tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18220017114427728892024-03-12T19:52:02.202-07:00Legally Blind moving on Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-27384667553240189892015-07-13T09:46:00.000-07:002015-07-13T09:47:04.195-07:00Is my Guide Dog happy ?Hello everyone, I hope you are all having a fabulous summer I know we have been. It has been very busy and on the go for the last couple of weeks with my husband on holidays. But today is the day that we get back to the grind of things.<br />
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I have had quite a few situations where people ask me if Rick likes to work and if he is happy. I have also had someone tell me that I should not have my dog out when it is so hot, and accused me of harming my dog because I would not accept his offer to go get water for my dog. He was not panting or hot.<br />
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I just want to take some time to clarify some things about guide dogs. They are happy very happy, they live very fulfilling purposeful lives. They also have lots of down time and play time. They do not work 24 hours a day. When we are home Rick is out of harness and is a part of the family like our pet dog. Rick gets to run in the back yard and chew on his bones, play tug and cuddle with me and the kids. He gets belly rubs and occasional treats. So with that in mind please think again before you assume he is unhappy and living a miserable life. He is not forced to work, he loves working when you brig out the harness he gets so excited and puts his head throughout the harness with tail wagging raring to go. If at any time Rick did not love to work we would retire him.<br />
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If people really stopped and thought about the life of a Guide Dog they would realize that they have it better than some pets do. When you get up in the morning and get ready for work you feed your dog and leave. You come home at the end of the day and feed your dog play with them a little and maybe take them for a walk, repeat next day. (I am not implying your dogs are neglected) But the life of a Guide Dog is very different. Rick wakes up with me in the morning gets fed and water, we get the kids off to school and then our day begins we harness up and head out the door together, he runs errands with me, attends school meetings, attends the support group I run, comes shopping with me, comes to the movies, comes to the bar for wings, comes to my friends house for coffee. While he does all of these things throughout the day he is getting plenty of love, kibble, and affection. When we come home in the evening he gets fed and then it is play time he earned it. We will throw the ball in the back yard, play tug and let out that pent up energy, and then cuddle time while he rests I will get some things done around the house. After a long day of playing and working we are off to bed, Rick sleeps right beside my bed every night.<br />
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I tell you about a day in the life of Rick because I want people to know he loves to work, and he loves to play. He lives a very good life. I am also very conscious of when I take him out, when it is hot I will find a ride and he comes with me to the stores yes but he just came from a air conditioned vehicle , he wears boots when it is too hot for his paws, he wears a coat and boots in the winter to protect him. He is given plenty of water and food to sustain the hard work he does. And he is very much appreciated every minute of every day. I appreciate every thing that this dog does for me. My husband has even joked that I love Rick more than him and my kids. I worry about him like he is my husband or kids.<br />
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So please know Guide Dogs are loved and get to be dogs too !<br />
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Until Next Time !<br />
Ashley NemethAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-55297930030755085412015-05-07T10:19:00.003-07:002015-05-07T10:19:50.219-07:00Equal Opportunity Employers ??? Are you really ? There are 14,256 people in Saskatchewan Canada alone that are blind or partially sighted. There are half a million blind or partially sighted people in Canada. Only one third of those Canadians living with vision loss are employed. Is it because they are not qualified ? Is it because they don't want to work ? Is it because they are not capable of working ? Absolutely NOT. Blind or Partially sighted people are very capable willing and loyal employees that can do the job just the same as their sighted counterparts.<br />
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Many employers will advertise themselves as a EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, which should mean that they are willing to hire those people who are the minority. People with disability are one of those groups. But I really want to shed some light on this, and what is truly happening in this day and age. We all like to think that we are living in a accepting loving non judgemental society but is that really the case ?<br />
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I was born legally blind. This means that from birth I have had not great vision. In school I had accommodations like larger text in my books, teachers read what they were writing on the board, I learnt braille and other skills I would need. Now that was great it was to prepare me for the real world but reality is nothing could have prepared me for the real world living with a disability. Note I do not view myself as someone with a disability and never have. I am more than capable of living the same life that anyone else can I just do it differently.<br />
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During high school I worked at my parents Bakery and had some other jobs as well. I worked for Parks Canada for the summer and was heavily involved in sports like Karate, Wrestling, Hockey, and Girl Guides. I was a junior leader as a Girl Guide and gained some invaluable skills. Then I went to University and again held a couple of different jobs, I worked at a Bakery, and a sandwich place. I have held many different jobs over the years. I ran the Bakery alongside my parents for many years and when my dad got sick I took on most of that role. After we sold the business I then went on the work at a nursing home and hospital in the kitchen and as a special care aide. I worked as a car salesman, and finally as a insurance broker. Now looking at that you would think well what do you mean blind or partially sighted people are not being employed. Well here is the kicker. I NEVER EVER disclosed that I had a visual impairment, I learnt very young that when I disclosed this I was turned away and treated differently. I was able to make adjustments in the jobs I did and usually it ended up coming out when I needed to make the text a bigger but I would always down play it like I just had bad vision you know nothing glasses can't help with. But this was not the case in fact as life went on my vision decreased but when I got to the point 2 years ago or so when there was no hiding it, guess what happened. <b>I have not been employed since. </b>Now is this a just a coincidence ? I would say no. I have been on many interviews with employers claiming to be a equal opportunity employer but there always seems to be that person that feels I won't be able to do the job. Well guess what give me that chance and then you know what if I can't well then you can fire me just like anyone else. But don't discount my ABILITIES right off the hop.<br />
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These things need to change, people with disabilities are PEOPLE first and need to be treated as such. We complain about people living off the government, yet there is a huge population of people living on a meagre disability income that would give anything to work and we are not giving them the opportunity to show what they can do. Many of these people even have University diplomas !!! We tell our kids that you need to go to University to be successful, even parents of kids with disabilities will say this but you are not guaranteed to find a job just because you have a degree unless someone will finally give you that chance.<br />
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I will keep speaking and make my voice as loud as I can so that this will change. It can be changed and with enough push from people living it, I believe we can make a difference. I know I will not stop until it is my reality !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-92209599911631402662015-05-02T20:59:00.001-07:002015-05-02T20:59:26.827-07:00Blind Parents As a mother of 3 life can be very interesting, busy, crazy and many different things at any given time. They definitely keep me guessing and keep me on my toes. <div>
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All of my kids have their own personalities that have developed over the years. My daughter is 11 and the boys are 8 and 7. I love being a mother to my three kids more than anything. I will always sacrifice things to give them what I believe to be the best for them. This comes into play with my sight loss. It would be much easier for me to have the life that I want if I was in a bigger city with public transit and more opportunities but we moved out to a rural community when the kids were small because we wanted to raise them in a small community. So even though life would be much easier in a city for me, we are not moving in the near future. I think as parents we always are making sacrifices. </div>
