The Rest of Week Two

Wednesday

Wood shop.  Re-measured, marked and cut my official first wood block today.  Hurrah!!   I was able to meet and talk with some new students that had come in to work the hour.  A little busy, but connecting with the students can be just as important as cutting a piece of wood.

Photo description.  My measured wood and miter hand saw in "ready position".  Marking tool & click ruler.

Braille:  Learning about 2-3 new letters tactually, and 5 contractions verbally.  Getting better with the slate and stylus.

Home Ec:  I prepared and cooked another omelette with cheese, so I could get the flip technique down.  It worked this time.  Woot!  I started the prep work for a stir fry by cutting large amount of vegetables.  One thing I learned to do today was grate fresh ginger.  I won't be using bottled (powder, ground, etc..) ginger again!  I have heard that it's important that you "hide" your food in the classroom fridge because it was sometimes disappear from other students looking and using yours.  Crossing my fingers that it will be there tomorrow.

O&M: Walked the perimeter of the building with Brook again.  Took "air" off a curb again in one place.  I will get this down, I will get this down, I will get this down....

Thursday

Braille:  My wood shop teacher was not present today, so I decided to go into the Braille room and practice Braille for 2 hours.  I read for an hour and practiced writing the alphabet and sentences on the slate and stylus.  This is a class I want to show faster improvement and I know will take practice.  I read at home tonight and used the slate & stylus to write the alphabet.  I am trying to find the balance of "doing homework" and keeping work at work.  Little tricky right now.

Home Ec:  Very challenging, but positive "self esteem" day.  Today I finished making a curry stir fry chicken and rice.  My instructor jokes that this recipe is his "secret weapon" when he dates a girl and invites her to his home to cook dinner.  Yummy goodness.

I prepared most of the ingredients prior to heating the wok and putting it all together.  I found an electric wok, plugged it in and added oil.

I first sauteed two sliced chicken breasts and veggies (green pepper, fresh mushrooms, onion, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, green beans) separately in a wok with olive oil.  Removed from wok and put in a large bowl to add later.

Combined a bottle of curry paste, minced garlic (3 cloves) and a golfball size of fresh ginger.   Put in the wok with a small amount of oil and heated for 10 seconds.  

Added a can of coconut milk.  Stirred 10 seconds.

Combined 10 shots of hot sauce, 10 shots of vinegar and equal amounts of soy sauce and added to curry combination.  Stirred for another 10 seconds and then mixed in chicken and veggies.

I let simmer for a about 5-10 minutes and then added the grated rind and juice from a full lemon.  Added sugar to taste and then served with rice.  Since this was a big project, I cleaned up some of my dishes (we clean everything we use), ate a little, and headed to O&M.  *I came back later and finished cleaning and put away dishes before I went home.  Note to self:  Wear apron.  I forgot to put on an apron when working and had small oil splatters all over my brand new shirt.  Waawaaa. 

I cook very basic food for my family, so this was "BIG" for me on many levels.  There was some leftovers, so I was able to bring it home and we had it for dinner.   My family said they liked it overall, but would change some of the veggie choices and not add as much hot sauce.  Will definitely make again.

Picture Description:  Not thrilled with how this picture turned out, because it does not do it justice, but for the record that I did it and did it 100% under sleep shades.  Go me.

O&M: Brook walked to a neighborhood park with another student while I practiced walking up and down the sidewalk on the East side of the building.  I tried to concentrate on eliminating the "death grip", high arc, and feeling for curbs.   I had streams of sweat dripping down my face in the hour week worked.  Good times, good times.

Keyboarding.  Moving along.  Finished lesson 69, so I have about 30 more to go and then some extra short key instruction.

Friday

O&M: My typical instructor (Brook) was absent today, so I worked with another instructor, Mike.  We went around the perimeter of the building again.  Feeling a little more confident, but still tend to hold the cane in a death grip when outside.  I told Mike, "it's not like holding the cane really tight is going to help me out of problem-solving situations.."   I was able to take two turns with success, but did "find air" on one of the corners.  Dang it!!  I learned the value of the position of the sun, being parallel with traffic, the value of "sound" landmarks such as the large air conditioner, and I-215 traffic.  Wearing sleepshades in the hot sun equates to stinky, smelly, sweaty face.  I am a sweaty mess after O&M, but would rather than be sweaty than freezing cold.  Pray that the winter is mild.

Picture Description:  Me using my cane.  Open palm, zero death grip, and in cadence.

Home Ec:  Cut up veggies, prepared whole chicken.  First time using the oven.   Cons:  Forgot to put in the cut veggies I prepared, cooked the chicken upside down in the pan (breast down), and it took me over an hour to prepare when it should have taken me 20 minutes.  Finding and identifying the spices I wanted slowed me way down, plus I move a lot slower versus my home kitchen.   Pros:  Learned alternative methods to work the oven.  Off/On and temperature control buttons.  Learned how to safely put in and take out food from a hot oven.  Learned how to make sure my chicken was not raw.   The two instructors who ate the chicken, gave positive feedback on the taste.

