I don’t know why, but there has been an influx of deaf customers at work over the past few months. This increase has given me the much needed kick in the ass to better my singing abilities. I've heard of a few shops all over the Valley where the deaf congregate to socialize. I've always wanted to go to such gatherings to practice my ASL. Now it seems those places have come to me. We have a customer who comes in from time to time and exchanges pleasantries with me in sign language. She is very patient with me as I clumsily fumble through what little sign that I know. Today she asked me what my name was, and when I responded she gave me hers, Regina, first spelling it out and then giving me her “deaf name”. If there isn't already a common sign for your name the deaf groups you associate with will usually make one up for you. Often, the made up sign is a mix of a letter and an attribute of your personality or lifestyle. It’s a pretty big honor to be gifted a deaf name. I told Regina that I didn't have one yet. She began to think of various verbs or attributes combined with the letter “L”.
L and computer?
L and learning?
How about L and coffee?
She told me that she would think one up.
I maintained my polite smile despite my inner pleading of “Please, please, don’t associate me with coffee…”. My job makes me miserable beyond words; Please, please, don’t let my name include coffee.