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When it comes to my visual impairment, the kids are great. They have always been great kids with that part of my life. When they were small I would go crazy when they would walk to far away. I could not tell them apart from other kids and I would get worried that Iwould not see them walk in front of a car or something, so they learned very young to stay close. Also when we would go to the park they would always come and check in with me every few minutesm it would get hard to keep track of them sometimes. Especially when they got old enough to explore a little more on their own. Now as they have gotten even older they know if I call them or ask where they are they need to answer. They help a lot around the house especially when it comes to reading instructions on food things or labels or just helping find things in the house that have been moved. </div>
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The kids are all in school and this can bring it's own challenges. When it comes to homework it can be a little difficult to help them. Especially the youngest because he doesn't read as well as the others, but he is good about just telling me the letters so we can figure out what it is he needs. My husband helps the kids with their homework as much as possible as he can see what they are doing and it just makes it much easier. The kids are great when they make something at school like a craft or a picture they will bring it home and start describing it right away. It melts my heart every time they do this for me. </div>
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Now there are challenges having kids being blind but I don't think that they are any greater than the challenges a fully sighted person faces. The one thing that I have found is that they will try to slip something by me because they know I can't see it. Like a shirt they shouldn't wear to school (tank top in the winter ), my daughter having some crazy hair and saying she has done it (I check but I guess she is hoping I won't). And if these are the biggest challenges that I am facing right now then I say we are doing great. </div>
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I am very grateful to have the kids that I have and to be their mother. I know people question the ability of mothers when they have a disability but reality is that a disability does not make you a good or bad parent. All it means is that you will do things differently. But most importantly I think that my kids will always have a understanding of people with disabilities, and not judge them like so many people do because they know they are just as capable as anyone else. </div>
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I hope you all have a great mothers day next week ! And are enjoying the spring weather ! Rick and I sure are enjoying the weather and looking forward to being able to open the camper for the first time this year on May long weekend. We have also been enjoying the golf course ! </div>
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Until Next Time </div>
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Ashley and Rick </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-12592064241730520192015-04-15T18:34:00.001-07:002015-04-15T18:34:43.856-07:00You look like you can see !!! Hello Everyone !<br />
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What does blindness look like ? I have been told many times that I "don't look blind" or "it looks like you can see" ! I am not sure what blindness looks like but I am taking a guess that they mean my eyes look "normal" I guess besides the incessant bouncing around they do.<br />
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Blindness comes in many forms, it does not mean that my eyes are cloudy or that I have prosthetic eyes. It does not mean that I look out into space when speaking to someone or that I am not able to look in your direction when having a conversation. These are the farthest from the truth. There are many people who do have "cloudy" looking eyes or prosthetic eyes but not all blind or partially sighted people do. There are many many conditions that cause visual impairments of all levels. Using a white cane or even a guide dog does not mean that the person is completely blind. They may in fact have some degree of vision just not enough to safely move through the streets.<br />
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With my condition my eyes look "normal" I suppose but if you were to look closely they are probably very different from yours. I have a circular nystagmus that means my eyes constantly move in a circle they never stay still. This causes me to have to turn my head to the side to attempt to see things (this is not very successful at this point but hey I am not a quitter. ) I also have a strabismus which means my eyes don't always move together when I am looking at you one eye might be looking at you and the other off doing it's own thing. My pupils are also always very dilated in fact when I go to the eye doctor they usually don't have to dilate my eyes as they are already quite dilated. My eyes are also a weird colour due to my Albinism. They are kind of green but a muted green colour some people say it is a weird colour.<br />
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Under no circumstances is it ok for someone to say to a blind or partially sighted person, " you don't look blind" or " it looks like you can see me" . You have no idea what they can see or can't see and that is quite a personal thing to say and it is offensive. It insinuates you think the person is faking it. This is not something anyone would ever do. Living life as a blind or partially sighted person can be very frustrating at times it is not worth faking it, and like I said this is very offensive. You must think of it from the perspective of the person you are speaking to. Would you be offended if I said to you " you don't look like you are very intelligent" or "you don't look like you work out". Think before you speak not only does it make the person you are speaking to feel like crap, but it makes you look like a insensitive twit.<br />
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I have been running into these things being said to me more and more. It can be very discouraging and makes a person dread going to events because it really gets on your nerves. And what does one really say to a comment like that, that does not make me look and sound like a complete bag. If I can filter the profanity that comes to mind when people speak to me this way then I am hoping people can learn to filter what they say to others.<br />
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Until next time !<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-58779990346418417562015-04-07T21:14:00.001-07:002015-04-07T21:14:09.984-07:00Snow and Golf ! Hello Everyone !<br />
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I have been keeping very busy with some new things and lots of old things. My support group is under way we have had two meetings so far and the feedback I have gotten from some of the members is great. I am happy to be working with seniors again and just doing something that I am having fun with. I look forward to our meetings and we have a lot of fun.<br />
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I am looking at doing some more volunteer type stuff with people who are visually impaired or blind. It is always great to give back to the community that has gotten you through so much. And well I have lots of experience in this department so why not put it to good use.<br />
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I am also doing some volunteer stuff for my Toastmaster Club and some other things at the Division level as well. Toastmasters has really helped me to be my own advocate and given me the confidence to go out in the world and do what I want to do. I really enjoy public speaking (even though I still get very nervous) and am hoping to get to a point where I can do more of it in a advocacy and education around blindness.<br />
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Rick has been getting sick and throwing up about once a week or so for the last month and I have been a little worried since it just started all of a sudden. So we have made a appointment at the vets for Thursday so I am hoping that it goes well. Crossing my fingers !<br />
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The dreaded snow is back again ! It has snowed a few times since it all melted for the first time and every time it snows even though I know it is that time of year where just because it leaves doesn't mean it isn't coming back I get so grouchy and sad ! I think everyone is at that point where you just want winter to end for good !<br />
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I have registered for golf this summer with the Blind Sports Association and am very excited to get back on the course ! And when you lose a bunch of balls in the bush you can blame your guide (my husband ) every time ! I go through a lot of golf balls but it is a blast golfing, my husband and I have always had fun when we golf. My kids started golfing last year as well so we all go out and have so much fun ! Can't wait for the season to start ! It will be interesting to see how Rick handles the golf course.<br />
