One down note on the weekend occurred on our trip home. I blog about this in the hopes to educate anyone out there who might be ignorant to some of these issues. So, of course, traveling to WI, we flew. On our first three flights (2 up to WI and the first leg on the way back home), we had no issues. It's always funny to watch people and see their reaction to our group (since we are all animately signing, and inevitably laughing at something). In Milwaukee, the security people made a point to inform each other that this was a "special group"...and then of course one of them shouts out "Is anyone ORAL???" Ugh. Silly people. I HATE them figuring out that I'm the token hearing person. The kids (and Mike) can handle themselves, I'm not their keeper. Anyhow, I said, "Yes, I am hearing." So of course then they ask if I'm their interpreter. What? Ugh again. No, I reply, I'm their TEACHER. Thanks. Anyhow, that wasn't really the big deal. When we boarded the plane in Memphis to take us to Austin, the flight attendant was obviously NOT in a good mood. She was being quite rude to just about everyone, and was clearly frazzled and in a HUGE hurry. We really were not running that late, but whatever, I guess she was having a bad day. So, I'm sitting up in row 5, with Mike in row 4 ahead of me. Suddenly I hear rude flight attendant lady saying "Which one, where? Up there??" I turn around figuring, great, she's looking for me, the HEARING person. She then rushes up (she was back farther near two of my students) and says, "OH, can you PLEASE move back closer to those two?" All I said (and I swear I said it nicely) was "What for?" I thought that was innocent enough, since, HELLO??? Why would I need to sit by them...they are capable, smart, nice children who can handle themselves...and what would she do if I was not there? So, instead of trying to tell me why I should move, she dramatically waved her arm and me and pretty much shouted "OH NEVER MIND-UGH!" What? Okay, so then I turned around and realized two of my five students were RIGHT BEHIND me. Um, so I should move away from them and towards the other two? Sheesh, clearly she didn't realize yet there were more than two. So, now Mike is kind of mad, and wanting to educate this woman on the fact that just because the kids are Deaf, doesn't mean they are dumb and need supervision. Again, what would she do if they were traveling alone? So, finally, she comes over and she says, "So, you have one....uh..." I said-"Deaf?" Lady-"Yes, deaf, and two MUTE?" I just about died. "Mute" is like calling a black person a "Nigger"...and yes, she was black. I (as calmly as possible) said, "Don't ever use that word, that is not an appropriate word. They are Deaf. That's it. And there are six, including this other teacher." Sheesh. So, she promptly alerts the pilot about the six Deaf people on board. Okay, I think I've traveled now at least three times, on numerous flights and NEVER before have they made some huge deal about how many of us there were, and alerting the pilot. So, then Mike proceeds to educate her on the inappropriateness of her behaviors. She finally apologizes (I think we freaked her out since we wanted her name and everything) and ends with telling Mike "I'm so sorry, I never meant to offend anyone, and I love you in Jesus name." Um, wow. Okay. She was definitely acting like Jesus when she was thinking my kiddos were incapable and dumb, and mute. Total ignorance. Very sad. So, for all you out there, if you encounter Deaf people--treat them like normal people. Write notes, whatever, they will figure out how to communicate with you. And no matter what, do not call them "mute"! Later she again talked to me, wanted to make sure there were no misunderstandings, she has to let the pilot know whenever there are (and I quote) "animals, prisoners, you know...." on board. So, now apparently we are grouped with pets and prisoners. It's good now that I can laugh about this. So, that's my story. Sorry I am long winded and it is likely a confusing story, but I hope it was at least somewhat educating =).
In other news, spring break is ALMOST here! YAY! Only seven more school days to go...I can do it! I am really looking forward to spring break because (hopefully) I will then have one of my master's degree projects finished and (the best part) my favorite-est sister, Reanna, is coming to visit me for the WHOLE week! YAY for sister time!!!! We are going to hang out, watch Center Stage (the BEST dance movie ever), get pedicures, drink good wine, and just have some good ole sister time together. I truly can't wait. It's been a long time since we've had a whole week to hang out together! That week Justin and I will also be celebrating our third wedding anniversary. It's really hard to believe that we've been married almost three years. Every day I wonder how I got so lucky to find him...and that despite my many flaws he continues to love me! I'm so blessed! We don't have time to take a short trip this year, but we are trying to find an interesting and fun restaurant to go to to celebrate. And of course, there's always the annual viewing of the wedding video-fun times!
Well, that's about all for now. Below is a picture of my awesome academic bowl team! Watch out for them next year =)!
Back Row: Me, Eric, Scot, and Mike
Front Row: Darby, Claira, and Christian
