The lens you see life through makes all the difference.

I'm Andy Beck, just moved to the city this fall to study photography at UAA. It might be easier for you if I talked with my mouth rather than my hands, but from what people have told me, you really don't want to hear my voice.. I am not Sean Berdy or...

[andy-s-beck-blog]

I’m so sorry to have to say this but I unfortunately think it’s safe to say that this group is done. So for anyone who logs on and sees this: It’s been a really great run and I’m so sorry to see it end. If anyone wants to keep in touch or whatever, feel free to shoot a message to any of my characters, I’m probably going to keep checking every once and a while for a few weeks, or my skype if you have it. I really tried my hardest to keep this group going but I just couldn’t do it on my own and especially now that I’ve been locked out of the main, which is why I’m posting this here instead of there. I guess I don’t really know what else to say. Happy writing I suppose, and I hope to run into the friends I’ve made here again some day. 

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

I’m guessing food coma, but we’ll see. Sure, I’ll see you there in a bit.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Probably. See you soon. 

[dxcuhudson-blog]

Let’s see if that’s true. 

[andy-s-beck-blog]

You’re on. 

[arnoldreid-deactivated20160528]

I didn’t touch them.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Well, approaching them at all really is not a good idea. 

[arnoldreid-deactivated20160528]

Note to self: geese are cute like ducks but far more vicious.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

You know you’re not supposed to touch geese because they will attack you, right...?

[dxcuhudson-blog]

Are you sure you want to join?

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Yeah, but just know, people who can’t hear have heightened visual awareness and notice tells easier than hearing people. 

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

I’m probably going to regret this later, but we can wallow in that later. Where do we meet?

[andy-s-beck-blog]

We might have to go for a run or fall into a food coma... Outside of the dorms?

[dxcuhudson-blog]

Wanna play poker?

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Are you sure you really want to do that?

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

Yes! You’re the first person who has ever agreed.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

I’m not surprised, it’s completely insane, but it’s exam week so why not. 

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

So you’re up for it then?

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Absolutely. 

[zacharie-montagne]

The trip wouldn’t be as good if I was going alone. I don’t ever travel but I don’t think I’d like to do it alone. Is deaffie something that you guys refer to yourselves as or did you make that up? Good, because we’d miss you around here. And it’s nice that Carson has a friend around here who is deaf. 

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Traveling alone isn’t as bad as it sounds, I did it for almost a whole year. All my friends and family use it so no, I didn’t make it up. Thanks, it’s nice to know someone around here would. Oh, I see how it is... 

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

This may sound lame, but I figured we could go ice cream shop hopping around New York, if you’re up for it.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

That sounds awesome and insane and we’re probably going to be sick by the end of it. 

[zacharie-montagne]

I haven’t been back to France since I left 5 years ago so it’ll be nice to go back and I’m excited to show Carson where I grew up. It’ll be nice to have some time away. I’ve auditioned for a few regional shows for the summer so I’ll be back at it once I get back. Oh really? I didn’t know your parents were deaf as well. I totally understand why you’d want to go back home it’s nice to be surrounded by people who can easily understand you for a while. Just as long as you come back. It’ll be less crowded being back on the farm but it probably won’t smell any better. 

[andy-s-beck-blog]

That’ll be really good for you then and fun to take a trip with someone you care about. Yeah, I’m a 3rd generation deaffie so my parents and grandparents are all deaf but I do have some aunts, uncles, and cousins that are hearing. That’s the plan, I’m looking forward to being home but also looking forward to coming back in the fall. 

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

Then let’s go! I’m just dying to get out of campus after Les Mis, honestly.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Sure, um any ideas?

[hartleyaching-deactivated201701]

I’m pretty sure we can figure something out… We can find something to do in the city.

[andy-s-beck-blog]

True but a lot of people seem busy so I didn’t want to bother anyone. 

[zacharie-montagne]

I understand that. I think we all need some time away. Carson and I are going to France the day after classes let out. Do your friends back at home all know ASL? I’m assuming your parents do especially since you were born deaf. 

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Yeah. That sounds really cool. Most of my friends are at least conversational if not fluent and most of my family is deaf too, my parents included. 

[zacharie-montagne]

I guess you’re going home for the summer break? 

[andy-s-beck-blog]

Yeah, the city’s great but I really want some time back on the farm and to just be able to sign for a few months and not have to type out every word that I want to say.