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Hope everyone had a great Easter weekend and I will keep you posted on Rick's vet check.<br />
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Until Next Time<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-15181394372037161282015-03-19T12:38:00.001-07:002015-03-19T12:38:18.085-07:00Loving life in the Dark ! Hello Everyone ! Hope you are all well !<br />
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Rick and I are still loving the spring weather minus the muddy dog result but it is great to have the sun shining and the snow melting ! And not having to bundle up is GREAT !<br />
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I have been having a blast going into the city once to twice a week with my husband and just being dropped off at Tim Horton's and going where I want and doing things that I want to do. We have been discussing weather to move back to the city so that I could have the independence and freedom that I really want, but we moved to a small town for our kids because this is the environment we wanted to raise our kids in so we have decided this is where we stay. I will continue to just go to the city when I want and need to with my husband and do the things I want while he is at work. This has been great ! I am very comfortable on the bus system in the city after not riding the bus there for about 8 years. I don't think twice about grabbing a bus and going where I want. And with this has come a confidence I felt was a little lost. I was always so worried and unsure if I could do it and that isn't there anymore. Rick has really helped with this because he has given me the kick in the pants to want to get out and do what I want.<br />
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My experience in Portland when I went to get Rick also helped me with this. I was so nervous all the time when I went there, I had some major anxiety about travel and all travel. But after getting out and working in a huge city compared to where I am from with the amount of people and in a un familiar city. On the first few days I thought there is no way I am ever going to get through this and not only did I get over it, I had fun, I enjoyed it. It was challenging and I felt like I was free doing things that I was scared of. Things that shouldn't be scary but were.<br />
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Now I am living my life and loving it. I have struggled over the last year with my world getting darker. I had not been embracing my life in the dark I was angry with the darkness. But I am at a place now that I am enjoying my life in the dark and living it like I want to.<br />
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This coming Tuesday is my first support group meeting that I am going to be facilitating and I am nervous but very excited for this new piece of my adventure.<br />
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Until Next time<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-48161730801532205162015-03-11T19:43:00.001-07:002015-03-11T19:43:30.842-07:00Spring Time ! Hello Everyone !<br />
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Spring is here or at least it feels like it is. The weather has been amazing the snow is melting the sun is shining. I really like the warmer weather but the downside of spring with a guide dog especially a yellow one is that he is a muddy mess every time we leave the house at this point. This means daily baths and I am sure he hates that more than the cold and I know I do. But on the upside it is much warmer out YAY !<br />
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Rick and I have been very very busy, getting out every day to walk and enjoy the sun. We have also mastered a few new routes in the city that we are able to do solo and I am loving it. We get to go up to the city about once a week some weeks more. And we are finding new things to do and we are loving it. Starbucks and Tim Hortons are our regular stops and Rick can find them like no ones business he loves coffee just like me! We are two peas in a pod.<br />
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I have officially started a support group for seniors new to vision loss and have about 20 members, our first meeting is coming up next week and I am excited and very nervous. I have also been very involved in my toastmasters group and having so much fun doing it all.<br />
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I finally feel like I am in the best place that I have been in the last year. I am enjoying what we are doing and the more I network and get out there the more I am hoping things will happen. I am really liking the advocacy for the blind and the speaking that I have been doing. I am looking to try and get into some more speaking. And this is the path that I am hoping to pursue. So far it is working out really well and I am very happy with it !<br />
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Rick is doing great he is enjoying the weather and getting outside to play and to go for walks just because not that we are going anywhere specific. And most of all he is happy that our outings don't include socks, boots, and a winter coat.<br />
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Until Next Time<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-38874074722046278782015-02-23T14:51:00.001-08:002015-02-23T15:05:57.232-08:00How do I do it ! Hello Everyone ! Hope you are all well. I checked the stats of my blog and cannot believe that so many people have read my story, and keep reading ! I would like to thank everyone of you for taking the time to read my blog it means the world to me !<br />
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I would like to take the time to answer a few questions about how I do some things around my house. I get asked how I do certain things in my day to day life so today I am going to try to answer those questions.<br />
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I am going to put pictures of a few things that I use :<br />
First is my CCT (Closed Circuit TV ) It is a large monitor with a camera that enlarges the text on the screen as big as needed and can change from black on white to white on black and this is what I use to see things like kids agendas, mail and so on it is really hard on my eyes to use and I cannot use it for any length of time but it really does help for quick things.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq0-RCIP5MEkvtKMuuGsIX431Pkr_hT3B2tWBTjao3HpB0wuDXlbQBHaKc4twPvohS0hZkIU3E36sYo1aCElOentZ7P4lNP0FUrI4C77fbkYCp3bc16H-cIktOHScmmWvwYpM_6L-KAg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfq0-RCIP5MEkvtKMuuGsIX431Pkr_hT3B2tWBTjao3HpB0wuDXlbQBHaKc4twPvohS0hZkIU3E36sYo1aCElOentZ7P4lNP0FUrI4C77fbkYCp3bc16H-cIktOHScmmWvwYpM_6L-KAg/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" /></a></div>
Next is a braille labeller I use this to label things like jars of pasta in my cupboard and other things around the house. It is very handy it spits out a sticker labeller similar to a dymo labeller or something like that.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgBHcJUnlStI5J4KrfvmiKGUEvnFlwBcX-iJo5w4T3teSrVqOpb1AGlEoAH7iRveBxvJniGr9g8ewUlWz8RwxZwSPN3mvEejLoBRJpnfQXtvwkaKhrgVYCYxf3c-QpIP6hjbkUaUN07Y/s1600/FullSizeRender%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUgBHcJUnlStI5J4KrfvmiKGUEvnFlwBcX-iJo5w4T3teSrVqOpb1AGlEoAH7iRveBxvJniGr9g8ewUlWz8RwxZwSPN3mvEejLoBRJpnfQXtvwkaKhrgVYCYxf3c-QpIP6hjbkUaUN07Y/s1600/FullSizeRender%5B1%5D.jpg" /></a></div>
My broiler and slate and stylus, these are what I use to write things in Braille. I am very grateful that I learnt braille in High School, I would be a lot farther behind in getting my life back had I not learnt this skill. I will make grocery lists, or write my speeches for toastmasters with these tools. <br />
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This little gem is called a pen friend. It will read labels that I can record using the buttons on the pen. I use it for lots of things around my house such as spices, things in the freezer ( all meat feels the same once frozen), medications and many more things in my house. It is a god send ! And the labels can be rerecorded on so that is amazing and very useful !<br />
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This is my liquid level indicator, you simply put it on the side of a cup and pour whatever you want in the cup. When the liquid hits the prongs it beeps very loudly. I use this more for hot liquids but I am not going to lie more often I just stick my finger over the edge of the cup ha ha ! But when I have company over and it is just rude to stick your finger in their cup I will use this !<br />
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These are only a few of the things that I use daily. I also have puff paint and raised dots on my appliances like my stove, microwave and washing machine and measuring cups. There is always a way to things and that is the biggest thing for me. I have to find a way to do everything I don't want my vision loss to define what I can and cannot do. I am still looking for a way to sort my laundry that I have not figured out yet but give me some time and I will come up with a good way !<br />
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Hope this answers some of the questions on how I do things. If you enjoy reading my blog or have any questions please leave me a comment and share my blog !<br />
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Until next time !<br />
