Este año el jurado no ha fallado sino que ha acertado y casi de pleno, unos premios muy bien otorgados.

MEJOR ÁLBUM: Pinocchio de Winshluss en Les Requins Marteaux

PREMIO AL PATRIMONIO: Opération Mort de Shigeru Mizuki en Cornélius (Bien merecido)

REVELACIÓN: Le Goût du chlore de Bastien Vivès en Casterman (un álbum excelente)

ESENCIAL ANGOULÊME: Lulu femme nue de Étienne Davodeau en Futuropolis, Martha Jane Cannary de Blanchin et Perrissin en Futuropolis, Le Petit Christian de Blutch en L’Association, Spirou et Fantasio: Le Journal d’un ingénu de Émile Bravo en Dupuis y Tamara Drewe de Posy Simmonds en Denoël Graphic.

PREMIO DEL PÚBLICO (FNAC): Mon gras et moi de Gally en Diantre

JUVENIL: Le Petit Prince de Joann Sfar en Gallimard (este estaba cantado)

PREMIO GOSCINY AL JOVEN TALENTO: Groeland Manhattan de Chloé Cruchaudet en Delcourt

GRAN PREMIO DE ANGOULÊME: Blutch (el año que viene una exposición para no perderse)

Seriously, where did the time go? It seems like yesterday I just got here on Aug 20, starting my first time as a soccer player in my 2nd semester here at Gallaudet. I remember when I came with Casey, we got to our first soccer practice. None of us knew each other, everything was new to us, the players, the coaches, and the turf. And now we actually ended our soccer season last Thursday, which was the coldest day ever. I love my teammates and coaches more than anything. It’s amazing how much we have grown together as a team, we have been through alot of ups and downs throughout this whole season. As we went through all the challenges, losses, pain, abuses from some of the most physicall teams out there, we still bond, we grow closer and closer. We’ve had our arguments here and there, but we still manage to love each other like family, sisters, friends, and teammates. We played our best and some we did not, but that did not matter as long we played our best, that fact that we did not win. What matters is we finished this season, unlike what I have been told about last year. We learned how to play with one other on the field. We were able to understand and learn the way each of us play on the field. It took time, and I’m amazed how several of our teammates have never played soccer, and they managed to keep up with those who have played soccer their whole lives or for parts of their lives. They could have given up and quit, and not have wanted to learn new things. But they kept on with their commitments to the team and to the coaches. I truly have hope for the women’s soccer program.It’s okay, we have next season to get ready for. I’m sure we shall win some games. I love my team! They are truly the greatest, enough said. That’s what is so great about playing on a team sport. You have that bond with them on and off the field. It’s nothing like just going to school, and having friends. It’s so different and unique, it’s just really special. I sure am lookin’ forward to next season! We truly do have a great coach. Keep it up Sarah!

Now that soccer is over, it’s kinda hard getting used to. I’m used to practicing everyday, used to seeing my teammates for at least 2 hours everyday, and now it’s that empty feeling. Okay  no more soccer for now, what now? It’s hard getting used to. I love being busy and to have more free time to do homework and projects isnt really that easy. Everyone is like, “Seriously, no soccer practice? This cannot be. We miss soccer already.”

To my teammates,

  I love you guys! You are like a family to me! Keep it up! Thanks you guys for sticking with each other, and for making this Women’s soccer program possible!

We had such a great game last night on our home turf game. We lost with a score of 2-5. Virginia and I were the two scorers of the game. The Bison attempted 18 shots and had numerous shots bounce off the crossbar in a strong attempt to win the team’s first game of the 2008 season.

I just thought I would let you guys know in case you may want to go… Gallaudet’s Women soccer team is going to have their first game of this season tomorrow at the grass field at 4:30pm. We will play against Grouch… Come and support the soccer team if you want.. Thanks!

Yes, it is a mere nine days, ten hours, and twenty-nine minutes until my plane takes off, flying fellow Gblogger, Kahlila, and I to Gallaudet University. I think I am ready to get back into school mode, and I am definitely excited about my ASL classes this fall. However, I still would like summer to last a little longer. I could find plenty of activities to occupy my time if given the opportunity. I could read another book, write more in my novel, scrapbook a page or two of great memories, see my friends a few more times…the list goes on. But, summer is coming to an end, and while I do not have any regrets about how I spent my summer days at home, I do wish it would not end so soon.

