catsittingstill (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
catsittingstill) wrote2007-04-22 03:35 pm
catsittingstill) wrote2007-04-22 03:35 pm
Really, I just buy it for the articles
I went to the First Baptist Church in Knoxville this morning.
(Oh, sorry, maybe I should have warned you first. You didn't get any of your drink on the keyboard, I hope?)
No, church, especially a Baptist church, wouldn't normally be my thing (I do go to the Unitarian church now and then). But this was different--this was a school field trip for my ASL class. The FBC has a church service for the Deaf that's conducted entirely in ASL.
It was very cool. Before the service people were talking with each other in sign, their hands flickering so fast that it was hard to make out any of the words I knew. But I went over and tried to talk with people a little, and when they slowed down for me, I could make out most of what they said.
The service itself was easier in some ways, because the people addressing the crowd made an extra effort to sign big, the way you might speak more clearly when you're speaking to a group. But it was harder too, because there was always someone translating into English. Sometimes this helped me understand, obviously. But imagine trying to understand someone speaking French while someone else, trying to be helpful, simultaneously whispers the English translation to you. It was hard for me to concentrate on receiving the sign language while the English was continually "tugging my sleeve," so to speak. Maybe next time I'll bring ear plugs.
Yes, I think there will be a next time. I really want to learn to understand this stuff. If that means I have to go to church, so be it. This time I was riding along with someone else, so I couldn't linger to chat after the service. Next time I think I will drive myself so I can stay and chat and maybe get some more practice with ASL one-on-one without a translator.
In other news, the eagerly anticipated vest with all the pockets arrived last Monday. I was talking to Donald (my friend in Iraq) on the phone when it came, and I suspect much of the remainder of my end of the conversation was a little distracted by the sounds of velcro ripping and zippers zipping and "hmm, no, the mimmoth won't fit in that pocket, sorry Ozymandyas."
I haven't taken photos of the vest yet, but such will follow soon. I also got a catalog (cast-off from a friend who didn't want it) about Wednesday, that I was glancing through idly until my gaze was arrested by the "Zambezi Twill Jacket." Now those of you who look through the Skymall catalog for diversion on long plane flights may have seen this jacket--it's cut like a suit jacket, but looser, of tough-looking khaki fabric with leather trim and lots of interior pockets. I admit it--I have a thing for pockets. I have coveted this jacket since I first laid eyes on it years ago, but have always been put off by the fact that it costs about 160$. It occurred to me this week that maybe it (or something like it but cheaper) would be on sale somewhere if I looked for it online. I found one--for 40$. I ordered it. It's on the way and should arrive on Tuesday. If it fits (it was a men's large--which is fine if it means tall and not so great if it means wide). But at 25% of the normal price I figured I'd take the chance. I can return it if it really doesn't fit.
Kip and I went out Saturday and got 1) electrical conversion dohickeys so we can recharge cameras and mp3 players without letting the magic smoke out by exposing them to Ireland's 240 V electricity. 2) Good walking shoes for Kip 3) a bag for Kip to keep his important papers in (consent forms for him to authorize medical treatment if one of the students, looking the wrong way, steps out in front of a bus, for instance). 4) a rain jacket for Kip 5) maps of Ireland. 6) another photon microlight for me as I can't figure out where mine have gone. 6)Tech wash and associated wash-in waterproofing compound for waterproofing the living daylights out of our raincoats. Did I mention that I'm expecting it to rain in Ireland? And 7) a neck wallet for Kip that lets him hide his money and passport under his shirt. For some reason he did not want to use my "Girl Genius" ID holder.
Things I still need--wash in waterproofing for cotton if the Zambezi twill jacket fits. Extra memory chip for camera--I presently have enough memory for about 300 pictures--pitifully inadequate for a two week trip to Ireland. An inflatable pillow so I don't have to deal with any down pillows (I think I'm allergic). Excuse me--Amazon? Do you have a minute?
(Oh, sorry, maybe I should have warned you first. You didn't get any of your drink on the keyboard, I hope?)
No, church, especially a Baptist church, wouldn't normally be my thing (I do go to the Unitarian church now and then). But this was different--this was a school field trip for my ASL class. The FBC has a church service for the Deaf that's conducted entirely in ASL.
It was very cool. Before the service people were talking with each other in sign, their hands flickering so fast that it was hard to make out any of the words I knew. But I went over and tried to talk with people a little, and when they slowed down for me, I could make out most of what they said.
The service itself was easier in some ways, because the people addressing the crowd made an extra effort to sign big, the way you might speak more clearly when you're speaking to a group. But it was harder too, because there was always someone translating into English. Sometimes this helped me understand, obviously. But imagine trying to understand someone speaking French while someone else, trying to be helpful, simultaneously whispers the English translation to you. It was hard for me to concentrate on receiving the sign language while the English was continually "tugging my sleeve," so to speak. Maybe next time I'll bring ear plugs.
Yes, I think there will be a next time. I really want to learn to understand this stuff. If that means I have to go to church, so be it. This time I was riding along with someone else, so I couldn't linger to chat after the service. Next time I think I will drive myself so I can stay and chat and maybe get some more practice with ASL one-on-one without a translator.
In other news, the eagerly anticipated vest with all the pockets arrived last Monday. I was talking to Donald (my friend in Iraq) on the phone when it came, and I suspect much of the remainder of my end of the conversation was a little distracted by the sounds of velcro ripping and zippers zipping and "hmm, no, the mimmoth won't fit in that pocket, sorry Ozymandyas."
I haven't taken photos of the vest yet, but such will follow soon. I also got a catalog (cast-off from a friend who didn't want it) about Wednesday, that I was glancing through idly until my gaze was arrested by the "Zambezi Twill Jacket." Now those of you who look through the Skymall catalog for diversion on long plane flights may have seen this jacket--it's cut like a suit jacket, but looser, of tough-looking khaki fabric with leather trim and lots of interior pockets. I admit it--I have a thing for pockets. I have coveted this jacket since I first laid eyes on it years ago, but have always been put off by the fact that it costs about 160$. It occurred to me this week that maybe it (or something like it but cheaper) would be on sale somewhere if I looked for it online. I found one--for 40$. I ordered it. It's on the way and should arrive on Tuesday. If it fits (it was a men's large--which is fine if it means tall and not so great if it means wide). But at 25% of the normal price I figured I'd take the chance. I can return it if it really doesn't fit.
Kip and I went out Saturday and got 1) electrical conversion dohickeys so we can recharge cameras and mp3 players without letting the magic smoke out by exposing them to Ireland's 240 V electricity. 2) Good walking shoes for Kip 3) a bag for Kip to keep his important papers in (consent forms for him to authorize medical treatment if one of the students, looking the wrong way, steps out in front of a bus, for instance). 4) a rain jacket for Kip 5) maps of Ireland. 6) another photon microlight for me as I can't figure out where mine have gone. 6)Tech wash and associated wash-in waterproofing compound for waterproofing the living daylights out of our raincoats. Did I mention that I'm expecting it to rain in Ireland? And 7) a neck wallet for Kip that lets him hide his money and passport under his shirt. For some reason he did not want to use my "Girl Genius" ID holder.
Things I still need--wash in waterproofing for cotton if the Zambezi twill jacket fits. Extra memory chip for camera--I presently have enough memory for about 300 pictures--pitifully inadequate for a two week trip to Ireland. An inflatable pillow so I don't have to deal with any down pillows (I think I'm allergic). Excuse me--Amazon? Do you have a minute?
no subject
I've really enjoyed learning sign language, and have gotten a surprising amount of use out of it.
no subject