It’s really endearing to me that the last post was about the Jaycees, and here I am after months for posting, talking about the Jaycees again.
It was that meeting, that speech I did in April that launched me into the most surreal weekend while accepting my award. It is truly an honor. I’m more than rocked about it, I’m still in complete shock.
When I arrived to the convention, we were invited to the Presidential Suite. I was a bit intimidated, and for those that know me, I don’t get intimidated often. After finally feeling at ease, it was time for dinner and awards.
After looking at the program, I became quite nervous. The other honored individuals are doing some amazing things. While all of them are wonderful, I was being honored the same night that the Mayor of La Crosse and the NFL player Aaron Kampman, both could not be in attendance. It was really shocking to me. The keynote was both gripping, chilling and poignant. Since it was on September 12th, the keynote recounted the events of 9-11, which made me even more spooked.
Here I will share parts of the program in which they thought I was deserving for this presitgious award.
Lisa Callsen was raised in a unique environment that most young people have not. As a child of two Deaf parents, she had to learn to be confident and careful to explain clearly about their lifestyle. Communicating with professions like doctors, lawyers, accountants, and school personnel, in a way and with content no young person has experience to understand, she was the bridge between two worlds.
Lisa is currently working on her speaking career which stems from a lifelong “explanation” of her world. When learning that her parents were Deaf for more than thirty years, the questions have been the same. In her speaking engagements she offers a story about the abilities of Deaf people, while communicating some of the “ah ha” moments in a very seldom discussed culture. By incorporating a general overview of the complex Americans with Disabilities Act, she hopes that her audience gains an understanding of the world she lives in. Besides her speaking activities, she is also working to open an intimate theatre to encourage others to share their stories, including her unique one woman show on her life with Deaf parents.
Also included is my acceptance speech. Everything I had planned to say, went out the window. I led into the speech with thanking them for this award for many reasons, one of which they still think I’m young, that pulled in the first laugh. Fortunately we captured the interpreter for the speech.
I recently spoke at the Jaycees of Manitowoc. It was a great event, and I was very excited about it. See my post here. I was curious of the organization and this was a great way to learn more about what the Jaycees do and perhaps get involved.
They were so moved with the stories I had about accessibility. The conversation after the presentation moved to a round table discussion. My hubby was there “the real live Deaf guy”. After brainstorming we might be working together on the next Deaf Pilots Association Fly-In hosted here in our town.
More to come soon! Thanks Jaycees for having me!
If you know me, you know I live in renovation. Hubby is a carpenter and well… he likes to build things. I’ve taken his lead and will be re-building the site. Look for some exciting changes with codadiva. 2009 is the year and as my friend says “Codadiva is alive”.
Stay tuned…. but in the meantime – feel free to browse and catch up a bit.
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start blogging!
I’ve been dreaming of a plan for codadiva! I’ve got a website in the works and my goal is to connect in a positive, supportive and healthy community for those that are Codas and those that wanting to be involved. You’ll find I never disregard anyone. My goal is provide a community that feels willing to share our experiences both good and bad. I’d also like to open up the blog/vlog world for my coda friends, encouraging them to do their own “journals”. I can’t wait to get videos of codas from around the world.
New features (as promised way back when) will feature other codas via video. I want to do more in-depth interviews because I find it fascinating the differences between our Deaf parents and how it has shaped who we are today. I’d also like to have a resource for deaf parents. I’m looking for an active Deaf parent that would like to either contribute or assist with resources important to them.
Look for the unveiling in June! It’s going to be fun!
I’m not going to review the Hallmark movie, you’ll find a great deal of opinions on blogs over at Deafread or Google it. As I settled in to the movie, there she was… there… in the courtroom… Arlene Malinowski! I do this thing with my husband, tap him on the arm with one hand while pointing to the tv with my finger waving up and down, “there – there” as I bounce in my seat look at him and sign YOU kNOW !
What beautiful signing, and what a treat she also spoke too. I felt like she was in my living room. It brought be back to being in Chicago all over again with my Coda sister Arlene. What a wonderful treat to the movie! Well for me anyway!
I have recently volunteered to assist with the website committee over at CODA website.
The team is working hard to understand how you would use this website and has developed a series of questions to understand what you want from the website. It is undergoing a major overhaul and we want you to be involved.
Please fill out this survey, which will take just a few minutes to let us know what you like to see when you visit www.coda-international.org
Here is the link… any problems let me know.
Thanks for your time!!
I’ve seen this video many times. Fortunately I found it captioned! It’s about how I feel this week with the kids. Completely hilarious! MOM
I did find this video on youtube. It is not for children or the “faint of heart”. I don’t like Marilyn Manson, but I thought this video was done incredibly well.
In my previous post Do you ever play the Deaf card? my husband and I just joined a dance class. We are now into our fifth lesson, however we have missed a couple due to illnesses and a concert to Bon Jovi. We haven’t been practicing much at home. Our teacher expects us to practice.
Yesterday’s lesson was the waltz, box waltz, revolving swing move, dancing on a diagonal. WHEW it was hard work. It wasn’t just remembering the steps, it was standing straight, feeling graceful and working together. My back hurt, hubby’s back hurt. We were feeling it pretty good.
During the class, our instructor who is close to 80 but moves like she is in her 30’s came up to me and said “did you ever think he’d be dancing?” She was making a reference to my husband. I’d like to think it is because he is a man, but it was because he is Deaf. Actually, I never did! I have been waiting for this since my wedding day. We didn’t have a reception with dancing and so I suppose this will just give me reason to throw a reception for our 10th anniversary. We’ll have 2 years to get the moves down!
I also convinced my husband to take the classes so that when his daughters have Daddy/daughter dances he’ll feel more confident in going. My girls are into dance. I also thought it’d be great if he could dance with them at their weddings.
So last night, my hubby made sure to tell the instructor that Marlee Matlin is going to be on Dancing with the Stars tonight. It will be really exciting! I don’t ever vote for people but I believe I’ll be voting for Marlee Matlin! I love how she says she is doing it to be a cool mom.
Happy Dancing!
My youngest daughter is 4. We called Grandma today via Video Relay. I put her in front of the VP and waited for my mom to answer. It was so great seeing my daughter try to communicate as much as possible in sign language. When she didn’t know a sign, she tried to talk through the lens of the VP. I always find it fascinating how knows she doesn’t need to raise her voice. Both the younger girls have known this since they were toddlers, but I can’t get over it at times. She will whisper and speaks into the camera. They talked for about 5 minutes with minimal assistance from me. It was slow going at times and grandma had to repeat the entire sentence to get the whole concept.
I have 3 kids, 15, 6 and 4. It just amazes me, taking into all of their levels of signing that the youngest is actually better than all of them. My oldest is “lazy” when he signs. It’s the attitude of teenagers!
Today, I was in awe of my daughter. It’s days like today that I cherish! I’m blessed to know such a beautiful language.