It's been a week or so since I updated last. The sports camp that I mentioned I was going to attend in my last entry was very fun. Some of the different sports I participated in were swimming, judo, (a kind of martial art form), goalball and beep baseball. I actually think those were all of them, although one may have slipped my mind. A bonfire took place after the first day's events, and it was while sitting around it where I quite by accident came up with a new, slightly PG13, version of "On Top of Spaghetti".
Speaking of sports, our first goalball tournament of the season was yesterday, and the team I was on, (our regular team was split into two to give us three teams as one from New Jersey came down, too), took three games and tied one. We beat our other teammates with two shutout games, beat NJ once and tied them in the second game. I was somewhat surprised by all of these results, but hey, I'll take 'em! I can definitely see that I have improved since last year. I still do have weaknesses, and these tournaments are a good time to survey those and really see where one stands as far as everything, if that makes any sense.
Friday night, (excuse the nonchronology [is that even a word?] - sorry!), we had our monthly NFB student division meeting. We gained two students from downstate, which is pretty exciting. We're a very small state, so that in itself, in my opinion, is pretty huge.
I found out this past week that I didn't even get an interview for a local job that I applied for. I think I mentioned it in a prior entry. I'm still a bit disappointed, but hey, it's their loss. The Chicago company I interviewed with a few weeks ago was able to work with me to reschedule the second interview I would have had with them on this past Friday, (two days ago), for Monday, (tomorrow). Things came up on my end so that it would have been near impossible for me to do it when it was originally scheduled. I really do appreciate their willingness to reschedule. I'm not really sure what to expect with this interview, but here's to hoping things go well.
I'm not sure what else to write about. I think that about covers everything. Among the many books I'm currently in the middle of at present is Water for Elephants. I'm something like six chapters in, and am really loving it. I'm also reading the book Killer Angels, about the battle at Gettysburg. This last is for a book club I am a member of, and it also very much captivates my interest.
I take my leave now. I'll be sure to update when something else of substance occurs. As it's a little less than a week to the American Thanksgiving, what are the plans of those of you who will celebrate? Are there any interesting traditions your family holds on the day? What is your most favorite dish that you just have to have? How about your least favorite dish that, even if you were to say you didn't like it, would still appear on the table, anyway?
In the past week, I have finished three books. I posted their reviews to an email list I'm on, but figured I would crosspost them here, since I haven't put anything up here as of late.
Book 1: Dayworld
Library of Congress Annotation:
Dayworld
Farmer, Philip Jose. Read by Roy Avers. .
Science Fiction
It is 3414 A.D. The world has become so crowded that the New Era government has decreed a vertical calendar during which each person is allowed to live
one day each week. The rest of the time the person is in a state of suspended animation. Jeff Caird is a "daybreaker," a criminal; he lives every day of
the week. Caird is pursuing the mad genius Chang Castor, and is being pursued by government investigators. Some strong language.
I think I discovered this book when looking on the Bard site at the Recently-added Books I forget how long ago - not recently. Anyway, I hadn’t ever read anything like this before, and so figured I would try it. I very much enjoyed the read. It was interesting to me how Farmer crafted the main character in that he had seven different identities--even multiple wives--to try and keep straight. The plot was very easy to follow, and not overly complicated, in my opinion. Not reading anything similar to this, I can’t really compare it to anything else I’ve read as of yet. If you like suspense and good guys chasing bad guys, I would recommend reading it.
Book 2: The Time Traveler’s Wife
Library of Congress Annotation:
The Time Traveler's Wife
Niffenegger, Audrey. Read by Annie Wauters. Reading time 17 hours 31 minutes.
Romance
Librarian Henry DeTamble first meets his future wife, Clare, when he is twenty-eight and Clare is twenty--but Clare has actually known Henry since she was
six. Henry suffers from Chrono-Impairment, a disorder that catapults him sporadically through time, complicating the couple's enduring love. Some explicit
descriptions of sex and some strong language. 2003.
I’m not usually one for romance, but I very much enjoyed this book. It wasn’t all mushy and sappy, which is probably why I liked it; I’m not really into that kind of thing. I don’t think there was one character in that book that I didn’t like. There were times when one in particular, (Gomez), really irked me, but overall, Niffenegger makes the characters out to be nice guys. The plot in this book is very simple; Henry, Clare’s boyfriend and then husband, time travels at random, and she is left to deal with the present, wondering when he will again reappear. If you’re looking for a easy, light read, I would recommend this book.
Book 3: Dear Valued Customer: You are a Loser
Library of Congress Annotation:
Dear Valued Customer, You Are a Loser: And Over One Hundred Other Embarrassing and Funny Stories of Technology Gone Mad
Broadhead, Rick. Read by Roy Avers. Reading time 6 hours 37 minutes.
Science
Author, literary agent, and entrepreneur presents a selection of more than one hundred anecdotes documenting humorous, bizarre, or unfortunate incidents
enabled by technology. He recounts e-mail gags and gaffes, banking blunders, high-tech hoaxes, telecom snafus, media mistakes, and government glitches.
2004.
The title of this book is self-explanatory. It’s another very light and funny read. The fact that all of the anecdotes are true makes it even more humorous. The book covers everything from customer service glitches to media mistakes to computer errors. I recommend this book to anyone looking for some comic relief.
I am in the middle of Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult. I'm finding it pretty predictable, and not really original. I recognize certain aspects of the book from other books/authors. I still intend to finish it, however. I'm not sure I'll read anything else from her, at least for awhile.
SEPTA, (Philly's public transit system), is on strike, and so goalball practice was canceled today. As such, I've been pretty lazy for all of it, but that's okay with me. I finished book 3, (listed above), and drifted in and out of sleep for an hour or so this afternoon. I'm not sure what else to write about, so this is when I call it an entry and post. Moore soon.
How do you say 'I'm sorry' if you're not even sure you're in the wrong or, even if you are, how? How do you say 'I'm sorry' when words probably wouldn't be enough? How do you say 'I'm sorry' without actually saying those words - cliche, anyone?
