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/

New Signs Edition 1

To sum it up...my vocab sucks and is limited...here a few signs and a new way for me to practice.

Me, you and that new tattoo

Last weekend was my 21st and I had a blast!  I was really missin home and wishing all of my friends could've been here but that didn't stop the fun from happening... between the friends that I have made and simply just being in DC it turned out to be a sweet time.

First, we all went out to a sushi place.  EVERYONE talks about Sticky Rice...so I decided, nows the time.  I love sushi and it has a sweet bar on the first floor.  I even got my first drink on the house...that Sticky Rice...treatin me right on my birthday.

Later we traveled over to a gay club, Apex, that a lot of Galley students go to.  It's free every Thursday, which makes the night even better.  The club was super fun...but isn't that the way dancing should always be?

The tattoo?  Some people thought it was pretty random but it had been around in my mind for awhile... I went by myself (sorry if you're reading this daddy) just because I wanted to do it for me.  It was such a "me" tattoo and I liked having that personal experience....just me and the tattoo artist. ha. But really, it just felt right and I'm finally glad that I have it : )