My phone died. Boo hoo hoo.
I lost many phone numbers. Sniff Sniff.
Cullen had most of the numbers, but some of them were old or wrong numbers.
I got a new phone.
So if you don’t hear from me anytime soon give me a call to be sure I have your number.
XOXO
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Coffee helps
Christine asked:
Thanks for more info about yourself. I was wondering how do basic grooming--combing hair, putting on makeup, picking out clothes, etc. in the pictures I’ve seen you look so pretty I was wondering if your sight problems affect how you put yourself together.
Um… Let me just tell you about my morning.
Zzzz… Zzzz…
“Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep”
I finally hit the button
“Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep”
I hit the button and get out of bed this time. I could stay in bed for two more alarms. My talking alarm clock has four alarms.
(My alarm clock actually says what I have typed.)
Some mornings Gregory is my alarm clock.
Well I get up and go to the bathroom.
After feeling much better I head for the kitchen. I like to eat breakfast first. Lately that has been granola. Gregory and I usually eat together.
With food in my tummy I pester Cullen to get Gregory dressed so I can go take my shower.
I take my shower. (I bet you didn’t know that was coming.)
My shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face cleanser are all in differently shaped bottles.
Five days out of the week I get my work clothes on. My work clothes are black shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. It isn’t hard to match when the only thing you can wear is black to work. I can tell my black and white socks apart so that isn’t a problem. I safety pin most of my socks together. I wash them that way and so I don’t have to match them. The only time they are not safety pinned together is when I am wearing them. If they were it would be very hard to walk.
On Sunday and Monday I get to wear non-black clothes. I like dressing those days. Most of my clothes match. The way I figure it is that blue jeans and khaki colored pants match everything, well almost everything. So all I have to do is pick a pair of pants and a shirt. I know what shirts I have but I determine how dressed up I want to be. I pick a fancier shirt when I want to look a bit more dressed up. I can tell based upon the texture of the fabric. I do have some clothes that need to be matched up. I keep those clothes on the same hanger or right together in the closet. Those are usually my dressier clothes. I can usually tell if the clothing is dark or light.
I pick shoes like I pick pants. I tend to only buy it if it will go with almost all my clothes.
My hair, which I love right now, is pretty easy to take care of. On work days I put it in a pony tail. I like it out of the way when I am doing a massage. I just brush it all back and grab the hair and stick a scrunchi around it. I am sure most of you have done that without the use of a mirror. Sometimes I check if it is smooth by running my palm across my head.
Wearing my hair down is a little more work. It is easier if I don’t care what I look like, but when I care it takes a little more time. I like to have a strait part. I don’t always have one, but I am good at getting a part so it is usually strait.
This is my trick for getting a strait part.
First I brush my hair back like I was going to put it in a pony tail.
Then I put my palm flat on the top back of my head. This holds the hair that I just brushed back.
I push my palm toward my face. This makes the hair poof up. A part then emerges. I brush the hair to either side of my head and I have my hair parted.
To add further style to my hair I sometimes curl my hair or blow dry it. To do this I grab little sections of my hair till I can feel that I have gone all the way around my head.
I always put moisturizer on my face. When I am going outside I use foundation, because I get fewer pimples when I do. I hate pimples! One of my friends taught me how to put on makeup. Blush is easy. I just smile and stick it on my cheeks going up. To be sure it isn’t too dark I run my palm across my face afterwards. I was told that I shouldn’t do that, but they can’t come look at me every morning. So, that is what I do.
For eye makeup I just feel the part of my eye and put the applicator their. After I have all of it on I use a brush to smooth everything. I almost forgot I try to use the same number of brush strokes over the colors to get the same amount of color. Some days I may be a little off, but never too bad. After I do my eyes I take a tissue and brush both edges of my eye, because I like to make sure I haven’t gotten it everywhere.
Like everyone I stick lipstick on the same way. The only difference is that I brush a tissue around the curve of my lips to be sure I haven’t gotten it outside the lips.
I typically don’t use mascara. My eyelashes are very dark I don’t need it.
I don’t use lip pencils. I don’t see much of a point.
I usually don’t use eyeliner either for the same reason I don’t use mascara.
This morning I got up, showered, got dressed, put on jeans and a nice shirt, curled my hair, and put on makeup. We were going out to brunch with my dad and step-mom.
Well that is how my mornings go. I don’t use a mirror because I can’t see my face. So it really isn’t necessary.
Want to hear something funny?
Cullen is red/green color blind. So he doesn’t help very much when it comes to telling if things match.
Oh, I manage all this in under one hour.
I don’t have patience for more than an hour. I would rather be in bed longer.
Hence the title of this post.
If I need to explain anything further just let me know.
Thanks for the question Christine
Thanks for more info about yourself. I was wondering how do basic grooming--combing hair, putting on makeup, picking out clothes, etc. in the pictures I’ve seen you look so pretty I was wondering if your sight problems affect how you put yourself together.
Um… Let me just tell you about my morning.
Zzzz… Zzzz…
“Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm One Good Morning it’s 6:25 am Beep-beep-beep-beep”
I finally hit the button
“Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep
Alarm Two Good Morning it’s 6:30 am Beep-beep-beep-beep”
I hit the button and get out of bed this time. I could stay in bed for two more alarms. My talking alarm clock has four alarms.
(My alarm clock actually says what I have typed.)
Some mornings Gregory is my alarm clock.
Well I get up and go to the bathroom.
After feeling much better I head for the kitchen. I like to eat breakfast first. Lately that has been granola. Gregory and I usually eat together.
With food in my tummy I pester Cullen to get Gregory dressed so I can go take my shower.
I take my shower. (I bet you didn’t know that was coming.)
My shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and face cleanser are all in differently shaped bottles.
Five days out of the week I get my work clothes on. My work clothes are black shirt, black pants, black socks, and black shoes. It isn’t hard to match when the only thing you can wear is black to work. I can tell my black and white socks apart so that isn’t a problem. I safety pin most of my socks together. I wash them that way and so I don’t have to match them. The only time they are not safety pinned together is when I am wearing them. If they were it would be very hard to walk.
