I know, I know, I was on a roll. I was vloggin’ a couple of times a week. It was great. But then things started happening. Here’s an update of what’s been happening, and what to expect.

First thing, we are in the process of remodeling, we are limited on lights, I was only able to film from 1 to 5 in the afternoon with the help of natural sunlight spilling into our big window in the front of the house. Now the remodel has been taken to the next level, so dear hubby has removed the drywall, which means no fancy curtain behind me, it’s all studs. Just wood! The vlogging stops, but my plans are to bring it back by the end of the month.

What’s new? Well, my avatar is new, the logo for my new website, which is under construction… (ahem) for a while, it’s last on the list. Here’s a look for those that haven’t seen it. I love it and I have to give a big thanks to my new Coda friend, Jon for helping me design this logo.

School has started and for my 6 year old, so has Kindergarten. Today I have a meeting with her teachers and principal to discuss my child. I might be over protective, but I want her teachers to understand she lives in a Deaf home. I don’t want them to do what her pre-school did, which is an upcoming Vlog. I’ll be sharing my ideas on Koda orientation with you soon.

I’ve also launched my own business. I am a virtual assistant, working from home, allowing my clients to subcontract the work to me. I offer services that are mostly administrative right now. Clients save money by not having a payroll for a budget that may not allow them to hire someone in their office. My business website will feature a vlog.  It will be helpful tips for business owners and aspiring businesses.  This will be announced in October. I won’t be doing a great deal of business related things here, but the announcement will be posted.

What to expect in the future? I’m still working on my first Coda to Coda interview. If any of you use any product that can capture an online video chat, that would be so helpful, send me a comment! I’ve got a great list of stories to share, some of them are cute little things I have seen my kids say, do and enjoy. With the “going back to school mode”, I’ve got a few stories and then I’d like to include my husband’s venture with getting his pilot’s license, for those that may not remember, he is Deaf. It’s been a positive adventure and he wants to share it with others.

So, I’m putting it out there into the universe, thanks to those that have been checking in, hang in there…you’ll see me soon!

Dale Dyal was a very talented storyteller. He had such a sweet and caring heart and really was well known in the CODA community. Sadly, he passed away last week. The CODA community is mourning the loss of such a wonderfully talented man, both on stage on off. His humor was like no other. He was committed to sharing his stories with everyone. I am taking a moment to honor a man that has brought me more tears, both from laughing so hard my cheeks ached and from the tender side of his stories and his nature. I am a better person for having the opportunity to know this man.

Dale, we will miss you!

Inviting all Codas, 18 years or older. We are having a Family Reunion. Why do we call it Family Reunion? Some Codas feel that whenever a bunch of Codas get together, gives them a nice feeling of home or comfort. Others come to celebrate their Deaf heritage.

There will be plenty to do, without the need for an agenda. Some are planning to scrapbook (we’ll have an area dedicated to this craft without having to clean up your stuff). We are also planning favorites, ice breaker, entertainment, and a keynote is being organized. The Lodge boasts six cabins with a total sleeping capacity of 48, four bathroom facilities with showers, an upstairs lounge with fireplace, a downstairs meeting room and two smaller breakout rooms. A kitchen facility is available for our hospitality goodies.

If you are a Coda, 18 years or older, check out our information posted at Illinois CODA. It will be in the middle of Wisconsin, but don’t worry, there will be so much for you to do. The flyer and the registration form are posted there. Illinois Coda

Note: Narration is a bit soft, turn up a little.

After reading Loss for Words by Lou Ann Walker, I realized a little bit more about myself. It unlocked a few things allowing me to keep cultivating ”who I am“. I share this CODA vlog with you, perhaps to spark something within you. I also hope to learn from your stories, point of view and to help others. I don’t want anyone to feel that they are alone, a hearing child of Deaf parents.  It’s amazing when you realize there are others that share a similar background.

Thank you for your support, it keeps me vlogging!

Interesting points were brought up in the last vlog, comparing whether Kodas are more keen to learning ASL or PSE. I am not at all versed in language or how it works. I give my opinions and perspectives based on my experiences. I am also throwing in another language process called “Coda Talk” it may interest those that love language and the process of language. Another Coda, Sherry Hicks, discusses this in her article co-written with Michele Bishop  Bimodal bilingualism in hearing adults from deaf families it is a detailed study.

I am enjoying seeing my children’s language skills develop through their eyes. Again, thanks for sharing. Looking forward to your comments.

After just returning last week from Koda Kamp, Randy is really excited to share this with you. He did a great job for his first one! The thing that touched me, with this vlog, it allowed me to see how much he really does appreciate being at a place with his peers.  Sometimes teenagers don’t really say much!

*For those that have been following along, Randy calls me Lisa, I’m technically his step mom.

Since I feel like I am reliving my life through my children’s eyes. I thought about the first time I was amazed at how ALL children are brilliant. For me, it’s exciting to see them grow and learn. It tends to make me wonder “was I like that as a little girl”?

 My children learned their first signs around 14 months. I never compared or worried when they would sign, it was just a natural progression. The girls were able to understand that Dad is Deaf before I really explained it to them. My son also picked up on this as a child.

A new picture window!

Today was the anticipated day of installing my new window. My husband is a skilled carpenter but he needed help carrying this HUGE 10 foot x 6 foot monster window into our front room.  My friends Ken and Lori (hearing) came to help move the window. My brother, Marty is visiting from out of town (Coda). Here we were gathered in the garage waiting for our orders. Carl said, lift it. We lifted.  Carl said, tuck in the dolly. I tucked it. Carl said scoot. We scooted.  After a few more barks, uh… I mean instructions the window was put into place.

As we positioned the window into the hole in my house, dear husband moved about fast. Measure, cut, fit, nail. My brother and I were outside the window, making sure it didn’t sway out.  As we waited while Carl did his magic, the 4 of us were goofing around. (Since Ken reads this from time to time, truth be told, 3 of us were goofing off and Ken was innocent. Actually now that I think of it, just Lori was goofing off making the rest of us laugh).   All the while, Carl was focused, never distracted and got that large enormous window in perfectly. We were done in less than a half hour.

It just made me think. Carl has commented in the past about work. Comments like,” all the guys are listening to the radio and chatting”.  He would point out, he has to work, work, work until coffee break or lunch time. However, it’s not really Carl’s nature to “chit-chat”. He also has a high standard of quality stemming from his hardworking nature.  Thinking even more about it, could you imagine if everyone worked at full speed all day, only taking breaks at the allotted times?  It would be a very productive result.

As a new business owner, research shows that hearing people spend at least 20 minutes on the phone when they should be working.  Are Deaf people more productive at work?  Obviously, there are a million different characteristics and traits, but for the most part, minute for minute, do Deaf people out-perform?

Narrated.

In Deaf culture, we always inform. If we leave the house, we tell our family so they don’t worry or come looking for us. It is a bit different than my hearing friends.