Pardon this entry. I downloaded an LJ app to my iPhone and wanted to make a test post. Comments are appreciated if you can see this. More substance later. Off to finish readying myself to leave for our state NFB convention shortly.
I'm back for another update in this thing, not that a whole lot has happened, (I always say that), but an update is an update.
Braille class this week went well enough. On Wednesday, I did a technology demonstration at DVI, (the local agency for the blind - the same place where I go to help with Braille), on the Victor Stream. I do believe it went over well, and I very much enjoyed doing it.
On Tuesday, I went shopping with my grandmother at Kohl's and got some nice and much-needed dress shirts and also some jeans. This venture took the whole of late morning and into the afternoon. We had Ci Ci's Pizza for lunch. I really enjoy that place. Their slices of pizza are small enough that you don't get way too full too fast, and their desserts are amaaaaazing! They're also a buffet, and you can't really go wrong with that, at least in my opinion. The soup and pasta there is good, too. Everything I've eaten there is good, which was all save the salad, but that shouldn't come as a surprise. I enjoyed being able to spend time with my grandmother as I always do enjoy doing that.
Yesterday was very low-key. My sister and I did attend a Bingo event held by a local blindness organization, (different from DVI. That's one thing I've noticed about being blind, this disability has tons of acronyms!). I won one game, and it was a good time.
Around ten this morning, I had a phone interview with a company to which my job counselor forwarded my resume. I guess they liked what they saw, hence the interview. I have no idea where that will go or what will come out of it, but I'll keep you posted. I'm still pursuing grad school, though, because I feel very strongly about that. Speaking of, I got in contact about scheduling my GRE, and as soon as I figure out on which dates it's given, I'll do so. I have a possible tutor for the Math part, and should probably call her again today. I tried once a week or two ago, and got her voicemail, but it wouldn't let me leave a message. (I would start talking, and it would cut me off after a few seconds. This result occurred multiple times). I'm in the process of seeing if the state can help pay for tutoring, (technically it would help with employment, since if I pass the test and get in and obtain a degree, I'll be more employable), but have yet to hear back. I can pay for some of it, but if they can help, I won't say 'no' to that, either. Money isn't exactly superfluous around here at present...
I think that's about all from here for now. I'll be back with more news as it happens.
I haven't written since the end of September. Speaking of, how it is already October? Time seems to be moving faster and faster. People are actually already mentioning Christmas, which the utterance of...just shouldn't be allowed until November 27, 2009.
Things in my little corner of the world continue to move along. Nothing earth-shattering has happened, which is a good thing, don't get me wrong, but it does make for not-so-frequent updates. I've spent the past week playing phone tag with two different people, only I guess in all actuality it really hasn't been phone tag as each time I've called I've had to leave a voicemail. Hopefully this week will prove successful in getting a hold of them.
Last I wrote, I was looking forward to going to the 30th anniversary dinner for the local association for blind athletes. I dod go to that, and it was a very fun time. I got to catch up with one friends and see people I hadn't seen in a long while. At one point, we did the Conga, and I somehow found myself in the line, dog included. It was pretty funny, and people did take pictures.
Speaking of dog, she turned eight on October 1. I find that pretty hard to believe, although not as hard as the fact that as of this coming January, we'll have been a team for six years. It really is crazy how time flies. She's still in love with her work, (perhaps obsessed with it, maybe just a bit), so I'm not really worried about anything. She is more sensitive to noises, though; during thunder storms, she gets fidgety and restless, and also on really windy days, my sister's bedroom door, if left open, will sometime blow shut, and she'll flip out over that, running around like she can't stay still or calm down. I assume this is normal behavior. I'm not too worried about it, but I do sometimes wish I could do something to make it easier for her to handle.
The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) has launched this year's Braille Readers are Leaders contest, and a new competition level for adults has been added this year. I'm going to participate. Teams can be formed with as few as two members and as many as five. I want to possibly form a team. I think I have three members as of now including myself. If anyone would want to join my team, please comment or contact me and let me know.
I received a package from a good friend this past week that was full of Braille cookbooks. This made me super excited, probably more than I should have been or is normal, but so it goes. I love sending and receiving packages and mail that I can actually read. When I was in junior high, a friend and I use to write Braille letters back and forth, which I still have to this day. I have an amazing amount of recipes now, including a zillion for cookies. (Did I mention I love cookies?). I just need to gain more cooking experience, which I guess will come with practice and time. I enjoy cooking with other people than doing it by myself. I like sharing in the responsibility and learning from the other person. I just need to get up the nerve to do things by myself and not think that the apartment will burn down or I'll mess things up if I do so. Oh, sure, things will go wrong, (I'll put too much of an ingreedient in or leave something out), but that's part of learning, right?
Some of my time is being spent planning for Delaware's state NFB convention and also the events that the student division will be putting on. The convention will take place on Saturday, October 24th with the student events taking place the Friday before, on the 23rd. I just hope things will end up working out and everything will go over okay. It's a good experience helping to plan such an event, and I'm glad I can help out with it.
Other than that, I'm not too sure what else has gone on. Goalball practice was yesterday, which went well. There is a double practice next week. We did timed throwing drills yesterday, and my best time was 1.74, which is an improvement from the last time we did them, (I think my time then was two or three-something). I'm definitely proud of this fact.
I think I'm forgetting something that I wanted to post about, but I'll end it here and post, anyway. Take care all, more soon.
Things since I last wrote have been fine enough. Goalball continues to fill my Saturdays, and the past two practices have gone pretty well. There isn't practice this upcoming weekend, because of an event down here in Delaware that a lot of us who would be at practice are going to. Saturday night is the 30th anniversary dinner for the Delaware Association for Blind Athletes. I'm looking forward to going to that and seeing who all comes. I know some of who is coming, and it will be good to see those people as well as whoever else goes, too. The Saturday after that I won't be at practice, either, as there is a Sports Day event for blind and visually impaired people at the university that I'll be attending. I really want to try and recruit more people for that. It's a fun time, and there are a lot of different sports to try; goalball, swimming, golf, bowling, rock climing...
