is it time for a nap?

Yes, please.

Besides classes, I am working at the Gallaudet University Press, reading some stuff and editing some stuff and writing some letters to authors. Etc.

Also I am being a graduate assistant to a big project based at Gallaudet- a Science of Learning Center, through an NSF grant. The Visual Language and Visual Learning one, or VL2. That 2 is supposed to be "squared" (because there are two iterations of VL in the acronym of that name) but I don't know how to make superscript characters on the internet. For this my job is reading stuff and looking stuff up and summarizing stuff.

I am currently working on these projects:

1. Iconicity and depiction in language (for VL2)
2. Phonological process in Italian Sign Language (for field methods class)
3. Handshape frequency in tactile ASL (for sociolinguistics class)
4. Constructions of deafness as culture vs. disability ("Languages and Cultures" class)
5. Phonology in Rwandan Sign Language (independent study)
6. Pilot dictionary of Rwandan Sign Language (because I said I would)

Plus I have another big crazy test at the end of March. The same idea as last year, only this time with more things in it. Also this year I don't have an exciting trip to Minnesota planned for that weekend.

All of these things are pretty interesting, and I mostly get to invent for myself when I do them. So I can do them in my pajamas while I drink coffee all day, if I want to.*

But, still, I feel very whiny and overwhelmed by it all. Send me presents in the mail!

*I usually do.

hearts and bones

Do you know what an ossuary is? It is a place where you keep human bones. Or, in the case of some very cheerful people, it is a place MADE OF human bones. Like this:


(click the picture for a big-sized picture of the scary church)
(click on these words to go to the website of the person who took the picture of the scary church)

This is a church in Sedlec. Sedlec is a suburb of Kutná Hora. Kutná Hora is a town in the Czech Republic.

The Czech word for "ossuary" is "kostnice". The official website for the Kostnice Sedlec is here:


(click the picture to be taken to the official Kostnice Sedlec website!)

I have two favorite things about this website. No, three favorite things.

1. The option icons are little skulls

2. There is a virtual tour option! It makes me kind of dizzy.

3. There is a long description of how many people have their bones in this place (40,000!) and what all the best shapes are that are made out of the bones (the bell shape). At the end of the description, it says "Thank you very much for your visit and best wishes for a pleasant stay in our country."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Si vas al baile, baila conmigo

Today is my fabulous roommate's birthday. We're going to "a Latin-themed dance club" in Adams Morgan tonight. That will be very exciting.

I don't really have anything else to relate, at the moment. All the administrators at my school are still incredibly stupid and annoying. All of my friends are still very smart and attractive and entertaining. My bedroom is still a disaster zone. My homework still isn't finished.

Okay! Latin-themed dancing! Hooray!