Life goes on though. School starts on the 25th and preseason soccer practice begins the 20th. I am looking forward to it. I love school and I love learning new things. This semester is going to be full of surprises–I cannot wait to see what God is going to do!

I should probably get packing. I mean, I only have nine days, ten hours, and eighteen minutes left of my summer vacation! That is not much time! There are things to do, places to go, and people to see! :) 

I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the summer and a safe trip to Gally this fall!

          Technically, this is not just a blog for incoming freshmen, but for transfer students, too.  Leaving home sweet home to go to school in a far-away land is not a fairy tale—at first.  It is the “leaving” part that can be difficult, not always the “staying” part.  In fact, once you settle into your new place, new routine, new classes, and make new friends, you will probably ENJOY going off to school.  With this in mind, I thought I would give a few tips to those of you packing your bags and preparing to begin your new life at Gallaudet this fall; hopefully, making your transition into Bison Country much easier.  If other Gbloggers think of something to add to this, please leave a comment!

            Let us start with what to bring.  Plenty of warm clothes, walking shoes (think: sightseeing), shower shoes/flip flops (most of the showers are in community bathrooms), toiletries, towels, shower caddy, laptop and printer (if you have one), USB Memory Stick, camera, umbrella, alarm clock, bedding, clothes hangers, laundry basket, pictures of friends and family from home (either on your computer or in an album), and a great attitude are necessary for anyone coming to Gally. 

            Tip: I have found, from personal experience, that buying a door-hanging canvas (or plastic would work, too) shoe rack with lots of pockets was one of the best investments I made all year.  Not only did I put my shoes in the pockets, but I also kept bathroom supplies, my hair straightener, batteries, computer supplies (memory stick and wireless mouse), and many other loose objects in it for easy access and organization.

            Other things you may consider buying or bringing to school with you but are not essential may be a refrigerator, microwave, television, DVD player, iron and ironing board, and videophone (there are videophones in every dorm and building but they do not always work).  You may even want to bring things like pictures and posters to decorate your dorm room.  If you do that, then you will want to bring sticky tack (nails are not allowed).  Making your dorm room your own home sweet home away from home and decorating it will help you transition into college life.  Besides, it is so much fun!

            In addition, if you are flying here or simply wanting to lighten the load getting here, then you may want to wait to buy things like detergent, garbage can, school supplies, daily planner, reading lamp, and a fan after you arrive (some of these things are optional, too, and are only suggestions).

            You do not have to worry about bringing your own vacuum cleaner because they are provided and you cannot bring candles (I know, bummer) or any of the obvious things like firearms or explosives, etc.  Pets are also off-limits unless they are a service animal (bummer, again).  If you want to secure any of your valuables in your closet for safekeeping, you can buy a deadbolt lock to put on your closet.  Not everyone feels the need to do this, but some people feel more comfortable knowing that their roommate or roommate’s friends will not be going through their stuff while they are away.

            Lastly, Colleen Doyle is writing a handbook for all of you, so when it is complete, be sure to check it out!  This book will be written BY Gallaudet students and FOR Gallaudet students and will let you know what going to Gallaudet University is all about!

Hé Florence, j’ai trouvé un livre qui m’a trop fait penser à toi alors je l’ai acheté! tu veux voir? ouais? t’es prête? bon allez

TADAAAAAMMM!

-Oh! Merci dis!
-Je sais pas pourquoi, mais ça m’a fait penser à toi…

tiens donc…

PS: Dörti et moi avons passé un cap, maintenant je l’appelle par son vrai prénom sur mon blog!

Hein dirty bitch! )

Bon en fait j’ai vraiment pas le temps en ce moment entre les exams et le reste… j’avais ombré un peu l’autre jour et j’ai pas continué donc pour le moment ça donne ça.

J’ai pas trop d’idée pour le fond en fait, je sais pas si je fais un fond ombré vaguement dégueu/stylé… si vous avez des propositions à vous de jouer.

Une petite affiche sur le thème de Gunnm Last Order, pas encore achevée…

(personaggio precario illustrato da Jacopo Vecchio per Metromorfosi e – a onor di cronaca – suggerito da Francesco D’Isa in merito al rapporto Iacopo-Silene ne “Gli interessi in comune”)

Ha dato le chiavi del suo mondo interiore a una persona cattiva.

(Il personaggio illustrato può essere ammirato QUI)

As far as I know, the meeting went well. I was late, no reason to say why,

and I belive we were discussing servers. Im guessing the meeting went on for at least a hour and a half.