I continue to do a lot of reading. The last book I finished was Firefly Lane by Christin Hannah. The story describes the friendship of two girls from when they first met into their later years. It talks about trials, triumphs, good times and not-so-good times. I definitely recommend it; I enjoyed it a lot.
I think tomorrow I'm going to go to Red Lobster. They have the All-You-Can-Eat shrimp buffet, and I've wanted to go ever since I saw the commercial. I'd better make sure I'm going or not, because if I am, I'll make sure not to eat a whole lot beforehand.
Aside from that, I'm not too sure what else to update on. I'll be back when I can think of something.
Current Music: Nigel Kennedy and Jaz Coleman - Riders On The Storm
Things in my corner of the world have been going well. This week has been pretty low-key. I spent last weekend at the beach with my family. My grandparents have a trailer near one of the local beaches, and it was nice to spend family time with everyone. It was also my first trip down there all summer. We went fishing once, and it was disappointing because while we got nibbles, no actual fish made their appearance. Hopefully there will be more chances to fish next year and I'll actually catch something. I still hold the title of Queen in the fish-catching department after my 23-inch flounder last year.
I was supposed to attend our monthly NFB chapter meeting last night, but due to a mixup with Paratransit, that didn't end up happening. That's not the first time that has happened, nor will it be the last, I'm sure. I just wish everyone in that place was on the same page as to rules and such. Are we or are we not supposed to wait outside? Is the driver supposed to come in or no? Everyone will tell you something different in that place. It's nerveracking, I tell you!
Goalball starts back up again tomorrow, so that'll be fun. I've been starting to do stretches and exercises and such each day, and it feels good to have a routine. Let's hope it lasts.
On Monday there will be a new beginner student coming to Braille class, which makes me happy. More people learning Braille is a good thing, in my opinion, anyway.
I continue to study for the GRE. I've gone through all of the verbal material in the packet I was sent, and I'm honestly not too worried about that part. I've looked at some of the math, and while I remember some of the concepts the more I look at it, I could still use help. I'm sure I'll figure something out. It's not so much I don't know how to do it as that I forget it not having dealt with it in a long time.
Before I close, I want to remark on the fact that it has been eight years since tragedy struck on this day. It really doesn't seem to me like it's been that long ago. I still remember where I was and what I was doing at the time, and I doubt I'll ever forget that. I'm very grateful for all who gave their lives in the rescue/cleanup effort. Perhaps more importantly are those who had no choice and were innocently killed. How anyone could forget what happened eight years ago today is beyond me. I extend my thoughts to those still affected today.
I think that's about all of update-worthiness. I apologize for such a disjointed post. It's a somewhat cold and very rainy Friday here. I think it's off to read and get warm. Take care, more later.
I have a Braille book, in one soft-cover volume, called Mystics, Masters, Saings and Sages by Robert Ullman that I'm wondering if anyone is interested in reading. I got it from an email list and want to pass it on to someone else. I figured I would post here first, and if no one is interested, I'll post elsewhere. Comment if interested. /*End PSA.*/
For most of the day I have been watching Senator Ted Kenedy's funeral proceedings. All of the speeches during the ceremonies have been very well done, especially those of son Teddy Kenedy Jr., and the eulogy given at the funeral mass by President Obama. If I can find youtube videos that aren't in many parts, I'll post links if people want me to. For now, here is the text of Obama's eulogy. I can't find the text of Teddy's speech, but if I do, I'll post that as well.
Senator Kenedy touched so many lives both personally and politically. Hopefully people won't forget what he stood for and will continue to uphold what he believed; coming/working together despite differences and giving a voice/being an advocate to those who need one.
Today has been fine enough. I haven't done a whole lot aside from Braille class, but that's ok. Braille class was really productive. The one student who came in had to take the Hadley Braille placement test, and she really made me proud by her performance from my vantage point of watching her. She really has made great progress since I've been working with her, and she knew a lot already coming into things.
Aside from that, not a whole lot. I had to scrap one book I'm reading because I just couldn't get into it. It was called American Nerd: The Story of my People by Benjamin Nugent. I'm not really sure why it wasn't doing it for me, but so it goes. I have since started a new book, Beyond the Bedroom Wall: A Family Album by Larry Woiwode.
The Neumiller family copes with life, love, and loss in small-town North Dakota and Illinois from the 1800s to the 1970s. Their experiences unfold from various perspectives, including those of loving father Martin, his wife Alpha, and their five children. Some strong language and some descriptions of sex. 1975.
So far, this book looks like it'll be good. I'm liking it thus far, and I've only just started it.
I'm currently watching the second preseason Ravens game against the Jets, and I should get back to paying attention to it instead of writing in here. I wanted to get something down, though, because I really want to get back into the habbit of writing regularly again. Thanks everyone for your comments on my last entry welcoming me back to my blog. I really do appreciate it, and they meant a lot. A welcome back goes out to caninespirit. Take care all, more as it happens.
So...it's been forever and a day since I've put an appearance in this thing, let alone putting anything in writing up here. That's what happens sometimes, I guess. Let's see if I even remember how this works...
Things as of late have been going fine enough. Since I last wrote, I attended the American Idol Tour concert with friends in Baltimore, ate at the Cheesecake Factory beforehand, and also attended a crab feast that same weekend. All were really fun times, and I'm glad I went.
Regarding the AI concert, I now understand what all the hype was over Chris Allen winning the show and not Adam. I fully agree that Adam should have won. His vocal range and skill is simply amazing! The shover overall was an amazing show, and everyone did a good job.
The Cheesecake Factory was another equally amazing experience. Their Braille menus are seriously the size of phone books! I opted to get the Oreo cheesecake for dessert, and even split two ways, I was incredibly full afterword. The mall around where I live is going to get a Cheesecake Factory sometime next year, and I can't wait for that! Regardless, though, it's worth the trip to Baltimore. In all reality, the line at the one here will most likely be ages long, and so driving to Baltimore and back to eat there might be the faster way of doing things, at least until the newness of the restaurant dies down some. When Olive Garden and Red Lobster opened up here, I think my mom told me that it was something like six months before there were reasonable wait times because everyone and their bird wanted to eat there. Ah well...
