After taking my first sign language class, I had an experience that solidified why having this knowledge was so important.
I hosted at an Italian restaurant in high school (I still work there, but now I serve, the money is much better). It was Valentines Day and I was the senior host so I was running the books and reservations up at the front. You probably could have guessed, but Valentines Day is one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants, so most of our tables had a strict rotation of reservations assigned that night.We only had 2-3 tables that were available for "walk-ins."
So during the middle of dinner we were pretty packed, when a man walks in. He comes up to me at the front and requests a table. I couldn't hear him very well because it was loud in there, so I asked him if he had a reservation. He looked at me and kind of shook his head and pointed to his ear, then he pointed to a piece of paper and a pen. I started to put together that he was deaf. I handed him the pen and paper but instead of waiting for him to write down his request I made eye contact with him and signed "how many people in your party?" (well it was more like "number people?" because ASL doesn't use small words like "the" or "a" and that was the best I could do with my base knowledge).
He looked at me for a second and then told me 2 (held up 2 fingers). I put him on the list and then signed to him that the wait for a table would be about an hour, (the literal translation was more like: "table wait about hour, alright?") He nodded at me and sat down to wait next to the host stand.
A little while later his wife walked in and sat down next to him. They started to sign to each other and I was trying not to stare, but I was looking out of the corner of my eye. They were both obviously very fluent and I was interested. She saw me looking and waved at me to get my attention. She asked me (in sign) where I had learned sign language and I told her about the class I was taking (a lot of that had to be finger spelled on my part, I wasn't very good yet). A little while later I took them to their table and told them to have a wonderful night.
I was so glad for the real life experience and for their patience with my (probably bad) signing. This was around 4-5 years ago and I will remember it forever.
Thursday, December 8, 2016
The Greats: High School: Mrs. Harrold
Mrs. Harrold:
I was told by so many people, "don't take Mrs. Harrold's AP Euro class! It's so hard! you will literally die!" So naturally, not wanting to die over a ton of course work, I didn't take it.
That did afford me the opportunity to have Mrs. Custred (who was amazing), but I probably missed out on an awesome class. I decided later to take a sign language course, because it seemed interesting but also because some of my friends were doing it. Mrs. Harrold taught sign language and I loved it so much I signed up for the second signing class too. I even joined the sign language club in high school and I still remember a lot of what I learned and try to practice occasionally.
She did a great job of, not only teaching us sign language, but teaching us why it was important and teaching us about Deaf (and deaf) culture. Having a well-rounded view on the way signing was created and the challenges that face the Deaf community gives so much more meaning and context to an already beautiful language.
After taking her class I could see why her history class was hard, and it was because she is so passionate about everything she does. She gives 110% all of the time and expects the same enthusiasm from her students. She wears Christmas themed outfits leading up to the holidays, she is honest when giving feedback, and she cares deeply about every single student that walks through her doors. Mrs. Patti Harrold is well loved by her other staff members and by her students. I'm sad that I missed out on her European History class but I was extremely blessed to have her as a teacher.
Mr. Mouse in my House (Part 2)
A while back I posted about the mouse I spotted inside of my house.
I set up some catch and release traps for it, but those were unsuccessful. After about a month after first seeing one I hadn't seen or heard anything since.
On a different note, I had also been seeing some Spider Crickets in the house as well, mostly in the laundry room and bathroom. They're pretty much harmless, but they're creepy looking. I had one jump right in front of me as I was walking to the kitchen to make coffee one morning. It scared the crap out me and I jumped about a mile high, my pre-caffine body was not alert enough for that.
So at this point, had pretty much forgotten about the mouse and I was trying to figure out a way to deal the with the creepy crickets. I doubled up on the spray I use around the house to prevent bugs and I also set out some sticky traps in the rooms I had been seeing them in. The sticky traps were pretty effective and cut down on the number of crickets I had to catch/kill and dispose of.
YOU GUYS a mouse got stuck in one :(
I found him when I got up one morning. He was so small and he looked really sad. Most of the fur on his underside was stuck to the trap, along with 3/4ths of his legs and his face. I felt pretty bad, he kept trying to pull away but he was stuck pretty good. I tried to get him unstuck with some vegetable oil but it wasn't enough to get him off of the trap.
I couldn't just leave him alone in the trap to starve to death, so I had to kill him. It was sad and I think I will be using the regular, classic mouse trap or catch and release from now on.
I set up some catch and release traps for it, but those were unsuccessful. After about a month after first seeing one I hadn't seen or heard anything since.
On a different note, I had also been seeing some Spider Crickets in the house as well, mostly in the laundry room and bathroom. They're pretty much harmless, but they're creepy looking. I had one jump right in front of me as I was walking to the kitchen to make coffee one morning. It scared the crap out me and I jumped about a mile high, my pre-caffine body was not alert enough for that.
So at this point, had pretty much forgotten about the mouse and I was trying to figure out a way to deal the with the creepy crickets. I doubled up on the spray I use around the house to prevent bugs and I also set out some sticky traps in the rooms I had been seeing them in. The sticky traps were pretty effective and cut down on the number of crickets I had to catch/kill and dispose of.
YOU GUYS a mouse got stuck in one :(
I found him when I got up one morning. He was so small and he looked really sad. Most of the fur on his underside was stuck to the trap, along with 3/4ths of his legs and his face. I felt pretty bad, he kept trying to pull away but he was stuck pretty good. I tried to get him unstuck with some vegetable oil but it wasn't enough to get him off of the trap.
I couldn't just leave him alone in the trap to starve to death, so I had to kill him. It was sad and I think I will be using the regular, classic mouse trap or catch and release from now on.
The Greats: High School
I had so many amazing teachers during high school, it may be hard to fit them all into one post.
Let's start with Mrs. St. Clair.
Mrs. St. Clair has a small frame, wears glasses and has short, grey hair. She probably wouldn't stand out to you in a crowd, but she was an amazing teacher. She taught computer science at my high school and I had her for two years in a row. Computer programming wasn't something I excelled in, but I did okay, I mostly kept doing it because her classes were fun. It was a class that encouraged team work, we would scour each others code to find the errors or ask for the best way to do things. Mrs. St. Clair invested deeply in her students and you could see how much she loved teaching. On some days we would even come have lunch in her classroom to work on a project or just hang out and fool around on the computers.
Mrs. Custred taught AP World History while always managing to be the best dressed person in the room. She was always very engaging in class and loved to talk to her students about anything and everything. She has the best shoe collection of anyone I've ever met. Although she has a love of fashion that runs deep her love for teaching was obviously greater. She made it easy to talk about history in practical terms (history is one of my worst subjects) and I got pretty good at constructing an argument in my essay during her class.
Mr. Haselwood is probably the most fun teacher ever. Everyday in-between classes he would play very loud pop music usually accompanied by some dad-style dancing. It was a little goofy but in the middle of the day it was nice brain-break and I always knew it was going to be a good class. During Christmas time he would hang Christmas lights from the roof tiles. One year for Swine Week (fundraiser) he pledged to dye his hair hot pink if we raised enough money. He pulled off pink hair pretty well. He was always loud and always in a good mood. He didn't treat us like kids, he talked to us like normal adults and made learning fun (also he taught math, which can be pretty hard to make fun). I believe he is no longer teaching but is now going to graduate school to continue bettering himself and I know he is bringing smiles wherever he goes!
To be continued!!! (because I have had a lot of awesome teachers)
Let's start with Mrs. St. Clair.
Mrs. St. Clair has a small frame, wears glasses and has short, grey hair. She probably wouldn't stand out to you in a crowd, but she was an amazing teacher. She taught computer science at my high school and I had her for two years in a row. Computer programming wasn't something I excelled in, but I did okay, I mostly kept doing it because her classes were fun. It was a class that encouraged team work, we would scour each others code to find the errors or ask for the best way to do things. Mrs. St. Clair invested deeply in her students and you could see how much she loved teaching. On some days we would even come have lunch in her classroom to work on a project or just hang out and fool around on the computers.
Mrs. Custred taught AP World History while always managing to be the best dressed person in the room. She was always very engaging in class and loved to talk to her students about anything and everything. She has the best shoe collection of anyone I've ever met. Although she has a love of fashion that runs deep her love for teaching was obviously greater. She made it easy to talk about history in practical terms (history is one of my worst subjects) and I got pretty good at constructing an argument in my essay during her class.
Mr. Haselwood is probably the most fun teacher ever. Everyday in-between classes he would play very loud pop music usually accompanied by some dad-style dancing. It was a little goofy but in the middle of the day it was nice brain-break and I always knew it was going to be a good class. During Christmas time he would hang Christmas lights from the roof tiles. One year for Swine Week (fundraiser) he pledged to dye his hair hot pink if we raised enough money. He pulled off pink hair pretty well. He was always loud and always in a good mood. He didn't treat us like kids, he talked to us like normal adults and made learning fun (also he taught math, which can be pretty hard to make fun). I believe he is no longer teaching but is now going to graduate school to continue bettering himself and I know he is bringing smiles wherever he goes!
