Sign Language

Let’s All Learn

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Sign language is interesting as well as fascinating. It isn’t hard to learn. You can pick up the alphabet fast. I taught myself sign and drew a deep breath when I realized how many words were in the English language. It’s mind boggling and very overwhelming. Watching video after video about signing. It captured my interest for a long time. Gary would quiz me, and I’d pass very time. 

It Fades

It’s been over three months now since I’ve done it, and I am not sure I would know the alphabet anymore. It is so easy to forget. I’ve watched those on tv who do it for a living and always thought that would be me someday. But alas it is not to be. Spanish also captivated me for a while but that too fell by the wayside.

Those who sign for a living seem very eloquent with their hands. I’ve always wished it were me on the big screen. For those who do this; I applaud them. Every time I’m watching someone speak and there is a sign interpreter, I’m always watching them. It would be so satisfying to do this. 

Am I a Quitter

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My Spanish and sign language. Both started and neither one finished until the end. Does this mean I start things and do not follow through? No, I don’t believe so because I have my blog. If I were a quitter this is what I should have quit. Knowing nothing about it, everything I learned was way over my head. But being bullheaded I pushed ahead and low and behold here we are.

I Don't Have That Much Time

How long does it take to learn signing? I’ve read where it can take three months to three years. The three years I believe, the three months I have a hard time believing that. You may get the basics down. There are so many words in the English language. Besides slang. The English language is one of the hardest languages to learn. There are many gestures that look similar but are different.  There are numerous videos which are designed to make signing easy. I’ve been through many of them. Saying that, there are thousands I haven’t seen. So, sticking with the little I do know, I’m satisfied with it. At my age, if I don’t practice on a daily basis forgetfulness soon comes into play. Now, if someone asks me if I know signs, I can honestly say some signs I remember and some I do not. Giving myself credit for learning as much as I did, when I did it. Going through streaks is what happens to me. I’ll look at things and say, “oh, that looks fun.” In life, wanting to do something different or try anything makes me feel excited. It beats sitting around doing nothing. My jobs are a good example. I’ve worked in law enforcement (that was my career), I’ve also been a janitor, (that one didn’t work out well), I’ve done retail, which I enjoyed. My job while raising my kids was in a factory. It was a steady job with a steady paycheck. This job ended as soon as my youngest child graduated. Telling myself I’d never again work in a factory; I’ve been true to my word. 

What's Next

What my next adventure will be is unknown. I’m sure I’ll see something that will catch my eye. It keeps my mind sharp and my body busy. What more could I ask for?

Keep Your mind Sharp!

Signing is something I will never regret learning. It kept me enthralled for months. Not remembering most of it now drives me crazy. But, like I said, some signs stick in my head. I have also retained some Spanish. Adios!

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I never say never, and plow ahead blindly at times. Live your life to the fullest. It’s the only one you have.

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