Ashley and Rick<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-63851681773834143232015-02-10T13:55:00.002-08:002015-02-10T13:55:34.747-08:00Winter Troubles Winter !!!!!!!! UGH !!!! pretty much sums up my feelings for winter. I don't mind the cold or the snow, I like going for a walk in the crisp winter air and or hitting the hill on my snowboard in some fresh snow. But when you live rurally and there is no sidewalks trying to get outside can be well dangerous. The snow builds up on the roads and then gets packed down by cars and turns from snow to ice. This ice then gets covered with snow and makes for very slippery conditions. When you have to walk every where you want to go this can be dangerous. Now that I have Rick my guide dog it is not only dangerous for me but for him as well. I really worry about him slipping and hurting himself as well as me slipping and getting hurt. We have had a couple close calls.<br />
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Drivers don't always slow down either and this makes me a little (ok a lot) nervous while out doing my errands or just out for a walk, because I can not stay at home all winter I would go nuts. This makes me nervous because I worry that they are going to lose control and hit us or once we are in the street and someone comes around a corner they are not going to be able to stop if need be. And Rick is trained to get me out of the way if this were to occur, however the roads are so slippery that he may not be able to get out of the way in time either. So we stand at intersections and wait until I don't hear anyone coming for a good distance like probably a few blocks. I am sure we look a little funny standing there waiting for what looks like nothing but I would rather be safe than sorry.<br />
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Then there is the cold. I don't mind it when it is -18c or warmer it is when it is -25c with wind chills in the minus 30's that I am not a happy camper. We can't get out of the house for any length of time in these temperatures and I hate being house bound. So this can get very frustrating for me. And for many people that don't drive I am sure.<br />
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But the good news is that it is February and that means that it should start to warm up in a couple of months and then I will be a happy camper and Rick will be much happier when we go out, he won't have to wear socks, boots, and a coat while working. He has done fabulous in his boots this winter and I am so proud of him but he still puts his head down when I go to put them on him, as if to say "really lady, again" !<br />
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Hope you are all staying warm and enjoying winter as much as is possible !<br />
Until next time !<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-80393610534104420612015-01-25T15:58:00.001-08:002015-01-25T15:58:13.976-08:00AMAZING ADVENTURES Yesterday was AMAZING !!!!! I started snowboarding when I was a kid about 10 or so and I loved it as I have said before. Saturday was my first time back out on the hill in about 5 years. I was terrified to say the least. But this was something I wanted back in my life so badly. <div>
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I emailed a group in my area that had adaptive skiing and asked if they would be willing to work with me. They were and I had my first meeting with them on Saturday where they matched me up with a volunteer to be my sighted guide down the hill. I was nervous, I did not know the person who was going to be my guide so it was hard to put that kind of trust in a stranger. We started small and went down the bunny hill a few times to let me get my bearings and figure out what was going to work best for the both of us to get me down the hill safely. After we were comfortable with each other we moved on the the chair lift and went down the "big" hills. My first run down the hill was scary. When I would catch a little speed my brain was yelling STOP NOW ! ARE YOU CRAZY ! but after a while I was able to loosen up a little and it was a great experience. I love the rush I get from snowboarding and after a few runs I wanted that speed back. I asked my guide if he minded if we picked up the speed and he told me that I could go at my pace and he would keep me safe. Well that was my green light and I flew down the hill at speeds I thought were gone for me forever ! I haven't stopped smiling since I got home. </div>
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I can not wait to get out again and keep this going. It is amazing to get something back that you thought was gone forever ! I can't get my sight back but I can get my life back ! Slowly but surely ! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-88106295681982569522015-01-16T16:36:00.003-08:002015-01-16T16:36:57.955-08:00Winter Blues ! and Exciting News !Hello everyone, the weather has finally come around and it has been beautiful. Rick and I have been enjoying our walks without the frigid temperatures.<br />
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We have been keeping busy with our coffee dates and walks, we also have gotten back to toastmasters after the holidays. We attended some training for toastmasters last weekend it is great to be able to walk into a room and say "Rick find chair" and he takes me to a empty chair. No more embarrassing fumbling around. He was so well behaved for the whole thing. Everyone comments about how calm and well behaved he is. He makes me so proud. He feels like one of the kids you get those proud moments when someone complements him.<br />
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The first couple of weeks of January were very very cold to say the least. I have been trying to keep busy and stay positive but the winter sure gets to me. It always has, I guess you could say I get the winter blues. I get a little (maybe a lot) antsy when I am cooped up in the house for long periods of time, and by long periods of time I mean 1 or 2 days. ha ha ! I have been using some Essential Oils to try and combat this since I don't want to be a grumpy gus about life since it is more the weather and the restrictions it can bring. Hopefully the weather can stay half decent for a while and we can try and get out as much as possible.<br />
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I went and bought some new luggage today to replace the one that got trashed by the airline on the way home from Guide Dogs for the Blind. I paid a little more to get a suit case that was grey with bright orange zippers and a lime green handle. This sounds a little out there and I am sure it looks that way as well. But the reasoning for it was when I get the airline to help me grab my bag at the end of a flight I have to describe my bag. I found out that there are a lot of red suitcases last time I flew so I opted for something a little bold. Rick and I will be flying to Calgary AB to visit my sister her fiancé and my niece Flynn. I will also be meeting up with one of the people I was in class with at GDB (guide dogs) which will be nice. I am really looking forward to the trip.<br />
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I also have some pretty exciting news ! I will be getting back on my snowboard on January 24th. I have found a organization that will provide a sighted guide to help me get back on the slopes. I started snowboarding when I was about 10 and loved it I haven't been snowboarding in about 5 years but have always wanted to get back on the slopes. Can't wait, feel like a little kid with the excitement mounting. So hopefully I will be able lot get back to snowboarding with no broken bones.<br />
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Until Next time !<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-21824577726468830972015-01-03T17:16:00.000-08:002015-01-03T17:16:00.827-08:00What blindness isn't There are some myths that go along with being blind and I want to clear them up. This will make things much smoother if you ever run into someone that is blind or VI (visually impaired). Education is key, some people just don't know how to act around someone with a disability that they know nothing about. <div>
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First of all I don't know sign language. Strangely enough that form of communication is very visual so quite difficult for the blind community to pick up. </div>
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You do not have to raise your voice when speaking to me, I hear very well. Maybe when I get older you will have to raise your voice but for now my ears are good. </div>
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I do not have a caregiver. I can manage quite fine out in public alone. </div>
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I can also answer questions if you direct them at me. If I am out with someone and we go to a restaurant for example and the waitress says "what does she want ?" I get very upset. I can answer for myself and you can actually speak directly to me. I have a voice and am fully capable of using it. </div>
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Just because I look at you when I am speaking to you does not mean I can see you. I had sight so I look in the direction of the person speaking to me. </div>
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Over there, this way, that way, are too vague of directions when speaking to someone who is blind. You need to be very specific. To your right 10 feet for example. Same goes for "such and such is about this big " ok I will take your word for it because I don't know the approximate size of "this big". </div>