On Sunday and Monday I get to wear non-black clothes. I like dressing those days. Most of my clothes match. The way I figure it is that blue jeans and khaki colored pants match everything, well almost everything. So all I have to do is pick a pair of pants and a shirt. I know what shirts I have but I determine how dressed up I want to be. I pick a fancier shirt when I want to look a bit more dressed up. I can tell based upon the texture of the fabric. I do have some clothes that need to be matched up. I keep those clothes on the same hanger or right together in the closet. Those are usually my dressier clothes. I can usually tell if the clothing is dark or light.
I pick shoes like I pick pants. I tend to only buy it if it will go with almost all my clothes.
My hair, which I love right now, is pretty easy to take care of. On work days I put it in a pony tail. I like it out of the way when I am doing a massage. I just brush it all back and grab the hair and stick a scrunchi around it. I am sure most of you have done that without the use of a mirror. Sometimes I check if it is smooth by running my palm across my head.
Wearing my hair down is a little more work. It is easier if I don’t care what I look like, but when I care it takes a little more time. I like to have a strait part. I don’t always have one, but I am good at getting a part so it is usually strait.
This is my trick for getting a strait part.
First I brush my hair back like I was going to put it in a pony tail.
Then I put my palm flat on the top back of my head. This holds the hair that I just brushed back.
I push my palm toward my face. This makes the hair poof up. A part then emerges. I brush the hair to either side of my head and I have my hair parted.
To add further style to my hair I sometimes curl my hair or blow dry it. To do this I grab little sections of my hair till I can feel that I have gone all the way around my head.
I always put moisturizer on my face. When I am going outside I use foundation, because I get fewer pimples when I do. I hate pimples! One of my friends taught me how to put on makeup. Blush is easy. I just smile and stick it on my cheeks going up. To be sure it isn’t too dark I run my palm across my face afterwards. I was told that I shouldn’t do that, but they can’t come look at me every morning. So, that is what I do.
For eye makeup I just feel the part of my eye and put the applicator their. After I have all of it on I use a brush to smooth everything. I almost forgot I try to use the same number of brush strokes over the colors to get the same amount of color. Some days I may be a little off, but never too bad. After I do my eyes I take a tissue and brush both edges of my eye, because I like to make sure I haven’t gotten it everywhere.
Like everyone I stick lipstick on the same way. The only difference is that I brush a tissue around the curve of my lips to be sure I haven’t gotten it outside the lips.
I typically don’t use mascara. My eyelashes are very dark I don’t need it.
I don’t use lip pencils. I don’t see much of a point.
I usually don’t use eyeliner either for the same reason I don’t use mascara.
This morning I got up, showered, got dressed, put on jeans and a nice shirt, curled my hair, and put on makeup. We were going out to brunch with my dad and step-mom.
Well that is how my mornings go. I don’t use a mirror because I can’t see my face. So it really isn’t necessary.
Want to hear something funny?
Cullen is red/green color blind. So he doesn’t help very much when it comes to telling if things match.
Oh, I manage all this in under one hour.
I don’t have patience for more than an hour. I would rather be in bed longer.
Hence the title of this post.
If I need to explain anything further just let me know.
Thanks for the question Christine
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Doctors note for runny nose
I started working about five months ago. Since then I only remember a couple of days when Gregory’s nose was not running. The preschool Gregory attends wants us to keep him home because of his runny nose. I have taken him to the doctor many times just because of his nose and almost every time I would be sent home with a doctor’s note saying Gregory is not sick. So, to prevent going to see the doctor every week we finally told the school we aren’t going to do it. Well, they actually decided to work with us. They asked for a note saying that Gregory has a chronic runny nose, but he is not sick and is fine to be in preschool. It is frustrating, but at least now I don’t have to take him to the doctor’s once a month for nothing.
I also have had many runny noses myself since I started work. Thank goodness I don’t need a doctor’s note about that.
One more thing Gregory and I are healthy. I don’t think it is a good idea putting a sick person in with even more germs. I would think it would take them longer to get better with a weakened immune system. I keep Gregory home when he is sick and I stay home from work when I am sick.
I don’t want my son to suffer with a sinus infection or anything else. With my vision I can’t tell the color of his snot. So, this is what frustrates me. I want to know when he really needs to go to the doctor, but the school has been saying he is sick even when he is not. I think we have been told he needs to stay home at least once a week. If Gregory was actually sick that would be fine, but he was not. Cullen is a good father, but he is not the best judge of Gregory’s health. I am Gregory’s mother and so I worry. What if Gregory gets sick and the school doesn’t say because of the note, Daddy doesn’t notice, and I can’t tell because of my vision. It is just a worry. I am the mother, so I can do that. I am a good mom, but still it is hard not to worry.
I also have had many runny noses myself since I started work. Thank goodness I don’t need a doctor’s note about that.
One more thing Gregory and I are healthy. I don’t think it is a good idea putting a sick person in with even more germs. I would think it would take them longer to get better with a weakened immune system. I keep Gregory home when he is sick and I stay home from work when I am sick.
I don’t want my son to suffer with a sinus infection or anything else. With my vision I can’t tell the color of his snot. So, this is what frustrates me. I want to know when he really needs to go to the doctor, but the school has been saying he is sick even when he is not. I think we have been told he needs to stay home at least once a week. If Gregory was actually sick that would be fine, but he was not. Cullen is a good father, but he is not the best judge of Gregory’s health. I am Gregory’s mother and so I worry. What if Gregory gets sick and the school doesn’t say because of the note, Daddy doesn’t notice, and I can’t tell because of my vision. It is just a worry. I am the mother, so I can do that. I am a good mom, but still it is hard not to worry.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Is that a person?
Courtney asked:
Also, my question is, can you see your son or your husband. I know you have limited sight so I was wondering if you could see them.
I wrote about what I can see in this post.
To be more specific sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. I am of the opinion that Gregory knows I can’t see very well. I think this because he has figured out if he stays very still and doesn’t make any noise Mommy has a hard time finding him. He could be sitting in his little chair. I may be standing a couple of feet away. I look everywhere and say Gregory. He doesn’t say anything. I can’t find him. Finally he starts laughing. It is like hide and seek right out in the open. Suppose he is wearing all white clothes. I may be able to find him. This is because the chair is brown and his clothes are white. High contrast is great.
