A Small Guide to be a Winner

Thought this was worth noting:

                    

Last week....final goodbyes

The semester is sadly coming to a halt and this week I am tying-up loose ends and saying my goodbyes.. needless to say, I've done some great things this week.  To sum it up, I've been to the farmers market, the easter market, went to the craziest bookstore I've ever been to, danced my pants off and shopped to get ready for the holidays.

I've met some pretty cool people and I would never take this semester back for a minute.  I'm glad I've been here, in Washington DC.  I will miss you all!

Rhode Island Thanksgiving

Last week I went to Rhode Island.  I decided to go there to see my cousins, their kids and my aunt that I hadn't seen for awhile.. First, Reema (my roommate) and I took the "Chinatown bus" back to her hometown in Long Island, NY.  It was a good 5 hour ride to NYC...

Once we got into NYC, we hopped on a train that went into Long Island

When I got in the area I kept saying, "this looks so normal!" ..I guess sometimes I just assume that all of NY is big buildings and business, 24/7.  Totally normal my friends.. totally normal.  

I met her family, they were soo awesome, and I got to see their Dehli!  It was much bigger than I expected.

After staying a night in Long Island, I went back into NYC and hopped back on another bus, heading toward Providence.  Arriving there I met my two little (second) cousins...

This is Calista.  She's the smartest four year old I've ever met.  She is creative and is constantly soaking in the world around her.

This is Lucas.  He's two, fearless and always ready to play.

On Thanksgiving, Brian's (my cousin Maria's husband) family came over and I got to meet his parents, brother and a few other family members.

This is my Thea (aunt) Nikki.  She's hilarious when she plays games.

On Saturday we went out to get a tree for the family.  I felt like I was intruding on their family time but I really enjoyed being there, especially because my family does it every year.

On Saturday night, I offered to make some cookies.  I've really missed not having a kitchen after being in an apartment all summer.  I was happy to make something...especially dessert. 

Sunday after church we all headed over to my other cousin, Nick's house.  He now has three kids:  Eleni, Nikki and Anthony....this is Nikki: totally wild and rambunctious.

This is the newest addition: Anthony.  He was born a month and half ago...soo cute.

Overall, I'm so happy I went!  It was so good to see family again, not be stuck at Gallaudet for the holiday and have actual, real food  :) 

Say it like it is.

What does it matter, whether one speaks or signs, as they both pertain to the soul? -St. Augustine


My friend Kayla made a point last night.. she said, "A lot of my hearing friends have compared themselves to each other trying to determine who is a better signer..what does it matter? The point is to communicate and if everyone understands, then that's all that matters."


There's always so much debate about communication on campus, I won't get in too deep right now but I think when it really comes down to it, Kayla said it like it is..it's about expressing yourself and being understood.  The mode in which it is expressed should not be dwelled upon...

i liked it.

I was...shocked.

If you have the time, you should watch this. I know it's long, but its definitely worth your time.  I think its time that hearing people are aware of how serious Cochlear implants are.  Many people think that fixing this "disability" (or what may seem like a disability to some) would make life easier. Cochlear implants are a very hot discussion on campus and within the Deaf Community.  It seems that people who are not Deaf never stop trying to fix Deaf children....

Let me know what you think.

Happy Birthday Mommy!

This is a song that I've interpreted for my mom....I decided to interpret into my own meaning, that applies to my mom and I's relationship.

English interpretation:

Hey Mommy!

First, I wanted to let you all know, its my mom's birthday.  So I wanted to say "Happy Birthday Mommy"...

This song is called "Make you feel my love" Enjoy!

When its raining so hard, I feel so alone and the world feels so heavy...you show up and hug me at the perfect time.

When its dark outside and the stars out, its all beautiful, but I'm upset and crying...you show up to dry my tears at the perfect time.

I know that I'm so back and forth and sometimes I act like I hate you and then I love you again and we disagree.  But you always decide to love me! I appreciate our strong bond.

Again and again you decide to suffer and give up the things that you love and instead choose to help me.  I'm astounded by that help.  Thank you.

Happy Birthday Mommy.  I can't believe God gave me a woman like you that I can call "mom".   It's so awesome.  Thank you for helping me and supporting me throughout all of these years.

Sometimes in life I feel like the waters get too crazy and I feel like I'm drowning, but you show up and save me.  Life feels a mess but you show up and save me.

You've filled my life with happiness and you always support my dreams!  Now I want to express that I support you!  I want you to feel my love!  I love you mommy!  Happy Birthday!

Jess & Sta's Wedding

 A few pictures from my step-sisters wedding...

Check out more (and way more awesome pictures ) at http://diaimages.blogspot.com/