somehow I don't think I'm gonna get that lucky, not even before Dec 4th, the nite of the show gets here. But I'm gonna try. You could help. You could buy a ticket. 15.00. The show is worth it! YOu'll laugh. Alot. And you'll cry too. :)
Guess thats another nite of socializeing and avoiding the flu germs that fly by. I guess its safe now to say taht pigs have 'flown'?
Well, thats it for this blog. which really isn't even a blog..is it? I've been too sick lately to actually do any real writing. But soon. Soon. I hope. :-p
So tmw means hugs, hugs and more hugs. I love hugs. But not tomorrow. Its safe to say I will carry germx in my purse, or my pocket even. Maybe I shld bring some lysol and spray them first? ;) yes, ofc I am only kidding! :-D
And I am soo hoping to sell tickets! The Abababa Road Tour is happening soon---I need to sell 40. Somehow I don't think I'm gonna get that lucky, not even before Dec 4th, the nite of the show gets here. But I'm gonna try. You could help. You could buy a ticket. 15.00. The show is worth it! YOu'll laugh. Alot. And you'll cry too. :)
Guess thats another nite of socializeing and avoiding the flu germs that fly by. I guess its safe now to say taht pigs have 'flown'?
Well, thats it for this blog. which really isn't even a blog..is it? I've been too sick lately to actually do any real writing. But soon. Soon. I hope. :-p
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Using cell while driving
I am devastated. It breaks my heart to see how many people are losing their lives both innocent and not innocent--in using cell phones while driving.
I got rearended last month--the driver wasn't on the cell phone, but instead was distracted by someone outside his window. Thankfully he was not traveling fast.
I saw a picture today, of a Honda crotch bike, jammed inside of a car. The driver, passenger and the bike rider, were all killed instantly.
Everyday, I venture out. I FORCE myself to put my phone down. And leave it. This is important. It could save a life. My life, someone elses life. Don't text and drive. Don't TALK and drive.
I get frusterated when I see hearing people talking on their cells, and they didn't see me, and we avoid a near collision because they weren't paying attention. At least when your gabbering on the phone, you CAN watch the road. Texting involves taking your eyes OFF the road. And yet, still so many wrecks.
We can avoid this. Even if theres a new law that forbids it---is it really going to bring the numbers down? People can text under the steeringwheel. They can put the phone on speaker. Its still distracting.
Im not so innocent. I had a few closecalls myself--when I texted and drove. This is why I don't. Its too scary and its not worth it. Its not worth losing my life or someone elses life over.
PLEASE, think before you use your cell and drive. Save a life. It might be yours!
I got rearended last month--the driver wasn't on the cell phone, but instead was distracted by someone outside his window. Thankfully he was not traveling fast.
I saw a picture today, of a Honda crotch bike, jammed inside of a car. The driver, passenger and the bike rider, were all killed instantly.
Everyday, I venture out. I FORCE myself to put my phone down. And leave it. This is important. It could save a life. My life, someone elses life. Don't text and drive. Don't TALK and drive.
I get frusterated when I see hearing people talking on their cells, and they didn't see me, and we avoid a near collision because they weren't paying attention. At least when your gabbering on the phone, you CAN watch the road. Texting involves taking your eyes OFF the road. And yet, still so many wrecks.
We can avoid this. Even if theres a new law that forbids it---is it really going to bring the numbers down? People can text under the steeringwheel. They can put the phone on speaker. Its still distracting.
Im not so innocent. I had a few closecalls myself--when I texted and drove. This is why I don't. Its too scary and its not worth it. Its not worth losing my life or someone elses life over.
PLEASE, think before you use your cell and drive. Save a life. It might be yours!
NAD, Netflix and Wizard of Oz
(Note: this is not my blog writing. I just wanted to share NAD's letter to Netflix regarding their refusal to caption the Wizard of Oz) Renee'
NAD Calls Out Netflix on CaptionsOn September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf requested that Netflix provide a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” movie that Netflix made available online, for free, for everyone on October 3, 2009. Netflix disregarded the NAD request along with thousands of letters, emails, comments, and tweets urging Netflix to caption the movie. Today, the NAD expressed its dismay at the lack of any response from Netflix and its failure to make this 70th anniversary celebration of “The Wizard of Oz” accessible to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing viewers.
Here is what the NAD said:-------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, October 5, 2009 Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix, Inc.cafisher@netflix.com
Ms. Fisher – On September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) wrote to you in response to Netflix’s announcement that “The Wizard of Oz” would be freely available to everyone on October 3rd, the 70th anniversary of this classic film. We requested that Netflix enable people to choose to view a captioned version of this classic film by placing a "CC" icon on your webpage linked to the captioned version.