To be continued!!! (because I have had a lot of awesome teachers)
Sunday, December 4, 2016
My Bestfriend
"Things are never quite as scary when you've got a best friend." - Bill Watterson
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This is Blake.
Blake has brown hair, blue eyes and a smaller waist than me. He loves corgis and singing made-up songs about nothing. He likes to play video games, even though he isn't great at them (still better than me), and he has very strong opinions on music.
Just after this Thanksgiving, Blake and I "celebrated" our 3 year anniversary (by seeing on Facebook that it was our anniversary, we looked up and said "happy anniversary" while continuing to eat pizza). These past 3 years have flown by, and it seems like just yesterday I was making awkward small talk with a cute boy in a coffee shop. Little did I know, that the same boy would become my best friend in the whole world.
Blake is very introverted and if he doesn't get his alone time he gets pretty cranky.
He's not good at folding laundry, but he makes an excellent pot of coffee.
Blake likes to pretend he's not romantic, but he is. He's laid back, and doesn't go for grand gestures (I don't need any extra surprises in my life anyway). He brings me candy home from work, and when we do presents, his are thoughtful. When Harry Potter and the Cursed Child came out, I didn't have time to go get it but of course, I wanted it so bad. After I got off of work one day I found that book casually laying face down on the coffee table, for no other reason than it was a nice thing to do.
Blake and I are very different in many ways. I get Blake out of the house more, and he reminds me to relax. We are also similar in the ways that matter, we share many of the same views, ethics, and priorities. We like conversations about important things like religion and politics and also ones about which TV show is better.
At the end of the day we make a good team. When we cook I do most of the stove work and Blake is my sous chef getting and prepping anything I need. We help each other with big projects and let the other one vent after a long day at work (or school). We help each other make the not-so-great stuff a little bit better, shopping trips become much more entertaining, and when life throws too much at us we always have someone to lean on.
Walking through life with Blake has been my favorite part of every day for the last 3 years and I look forward to the rest of the journey.
Identifying depression and suicidal thoughts
This post will be different. I'm breaking the mold I made for this blog of writing about people, instead it will be in honor of someone.
Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects many Americans, and especially younger people. Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 people with depression don't get treatment.
Here are some things to look for if you think someone you love is dealing with depression or has suicidal thoughts.
Signs of Depression:
Loss of Interest
Activities, hobbies, or subjects that a person enjoyed become something they no longer have an interest in.
Over eating or loss of appetite.
Trouble Sleeping
This can include insomnia or excessive sleeping. Sleep has a large effect on the body and these symptoms can worsen depression.
Signs of Suicide:
Quickly switching from feeling sad to seeming fine or even happy.
Talking about death or suicide.
Words can covey a lot, its not always phrased as simply as a person stating their intent to commit suicide. This is often phrased in theoretical or "Do you ever wonder if...?" This can be accompanied by talking about feelings of inadequacy, sadness or emptiness, or how they wouldn't be missed.
"Tempting Fate"
By putting themselves in harms way. Usually this involves doing things slightly more dangerous than they normally would, such as driving really fast or dangling a bit too far off of a high building.
Tying up lose ends
This often involves touching up a will or calling loved ones that they don't normally call.
Many of these signs can be hard to spot initially, which is why it's important to be aware of them.
If you think someone you care about is struggling talk to them today. It can be a hard conversation, but listening is the most important thing you can do.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out and tell someone. Yes, it's a weird topic to approach, but your friends and family are there for this kind of stuff. Consider talking to a professional.
Here are some facts about depression.
Here is a website with resources and hotlines.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
In loving memory of Kannon Manis. I'm better for having known you. You are missed by so many.
Clinical depression is a serious illness that affects many Americans, and especially younger people. Unfortunately, 2 out of 3 people with depression don't get treatment.
Here are some things to look for if you think someone you love is dealing with depression or has suicidal thoughts.
Signs of Depression:
Loss of Interest
Activities, hobbies, or subjects that a person enjoyed become something they no longer have an interest in.
Over eating or loss of appetite.
Trouble Sleeping
This can include insomnia or excessive sleeping. Sleep has a large effect on the body and these symptoms can worsen depression.
Signs of Suicide:
Quickly switching from feeling sad to seeming fine or even happy.
Talking about death or suicide.