The two times that I've been down to Baltimore recently, I've attended one of the Unitarian Universalist churches, and I find that community so welcoming and amazing and I really think it's where I belong spiritually, socially and belief wise. The people there are so openly nice, it really is somewhat surprising to me, even though it probably shouldn't be. It's just nice to be part of a community that doesn't judge and is accepting of everyone no matter what. I hope to possibly attend the UU church near where I live and see what it's like.
After going here and there and everywhere and not really being home for more than a few days at a time for the past month, I finally went in to help with the Braille class I help with this past Monday. There was only one student this class, and the progress she's making is really encouraging. I just wish there were more people in the class. Maybe more people will join soon, I have no idea.
Aside from that, I've just been hanging out. I've started looking over the GRE Braille practice materials I was sent. I'm really grateful that they sent me a print and Braille copy that match, so it'll make things easier, especially when it comes to the math sections. Speaking of that, I really hope I can find a tutor as otherwise I think I might just fail that portion of the test. I think once I get a refresher as to what things are, I'll be fine. I'm pretty okay at math, it's just been five or so years since I've had any kind of formal instruction in the subject, and so I've lost a lot of it. I'm pretty good at the verbal, though. Regardless, though, if I'm suppose to be at NIU for grad school next fall, I will be. That's at least how I see it. Positive energy and thoughts won't go unappreciated or unnoticed, though.
On Thursday, Peter and I went to the mall around here and we both purchased iPhones. I have the newer iPhone model with VoiceOver on it, which is a screen reader that Apple developed first for the Mac, and which is now on the iPhone. My experience with said phone so far has been amazing. It astounds me that an off-the-shelf product is as accessible as this one is. Apple wasn't kidding when it said that all of the on-phone applications were accessible. There are even a lot of applications out there to download, free or paid, that are accessible, too. For anyone reading who is curious as to how to make iPhone applications accessible with VoiceOver, This link tells you how. I really do commend Apple for their work on the iPhone. They seem to be listening to user feedback, too. Other companies should take a lesson from them. Maybe then accessibility wouldn't have to be so dang expensive on the large scale.
Wow, this entry is longer than I originally thought it would be. That's what I get for not writing in eons, I guess. Haha! I think that's about all for now, though. I'm probably forgetting something, hoever, and I'll remember it as soon as I post. I'm slightly bummed, because I was supposed to go on a fishing trip today with the local blind athletes association, and Hurricane Bill messed up those plans. It's better to be safe and not out in the water, though, than out in the water and caught in crazy weather. I'm hoping the trip will be rescheduled, but I wasn't told that it would be. I guess I'll find out either way.
Take care all. I hope you enjoyed this entry. I tried to play catch-up as best I could. Hopefully I'll be writing in here more often. I would like to, anyway. More soon.
I just wanted to come in here really quick and give a short update. The 2009 NFB convention was super awesome, (I plan to do a post of its own on that later), and I was sad to see it come to an end. Good times with good friends plus all of the things I learned and was inspired by. It was awesome hanging out with old friends and meeting new ones - you know who you are. Just...wow!
I am now currently in Philly, helping out with a day camp for blind children for the next two weeks. Instead of last year where we mentors were assigned activities, this year we're assigned a student each, and we follow that one person through the camp day. I am a huge fan of this approach as opposed to the other one. I'm having a lot of fun doing what I'm doing.
Tomorrow with said camp we're going to the beach. I am not exactly thrilled with this prospect as Liz + beach = massive sunburn, usually anyway, and it isn't always helped with sunscrene, either. I'll hopefully come out unscathed, or at least not too terribly so. I have no clue why I have a strong aversion to the sun, but so it goes. Can one be alergic to it? Haha! Kidding...kind of. I'm also not too much of a fan of getting all sandy/salty/wet. Perhaps I outgrew the beach, I don't know, at least in that respect. Late night and early morning walks on the beach, however, are a whole different story altogether.
As for other things of significance, I'm not too sure. I haven't fully recovered from convention, and going straight into camp afterwords has completely thrown my sleep schedule off. The frequent headaches I've been getting for the past week now are probably not a good thing, either. No idea. When I'm tired I can't sleep, and when I'm seemingly not tired is when I have time to. Confusing much? I'll be okay. I'm off to try and sleep sometime soon, more later.
“Liz just returned from the NFB Convention today. She says that she hasn't updated either in text or voice for a while, but that she hopes to do a text post soon. She has an extremely busy few weeks. She also says that she is very tired (we hear a little yawn) and that she rested on the plane ride back home, but hasn't slept much in the past week. She enjoyed the convention; the hotel was beautiful (easier, in her opinion to navigate than Dallas), she loved meeting friends new and old, and she was inspired by speeches. Tomorrow afternoon, she leaves for the sports camp in Philadelphia for two weeks. She literally got home, did laundry, and packed for PA. She enjoyed helping out at the camp last summer, and she's sure she will again. She signs off by telling us she's going to sleep and get some rest, and that she'll check in soon.”
I just wanted to come in and say that for the next week, I will be in Detroit for the NFB National Convention. I leave for the airport in mere hours, so perhaps I should get some sleep before that needs to happen. I'm mostly packed, aside from what little things will go in right before I leave. I doubt I'll have access to the Internet much, if at all while there, but maybe I'll make a voice post sometime. I'm excited to go, and it should be a good time.
I come home on the ninth, and am leaving not 24 hours later on the tenth for Philadelphia, where I'll be for the next two weeks helping out at a camp. (It's the same camp that I helped out with last year). It should be a good time, too, and I'm looking forward to it. All in all, I'll be busy for the next while.
Not all that much has gone on as of late, but I figured I would update nonetheless.