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I can use a computer and my very own cell phone all by myself. I use voice over and do quite fine on the computer and even my cell phone. I can even text all by myself. </div>
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I can cook , clean, dress myself, match my clothes, put makeup on, do my own hair and tie my own shoes. I know that is surprising because that makes me sound like a able bodied person, but that is what I am. You would be amazed at what you can do without sight. </div>
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Most of all I want people to know I am a human being with feelings, I am a capable adult and have ambitions and goals just like everyone else. I do things a little differently than those that are sighted but I still do them. So if you come across someone who is blind or VI treat them like you would anyone else. Ask them if they want your help before giving it and remember they are a person just like you. </div>
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Until next time !</div>
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Ashley and Rick </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-16717537475006028922014-12-29T19:07:00.001-08:002014-12-29T19:07:26.984-08:00New Year New Adventures 2014 is almost over and 2015 is fast approaching. There has been a lot that has happened over the past year and I am looking forward to 2015. I am not making any New Years Resolutions because they are always the same and I can never seem to keep them so what the heck this year I am not making any then there is nothing to feel like I have failed at. So I am going to go into this year with a open mind and enjoy what it brings my way.<br />
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I do know that I am hoping for warmer weather in the New Year. It is -40c right now here. I am not shocked as we do live in Saskatchewan and well it just wouldn't be winter if it didn't get so cold you want to move. When it is this cold I hate going out but I go stir crazy if I don't so it is a catch 22 on that one. We did venture out with my husband today to go to the city and do some errands and some returns from Christmas and it was very very cold. Rick was not loving the weather today that is for sure but he is figuring out that he has to go out and do his business with less sniffing for the right spot if he doesn't want to freeze his paws.<br />
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My husband got me a colour identifier for christmas and I was so excited and then we started playing with it to see how well it worked and I was disappointed to be honest. It was not even right 50% of the time so that is not good. So I am going to return that one and see what I can find for something a little more accurate. As my vision gets worse it can be hard to accept the changes and the things that I can no longer see. But I have started finding people that are also VI (visually impaired) or blind so that I can connect with others going through the same things that I am and hopefully not feel so alone sometimes.<br />
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But back to the New Year ! It is going to be awesome and I am really looking forward to it. I am looking forward to the few things I have planned. I am trying to figure out how to make you tube videos and how I will be able to edit them which has proven to be a little challenging as I have never done anything like that before so I am hoping to have a video up in the next few weeks and see how it goes. I also have a few ideas for some blog posts which I am excited about writing. I have also started trying to promote my blog so hopefully I can get my view out there a little more.<br />
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Hope you all have a great New Year !!!!!!!<br />
Until next time !<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-89927665906464973242014-12-22T15:22:00.001-08:002014-12-22T15:22:34.448-08:00Merry Christmas !! Christmas is fast approaching and everyone is excited for Santa's arrival at our house. The kids are defiantly counting down the days and hours until christmas morning, and I have started the list of TO DO before I can have my christmas supper on Christmas Day for my family as well as to get ready for a family Christmas at my Grandma's house. So the days are not long enough lately but it will all be worth it in the end.<br />
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Rick and I have been getting out and going for our walks which is great and I really look forward to them I have been avoiding going to the city and doing any shopping after our last horrible trip (check out the previous blog post if you are wondering what that is about ). In doing that I have been in a much better mood I think I will wait to go out to the stores until some of the business has subsided a little.<br />
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I left Rick at home the other day when we delivered some stuff to my grandma's he was at home for about a hour and that is the longest I have left him. I would leave him for a few minutes at a time working up to a little longer just to have him used to it in the event I need to go somewhere that it just isn't ideal to take him too. He does really well when I leave him but this time when I got home and let him out of his kennel you would have thought I was gone for 6 months he was so excited to see me ! Sure makes a girl feel loved at how excited he was to see me and he would not leave my side for the rest of the day as if to say "don't you dare leave me again".<br />
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I won't be posting until the new year so I hope you all have a fabulous christmas and all the best in the new year !<br />
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Until next time<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-47374439256407243532014-12-14T20:52:00.001-08:002014-12-14T20:52:59.967-08:00Ignorance runs high !!! We all I believe have those days that you just need to vent and get something off your chest, well today is one of those days so if you don't want to read any further I fully understand. There is nothing up beat about what I have to write today but a frustration that needs to be out there for all to see,<br />
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I love my guide Rick and would never go back to a cane, but with that comes some challenges and sometimes those challenges can be very hard to deal with on a regular basis. There has been a few days lately where I have not even wanted to go out shopping with my husband and kids or when I have let them run in and Rick and I wait in the car it is just easier ! How sad is that because the freedom that I feel with Rick is amazing yet there is that part that just doesn't want to deal with the ignorance and the rudeness and down right stupidity that is out there every where we go every time we go.<br />
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Every place I go in public I feel like the 3 ringed circus is in town. People are constantly "oh a dog, she must be blind ", "oh wow it is a seeing eye dog", "such a beautiful dog", "you are so lucky to have a dog", "puppy puppy awe you are so cute hey puppy ", (petting Rick ) "oh my god your dog is amazing can I pet him ", "she is blind", "awe poor girl is blind and she has kids", "that dog must have cost you a pretty penny" and the list goes on !!!!!! and on !!!!!! And along with all the comments comes the petting him and when I say please don't pet him he is working they begin talking to him and getting in his face ! LIKE REALLY ! I didn't say you can't pet him because he will bite you it is because you are distracting him and talking to him does the same. And as for the comments they are not always directed at me but really keep your voice down if you are going to talk about someone as they walk by blind does not mean I am DEAF ! I hear quite fine intact !<br />
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I wish people would take something into consideration I love my guide but I just want to be able to go shopping or out for a meal or where ever with my family and enjoy what we are doing or maybe I just want to get in and out of Walmart as fast as the next person. Would you like it if I came up to you and looked in your cart and said "Oh wow super tampons hey ? must be that time of month again hey ? so how is that treating you ? how long is your cycle. My brothers cousins wife's friend that I met 3 years ago buys the same tampons same strength and everything do you know her ? Like is there a group for people like you ? " I am sorry but you would want to punch me in the face ! Privacy and Respect is all I want ! Yes Rick is amazing I am sure you have many questions but there is a time and a place. There is also many other ways to find out what you are wondering about guide dogs example a blog or the web site for guide dogs for the blind heck google and youtube ! But being inconsiderate and rude when I am with my family is not the place or the time !<br />