Please correct me if I am wrong anyone,

Your Field Marshall,

Sheila Gally

In my last blog, I left you saying that God had different plans for me than what I was expecting. I thought I would graduate with my A.A.S. in December of 2007 and attend Gallaudet in the Spring of 2008. However, by God’s wonderful plan and design, my plans changed.It was the spring of 2007, only one week before classes began. I was at church talking to the department chair of the sign language interpreting program at TJC, Dr. JB, about the upcoming semester. She suddenly, out of the blue, suggested that if I did practicum this semester, then, in the spring, then I could graduate this May. For some reason, that actually sounded like a good idea.

Now, I had know for over a year when I would do practicum and when I would graduate from TJC. I had everything planned out. I had decided to do practicum in the fall of ‘07 and graduate in December. I was surprised that I was even CONSIDERING what Dr. JB was saying. Completely change the plans I had for over a year and only one week before school? That would be crazy, right? However, because of the WAY she said it, it held a sort of ring to it and I actually told her I would think about it. Well, I did think about it….for a day and a half. She talked to me on Sunday, one week before school started; I decided on Monday to go ahead and graduate in May and possibly attend Gally in the fall.

To be able to graduate in May, I would have to take practicum while holding down three jobs and along with four other classes (which was against everything Dr. JB and the other teachers and interpreters suggested on normal occasion. They always encouraged us to take practicum separately without any other classes). The only reason I was even considering adding another class to my already full schedule (I had already enrolled in Interpreting 3, Sign to Voice, Intro to Psychology, Speech, and was auditing ASL 4 because I loved the class so much) was because I thought I might have the possibility of applying at Gallaudet.

So that Monday, I checked Gallaudet’s website for the deadline for their applications–one week to the day. It was due the day before school on Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. I still felt pretty confident and daring, so I printed off the application and promised myself that if I finished it before the deadline, I would take practicum in the spring and go to Gally in the fall.

To my surprise, I had the application and all the other forms filled out by Wednesday. However, I noticed that I had to write three (3) entrance exam essays. Now, that would be a feat in and of itself (I used to take at least five to seven days to write ONE essay). But, I stayed optimistic and didn’t pressure myself, promising that if I could write three essays in three days, I would enroll in practicum and apply to Gally. I wrote and wrote and wrote for three straight days. I finished the essays to my utter amazement (there’s no way I could have done that on my own; God must’ve done something). I let my mom look over them for any mistakes I may have made. I asked her for her honest opinion of the essays, and she told me that those three papers were the worst I had ever written. I heartily agreed with her. But they were written, and I kept my promise to continue the application process.

I noticed that the application required that I have two people recommend me to Gallaudet. It was Friday morning, 72 hours before the deadline, and I had nothing. I also only had about one hour before I needed to go to work. For the first recommendation, I hurridly drove to TJC and spoke to Dr. JB. She graciously filled out the form and opened the Practicum class for me so that I could enroll.

After enrolling in the class, I went to work, arriving a little late, and called Mrs. Barnett, my ASL teacher, using the 711 relay system. That was interesting. It was my first time to talk to someone who was using a TTY. The only thing that was a little strange about it was hearing myself say “go ahead” a dozen times. It was also a funny experience, too. The relay interpreter was a man. However, when he realized I was talking to a woman, he changed his voice to sound more feminine. I tried hard not to laugh; I knew the guy was doing his best. By the end of our conversation, she happily agreed to fill out a recommendation for me.

So the next day, on Saturday, I went to Mrs. Barnett’s house for her to fill out the form. The Barnetts were so excited that I wanted to go to Gallaudet. Their love for their Alma Matter definately played a huge role in inspiring me to go to Gallaudet. While Mrs. Barnett filled out the recommendation, Mr. Barnett showed me his yearbooks from Gallaudet when he had graduated in 1964 (I think that is right). That was so neat. We visited for a few minutes and then I went back home to put everything together, tweak my papers a little, and send everything off that weekend.

With my application on its way to Gally, I just waited–untill January 30th. I got an email from Gallaudet. They invited me to go to D.C. for an interview! I was so excited! I figured that had to be a God thing because of my awful essays and the fact that only 5% of the student body at Gallaudet could be hearing. Despite all this, they still wanted me to go, so my next steps were the interview and ASLPI (American Sign Language Proficiency Interview).