This weekend has been a good one, part of which was spent with family, and the other part of which relaxing. I visited with my one uncle from out of town yesterday, along with other family members, and I enjoyed that as I don't get to see him too often. It's always sure to be a good time when we're all together.
Today has been low key, which is a good thing. Well, all except that AIM is refusing to forward messages to my phone, and it doesn't matter how many times I delete and set things up again. I was able to register my phone with a different screenname, and that worked, but now, though I deleted my number from that screenname as well, and when I go to mobile settings within AIM or online for either my screenname or the other one, it asks to register a device as none is registered currently, it looks, from this end, anyway, like the screenname is still mobile when not online, which would mean any messages that are sent would go to my phone. I have all messages blocked, I think, from that screenname to my phone, but that's not the point. It truly has me beyond baffled, and I have no idea what to do. I've spent way too much time on it, though, and so am just going to give up for now. Maybe it's AOL's problem, and things will right themselves sometime in the next eight million milennia. If anyone reading this might be able to shed some light onto this, please do as I would greatly appreciate it.
On a more positive note, I heard back from the people at ETS regarding my GRE accommodations. I have been approved to take the exam, and will do so sometime in January. That gives me ample time to study, and if after I take the test and receive a good enough score and get accepted, I will start my graduate degree in the fall of 2010. It's all really exciting, and I'll of course keep the journal and everyone updated as to what happens from here on out.
Aside from all of that, not a lot else is going on. Braille class resumes tomorrow, and so it'll be good to get out and have something to do. I still continue to read, and will do so shortly after this gets posted. More as it happens.
It has been eons and eons since I put a written update in this thing, and I really do feel bad about that. I really don't know why I haven't been motivated to write/update in here more regularly. I'm not sure if it's the lack of things going on around here or if I just haven't felt like writing, but so it goes. I'm half kidding when I say that it surprises me slightly that I still have a Friends' list. I do know that it's not from lack of enjoyment of keeping this thing or from boredom of doing so that I don't right, which can only be looked at as a good thing.
Things in my corner of the planet are going well enough. There have been ups and downs here and there, which I'm not necessarily comfortable writing about, but such is life, I suppose. I mentioned it in a voice post, though not in writing: a few weeks ago, both of our glass shower doors came crashing spectacularly down, one oh-so-conveniently on my foot, (I was in the shower at the time), causing me to need six stitches. All is well with that now, the stitches are out, and the wound will heal the rest of the way on its own. It hurt amazingly at the time, and I wouldn't recommend such things to anyone. Not that I intentionally made it happen or had a choice, I didn't.
I still continue to help out weekly with the Braille class at our local blindness agency, although last week and this the main instructor is on vacation, and so class is canceled. Another item of note as of late is that I am now a board member for the NFB Northern Delaware chapter, which should be interesting. I'm not all too sure what I'm getting myself into, but from what people have said my duties would be, I think it will be fine.
Convention is coming closer by the day, and I'm getting ever-more excited. I can't wait to meet up with old friends and meet new ones, both people I've talked to only online as of yet and new people completely. For those of you who are going who I'm not aware of, comment and let me know if you want to meet up. I also am looking forward to the meetings, as weird as that might sound. I've already gone through the agenda and made my own, personal agenda of events that are of specific interest to me. I'm not sure if I'll stick to that exclusively, (most likely not), but it's good to have somewhere to start from, and I won't have to look through *everything* each time I want to find something, definitely a plus. Also, I can just dump the file on my phone/Sgream and carry it with me, a second plus.
Yesterday our NFB student division had a yard sale. While we didn't sell too much, there were some buyers, and every little bit helps. The weather may have played into it, too, rainy and stormy and such. The weather was considerate, as it started downpouring as soon as my sister and I got in the bus to leave and stopped when we needed to get out again upon reaching our apartment building.
I've been doing a lot of reading as of late. I started and finished the first book in the Twilight series, and surprisingly it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I'm reading the second one now, amongst other books. I'm never content just reading one book at a time.
I'm not sure what else to update on, (I'm probably forgetting *something*), and so think I will call this an entry. I'm glad to be writing again, and hope I can do it more often. Take care all, more soon.
IF YOU'RE ON MY FRIENDS LIST, I want to know 28 things about you. I don't care if we've never talked, never really clicked, or if we already know everything about each other. I really don't. You are obviously on my flist, so let me know with whom I'm friends!
1. Your Middle Name: 2. Age: 3. Single or Taken: 4. Favourite Movie: 5. Favourite Song or Album: 6. Favourite Band/Artist: 7. Dirty or Clean: 8. Tattoos and/or Piercings: 9. Do we know each other outside of LJ? 10. What's your philosophy on life? 11. Is the bottle half-full or half-empty? 12. Would you keep a secret from me if you thought it was in my best interest? 13. What is your favourite memory of us? 14. What is your favourite guilty pleasure? 15. Tell me one odd/interesting fact about you: 16. You can have three wishes (for yourself, so forget all the 'world peace etc' malarky) - what are they? 17. Can we get together and make a cake? 18. Which country is your spiritual home? 19. What is your big weakness? 20. Do you think I'm a good person? 21. What was your best/favourite subject at school? 22. Describe your accent 23. If you could change anything about me, would you? 24. What do you wear to sleep? 25. Trousers or skirts? 26. Cigarettes or alcohol? 27. If I only had one day to live, what would we do together? (If you have no idea, just say something crazy, it'll entertain me!) 28. Will you repost this so i can fill it out for you?