Another thing I will add is when I look at pictures I may not recognize someone I know in person. Well, I did know Cullen before I went blind, but as you all know we change as we age. One day I was looking through my wedding pictures.
I turn to Cullen and say “Honey”
“What?”
“Who is this?”
Cullen then comes over to look “It’s me”
“Really, oops” I say laughing, because I didn’t recognize my own husband.
If I hadn’t been wearing the big white dress I may not even have recognized myself.
I have also been known to talk to chairs and poles.
So my answer to Courtney's question is sometimes I do, but I may not know it is them unless they are talking to me.
That was my last question. If anyone has anymore questions feel free to ask.
Also, my question is, can you see your son or your husband. I know you have limited sight so I was wondering if you could see them.
I wrote about what I can see in this post.
To be more specific sometimes I do and sometimes I don’t. I am of the opinion that Gregory knows I can’t see very well. I think this because he has figured out if he stays very still and doesn’t make any noise Mommy has a hard time finding him. He could be sitting in his little chair. I may be standing a couple of feet away. I look everywhere and say Gregory. He doesn’t say anything. I can’t find him. Finally he starts laughing. It is like hide and seek right out in the open. Suppose he is wearing all white clothes. I may be able to find him. This is because the chair is brown and his clothes are white. High contrast is great.
Another thing I will add is when I look at pictures I may not recognize someone I know in person. Well, I did know Cullen before I went blind, but as you all know we change as we age. One day I was looking through my wedding pictures.
I turn to Cullen and say “Honey”
“What?”
“Who is this?”
Cullen then comes over to look “It’s me”
“Really, oops” I say laughing, because I didn’t recognize my own husband.
If I hadn’t been wearing the big white dress I may not even have recognized myself.
I have also been known to talk to chairs and poles.
So my answer to Courtney's question is sometimes I do, but I may not know it is them unless they are talking to me.
That was my last question. If anyone has anymore questions feel free to ask.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Oh lovely books
Before I lost my vision I would go through a book a day or every other day. I loved reading. I could see the whole story in my head. When I started losing my vision I greatly missed my books. I think the written word is one of the if not the thing I miss most since I went blind. I would have dreams about reading and then wake up to be sure I could see well enough to read. I would get a book and try to make out the letters. Looking at the page and having realization that I couldn’t read it. Those were good dreams but the mornings were a bit of a let down.
With my need for books I decided to turn to audio books. At first I was not as accepting of that format, but what other choice did I have. So, I gave it a whirl. I bought some books and borrowed some from the library. It has taken some time, but I have been getting the same delight from the audio books. Lately I have been getting some books from audible and the library. I put the audible books on my iPod. It is so much easier to take books to work when they are on my iPod instead of tape or CD.
So, Barrie you asked me:
Do you listen to books on tape/CD much?
My answer is all the time.
With my need for books I decided to turn to audio books. At first I was not as accepting of that format, but what other choice did I have. So, I gave it a whirl. I bought some books and borrowed some from the library. It has taken some time, but I have been getting the same delight from the audio books. Lately I have been getting some books from audible and the library. I put the audible books on my iPod. It is so much easier to take books to work when they are on my iPod instead of tape or CD.
So, Barrie you asked me:
Do you listen to books on tape/CD much?
My answer is all the time.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Happy Easter!
I know it is late, but happy Easter. I was going to answer a question yesterday, but I was busy with Gregory. He started running a 103.7 degree fever. At that temperature he tends to get a bit clingy. I do love him being clingy. I love the way he snuggles up to me and wants me to hold him. What I do not like is the part that he doesn’t feel good. He even started shaking. I had him stand up for a minute so I could get him some water and his whole body was shaking. I think he may have the flu. I have been giving him some Tylenol and his fever would go away. Then after four hours it would go right back up to 103. I am worried about him. I just got done changing his sweat drenched clothes.
Today Gregory woke up to some Easter things. He got a basket with lots of goodies. The Easter bunny hid some eggs. He wasn’t really into it though. We ate some cereal and went to Mass. I did not realize Gregory was still sick, because he wasn’t running a fever this morning. That is until we got half way threw the service. I felt his head and he was burning up. We ended up leaving the service early. I guess that is why Gregory wasn’t into his egg hunt. Cullen gave him some Tylenol and we headed off to my Dad’s house for Easter dinner. His fever went away and he had a blast. Then it came back. He won’t be going to preschool tomorrow and probably not on Tuesday either. He needs to recover from whatever this is and I don’t think this is one of the situations which sharing is appropriate. At least I would hope other parents wouldn’t want to share this kind of stuff with Gregory either.
Even though Gregory was sick, today was very lovely.
More answers coming soon.
Today Gregory woke up to some Easter things. He got a basket with lots of goodies. The Easter bunny hid some eggs. He wasn’t really into it though. We ate some cereal and went to Mass. I did not realize Gregory was still sick, because he wasn’t running a fever this morning. That is until we got half way threw the service. I felt his head and he was burning up. We ended up leaving the service early. I guess that is why Gregory wasn’t into his egg hunt. Cullen gave him some Tylenol and we headed off to my Dad’s house for Easter dinner. His fever went away and he had a blast. Then it came back. He won’t be going to preschool tomorrow and probably not on Tuesday either. He needs to recover from whatever this is and I don’t think this is one of the situations which sharing is appropriate. At least I would hope other parents wouldn’t want to share this kind of stuff with Gregory either.
Even though Gregory was sick, today was very lovely.
More answers coming soon.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Guide Dog Question
Jozet at Halushki asked me a few questions about sweet Writer, my guide dog.
I'm very interested in learning more about your dog. What was the training process like when you both first met? What kind of ongoing training do you do
with your dog? Are seeing eye dogs (is that the correct term?) all strictly working dogs in the family home? I know that they are always on the job when
out and about, but is the dog solely your companion in the home, or does he have "pet" time? I don't know whether I'm asking that question exactly right.
Ack! I apologize! I see you refer to the dog as a guide dog. I'm sorry if "seeing eye dog" was offensive in any way.