We urged Netflix to take advantage of this unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible entertainment to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans. See http://www.nad.org/node/442.
In addition to the NAD, Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin and many other people appealed to Netflix to caption “The Wizard of Oz.”
The process of captioning “The Wizard of Oz” is technically possible and relatively simple to achieve. The television version and the DVD version of the film have already been captioned. Captions can be programmed into the Microsoft Silverlight application that Netflix uses for its Watch Instantly feature. Captions have been included in videos, programming, and movies made available for viewing online. See, for example, http://www.hulu.com. We received no response from Netflix. Our request for a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” on October 3rd was not honored. Unlike the characters in “The Wizard of Oz,” Netflix looks like it is still searching for its brain, heart, and courage.
We view Netflix’s lack of response and lack of captioning for “The Wizard of Oz” as a blatant statement by Netflix that 36 million deaf and hard of hearing people are second class citizens. This is the message that our community received from Netflix. Netflix must commit to a policy and timetable to provide captions for its online movie service to ensure equal access to this service by Netflix account holders who are deaf or hard of hearing. Such a policy is a not only a good business practice, it's the right thing to do.
In addition, we ask Netflix to meet with NAD representatives, and the courtesy of a response to this invitation. Rosaline CrawfordDirector, Law and Advocacy CenterNational Association of the Deaf8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910 Advocates need to continue to request captioning on Netflix Watch Instantly movies by sending messages to Netflix by Twitter via the Netflix twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/netflix or @netflix and http://www.twitter.com/netflixhelps or @netflixhelps, via the Netflix Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/netflix, by posting comments on the Netflix blog at http://blog.netflix.com/, and contacting:Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix, Inc.cafisher@netflix.com408-540-3847 Netflix Customer Service1-866-716-0414Source: http://www.nad.org/news/2009/10/nad-calls-out-netflix-captionsNetflix: Wizard of Oz - 70th Anniversaryhttp://www.netflix.com/wizardofozYahoo Tech:http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/57543/deaf-association-to-netflix-why-no-captions-during-free-online-showing-of-oz/HackingNetflix.com:http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/netflixs-wizard-of-oz-showing-upsets-national-association-of-the-deaf.html
NAD Calls Out Netflix on CaptionsOn September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf requested that Netflix provide a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” movie that Netflix made available online, for free, for everyone on October 3, 2009. Netflix disregarded the NAD request along with thousands of letters, emails, comments, and tweets urging Netflix to caption the movie. Today, the NAD expressed its dismay at the lack of any response from Netflix and its failure to make this 70th anniversary celebration of “The Wizard of Oz” accessible to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing viewers.
Here is what the NAD said:-------------------------------------------------------------------- Monday, October 5, 2009 Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix, Inc.cafisher@netflix.com
Ms. Fisher – On September 9, 2009, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) wrote to you in response to Netflix’s announcement that “The Wizard of Oz” would be freely available to everyone on October 3rd, the 70th anniversary of this classic film. We requested that Netflix enable people to choose to view a captioned version of this classic film by placing a "CC" icon on your webpage linked to the captioned version.
We urged Netflix to take advantage of this unique opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to providing accessible entertainment to 36 million deaf and hard of hearing Americans. See http://www.nad.org/node/442.
In addition to the NAD, Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin and many other people appealed to Netflix to caption “The Wizard of Oz.”
The process of captioning “The Wizard of Oz” is technically possible and relatively simple to achieve. The television version and the DVD version of the film have already been captioned. Captions can be programmed into the Microsoft Silverlight application that Netflix uses for its Watch Instantly feature. Captions have been included in videos, programming, and movies made available for viewing online. See, for example, http://www.hulu.com. We received no response from Netflix. Our request for a captioned version of “The Wizard of Oz” on October 3rd was not honored. Unlike the characters in “The Wizard of Oz,” Netflix looks like it is still searching for its brain, heart, and courage.
We view Netflix’s lack of response and lack of captioning for “The Wizard of Oz” as a blatant statement by Netflix that 36 million deaf and hard of hearing people are second class citizens. This is the message that our community received from Netflix. Netflix must commit to a policy and timetable to provide captions for its online movie service to ensure equal access to this service by Netflix account holders who are deaf or hard of hearing. Such a policy is a not only a good business practice, it's the right thing to do.