I just got word earlier this week that my paperwork for GRE accommodations has been sent into ETS. I have no idea when they'll get back to me, but I have a little over a month before the deadline that my scores need to be in. In that, I have no idea if I'll even have enough time to look over things, especially the math. ETS won't send me practice materials until my accommodations paperwork is received, which I do understand. To any of you who have taken the GRE, is it super hard? How much should I be stressing here? Part of me wonders if I should scrap the plan for entering in the fall and shoot for the fall of 2010. NIU would hold my application until then, or so I've been told. Doing that would mean more time for studying, but I wouldn't know what to do with myself otherwise in the meantime. I guess I would stil continue to look for a job, but then I'd hate to get a job only to have to quit a short time later due to school. So yes, I'm in minor stress mode here. I really would like to shoot for taking the test before the deadline, but that'll depend on when I hear back. I could just take it and hope for the best that I get the necessary score, but I don't think I should just take it without properly studying beforehand. I also think that might be way too ambitious and a recipe for failure. What have others of you done? Am I completely overthinking things here? If you couldn't tell, standardized tests and I don't mix well, at all. This is going to drive me insane! I know things will all work out how they're suppose to and whatever is meant to happen will, but regardless, that logic isn't really helping me at the moment.
I came across this article, and I have to wonder if they misquoted the time the dog and handler trained at the school. It says three months, but that seems kinda fishy to me. No idea... Thoughts?
In the meantime, I'm off shortly to help out with the weekly Braille class, as per usual. Take care all, more later. A real update to come sometime soon.
I just got off the phone with the professor at Northern Illinois, and our conversation was a very good one. I really think that I've found something good here. I'm going to make this happen! Off to be productive...
I have heard back from one of the grad schools I'm looking into, and I have a really good feeling about things. The application itself is due by June 1, which doesn't look like a problem. Transcripts, three letters of recommendation and GRE scores are due by July 15. The transcripts and three letters of recommendation shouldn't be a problem, either, (I have my three people in mind, it's just contacting them to see if they'll write a letter for me), but as for the GRE scores... Somehow, I think that's where I'm stuck. I'm not sure I can get everything lined up as far as accomodations and such by July 15. I'm still figuring out how to go about doing that and what all goes into it, anyway as it is. I would also want to get accessible prep materials in enough time to prepare. I'm fine with the fast-paced prep and taking of the exam in such a short time, it's just the other end that I'm worried about. Worse comes to worse, I could just hold off and apply for the Spring semester, thus giving me more time to take the GRE. I'll be calling the professor I contacted here in a little while, and so will bring these concerns to the table upon speaking with him. While this does seem crazy right now, it's a good crazy, and doesn't seem like anything I can't handle. True, this might seem like a very sudden decision, but it really isn't - I've been toying with it for some time now - but it's just come to cement itself in the past few days or so. That might not even make sense, I don't know. I really do think it's where I'm suppose to be. More as it happens.
I haven't updated in about a week, and thus haven't followed up on how the mansion tour ended up. I'm getting slightly ahead of myself, however. I apologize for any typos that might follow. Jaws has decided to be quite uncooperative, despite my numerous attempts to beat it into submission.
My friend is still down here visiting, and it has been good times for sure. We've had fun hanging out, going places and just talking and catching up. She's heading back home tomorrow, which is quite sad, but it for sure won't be six years until we'll see each other again, as it was this past time. I intend to make the most of the rest of her visit.
The mansion tour that I went on last Saturday went well enough, and it was fun, although I was disappointed that the tour guide didn'g really describe things in that much detail. Hello, we're blind, (well okay, not everyone was a total, but still), and slightly more detail than usual would have been more helpful. No matter, though, it was still fun. I have pictures, and once I can figure out what is what, perhaps I'll post them. The food at the restaurant at which we stopped on the way home was also delicious. Moving on...
I guess you could say that I have come to a revelation of sorts. I really and truly an seriously thinking of going into grad school and getting my Masters in teaching visually impaired children and possibly also in rehabilitation of adults. I'm considering two schools at present, Salus University, which would be somewhat close distancewise, and Northern Illinois University, which, granted, is much further away, but has its perks, as in an amazingly awesome financial aid package--all tuition, either in or out-of-state, fees, health insurance and a stipend. I strongly feel that a Masters in this field is where I need to be. I've been seeing way too many mentions whether they be of jobs in or grad school and, more specifically, a TVI degree, not to do something about it.
I now need to figure out anything and everything about preparing and taking the GRE, as that is my next step, after contacting the two programs and expressing my interest. This is where I reach out to all of you who have been in my position before. What is entailed in the GRE? How do I prepare for it? Where is it given? I will of course do some logistical research on my own as to location/date(s), accessible prep materials if such exist, and other related information, but I would greatly appreciate input from those who have successfully gotten through this scary territory and survived to tell the tale. I have every belief in myself that I can do this, and will, but it's going to be an adventure. I'm ready for it, though, and will do whatever it takes. How exciting!
I have neglected this journal quite a lot as of late. I haven't really meant to, but so it goes. I just thought I would check in. Things continue to move along as per normal, (nothing on the job front, although I'm not sure if I mentioned, but I am debating going to grad school at this point as no work has presented itself), and so there isn't a lot to write about, in my opinion. A friend whom I haven't seen in six years is currently here visiting, and it's been awesome to catch up with her. We've been friends since I was five. We met at a day camp I went to every summer for a lot of my childhood for blind and visually impaired kids. She took me under her wing shortly after I started going, and the rest is history, as they say.
As of last week, it is official that I will be attending the NFB convention in Detroit, so I'm pretty excited about that. Hopefully I'll be able to meet up with friends and perhaps see other people who I have only talked to online. If any of you reading this are going, let me know. It would be fun to meet up, at least I think so. There are also of course the many meetings and such that I will attend. I'm also super psyched to be able to get on a plane again. There is nothing like the feeling of takeoff, that's for sure. Landing is cool also, but I think I like takeoff better.
Tomorrow I'm going on a tour of a mansion with the local blindness association, which should hopefully prove to be fun. I'll report back on how that went. Old houses and histories of things really fascinate me, so I really hope I'll get something out of the tour. As for right now, though, I should really stop being lazy and vacuum the apartment, despite my not really wanting to. It has to be done, though, so alas... Take care all, more later.
I think I just successfully uploaded another userpic. I'm not sure if it shows, though. It should be a picture of me holding a fish, although if you've never seen a picture of me before, you wouldn't know that it's me, but if you see a fish, I guess it worked. Haha! If someone could comment and tell me what my current userpic is, I'd appreciate it. Do you have to set it to a different one, or do they rotate randomly? I'm admittedly new to all of this.
I haven't posted in here in what seems like eons. I am alive and well. Not too much of substance has happened, hence the lack of updates, although I feel like I've said that in all recent entries. It's true, though. I update Twitter a lot more regularly. For anyone who might want to follow me who isn't already, feel free; my username on there is lizbot.
The goalball scrimmage went well last weekend, despite the fact that for 95% of the time, I was playing a position I wasn't as experienced in, but that's okay. Another girl on my particular team, (it was actually our whole team, but for the scrimmage we split up to have two), felt more comfortable on the same position that I did, and in my view didn't share it well. I wasn't going to make a big deal out of it, though, it was what it was. I just played what I needed to and dealt with it. We won the first game and lost the other two, and I really don't honestly know why, aside for me not getting to play left wing as much as I would have liked and having to play right. (I throw better from left wing, and for whatever reason feel like I block better from that position as well). My sister Kathryn and I are on the same team, but for the scrimmage, when we were split into two teams, she and I got to be on separate sides, so that was cool. That doesn't always happen, and for me at least, it adds another level to the competition.
Aside from that, not a whole lot else. I helped out with Braille class on Monday, which went more or less well. I've been reading a lot. I'm now on the third Harry Potter book, and am also reading the books A Long Way Gone, and The Lake of Dead Languages. I can't remember the authors of the last two books off the top of my head. I could look, but that would mean leaving this window. For the curious, comment and I'll provide such information, gladly.
I think that's honestly about all from here for now. I've been waiting on an email or some sort of contact now for the past few days, which hasn't come, and that's really starting to bug me. Ah well, patience is the key, I guess. I do apologize for any typos in this here entry. Take care all, more later. Hugs and good thoughts/energy to those who might need such things. Even though I may not update myself, I do read and comment.
I haven't read Friends' page in about a week, and I'm not really sure I'll be able to get caught up. I really do care about all of you, it's not that, life just gets in the way sometimes. It probably shouldn't even bother me as much as it does, but oh well. Here I go overanalyzing again. It's what I do, I guess.
I'm the only one here at the apartment as the two other people who live here are at a basketball game. They enjoy it, and I don't so much, so it all worked out. Haha! I'm going to call my grandparents in a few and go spend the afternoon with them as I haven't in awhile, and today gives me the opportunity to do just that. Please comment and let me know if I've missed some earthshattering news that I really should know about. I *think* the world is still alive, although perhaps not? More sooner rather than later, and many apologies again for being a bad LJ friend as of late.
Before I go, a very Happy Birthday goes out to singeruvsongs!
Life in General: Things are fine, nothing major has happened, thus I haven't updated lately. I continue to keep myself busy and try to hang in there, which is working well at the present. Goalball continues to go well. We're gearing up for a tournament on March 28. As it stands now, I'm not sure who we will be competing against, aside from perhaps ourselves, but we shall see. Hopefully that changes as competition is good.
On the job front: No job yet, which it should also be noted that were that not the case, I would have updated before now. I didn't get picked to helphe with the Braille literacy event this summer, and I'm still waiting to hear about Youth Slam. I'm also trying to get in touch with the people from the camp in Philly that I helped out with last summer as I would love to do that again. I'll keep the journal posted as to news on all accounts.
Reading: I continue to read, and am in the middle of a few books at present. I started the second Harry Potter book recently, and hope to reach my objective of finishing the series before the sixth movie release. I think my problem is that there are way too many interesting things to read and not enough time to read it all in. It's a crime, I tell you!
Movies: In the past few days, I've actually watched some movies, those being Pineapple Express, Bucket List, Seven Pounds, (a goodbit of it, anyway, I do want to watch it in full), Road Trip and Wrong Turn. All of them were pretty good, or so I thought. Some better than others, but I would think that's to be expected.
Two days this past week I busied myself giving presentations to schools about guide dogs and/or blindness and goalball. I had a lot of fun doing them, and the kids definitely enjoyed it. The letters I got from the two second grade classes I presented to were very sweet, and one of them seriously almost made me cry. When I was helping demonstrate goalball, it was really awesome to see the kids really get into it. They were really excited and wanted to do it again.
I think that's about all from here, or at least all that I can think of. I need to start getting ready for people to come over for a meeting regarding the student division I, along with my sister and a few friends, are trying to start here in Delaware affiliated with the NFB. We actually have a few fundraisers going on, although I'm horrible about asking people to buy things. Who am I to tell people how to spend their money? We have a raffle taking place from now until June for a two-night weekend hotel stay in Atlantic City, and for March at least, we're selling Honey Baked Ham products. We hope to raise enough money to help all of us go to convention. We shall see. More hopefully sooner rather than later.
I just wanted to come in and report that the doctor's appointment went fine. I don't have an ear infection as I suspected, nor am I sick. I am, however, possibly alergic to trees. Who knew? I certainly didn't. I guess that would explain the reoccurance of feeling like this around the same time of year for the past three years or so. I have been given a prescription for Allegra, which I need to go pick up shortly. Hopefully it'll help. Take care all, more later.
Not a whole lot has gone on around here for the past while, hence no updating. When something earthshattering does happen, though, be assured that I will surely post about it.
I am currently sick, and finally decided that I should call my doctor this morning to try and get an appointment as it has lasted a few days. Something tells me I might have an ear infection. I call the doctor, and there aren't any appointments for today, she's leaving on maturnity leave as of this afternoon, and all appoimtnents for tomorrow are locked in until tomorrow morning, meaning they can't schedule anything for me at this time. A message was left for a nurse, who is supposedly going to call me back. Joy of joys, I guess I pick the wrong times to be sick, no?
I've started my reread of all of the Harry Potter books yesterday in anticipation for the sixth movie that will come out this summer. I also finished the book Robinson Crusoe yesterday, which I thought was an okay read. There were parts of it that I liked more than others, though.