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Now I am not saying that I don't love to brag about Rick and where he came from and all of that but do it in the right way ! I have had a few people stop me and say can I ask you a couple questions about your dog . Why yes you may, or if I am busy I have had to say I am sorry I am in a bit of a hurry but I can give you my e mail and you can contact me if you would like. Just be respectful please !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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There is defiantly a learning curve for me as to how to deal with this and also coping with it ! I don't like to be the centre of attention but I also have a tendency to tell you where to go in a hurry so it has been a huge struggle and I needed to get it off my chest !<br />
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Until Next Time !<br />
Ashley and RickAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-43388761059081642372014-12-06T18:12:00.000-08:002014-12-06T18:12:09.790-08:00Update ! and pic of Rick !We had quite the cold snap there for a while, but it sure is much nicer out now. Rick and I like to get outside daily and go for a walk or play in the back yard. I enjoy getting out he defiantly helps when I am feeling down and don't want to go anywhere because he gets antsy and won't stop bugging until we go out even if it is to the back yard. The fresh air makes me feel better even on the bad days. <div>
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Living with a disability can be challenging not only for the obvious reasons like challenges it poses to day to day life but just trying to feel normal and make the best of the situation that you are in. It is very easy to isolate yourself and not let people in. Sometimes it is hard to know if people are genuine or do they just pity my situation. I want to surround myself with people that don't treat me differently and can ignore my disability and see me for me. It is hard to find true people sometimes that really want to spend time with me because they truly like spending time with me. Being in a small community does not make this easy. It is also hard to do some of the things that you want to do in a small town as well, especially when you have a disability. The odds of me gaining employment in the town I live in are next to zero, people just can't look past my disability. I am no longer Ashley Nemeth I am the blind girl with the dog and I don't say that because I am throwing a one man pity party I have heard people say oh that is that girl that went blind and went to get a dog. </div>
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I have like to think that I have pretty thick skin and that I don't let things really bother me all that much. But I do feel defeated some days. I am really looking for my outlet, because when I am feeling defeated and down I tend to take it out on the people around me and well that is not fair to them. </div>
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So what am I going to do about it, well I am going to focus my time and energy into something I want to do. I have nothing but time so why not have a little fun. I was thinking of doing a you tube channel, I don't really care if I get any subscribers just like with this blog. But it gives me that outlet that I need and I really enjoy writing so here I am writing to you ! Maybe I will try and do a little writing on the side as well some short stories or something. </div>
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I have been getting involved in some blind communities online through Facebook and other social media outlets and it is nice to connect with some people that are going through the same struggles as I am. </div>
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Thanks for listening !</div>
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Until next time ! </div>
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Ashley and Rick </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-68988326317147996802014-11-25T15:12:00.000-08:002014-11-25T15:12:09.520-08:00Snowy travels It has been cold here the last few weeks and we have had some snow. We are lucky with the amount of snow that we have right now because many years we have much more snow than we do now. Rick and I have been trying to keep up our walks and keep getting out of the house and keeping busy. He is getting used to the snow and his boots. He has never really minded his coat but his boots are another story he was not fond of working in them at the start but he has really started to come around and works well in them. This does not mean that he cooperates fully when it is time to put them on however. When it is time for us to get ready to go out it is like I have a toddler all over again though. So that has taken some getting used to but I wouldn't change it for the world.<br />
Winter travel used to be quite the nightmare for me with the glare off the snow, the complete white out and the lack of land marks like curbs, corners, grass, gravel anything other than snow. I used to have a lot of anxiety about traveling alone in the winter I hated it, by the time I got to my destination I was so stressed. I was starting to stay in the house more and more especially in the winter and I hated it. I am not a home body at all. I hate being home for a long period of time I get very bored and need to go out and find something to do so when I started to stay home it made me miserable. Rick has really changed this completely I am not stuck in the house, I don't have the anxiety about going out (so I don't have to talk myself into leaving the house anymore ) I don't feel the stress that I did when I used to go out. I can go out go where I need to go and want to go and just enjoy the ride. trudging through the snow isn't always fun but it is great to have rick to trudge along with. The cold well he doesn't really fix that but that's just what you get in Saskatchewan. It will only get worse from here.<br />
I have been doing a bit of crocheting to keep me busy because lets face it, it is cold and winter so there is not as much to do so I have had to stay home a little more and it is keeping me busy. It has been a challenge getting back into it, with the lack of vision but when you only make dish cloths and simple things it ends up doing the job. And plus I don't sell them so no one needs to know they are not square ! *smile*<br />
We have not been as active in our blogging and I would really like to try and get back at that and make it a priority because I love it and when I am feeling down it really helps me to get it all out.<br />
We have been going into the city a bit with my husband and Rick does really well when we are out but the people are another story all together. And I always thought that kids would be the ones touching Rick when we were working. Boy was I wrong adults are the worst every time we go into the city someone will pet him or they say "I know he is working but he is so cute (bend down to his face) aren't you so cute and such a good boy, oh such a good boy !" like really that is not distracting him at all like petting him would have. So annoying and then when you ask them not to pet or talk to him I am rude, and then you get those people that say but he looks so sad. He is a Lab he looks sad al the time ! I have even had to defend him wearing boots. It is not cruel he is far from mistreated the boots are to keep his pads from freezing or being burned from the salt on the roads so intact it is very considerate of me to put his boots on. And then there is the people that stare and take pictures, like I am not the circus and just because I can't see you staring at me does not mean I don't know you are staring and the people with me are all sighted so they see you doing it. PS my kids know it is rude so really grow up. I know that people don't mean to be rude or at least I hope they don't mean to be rude but I really want to go out and not feel like a freak or the three ringed circus.<br />
That is my rant of the day !<br />
But no matter what I will never regret getting Rick what he has done for me is more than anything I could have dreamed or asked for.<br />
Until next time !<br />
AshleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-5847350495213131892014-11-03T12:56:00.000-08:002014-11-03T12:56:11.091-08:00Living ! Rick and I have been busy with many different things the last little while. Fall always seems to be a busy time with kids back in school, activities starting up again and just getting life going again after the summer.<br />
I have been getting more and more involved with my toastmasters club and am really enjoying that. I am also looking into a couple of other things to try to fill my time while the kids are at school and give me that sense of accomplishment. I am settling into my new life better in the last few weeks. I have a lot of people telling me that they would love to stay home or wish they had that option when their kids were young, and I agree they probably would have liked it, but the big difference people are missing is that that would have been their choice and this was not my choice it was kind of forced on me. And like losing a loved one I am in many ways grieving the life that I had even though I have always had vision problems the last year has been one of the hardest. My vision has drastically changed and is well just plain useless at this point and that is not easy no matter how prepared you are no matter how determined you are it is difficult.<br />