In addition, we ask Netflix to meet with NAD representatives, and the courtesy of a response to this invitation. Rosaline CrawfordDirector, Law and Advocacy CenterNational Association of the Deaf8630 Fenton Street, Suite 820Silver Spring, MD 20910 Advocates need to continue to request captioning on Netflix Watch Instantly movies by sending messages to Netflix by Twitter via the Netflix twitter account at http://www.twitter.com/netflix or @netflix and http://www.twitter.com/netflixhelps or @netflixhelps, via the Netflix Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/netflix, by posting comments on the Netflix blog at http://blog.netflix.com/, and contacting:Catherine FisherDirector, CommunicationsNetflix, Inc.cafisher@netflix.com408-540-3847 Netflix Customer Service1-866-716-0414Source: http://www.nad.org/news/2009/10/nad-calls-out-netflix-captionsNetflix: Wizard of Oz - 70th Anniversaryhttp://www.netflix.com/wizardofozYahoo Tech:http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/57543/deaf-association-to-netflix-why-no-captions-during-free-online-showing-of-oz/HackingNetflix.com:http://www.hackingnetflix.com/2009/10/netflixs-wizard-of-oz-showing-upsets-national-association-of-the-deaf.html
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Cochlear Implants
Cochlear Implants
Awhile ago, I had a conversation with a friend about...Cochlear Implants. Once upon a time, this is something I truly wanted for myself. Cochlear is not widely embraced by the deaf community. But before you all (deafies) start getting mad at me, or pointing fingers-- this is not something I want now.One would have to put themselves in my shoes to understand my former desires. If a hearing parent with a deaf BABY were to come to me now.
I have no clue truly how I would reply. But I would be honest about how I wanted one when I was a teen. and how I do not want one now and I'm glad I never recieved one. I see, know and understand the pros and cons of cochlear implants and I understand why latened deaf adults want them. We shldnt criticize. Many deaf haven't gotten to experience our way of life.I wasnt always deaf. I was born hearing...my views through the years have changed as I have grown and gained knowledge. When I was 16--I begged my parents for a cochlear. I wanted one so bad. I was seriously afraid of becoming deaf--even though I was attending a deaf school.Not that there was anyting wrong with being deaf--i loved my school, and I loved my friends! But--I relied sooo much on my hearing.You see, At the age of 5- I had to wear hearing aids, because my hearing was slowly going away. When I say slow--I mean extremely gradual.
When I was 16, I was wearing ONE hearing aid in my left ear. I could still talk on the phone, and undersatnd a conversation over the phone. I could hear birds singing, Ic ould hear my mom hollar at me from the next room over, I could sort of follow a conversation if too many people were not talking at once, AND if I knew what the topic of the conversation was. I cried everytime my hearing got worse and worse. How would I be able to live life without being able to hear?
But u know what? Its not so bad at all!I became Miss. Deaf Oklahoma in 1993. I attended college. I had jobs. I have and continue to live a full life. Today, I am happy that my parents couldn't afford the cochlear in the 80s. I'm a very good eligibility for cochlear to be sucessful if i were to accept it now. But you know? I am just fine without it.I consider myself an asset to the deaf community. With or without a cochlear.But let me say this. EVEN if i were to get a cochlear--the deaf community would still be a part of my life. I wouldnt get a cochlear--so I could be "hearing" again. I wouldnt be getting it to leave the deaf world and become a "hearing person". No. Just to hear sounds again, and hear my sons voice again. But thats okay no worries because its not gonna happen :)
As a deaf person without cochlear, I consider myself sucessful. A full time mom, an advocate, a deaf interpreter, a QAST Evaluator for the State of Oklahoma, and much much more.Just for any moms out there reading this--theres nothing wrong with the deaf way of life. :) Even if ur considering cochlear for your child-let them be a part of the deaf community in some way. This could turn out to be a positive experience, for you, and for your child.With much love. :) I'll always be in full SUPPORT of ASL. But if a hearing parent wants to give their child a cochlea implant--we can't stop them---we can embrace their decision--and encourage them to support ASL and be a part of the deaf community somehow.
Now mind you, these are my thoughts and my views. Not everyone shares them. :) Happy reading!
Awhile ago, I had a conversation with a friend about...Cochlear Implants. Once upon a time, this is something I truly wanted for myself. Cochlear is not widely embraced by the deaf community. But before you all (deafies) start getting mad at me, or pointing fingers-- this is not something I want now.One would have to put themselves in my shoes to understand my former desires. If a hearing parent with a deaf BABY were to come to me now.