Here are so many great questions. I am breaking the questions down so I don’t miss any.
- What was the training process like when you both first met?
I decided to go to the school Guiding eyes for the blind in New York. The school paid for my plane ticket. The school provided everything free. I did not have to pay for food or anything while I was there. The lions club in that area raised money for my dog school. Before I met my guide dog the trainers talked to us about the dogs. What to do and what not to do. After going over a few things we were all sent to our rooms where they called us one at a time. When it was my turn I went to another room with a table. I was told to sit down. After seated they brought in Writer. They let her off her leash to wander around the room. She ignored me at first. After awhile she came to me. Then I walked her back to my room. Finally all the introductions were made. All the students met in the training room and sat down. We were taught how to get our dog to sit up and lay down. During this bit of training the dogs were quite funny. They would groan or sigh, urrrh, urrh. I think it was a lab thing. Oh yes, back to the question. I was at the dog school for a month. Every day, but Sunday we did training. I even took a train into Manhattan. Writer and I learned how to work with each other. We trained on how to go up and down stairs, escalators, and elevators. We learned how to ride in cars and other modes of transportation. I tempted her with treats and she practiced being uninterested. I knew that she wanted it but she couldn’t have it. I learned how to keep her skills up, by working with her every day. We did this together and all with praise. Writer did not get treats for doing what she needed to, but lots of praise.
Before I actually met Writer she had gotten six months of training.
- What kind of ongoing training do you do with your dog?
Before I actually answer this question let me say that I have basically retired Writer. This means that she doesn’t work much anymore. Writer was having some arthritis and since I was going to start a new job I also didn’t want her stuck in a corner for eight hours. At that, I didn’t want her all alone at home for 12 hours either. I just felt very bad. She had been so good to me I wanted to do what was best for her. So, my dad and step mom offered to have her come live with them. I didn’t want to part with her. I knew that it was best though. My step-mom is also home most of the day. Along with her they have two other dogs. Once I made the decision Writer moved. Even though she was the new dog in the group she told them who was boss. Writer is very happy there and is getting much love. Writer is very happy to see me every time I come over.
Ok, now to answer the question. I don’t actually do much training anymore, but when we were working full time we did a bit of training every day. I would give her a command and she would do it. I would praise her. It was fun.
Once in college Writer and I had some issues. We weren’t working together very well. I couldn’t figure out why. I called Guiding eyes for the blind and they actually sent a trainer to my college to help me figure out what was going wrong. Of course it was my fault, not Writer’s. I had been stepping out with the wrong foot. That simple thing had been messing us up. We got it worked out and we did lovely together.
- Are seeing eye dogs (is that the correct term?) all strictly working dogs in the family home? I know that they are always on the job when
out and about, but is the dog solely your companion in the home, or does he have "pet" time?
Most of the time at home Writer was off duty. The only time she was on duty was when her harness was on. Her harness was like a work jacket. One moment she would be very still and quiet. As soon as you would take off her harness she would act as playful as a puppy. She got lots of play time. She is like us. She needs her play time, but she loves her work time. Well loving work is not necessarily like us. I love my job, but I also have an awesome job.
- I see you refer to the dog as a guide dog. I'm sorry if "seeing eye dog" was offensive in any way.
It was not offensive at all. People refer to guide dogs differently. What I have noticed is that a blind person such as myself tends to refer to their dog based on the school they went to. I went to Guiding eyes for the blind so I call my dog a guide dog. There is a school called seeing eyes for the blind so they call their dog a seeing eye dog. There is another school called Leader Dog and students refer to their dogs as leader dogs. So in a way the title is a brand name.
The two most usual titles for the dogs are “Guide Dog” or “Seeing Eye Dog”. Both names are acceptable.
I think I answered everything. There is just so much information. If you have any more questions please ask.
I will answer another question tomorrow.
Smiles!
Sweet Writer memory –
Writer would sit or put her head on my foot when I was on my computer or sitting in a chair in the living room.
I'm very interested in learning more about your dog. What was the training process like when you both first met? What kind of ongoing training do you do
with your dog? Are seeing eye dogs (is that the correct term?) all strictly working dogs in the family home? I know that they are always on the job when
out and about, but is the dog solely your companion in the home, or does he have "pet" time? I don't know whether I'm asking that question exactly right.
Ack! I apologize! I see you refer to the dog as a guide dog. I'm sorry if "seeing eye dog" was offensive in any way.
Here are so many great questions. I am breaking the questions down so I don’t miss any.
- What was the training process like when you both first met?
I decided to go to the school Guiding eyes for the blind in New York. The school paid for my plane ticket. The school provided everything free. I did not have to pay for food or anything while I was there. The lions club in that area raised money for my dog school. Before I met my guide dog the trainers talked to us about the dogs. What to do and what not to do. After going over a few things we were all sent to our rooms where they called us one at a time. When it was my turn I went to another room with a table. I was told to sit down. After seated they brought in Writer. They let her off her leash to wander around the room. She ignored me at first. After awhile she came to me. Then I walked her back to my room. Finally all the introductions were made. All the students met in the training room and sat down. We were taught how to get our dog to sit up and lay down. During this bit of training the dogs were quite funny. They would groan or sigh, urrrh, urrh. I think it was a lab thing. Oh yes, back to the question. I was at the dog school for a month. Every day, but Sunday we did training. I even took a train into Manhattan. Writer and I learned how to work with each other. We trained on how to go up and down stairs, escalators, and elevators. We learned how to ride in cars and other modes of transportation. I tempted her with treats and she practiced being uninterested. I knew that she wanted it but she couldn’t have it. I learned how to keep her skills up, by working with her every day. We did this together and all with praise. Writer did not get treats for doing what she needed to, but lots of praise.
Before I actually met Writer she had gotten six months of training.
- What kind of ongoing training do you do with your dog?
Before I actually answer this question let me say that I have basically retired Writer. This means that she doesn’t work much anymore. Writer was having some arthritis and since I was going to start a new job I also didn’t want her stuck in a corner for eight hours. At that, I didn’t want her all alone at home for 12 hours either. I just felt very bad. She had been so good to me I wanted to do what was best for her. So, my dad and step mom offered to have her come live with them. I didn’t want to part with her. I knew that it was best though. My step-mom is also home most of the day. Along with her they have two other dogs. Once I made the decision Writer moved. Even though she was the new dog in the group she told them who was boss. Writer is very happy there and is getting much love. Writer is very happy to see me every time I come over.
Ok, now to answer the question. I don’t actually do much training anymore, but when we were working full time we did a bit of training every day. I would give her a command and she would do it. I would praise her. It was fun.
Once in college Writer and I had some issues. We weren’t working together very well. I couldn’t figure out why. I called Guiding eyes for the blind and they actually sent a trainer to my college to help me figure out what was going wrong. Of course it was my fault, not Writer’s. I had been stepping out with the wrong foot. That simple thing had been messing us up. We got it worked out and we did lovely together.
- Are seeing eye dogs (is that the correct term?) all strictly working dogs in the family home? I know that they are always on the job when
out and about, but is the dog solely your companion in the home, or does he have "pet" time?
Most of the time at home Writer was off duty. The only time she was on duty was when her harness was on. Her harness was like a work jacket. One moment she would be very still and quiet. As soon as you would take off her harness she would act as playful as a puppy. She got lots of play time. She is like us. She needs her play time, but she loves her work time. Well loving work is not necessarily like us. I love my job, but I also have an awesome job.
- I see you refer to the dog as a guide dog. I'm sorry if "seeing eye dog" was offensive in any way.
It was not offensive at all. People refer to guide dogs differently. What I have noticed is that a blind person such as myself tends to refer to their dog based on the school they went to. I went to Guiding eyes for the blind so I call my dog a guide dog. There is a school called seeing eyes for the blind so they call their dog a seeing eye dog. There is another school called Leader Dog and students refer to their dogs as leader dogs. So in a way the title is a brand name.
The two most usual titles for the dogs are “Guide Dog” or “Seeing Eye Dog”. Both names are acceptable.
I think I answered everything. There is just so much information. If you have any more questions please ask.
I will answer another question tomorrow.
Smiles!
Sweet Writer memory –
Writer would sit or put her head on my foot when I was on my computer or sitting in a chair in the living room.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Questions?
I know people have had questions about my blindness and I wanted to say feel free to ask. I will answer them the best I can. Or for that matter if you have questions about anything feel free to ask. I will try to answer any questions. If you need directions I may not be the best person to ask though, because I don’t even know how to get home from work. I mean by driving. If you want to know how to get somewhere by metro I am your gal.
So any questions just ask away.
On my last post just Jamie said:
Hi Angela. Not trying to be ignorant, truly just curious. How do you and Cullen do movie night? Do you have limited vision? Does the sound say enough? Your
life fascinates me. That's all.
My answer
I feel boring at times, but it is good that I don’t appear that way. Now to answer the question. I have all my peripheral vision so I can see off to the sides. This means I can see things moving. I can’t always tell what is moving though. I also have a tiny spot of central vision in my right eye. I can only see two letters on the computer screen at one time. I get a headache from trying to use that too much. I love watching movies and going to the theater. Usually when I go to the theater to see a movie I go to the one that is playing with descriptive video. Descriptive video is a cool feature for people who have very very bad vision. How I get this wonderful thing. I check on the internet to see what movie is playing with descriptive video. I hope it is one that I want to see. The theaters change the movies that are playing with descriptive video, but usually only one movie has the feature at a time. Today one movie may have it and tomorrow they change the movie in that room. So, I say to myself “I would like to see that”. I arrive at the theater get my ticket and ask for the descriptive video head set. I have to ask four or five people, because no one knows exactly what I want. I have been given the head set that makes the sound louder and not descriptive many times. I guess they assume a blind person also has trouble hearing. After I get the correct head set I go to the correct room and pick a spot. I like to sit on the left side of the theater because my right eye is a bit better. Well anyway I put the head set on only one ear. The head set plays commentary.
An example:
You see a man run down the street.
The descriptive video would actually say
A tall man turns down a side walk and runs toward a slender brunette carrying the credit card she left at the diner
I love descriptive video. It gives me a great movie experience. I would have missed all these little things with out it.
Unfortunately most DVD rentals don’t come with descriptive video. My husband is then requested to describe. I am grateful for his description, but on occasion well about four or five times throughout the movie I have to remind him that I am blind and don’t know what the heck is going on. He then pauses the movie and fills me in. Over the past eight years that we have been watching movies together he has gotten much better at his descriptive skills.
Watching movies alone is not so much fun for me unless I have seen the movie several times before, because I don’t know exactly what has happened. At these times I call my mom who lives in Idaho. I ask her about the movie. She usually has seen it and then fills me in.
TV watching is a bit easier, because most television shows are very verbal. I can usually tell what is going on based upon the dialog.
To also give you an example of what I see when I watch TV. The next time you are watching TV look above the TV and not at the TV. You can tell something is going on but not exactly what.
I hope that was descriptive enough (get it, descriptive video, sorry blind humor)
Well, that was a long post.
I hope that answered your question just Jamie
I will be eagerly awaiting more questions.
Smiles!
So any questions just ask away.
On my last post just Jamie said:
Hi Angela. Not trying to be ignorant, truly just curious. How do you and Cullen do movie night? Do you have limited vision? Does the sound say enough? Your
life fascinates me. That's all.
My answer
I feel boring at times, but it is good that I don’t appear that way. Now to answer the question. I have all my peripheral vision so I can see off to the sides. This means I can see things moving. I can’t always tell what is moving though. I also have a tiny spot of central vision in my right eye. I can only see two letters on the computer screen at one time. I get a headache from trying to use that too much. I love watching movies and going to the theater. Usually when I go to the theater to see a movie I go to the one that is playing with descriptive video. Descriptive video is a cool feature for people who have very very bad vision. How I get this wonderful thing. I check on the internet to see what movie is playing with descriptive video. I hope it is one that I want to see. The theaters change the movies that are playing with descriptive video, but usually only one movie has the feature at a time. Today one movie may have it and tomorrow they change the movie in that room. So, I say to myself “I would like to see that”. I arrive at the theater get my ticket and ask for the descriptive video head set. I have to ask four or five people, because no one knows exactly what I want. I have been given the head set that makes the sound louder and not descriptive many times. I guess they assume a blind person also has trouble hearing. After I get the correct head set I go to the correct room and pick a spot. I like to sit on the left side of the theater because my right eye is a bit better. Well anyway I put the head set on only one ear. The head set plays commentary.