I replied back to the school, telling them that I accepted their invitation, and they emailed me back soon thereafter to tell me that the interviews would be in late March. That was a relief for me because it gave me time to prepare. However, after some mixups, Gally emailed me again, and instead of a March date, scheduled my interviews for February 21st on a Wednesday–exactly two weeks away to the day.

I told all my teachers and friends about the interviews. They were all excited and encouraged me. However, I was completely freaked out. Well, it wasn’t THAT bad, but I was nervous. I felt honored to have the opportunity to go to Gallaudet University–even for a mere interview.

The saga does not end here–it continues–but that’s another story for another time.

I always am asked, “Why Gallaudet? Why did you decide to come here?” Those questions are almost assuredly inquired after someone discovers that I am hearing. What’s a hearing person doing at a Deaf university anyways? My answer is simple. I love Deaf people and I love ASL. Where else can I go that such a community exists where these two things can be found? Where else than Gallaudet University?

Being hearing, I obviously never experienced going to a deaf school. Even after befriending many Deaf in my community, I still never experienced complete immersion. As I continued learning sign both with my friends and at school and hanging out with my Deaf friends, I began to realize how important immersion is for hearing people to learn sign language.

However, to be completely honest, when I began looking for a university to attend after I completed my A.A.S. degree, I promised myself that I would not go to Gallaudet. There were many reasons behind this decision. Firstly, I did not feel that I knew enough sign to function in a signing environment. Another reason was that I felt hearing people shouldn’t impose on the Deaf-World by entering their sanctuary, Gallaudet University. And, lastly, Gally is both EXTREMELY far from home and expensive.

With this in mind, I began searching for a college (other than Gallaudet) with an ASL degree. At first, I only wanted to attend a Christian school. I found one that offered ASL for a BA and, for about 6 months to a year, I thought that was where I would go after graduation from TJC. However, I began researching their ASL program and realized it was nothing like what I was looking for. So, I started looking again. It was now about a year (a year and a half was what I thought I had) before my graduation and I still hadn’t found a school.

I found about five or six schools that offered ASL as a BA degree and began researching their programs. They were all up north (opposite from where I lived) and the closest school was two states away. Therefore, I considered that one because of proximity and, if I remember correctly, it was either a Christian or Catholic University, which was also a plus. The other programs looked all right but still didn’t offer what I was looking for, even though I wasn’t sure what I was looking for. I just knew that I would know when I saw it. So, I kept searching.

Finally, after much frustration and my graduation date nearing every day, I finally gave in and typed “Gallaudet University” in my web browser. Gally’s website popped up and I began checking out the logistics of the school and their ASL program. Do they even accept hearing students? I wondered. When I saw Gallaudet’s requirements for their ASL degree, I realized this is what I had been looking for. I sat back in bewilderment that the school I had avoided for so long was the only school in the U.S. that offered what I wanted. However, I was still thinking in the back of my head that there was no possibility that I could go to this school.

After this discovery, I began considering the possibility of attending Gallaudet, but kept the idea just within my family. Finances were tight and over the next year, my family faced some of the hardest trials I have ever experienced. These things made the dream of going to Gally seem like it could never happen. Nevertheless, somewhere inside, I kept holding out hope and, more importantly, kept praying about going to Gally.

Eventually, I began talking about the idea of attending Gallaudet University after graduating from TJC with my interpreting friends, Deaf friends, and with other Deaf in my community and at church. Each person’s reactions were different. Some were excited for me, some were perplexed (”they let hearing go to Gally?”), some warned me about DC being unsafe and Deaf signing faster up north than down south and that I may not be able to acclimate, some said that it was so competitive to get in that I may not make it, and yet some encouraged me (”I remember when I went to Gally…”). Despite these different reactions, they were supportive of my decision and encouraged me that my fears of imposing were ungrounded.

Now, I had the support of my family AND the Deaf community, urging me to pursue my goals. Finances were still an issue, so I began to research how to overcome that obstacle. I found different grants and such and began believing that there was a possibility that I just might have the opportunity to go to Gallaudet University.

By the time I was about six or eight months from graduation (in November or December) (Note: I thought I’d actually graduate in a year), I decided to attend Gallaudet after graduation. My plan was to take the rest of my interpreting classes in the spring and then do a semester of practicum in the fall and, after graduating in December, I would go to Gally in the spring. Sounds like a good plan, right? All my professors encouraged me to take practicum separately and not take any classes along with it. I had four classes left so that is why I was planning on this schedule. However, as I will tell you later, I did not follow this plan. God always has different plans, and this is just an example of one of those times.

“‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” -Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV