Ten oh Six and Magic

This week has been rather interesting with the glossing exercise. This is the first time we have glossed and it is very educational. Sure, it is frustrating but that is temporary. Later in this exercise we will be recognizing expansions and it is easy to spot some of them already. It gives me a deeper understanding - theoretically mind you! - about how much goes into ASL.
On the flip side, the "Big Grandma" exercise was a bust. I didn't feel panicked while doing it even though I was thinking too much and running out of time in the gaps to complete my message, therefore I missed the beginning of the next segment and had more omissions than I'd care to admit. I look forward to going over that one and doing it several more times simply for my own practice and improvement.
The magic came on Saturday. Several weeks ago the Pennsylvania Association of the Deaf was having a Baggo competition and spaghetti dinner and I really, really wanted to go. However, I was so sick I couldn't and was sorry I missed the opportunity. Mind you, PAD has many opportunities for socializing, but that one struck me as a fun way to experience the group. This past Saturday was their adult Halloween party at their building and,while I wanted to go I was concerned about it making me too tired for work on Sunday and then the beginning of the week. Karla knew I should go (thank you!) and away we went. We had a great dinner at The Lemongrass Cafe (Thai food, imagine that) and then drove around to find PAD's building. Ruby had warned me that it was in a bad part of town and as we were an hour early I drove up to CMU and we walked around a bit and experienced their homecoming evening with men in suits! Anyway, we head back to Forbes Ave and we worry about the best place to park. Not too far away, of course. I pull down the side street beside the building, turn around and park the car in a residential area. We are looking around us to make sure it looks 'safe enough' and that we won't upset the people who live there. We find this as well as some of the coolest outside art. It was so much fun. The first thing I spotted was a frog - concrete structure done with a mosaic pattern. Anyway, to me/us, this was pure delight. Surprise - art in the bad part of town!!
Then we get into the party and the people are wonderful. Many are dressed up and apparently some of the winners' identities of the costume contests were unknown to many people there. I'd love to go back and share more with these people. The place is great!
This night was so complete I wanted to cry the happiness cry. I woke up today feeling complete, alive and with hope for my future.