An example:
You see a man run down the street.
The descriptive video would actually say
A tall man turns down a side walk and runs toward a slender brunette carrying the credit card she left at the diner
I love descriptive video. It gives me a great movie experience. I would have missed all these little things with out it.
Unfortunately most DVD rentals don’t come with descriptive video. My husband is then requested to describe. I am grateful for his description, but on occasion well about four or five times throughout the movie I have to remind him that I am blind and don’t know what the heck is going on. He then pauses the movie and fills me in. Over the past eight years that we have been watching movies together he has gotten much better at his descriptive skills.
Watching movies alone is not so much fun for me unless I have seen the movie several times before, because I don’t know exactly what has happened. At these times I call my mom who lives in Idaho. I ask her about the movie. She usually has seen it and then fills me in.
TV watching is a bit easier, because most television shows are very verbal. I can usually tell what is going on based upon the dialog.
To also give you an example of what I see when I watch TV. The next time you are watching TV look above the TV and not at the TV. You can tell something is going on but not exactly what.
I hope that was descriptive enough (get it, descriptive video, sorry blind humor)
Well, that was a long post.
I hope that answered your question just Jamie
I will be eagerly awaiting more questions.
Smiles!
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Weekly Overview
Monday nights have been family game nights for the past several nights. I got a new game for us to play together. Candy Land Castle is fun. The best part is that Gregory loves it. We haven’t found many games a 2 ½ year old will sit still for but he will for this one. Now it isn’t very exciting if you are just playing with adults, but it is exciting with a two year old who is very happy when he gets a matching shape. Yea! After we play a game with Gregory I put him to bed and then Cullen and I pick a game to play together.
Tuesday nights have been movie nights for Mommy and Daddy. We watched Enchanted yesterday. I thought it was very cute. It turned out exactly as I thought it would.
Wednesday nights are Cullen’s World of Warcraft nights. So, he plays and I try not to bother him. Meanwhile I blog or do whatever I feel like.
Thursday and Friday nights Gregory and I have fun together because Cullen works late.
Saturdays both Cullen and I work so Gregory gets bonding time with Nana and Grandpa.
Sundays Cullen doesn’t have to work till 5 pm so we get most of the day together.
Tuesday nights have been movie nights for Mommy and Daddy. We watched Enchanted yesterday. I thought it was very cute. It turned out exactly as I thought it would.
Wednesday nights are Cullen’s World of Warcraft nights. So, he plays and I try not to bother him. Meanwhile I blog or do whatever I feel like.
Thursday and Friday nights Gregory and I have fun together because Cullen works late.
Saturdays both Cullen and I work so Gregory gets bonding time with Nana and Grandpa.
Sundays Cullen doesn’t have to work till 5 pm so we get most of the day together.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Yes, Mommy is crazy
I got home about 7 pm tonight. Gregory and I spent some time together (Cullen was at work). We ate, watched TV, danced, and drew pictures on Gregory’s magna doodle. Eight rolled around, and I wanted to get cleaned up and get in pajamas. So, I put Gregory to bed. Well, after all it was 8 pm. I took a shower and changed. Then I started feeling like I did not get in enough Gregory time. Gregory was asleep. It was 8:40 pm. What to do? What to do? I decided the best thing to do was wake him up and play (here is the part when you realize, if you haven’t figured it out already, that I am crazy). I had him come to my room and we played with magnets on the bed. I can’t remember the name of the toy, but it has magnet sticks and balls. You can stick them together in different ways. It was a lot of fun. We played till about 9:45. Then I decided it was time to get my play companion back to bed. I walked him back in his room. I had him put his doggy, hopper, to bed. I had him get in and give Hopper a big hug and kiss. I kissed Hopper and Gregory. Told Gregory night-night and I loved him. Then got myself some water. Even before I got back to my bedroom Gregory had fallen asleep again.
I do love that kid.
I feel much better spending that extra time with Gregory. Even though I had to wake him up to do it.
I do love that kid.
I feel much better spending that extra time with Gregory. Even though I had to wake him up to do it.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
I made it with 15 minutes to spare
Gregory’s babysitter is in her last year of high school. Today she got stuck on a broken down bus and couldn’t make it back to pick Gregory up from preschool. Thankfully she called me far enough ahead of time. Cullen couldn’t leave work. It was 3:45 pm. It takes me approximately two hours and fifteen minutes from work to home. If Gregory is not picked up by 6 pm we have to pay 25 dollars a minute. I called around. I was the only one who could pick up Gregory. So, I prayed. I made it to his school by 5:45 pm. Thankfully public transportation fell in line and I did not have to wait more than ten minutes at the bus stop. Oh and the metro trains were only two minutes apart. Today could have been a whole lot worse. Everything worked out perfectly.
Whew
Whew
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Is it mating season?
Conversation on the bus from the metro to my home
Guy – “Where did you get your coat?”
Me – “What?”
Guy – “Where did you get your coat?”
Me – “I don’t remember. I have had the coat for a long time.”
Guy – “It says Seattle. That is where I am from.”
Me – “I think it is a name brand or something.”
Guy – “It is a nice coat.”
Me – “Thanks”
Guy – “You are going home?”
Me – “yes”
Guy – “Do you have someone to fix you dinner?”
Me – “I am having leftovers.”
Guy – “Do you live with anyone?”
Me – “I am married and have a two year old.”
Guy – “oh” followed by silence
Five minutes later I get off the bus
End of conversation
These type of conversations have been happening way too much lately. I have got to find my wedding rings.
Guy – “Where did you get your coat?”
Me – “What?”
Guy – “Where did you get your coat?”
Me – “I don’t remember. I have had the coat for a long time.”