Rick is defiantly making this journey much easier and much more enjoyable because as my vision gets worse I don't have to worry or lock myself in my house because I know I can get where I wanna go with him by my side ! And thank god because I would not make a good hermit one day of being stuck in the house and I am done and needing to get out ! The bond between Rick and I is getting much stronger I trust him with my life, I couldn't imagine having to trust a white cane again ! That would be one slow walk now that I have Rick by my side !<br />
It is defiantly a life style change having a guide dog, and a adjustment for my family especially my husband when it comes to the dog hair everywhere ! There is defiantly benefits to not being able to see because I don't notice the dog hair everywhere ha ha ! But the lifestyle is defiantly one that I will never give up. Sometimes it would be nice to go to a store and people not stare, make comments, pet Rick and ask personal questions but I will deal with those things to have Rick by my side.<br />
The confidence I now truly feel is amazing and that is part of my issue with staying home and where we live, since we live in a small community it is hard to get out and do things because well there really isn't a whole lot to do. And now that I have Rick and I want to go out and do things explore, do what I want because I feel like now I can. Even before my vision really took a turn for the worse I didn't like to go new places and do lots of things alone because I couldn't read street signs, menus, store signs and lots of times price tags and that was a really hard thing for me I hated showing that vulnerability but now with Rick I don't care lets go, lets live life and love it !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-78004456722335130442014-10-01T12:25:00.000-07:002014-10-01T12:25:46.410-07:00Now what ???Rick and I have been home for a while and doing great ! We are learning a lot from each other ! Now that I am home and life is starting to get back to normal, and before I left I was struggling with a few things one as many of you know was about the trip of going to train with Rick but there was also many things that kept me up at night and one of those things was staying home.<br />
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I have always been someone who loves my kids very much but still really wants to have my own successes and feel like I am doing something with my time. I feel guilty when people say to me "that is so great that you stay home with your children you are so lucky" because part of me doesn't want to be at home ! It has gotten worse since the kids are in school full time so I am home alone for the week and feel kind of useless. My husband says I am not useless because he likes coming home to a home cooked meal and that you are at home with the kids, but then in the same day my husband will complain about how much he hates going to work every day. I find myself resenting him for saying things like that I don't want my life to consist of being the one that cooks dinner every night, I hate that he complains about working when I want so bad to be working.<br />
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It is a double edged sword because I think it is great for the kids to be able to have me at home with them, maybe it is because I was forced to quit work due to my vision and just the obstacles of getting to and from the city to my job. I had a job offer from a dream company and was not able to take it because it was a inconvenience for people when I had to rely on them to get me to and from. So I guess I am resentful. But I feel like there is a huge hole in my life and it is not for the loss of my sight but the loss of my ability to work and feel like I am a productive contributing member of society.<br />
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I read a article on Facebook that it is a luxury for the spouse that works to have their spouse stay home I don't feel like I am a luxury to my family. Nor do I want to have this luxury and I have a tremendous amount of guilt for this !<br />
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Until next time !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-6096478638942686822014-09-23T09:42:00.001-07:002014-09-23T09:42:22.798-07:00One week down !Ricky and I have been home for a week now and have been working well together ! We are establishing our routes and our relationship ! I am amazed at the difference he has made in me ! He is just amazing !<br />
We are trying to become a stronger team and to do this we need to work hard together and have been out walking and working on his skills and mine ! We have also had a lot of fun blowing off some steam in the back yard playing just as hard as we work.<br />
This past weekend we were a part of my great friends wedding. I was a bridesmaid and so was Ricky, he did a fabulous job and was great everyone there loved him. He also got to dress up and had a tux and bow tie he was very dapper. We also stayed in a hotel for the weekend which went really well the hotel we stayed at was amazing they were so accommodating and nice this was a nice change. Usually we don't get great treatment. And my friends that helped us this weekend and were so tolerant were so amazing ! You know you have amazing friends when the bride tells the photographer that we need to rap up the photo shoot so Rick can eat. True amazing friends, I couldn't ask for better people in my life.<br />
We have also went to our first toastmasters meeting together and Rick was a very welcomed new member. Toastmasters is a great thing in my life and a outlet that I love to be involved in.<br />
Next weekend we will be off to another wedding as my brother in-law is getting hitched. Rick has been thrown into my busy life and has adjusted very well.<br />
I would love to say thank you to all of you that have supported us and helped us reach our goals !<br />
Until next time !!!!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-10859110053451966442014-09-17T09:45:00.001-07:002014-09-17T09:45:36.915-07:00Life is good ! Well the second week of training flew by so fast. We did many things that made me very nervous but together Ricky and I did it. We rode the train, the city bus, and did many routes to unfamiliar places. Learned to take the escalator together, I have always hated the escalators since I could not see where the steps were when they were moving. Now we do them no problem.<br />
I have always tried to be a person that doesn't let life get in the way of what I want to do but I have always had some nervousness about certain things when going about life with low vision. So I find it amazing that in this short amount of time Ricky has helped me to realize that I can do anything. I had a tendency to only go out when I had to and or wait for someone to go with me and now I don't care if someone comes or not and I wanna go out and enjoy life and tackle it one day at a time and do what I want not what people think I should do. My experience has been nothing but positively life changing.<br />
Unfortunately with the good comes the bad but I am learning to deal with people and their ignorance. Last night we went to the school for the kids open house and when we were walking through the busy hall someone said "Oh I didn't know you could bring dogs to the school now". Since I was with my kids and didn't want to cause a scene I took the high ground and left it alone. But I am truly surprised at peoples ignorance I am holding a harness in my hand that says "Guide Dogs for the Blind" this clearly states the obvious. I don't think I am special nor do I take for granted being able to take Ricky in public with me, but he is doing a job and giving me the freedom you take for granted on a daily basis.<br />
Education is going to be the key for the people around us! But it doesn't matter what anyone says I am smiling from ear to ear and my new confidence and freedom ! I was a little depressed before and just couldn't seem to kick it no matter how positive I tried to stay. But now I am sleeping well again and smiling everyday, and beyond grateful for the people that have made Ricky my reality ! There are not enough words in the world to describe my gratitude !<br />
Ricky and I will be heading to a hotel on friday to be a part of a good friends wedding I am very excited to not be nervous about finding my way around. Ricky will be by my side eager to find a chair and to get me where we need to go ! So life bring it on !Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-54799142244383700752014-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:002014-09-06T16:20:06.983-07:00HERE !!! Hello Everyone,<br />
I am here in Portland Oregon training with my new guide dog. We have been doing great. His name is Ricky he is a 2 year old 67 lbs yellow lab and he is the sweetest thing ever. Our personalities match perfectly !<br />
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It is hard to put into words how happy I am to have him by my side, every time we go out and do a route to practice our skills together I am more and more amazed and in awe. We walk seamlessly down the streets of down town Portland during busy rush hour and don't bump a single thing. Being able to enjoy the walk and not have to find things on the way is amazing and just having to say find the door and taking off like a rocket to find it !!!! instead of fumbling around poking things with my cane trying to find it or relying on my husband or someone else to find it ! The same goes for finding stairs or a chair ! The things these dogs do is more than amazing there are no words that will correctly describe the feeling I get knowing he will be by my side for many years to come. We work as one and I am in awe he is my angel from my dad !<br />
