Intermission: impressions
The weather is still cold here in Rochester, or shall I say Rawchester — after all, it’s been quite cold and snowy here! It seems that this fair city is known by many names: The Roc, Roc City, Rachacha, even the Nation of Rochester. This city is interesting and sometimes confusing. In some ways, it is very progressive, and cultural, with such great entities as the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the Eastman School of Music, and a host of cultural events and festival, including the famed Jazz festival. Then, there is the fear of those who live in the suburbs of the city, and those of us who live here. To hear them talk, we live in a war zone, where we dodge bullets at every turn, and where there is some shady looking character with bags of dope and contraband of every description hanging out on evey corner and doorway trying to sell to any child who happens by. Then, there is the blatant and coded racism that almost makes me think that I am somewhere in the Deep South. It’s weird.
Overall, I like Rochester, challenges and all. I especially love my job, and it seems that my colleagues like me, as well. I compiled a report of my progress, and it seems that I am doing well so far — I have achieved a score of 40 out of a possible 100. This is 100 points for the entire year, and since I have been around only three months, a score of forty at this early date is pretty good!
One thing that I want to improve on is my sign language skills. I used to be pretty good, but you know the saying — if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. My vision has gotten worse, so its harder so see the signs and to learn them. My goal before the year is out is to check into some sign language classes where the instructor is willing to take a bit more time with me due to the visual impairment. I feel stupid when I am around my Deaf colleagues because I can barely make myself understood.
In the meantime. I am trying to get more involved in my neighborhood, and waiting for spring to come. I have been told that springtime in Rochester is to die for. We’ll see…