Guy – “It says Seattle. That is where I am from.”
Me – “I think it is a name brand or something.”
Guy – “It is a nice coat.”
Me – “Thanks”
Guy – “You are going home?”
Me – “yes”
Guy – “Do you have someone to fix you dinner?”
Me – “I am having leftovers.”
Guy – “Do you live with anyone?”
Me – “I am married and have a two year old.”
Guy – “oh” followed by silence
Five minutes later I get off the bus
End of conversation
These type of conversations have been happening way too much lately. I have got to find my wedding rings.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lost
030908 Gregory's hair cut.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
My engagement ring, wedding ring, and ring with Gregory’s birthstone are all missing. They went missing the day after my birthday and still haven’t turned up. I can’t wear rings to work. I gave Cullen the rings to take home and put in my jewelry box. They did not make it there. I am hoping they will turn up soon. I am just trying to stay positive.
Another thing that is lost is Gregory’s curls. Daddy went and took Gregory to get his hair cut. Now both Cullen and Gregory have the same hair cut. I do love Gregory’s curls. This new hair cut does look good on him. Several people have given Gregory compliments.
In other news, Cullen had to work early today and I took Gregory to the doctor. We took a bus to the metro and then caught another bus. I am so glad I don’t have to do this parenting thing on my own. The trip was rough. It isn’t easy keeping a 2 ½ year old sitting in a seat when he isn’t strapped in.
The doctor gave Gregory a clean bill of health. Gregory’s nose is running nonstop and he is coughing a bit, but he is not sick. I had the doctor write a note for me to take to Gregory’s preschool. They said that he couldn’t come back to the school when he was sick. I have proof he is not. I am making a photo copy of the note. Gregory may have terrible allergies, but he isn’t sick. I guess they just hate to use up so many tissues.
Well, that is my news.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
No Smoking in the produce section
Did you know in the grocery store you are not allowed to smoke in the produce section? Actually, you are not allowed to smoke anywhere in the whole store. If this is news to you, you are not alone. Cullen, who works as a manager in a grocery store, had to tell a man to stop smoking in the produce section. Cullen said that the man seemed to be offended and did not understand why he had to stop.
So, to avoid embarrassment I just thought I would let everyone know that you shouldn’t smoke in Grocery stores, especially not in the produce section.
So, to avoid embarrassment I just thought I would let everyone know that you shouldn’t smoke in Grocery stores, especially not in the produce section.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
A meme about me
Courtney tagged me for a meme so I will let you guys know a bit more about me:
1. What is your occupation? I am a massage therapist.
2. What color are your socks? I have black, white, and ones with butterflies. Butterflies are not a specific color but I think it counts.
3. What are you listening to right now? My screen reader repeat every letter I type.
4. What was the last thing you ate? I had Twizzlers rainbow twists. I have gone through four packs the past two weeks. I don’t know why I have been craving them.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I can but I can’t see the road or the other cars. I guess I can but I don’t.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Neon purple I am not sure what the actuall color is called, but I can see all the different emotions I have mixed up in that color.
7. Last person you were on the phone with? Cullen, my husband
8. Do you like the person that sent this to you? Yes
9. Favorite Drink? A fruit smoothie
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? I only really like sports on the radio. I can’t tell what is going on, on the TV. My favorite sport is baseball, but I like football parties.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? I dyed it in middle school and I just highlighted it for the first time this week.
12. Pets? I have a guide dog, but she is living with my dad.
13. Favorite Food? Uh… Chocolate and potatoes but not together.
14. Last movie you watched? 101 Dalmatians with Gregory
15. Favorite day of the year? I will tell you at the end of the year
16. What do you do to vent anger? I cry, yell, and blog.
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? My legos
18. What is your favorite? Fall or Spring? Fall, because I have too many allergies in the spring.
19. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who it is from, but I guess mostly hugs.
20. What kind of pie? Oreo cream pie
21. Living arrangements? A two bedroom condo with Cullen and Gregory
22. When was the last time you cried? This past week.
23. What is on the floor of your closet? Cullen’s clothes, shoes, my massage table, my massage chair, and more, but I am too lazy to get up and check.
24. Who is the friend you've had the longest that you are tagging? I don’t really feel much like tagging right now, but I believe Violet is the longest blogging buddy I have.
25. The friend that you have known the shortest amount of time that you are tagging? Like I said I don’t feel like tagging, but my newest commenter is Jozet at Halushki.
26. Favorite smell? New bicycle tires
27. What inspires you? This is the hardest question. I guess the need to be happy. Happiness is what I try to achieve every day.
28. What are you afraid of? People, but I love people too.
29. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese and all the toppings
30. Favorite cat breed? I don’t know any cat breeds, but I pick lion because my son loves to roar.
31. Number of keys on your key ring? I have two different key rings, but the one I take with me everywhere has three. One key to the building and two of the same key to the door. I have two just incase I need to give someone a key.
32. How many years at your current job? four months
33. Favorite day of the week? Monday, because it is my second day off and I am finally relaxed by then.
34. How many provinces have you lived in? None.
35. How many countries have you been to? 9 countries USA, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Holland, Poland, Canada, Bahamas
I'm going to tag:
I am not going to tag. I am going to sit right here on my ass (yes I said ass) and be lazy.
Please forgive my language. I just finished a week of work and the heel of my foot hurts. I am so happy I have tomorrow and Monday off. YEA!
1. What is your occupation? I am a massage therapist.
2. What color are your socks? I have black, white, and ones with butterflies. Butterflies are not a specific color but I think it counts.
3. What are you listening to right now? My screen reader repeat every letter I type.
4. What was the last thing you ate? I had Twizzlers rainbow twists. I have gone through four packs the past two weeks. I don’t know why I have been craving them.
5. Can you drive a stick shift? I can but I can’t see the road or the other cars. I guess I can but I don’t.
6. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? Neon purple I am not sure what the actuall color is called, but I can see all the different emotions I have mixed up in that color.
7. Last person you were on the phone with? Cullen, my husband
8. Do you like the person that sent this to you? Yes
9. Favorite Drink? A fruit smoothie
10. What is your favorite sport to watch? I only really like sports on the radio. I can’t tell what is going on, on the TV. My favorite sport is baseball, but I like football parties.