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The day the instructor brought Ricky to my room to introduce us I was not sure how it was all going to pan out if we would click or not. That day I was not really sure it was going to work he didn't really pay much attention to me and every time he heard the trainer in the hall he would whine a little, and he laid on the floor away from me facing the door whenever possible. So I was a little discouraged to say the least. We started working right away and I slowly started to win his heart with food ! The trainer told me he could be easily persuaded with food and that we would eventually bond as a team. The next morning when I got up I rolled over to say good morning to Ricky and there he was with his head on the bed beside me and greeted me with a big kiss. Since then we have been working so good together he is a very affectionate fellow. He loves to cuddle and he now gets excited every time he seems me and never leaves my side. When I brush my teeth he is right there behind me when I get up and leave the room there comes Ricky a close step behind me. He is officially one of my kids. I love him to pieces and trust him with my life. I told him to go forward from a curb the other day and a car came whizzing up and he put himself between me and the car and I knew that he felt the same way about me.<br />
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I will try to keep you updated on the next week of our training, but so far I am on cloud 9 ! My cheeks hurt from smiling all day for the last 5 days !<br />
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Until Next Time<br />
AshleyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-75370293522264800352014-08-21T11:18:00.001-07:002014-08-21T11:18:26.520-07:00Terrified ! I feel like the last few posts that I have done have been always about my upcoming trip to Portland Oregon for my Guide Dog. And there is a good reason for this and that is because I feel like a child starting a new school for the first day. I am terrified ! I know in my heart I will be fine but my brain is not cooperating and I have been losing a lot of sleep over this and really just cannot think of anything else. There is so much anxiety about all sorts of different things. The trip there and the obstacles there, being away from my family for 2 weeks, transitioning to a dog and not having the tactile feed back from my cane to let me know where I am and which house is mine on the street. This probably makes no sense to someone who is sighted but when I walk down my block I use my cane to tell me where I am by taping on my right side against the grass and when my cane comes across the first paved driveway I know that that is my house. When I transition to a dog I wont have that so I need to rely on time distance estimation and I am not very good at that. And there is the anxiety of just being in a new place and not to mention the worries that come with a mother leaving her kids for two weeks and not being there for the first day of school and feeling like I need to have everything done for my husband so that they can hopefully not have a horrible two weeks while I am away. And feeling guilty for leaving my family for 2 weeks as well. There is a huge amount of guilt and that is hard.<br />
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One of the things that is keeping me going through this process is my dad. I know he would be proud of me for concurring this fear. He was always cheering me on and saying I could do anything. I defiantly really miss him and wish he was here so he could give me his no nonsense advice to just do it. But I have to remember that even though he is not here in the physical world he is always there for me in heaven and cheering me on.<br />
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My trip will begin in 9 days so my next post will be from Portland Oregon after I receive my dog on September 1st ! I will let you know how the process is going and if I made it to Portland. I had a dream the other day where I ended up in Mexico so hopefully that does not happen ! lol !<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-5958172642269315612014-08-11T16:47:00.000-07:002014-08-11T16:47:22.734-07:00Busy Busy Busy Life has gone from boring and long to wow in a short amount of time. When my vision really went down the crapper I was wondering what the heck am I going to do and what am I going to fill my time with. I wanted to be productive and successful and all of those things like everyone else. So I began looking into what I could do.<br />
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This blog began as a way for me to express my frustrations and help to educate people on vision loss and blindness. I also began looking into other things I could get involved in, I found a couple of amazing things online. One of them is a site called Vision Aware <a href="http://www.visionaware.org/">www.visionaware.org</a>. They are a plethora of information on vision loss and living with vision loss, I became one of the peer advisors and now am a regular contributing member to their web site. I also found another organization called VIRN (Vision Impaired Resource Network). I am currently working with them on things like advocacy and education for the public as well as those whom are new to vision loss. I have started volunteering with the CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and helping some of the clients that are new to vision loss and want a companion. I have also gotten more involved with the toastmasters group in my community that I was involved in. I have a few other things that I am wanting to look into maybe a youtube channel those sorts of things, but all these new adventures have given me a lot to do and are defiantly keeping me busy at this time. I finally feel like I am starting to get my purpose back which is a great feeling.<br />
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Update on my guide dog, I leave in 19 days and am starting to get things organized for when I leave . I will be gone for the kids first day of school so I need to have everything ready for my husband so that this will go ok for him. (I am a little worried). I will also get back the day after my sons 7th birthday so I need to have things in order for him to still have a good day while I am away. I am really sad that I will miss these things while I am away but I also know that the kids are in good hands and it will be worth it in the end.<br />
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I will be leaving on Friday this week to go and see my sister in Calgary Alberta with my mom and my kids. This should be lots of fun minus the 9 hour car ride to get there. We have lots planned for our short trip so it will be interesting.<br />
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Until next time<br />
Ashley Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1822001711442772889.post-38445154184193559392014-08-01T12:06:00.001-07:002014-08-01T12:06:42.494-07:00Count Down ! The count down is on !!! I will be leaving for Guide Dogs For The Blind in Portland Oregon in 29 days. I am beyond excited. This is going to be life changing for me in a good way finally.<br />
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Truth be told I am absolutely terrified. Not of getting a dog and having a new partner in crime. But of the travelling there. I have been losing enormous amounts of sleep over this already. I have never flown into the U.S.A, so I have never had to experience going through customs or the huge airports and all the unknown and for me it is the unknown that scares the crap out of me. It is so terrifying to be in a unfamiliar place alone without the ability to see what is going on around you and asses your surroundings. Am I safe, is that person a little shady coming towards me. None of that is available to me. I feel like I am at the mercy of people around me. And we would all like to think that people are great, and some are but there are many out there that are not so great and not the people I want to be around.<br />
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Being in a unfamiliar place for the sighted is fine you may not know exactly where you are going but there are usually signs that will give you some sort of hint. For example you have arrived at a new air port and have a 2 hour layover. You get to your gate and are sitting for a while and start to think hmmm I really need to pee, so you get up and go wandering looking for that sign that says Washroom or you can find a employee and ask them for some general directions, they will generally point and say over there next to the coffee shop or something general like that. Now ... close your eyes ! and go through the same process and try to eventually end up at a washroom. Good Luck ! you will need it. And god forbid in that same time you kind of want a coffee, because the first adventure will give you ample reason to not want to leave your seat again.<br />
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Everyone tells me I will be fine and to ask for help, but what I wouldn't give to see that little stick woman in a dress to be able to find the bathroom on my own. It sometimes can feel degrading to have to ask for assistance to find the washroom and have someone wait for you to show you back to your seat. I am not 3 and hate having to do things like this that a 3 year old has to do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05641366187937638683noreply@blogger.com0