I think I'm off to read. More as it happens.
ETA: I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for 9AM tomorrow. This is a good thing. Now I think I'm off to read. I decided to vacuum, and so haven't done that yet.
Invent new things, learn more about sports, perform astronomy, examine new technology, learn about engineering, solve crimes like on CSI, design solutions for the environment, meet new friends from all over the United States, play goal ball, watch movies, dance, make podcasts, meet blind role models, and experience many other adventures at the NFB Youth Slam.</p>
From July 26-August 1, 2009, two hundred blind and low vision high school students will stay at the University of Maryland, College Park, to be mentored by blind role models during fun and challenging activities meant to build confidence, expand leadership and advocacy skills, and increase science literacy. </p>
Participants will also attend various social events as well as workshops on topics such as leadership, career preparation, and advocacy. The NFB Youth Slam will culminate in an inspiring rally in Washington DC! But you must act now! The deadline for applications is March 1!
Those interested in participating as students or mentors should complete an application by March 1, 2009. After an initial screening process, eligible students will be accepted into the program through random selection. Students and mentors need not have a strong interest in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) in order to participate, enjoy, and benefit from this academy. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!!!
If you are interested in being a student or mentor participant or if you'd like to learn more about the NFB Youth Slam visit the Youth Slam page.
I just want to add to the above and say that I definitely recommend this program, having been a mentor two years ago when it was first put on. I think it's a good, empowering and inspiring experience for everyone, students and mentors alike. I would also be happy to answer any questions people might have. This ends this public service announcement.
Hate it. I'd much rather do something when it is completely unexpected of me than to make Hallmark richer. I now return you to your regularly-scheduled whatever it was you were doing before reading this.
I've been tagged by various people to do this, as well as seen it circulating around FaceBook and Livejournal, so here goes: 1. I am one of a set of tripplets. (We were completely natural, for anyone wondering). 2. I can pick up things with my toes. 3. I use to eat right-handed. One summer,I taught myself to eat with my left hand, in case I should break my right arm or something. Now, I can no longer use utensils with my rightt hand, but do use it with finger foods. (So much for that idea, I guess). 4. I started to learn Braille when I was around four years of age, and could read books when I was five. 5. My least favorite word in the English language is "congealed". (My most favorite is "plethora"). 6. When I was younger, and my mom would play Zelda on Nentendo, I use to think that the coins and extra lives and such she scored in the game were actually things she got in real life. 7. I said my first curse word in front of my aunt and grandmother when I was two years old. 8. I can still sing the Camp Song of the day camp I went to when I was little, including the added verse. 9. I love getting Braille letters and packages in the mail as well as sending them. 10. I collect CDs and shot glasses. 11. When I'm eating, I don't really like it if different foods touch, especially if they're not dry foods. 12. I find silence sometimes very relaxing. 13. My musical taste is all over the map - from classical to classic rock and just about all forms before, inbetween or beyond. 14. I prefer even numbers to odd ones. 15. I am not much of a dessert/sweets person, although cookies/pastries are an extreme weakness of mine. 16. A dear friend and I one time almost got run over by a train. (It was slow-moving, but still! Good times, though!). 17. I'm mostly ambidextrous. (Well okay, except with utensils). 18. I enjoy figuring out how much change I'll get back when I pay a cashier in a store, and I challenge myself to try to do it before they tell me. (I do this in my head). 19. I know how to use an Abacus. 20. I had to memorize all of the states' capitals in eighth grade, and remember most, if not all of them even now. 21. My first legal drink was a Long Island iced tea, but truth be told, I can't really stand alcohol, and drink very occasionally. 22. We use to have rabbits as pets when I was younger. One of them, (named Tibbar - Rabbit spelled backwards!), really liked to eat Honey Nut Chereos, and would come bounding into the kitchen every morning because he knew he would get some. 23. I am an overachiever to the extreme. 24. When I was being tested to get into preschool, a question that was asked of me was "What does a refrigerator do?" I responded, "It runs," and was marked wrong. (The answer they were looking for was that it keeps things cold, even though mine was technically still right). 25. I have always liked the color blue, elephants and rainbows.
An update is long overdue, yes, I do realize this. There just hasn't been all that much of substance to write on, at least in my opinion. Things have been more or less fine for the past while, since I updated last. Nothing too major has happened - no job yet, and I'm still waiting to hear back regarding the leads for summer opportunities. I'm hoping to hear news of their status sometime in the very near future. It snowed/iced here the other day, and as a result, it now resembles a skating pond out the back door of my apartment building, which is very dangerous. I don't think my dog likes it much, either, because it's harder for her to do what she needs to do, work or otherwise.
I continue to read, and am nearing the end of Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt. I'm also still in the middle of a book detailing the Black Plague, which I should finish sometime as well. A third book I'm in the middle of reading is Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe. I', enjoying all books well enough. My plans to reread all seven Harry Potter books haven't been forgotten, I just want to finish one or two of my outstanding books before I tackle anything else. There aren't enough hours in a day, I tell you!
I went to the eye doctor's yesterday, and my eyes haven't changed at all since last year when he saw me, which is a good thing. He just wishes he could do more for me. Sometimes, I'll admit, so do I. I'll think at times how even having a little bit of vision could be helpful at times. Maybe if/when stem cell research grows in popularity, who knows? I read a headline to an article that said that South Korea has started researching cloning animals, and they've successfully cloned dogs using stem cell technology for the first time in the world. here's the article, for those interested.
My plans to attend Washington Seminar have been all firmed up, and I'm really looking forward to going. It'll be nice to have a change of scenery, even if only for a few days, and of course to meet up with people who I haven't seen in awhile and also meet new faces and connected people with names/voices from talking online.
I think that's about all from here. We have company coming over this weekend, which should hopefully be a good time. I don't have any reason to believe that it won't be, but still. I really will try and update more regularly. I still read Friends' page even though I don't update too often, as evidenced by comments left on entries. Take care all, more when I have it.
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sore
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