11. Have you ever dyed your hair? I dyed it in middle school and I just highlighted it for the first time this week.
12. Pets? I have a guide dog, but she is living with my dad.
13. Favorite Food? Uh… Chocolate and potatoes but not together.
14. Last movie you watched? 101 Dalmatians with Gregory
15. Favorite day of the year? I will tell you at the end of the year
16. What do you do to vent anger? I cry, yell, and blog.
17. What was your favorite toy as a child? My legos
18. What is your favorite? Fall or Spring? Fall, because I have too many allergies in the spring.
19. Hugs or kisses? Depends on who it is from, but I guess mostly hugs.
20. What kind of pie? Oreo cream pie
21. Living arrangements? A two bedroom condo with Cullen and Gregory
22. When was the last time you cried? This past week.
23. What is on the floor of your closet? Cullen’s clothes, shoes, my massage table, my massage chair, and more, but I am too lazy to get up and check.
24. Who is the friend you've had the longest that you are tagging? I don’t really feel much like tagging right now, but I believe Violet is the longest blogging buddy I have.
25. The friend that you have known the shortest amount of time that you are tagging? Like I said I don’t feel like tagging, but my newest commenter is Jozet at Halushki.
26. Favorite smell? New bicycle tires
27. What inspires you? This is the hardest question. I guess the need to be happy. Happiness is what I try to achieve every day.
28. What are you afraid of? People, but I love people too.
29. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Cheese and all the toppings
30. Favorite cat breed? I don’t know any cat breeds, but I pick lion because my son loves to roar.
31. Number of keys on your key ring? I have two different key rings, but the one I take with me everywhere has three. One key to the building and two of the same key to the door. I have two just incase I need to give someone a key.
32. How many years at your current job? four months
33. Favorite day of the week? Monday, because it is my second day off and I am finally relaxed by then.
34. How many provinces have you lived in? None.
35. How many countries have you been to? 9 countries USA, Germany, France, Austria, Italy, Holland, Poland, Canada, Bahamas
I'm going to tag:
I am not going to tag. I am going to sit right here on my ass (yes I said ass) and be lazy.
Please forgive my language. I just finished a week of work and the heel of my foot hurts. I am so happy I have tomorrow and Monday off. YEA!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
A benefit of being a massage therapist
This is what I did at work today
Keep in mind that I had an awful sinus headache today.
10 am – 12 pm: I took a nap.
12 pm – 12:40 pm: I ate lunch.
12:40 pm – 2 pm: I took a second nap.
2 pm – 3 pm: I did a massage.
3 pm – 4 pm: I took a third nap.
4 pm – 5 pm: I did a second massage.
5 pm – 5:20 pm: I waited to give a third person a massage. She refused to sign the waver. So, I did not do a massage.
5:20: I left work.
That was my day. My headache is gone thanks to my third nap. Now do you understand one of the benefits of my job?
Unfortunately I do not get paid unless I am booked. Today was slow and I only had three massages scheduled. I only got paid for two because that is all I did. Usually during the time I am not working I try to listen to my books on my iPod or socialize. I hate to lug my computer with me because it is heavy. I will probably start doing that though.
As you see I worked very hard today. Smiles!
Keep in mind that I had an awful sinus headache today.
10 am – 12 pm: I took a nap.
12 pm – 12:40 pm: I ate lunch.
12:40 pm – 2 pm: I took a second nap.
2 pm – 3 pm: I did a massage.
3 pm – 4 pm: I took a third nap.
4 pm – 5 pm: I did a second massage.
5 pm – 5:20 pm: I waited to give a third person a massage. She refused to sign the waver. So, I did not do a massage.
5:20: I left work.
That was my day. My headache is gone thanks to my third nap. Now do you understand one of the benefits of my job?
Unfortunately I do not get paid unless I am booked. Today was slow and I only had three massages scheduled. I only got paid for two because that is all I did. Usually during the time I am not working I try to listen to my books on my iPod or socialize. I hate to lug my computer with me because it is heavy. I will probably start doing that though.
As you see I worked very hard today. Smiles!
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Feeling Beautiful
030408 Angela's hair cut.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Today, because work was slow I decided I should get my hair cut. I hadn’t cut it in a long time. It was starting to bug me and feel sloppy. So I asked Laura L from my work to fix my hair up. She first gave me some subtle highlights. I have never had highlights before. Then she cut it. I just love it and I got lots of great feedback from everyone at work. I feel so beautiful today.
If you slap someone do it when you aren’t angry
Gregory got in trouble at school today. He slapped a girl and made her lip bleed.
The school said it was ok because he did not do it in anger.
I guess that is good.
So the next time you slap someone make sure you aren’t angry and you won’t get in trouble.
I guess being 2 ½ makes a difference too.
The school said it was ok because he did not do it in anger.
I guess that is good.
So the next time you slap someone make sure you aren’t angry and you won’t get in trouble.
I guess being 2 ½ makes a difference too.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
True Smiles
022508 Gregory2.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Gregory is sleeping in his bed. I can hear him breathing. The sound of air entering and exiting his body gives me comfort.
Gregory is such a happy child. He nearly always has a smile upon his face. When you see it you know it is not forced. The curve of his mouth shows his true feelings.
His emotions are not hidden away. He shares them freely. The innocence will eventually melt away and the world will come rushing in. The smiles caught by a camera today are true smiles. The smiles taken by a camera, in years that will pass by too soon, may only be a response to a request of a smile. This request may look like a true smile, but without the joy and happiness behind it. If only every smile could be true. I know that eventually my son will start practicing his poker face. He will learn to smile when he is not happy and to frown when he is not sad. These are important life skills. The thing I want most for my son is for him to be happy and have the smiles come easily. I know that he will feel sad and have tears. I just want his happiness to outweigh his sadness throughout his life.
Mommy, I dance!
022508 Gregory4.JPG
Originally uploaded by smileahug.
Either by himself, or taking me by my hands Gregory loves to dance.
He will point to the stereo and ask “Mommy I want dance”. So, I turn on the music and he dances.
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