Words can covey a lot, its not always phrased as simply as a person stating their intent to commit suicide. This is often phrased in theoretical or "Do you ever wonder if...?" This can be accompanied by talking about feelings of inadequacy, sadness or emptiness, or how they wouldn't be missed.
"Tempting Fate"
By putting themselves in harms way. Usually this involves doing things slightly more dangerous than they normally would, such as driving really fast or dangling a bit too far off of a high building.
Tying up lose ends
This often involves touching up a will or calling loved ones that they don't normally call.
Many of these signs can be hard to spot initially, which is why it's important to be aware of them.
If you think someone you care about is struggling talk to them today. It can be a hard conversation, but listening is the most important thing you can do.
If you are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, reach out and tell someone. Yes, it's a weird topic to approach, but your friends and family are there for this kind of stuff. Consider talking to a professional.
Here are some facts about depression.
Here is a website with resources and hotlines.
The National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
In loving memory of Kannon Manis. I'm better for having known you. You are missed by so many.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
The Greats: Middle School
I am now in my 4th year of undergrad and facing graduation in May. I have been in school for 3/4ths of my life and the idea of not being in school anymore is a bit scary. It also makes me a bit nostalgic. Teachers have been a huge part of my life and sometimes we forget how important they are. So here are some of the great teachers I have had over the course of my life: starting with middle school.
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." - Carl Jung
Mrs. Barghols: Mrs. Barghols was my Enrichment teacher throughout middle school. I don't think I understood how great that class was until later, it was just a fun thing I got to go do instead of regular class. She had me in class for 3 years and probably knew me the best out of all my middle school teachers, she called me Lizzie instead of Elizabeth (which is what I went by then). She encouraged us to reach beyond normal school, to be creative and invent things. She didn't treat us like the little hooligans we were, she talked to us like adults. I didn't even realize I was learning things while I was in her class, but they are some of the ones I remember most vividly. Mrs. Barghols always had a kind word for everyone and encouraged us to be ourselves. She gave me confidence in myself and made learning fun, and for that I will always remember her and be grateful.
Mr. Goodwin: I think I owe this one an apology. I never took him or his classes seriously enough (and it didn't help that I hate history classes). Back then, antagonizing the teachers was entertainment, and while I was never very loud or rowdy, my friends were. As I look back now, I realize the immense amount of patience he and many other teachers had with us. It takes a special kind of person to teach middle schoolers. Mr. Goodwin poured a lot into his students and into me.
Mr. Wilson: Mr. Wilson was a large man with a thick, dark beard, and he probably could have looked pretty intimidating if he didn't always have a smile on his face. He was my volleyball coach, which I only participated in my 8th grade year (because I was horrible, I think I was on the 3rd "C" team). Despite the fact that I hit the ball more with my face than my hands, he was always kind and encouraging. You could really tell that he loved what he did, and that is what I remember most about him.
Thank you to all of the teachers who put their time and effort into me, you deserve the best.
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." - Carl Jung
Mrs. Barghols: Mrs. Barghols was my Enrichment teacher throughout middle school. I don't think I understood how great that class was until later, it was just a fun thing I got to go do instead of regular class. She had me in class for 3 years and probably knew me the best out of all my middle school teachers, she called me Lizzie instead of Elizabeth (which is what I went by then). She encouraged us to reach beyond normal school, to be creative and invent things. She didn't treat us like the little hooligans we were, she talked to us like adults. I didn't even realize I was learning things while I was in her class, but they are some of the ones I remember most vividly. Mrs. Barghols always had a kind word for everyone and encouraged us to be ourselves. She gave me confidence in myself and made learning fun, and for that I will always remember her and be grateful.
Mr. Goodwin: I think I owe this one an apology. I never took him or his classes seriously enough (and it didn't help that I hate history classes). Back then, antagonizing the teachers was entertainment, and while I was never very loud or rowdy, my friends were. As I look back now, I realize the immense amount of patience he and many other teachers had with us. It takes a special kind of person to teach middle schoolers. Mr. Goodwin poured a lot into his students and into me.
Mr. Wilson: Mr. Wilson was a large man with a thick, dark beard, and he probably could have looked pretty intimidating if he didn't always have a smile on his face. He was my volleyball coach, which I only participated in my 8th grade year (because I was horrible, I think I was on the 3rd "C" team). Despite the fact that I hit the ball more with my face than my hands, he was always kind and encouraging. You could really tell that he loved what he did, and that is what I remember most about him.
Thank you to all of the teachers who put their time and effort into me, you deserve the best.
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