I have no clue truly how I would reply. But I would be honest about how I wanted one when I was a teen. and how I do not want one now and I'm glad I never recieved one. I see, know and understand the pros and cons of cochlear implants and I understand why latened deaf adults want them. We shldnt criticize. Many deaf haven't gotten to experience our way of life.I wasnt always deaf. I was born hearing...my views through the years have changed as I have grown and gained knowledge. When I was 16--I begged my parents for a cochlear. I wanted one so bad. I was seriously afraid of becoming deaf--even though I was attending a deaf school.Not that there was anyting wrong with being deaf--i loved my school, and I loved my friends! But--I relied sooo much on my hearing.You see, At the age of 5- I had to wear hearing aids, because my hearing was slowly going away. When I say slow--I mean extremely gradual.
When I was 16, I was wearing ONE hearing aid in my left ear. I could still talk on the phone, and undersatnd a conversation over the phone. I could hear birds singing, Ic ould hear my mom hollar at me from the next room over, I could sort of follow a conversation if too many people were not talking at once, AND if I knew what the topic of the conversation was. I cried everytime my hearing got worse and worse. How would I be able to live life without being able to hear?
But u know what? Its not so bad at all!I became Miss. Deaf Oklahoma in 1993. I attended college. I had jobs. I have and continue to live a full life. Today, I am happy that my parents couldn't afford the cochlear in the 80s. I'm a very good eligibility for cochlear to be sucessful if i were to accept it now. But you know? I am just fine without it.I consider myself an asset to the deaf community. With or without a cochlear.But let me say this. EVEN if i were to get a cochlear--the deaf community would still be a part of my life. I wouldnt get a cochlear--so I could be "hearing" again. I wouldnt be getting it to leave the deaf world and become a "hearing person". No. Just to hear sounds again, and hear my sons voice again. But thats okay no worries because its not gonna happen :)
As a deaf person without cochlear, I consider myself sucessful. A full time mom, an advocate, a deaf interpreter, a QAST Evaluator for the State of Oklahoma, and much much more.Just for any moms out there reading this--theres nothing wrong with the deaf way of life. :) Even if ur considering cochlear for your child-let them be a part of the deaf community in some way. This could turn out to be a positive experience, for you, and for your child.With much love. :) I'll always be in full SUPPORT of ASL. But if a hearing parent wants to give their child a cochlea implant--we can't stop them---we can embrace their decision--and encourage them to support ASL and be a part of the deaf community somehow.
Now mind you, these are my thoughts and my views. Not everyone shares them. :) Happy reading!
DeafNation Expo, OKC
DeafNation Expo-Oklahoma City, October 3, 2009. What a weekend! Heres me with my girlfriends that I see once a year, if I'm lucky! Seems like we deafies are just scattered out everywhere! 
I am still recovering from the weekend! Had a great time at DeafNation. It was enjoyable definitly! Here I am with my bf and son (in the blue and his friend in the green) With Deaf UFC Fighter Matt Hamill! Matts really nice!
Deaf Nation turned out 2000 plus people in OKC! That rocks! So i think this means they'll be back next year! I didn't get to visit as much as I wanted---since I was trying to sell tickets to the Abababa Road Tour performance. We're excited about that upcoming event!
It was wonderful to see everyoen though. Seeing old friends, and meeting new.
Seems that everyone had a wonderful time! I can't get the pics to upload correctly, so until I do--i can only say we carried our conversations well into the nite, at a restaurant where the guys (and a few gals) enjoyed watching the OU game.
The OKCAD hopefully had a good turnout too. I didn't even get that far--since I ended up staying and chatting at the restaurant after eating. Thats okay! Hope to see you Okies at the Alan Abarbanell Road Tour on Dec 4th! Tickets are 15.00! Don't miss out! Mwah!
My son said Matt hugged him so hard, and did a "pat" on the back--his back is still in pain! (laugh)
Deaf Nation turned out 2000 plus people in OKC! That rocks! So i think this means they'll be back next year! I didn't get to visit as much as I wanted---since I was trying to sell tickets to the Abababa Road Tour performance. We're excited about that upcoming event!
It was wonderful to see everyoen though. Seeing old friends, and meeting new.
Seems that everyone had a wonderful time! I can't get the pics to upload correctly, so until I do--i can only say we carried our conversations well into the nite, at a restaurant where the guys (and a few gals) enjoyed watching the OU game.
The OKCAD hopefully had a good turnout too. I didn't even get that far--since I ended up staying and chatting at the restaurant after eating. Thats okay! Hope to see you Okies at the Alan Abarbanell Road Tour on Dec 4th! Tickets are 15.00! Don't miss out! Mwah!
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