Braille:  Progressing.. slowly.  I am going to set a goal to read at least 30 minutes per night, like I preached to my children every day of their Braille lives.

Woodshop:  Measured and cut the rest of my blocks (6 total) for my Braille blocks.  Next class I will pre-measure the 6 cells  in prep for drilling the holes.  Good times.

Picture Descriptions:  All six wood blocks cut and ready to be measured and drilled.  My instructor (Chase) showed me a drill bit he created that uses a guard/stop so you know how deep your drill goes.  The guard/stop can be moved up/down, depending on what you are drilling.  Genius.

Orient or Orientate

Day 7 is officially complete.

The morning started a little rocky.  Last night I didn't sleep very well.  I don't know if it's still the "new job" jitters or my body getting used to the "new routine".  Mike fell ill as well, so when he's restless, it's an added bonus of missing out on REM sleep.  When you don't get a good night's sleep.. it can be a little challenging "to be" or act "your best" at work. 

As my father used to say, "pull up your bootstraps and get to work".  That's what I did today.

Wood shop.  Today I learned that I will be making six Braille blocks as my first project.  I reviewed the "Click Ruler" with my instructor and measured out 2 and 1/16th measurement for my first cut.  My instructor introduced me to a small tool that feels like a small rod with a large washer on one end that can be adjusted up and down the rod with a screw.  On the other end is a dull rotary blade that can make a small indented line in the wood.   With the click ruler and marking tool, you can make a very accurate measurement and marking before cutting.  Before time was up, I was introduced to the hand miter saw (I believe that's the name?) and will be cutting my first block.  I am excited to see how my first cut works out.  After the cuts I will then work on creating the 6 holes of the Braille cell, with a hand drill.  I will eventually graduate to other electric saws and a drill press to create my blocks.

Description of pictures:  Hand miter saw I will be using in wood shop and example of the Braille block I will start cutting tomorrow.

Braille.  Worked mostly on the slate and stylus today.  Nothing too mind blowing.  Haha.

Home Management.  The second Tuesday of every week we have  two hours where all the students meet together to discuss topics related to blindness.  Today we visited the low vision clinic and discussed that even though we are learning "non visual" methods, it is okay and encouraged to use magnification or other tools to accomplish personal goals.  The instructors taught, (and I agree) that you don't need to "teach" a person to use the vision they have.  One goal of instruction is to teach non visual methods so when a person's vision is unstable, deteriorating, or not reliable, they can use alternative methods that will increase confidence and independence.

Orientation & Mobility. Today I spent time walking outside (in light rain) with another student who is a lot more confident traveling under sleepshades.  She showed me the route from the front door to the housing units where students are encouraged to stay while training.  She gave me some personal/different insight into tips/tricks she uses to travel and she was very patient as I traveled about 1/2 the speed and had moments where I got "stuck" and had to problem solve my way out of things.

So.. I have a running joke with Brook.  She makes fun of me because I say, "orientate" instead of "orient".  She asked, "I'm going to see if orientate is even a word.. and if it is I will stop making fun of you and anyone else that says it."  It is a word, but is commonly used in England rather than the U.S. and is described as sounding "clumsy".  From here on out, I will continue saying orientate.

Keyboarding.  Reached lesson 50.. half way done.  Woot!   I really like brushing up on my keyboard knowledge and am learning short cuts keys for Jaws.

Til tomorrow.

I Bet Your Hearing Is Amazing Now. Uh, No.

Monday has come and gone.  Lots of lessons learned once again.

I started the day by setting up some pictures of the family and a few positive sayings around my office.  Adam and Lauren started school last week and Megan started today. Michael has been 110% supportive, sending positive, hilarious texts.  I miss them all A LOT.  I want my office to be a little refuge and also a place that when  people step in to visit, will know what matters most to me, my family.

Woodshop.  Wood shop.  I like spelling it as a compound word, but my spell check says the second way is the way to write it.  Wood shop.  Spent more time practicing my math skillz by using the click rule.  I only have an hour in this class, so the time quickly passes.  I am sure I will have more exciting things to write in the near future.  For now.. I leave it at 1/16th.

Braille.  It's a bit challenging, but I love the feeling of Braille under my fingers.  I often reflect on the brilliant mind of Louis Braille and coming up with a solution of literacy for himself and ultimately an opportunity for all blind peeps to read and write.  Today I was re-introduced to the Slate & Stylus, which in essence is a paper and pencil for the blind.  I practiced writing full braille cells: Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 to get a feel of using the stylus to punch a dot into the paper.  Cool beans.  During class, my alarm kept going off on my iphone and I couldn't figure out how to turn it off permanently.  My alarm is set to one of my favorite Tracy Chapman songs, so we grooved.  Luckily the teacher and classmates are awesome in my class and we had a good laugh.

Home Management.  Today my instructor gave me the choice to make an omelette or spaghetti sauce.  An omelette sounded better and I wanted to cook bacon in the skillet.  Up to this point, I hadn't learned to use the stove top or oven.  My co-worker, classmate who started prior to me has some "GREAT" cooking on the stove stories that she will hopefully add in the comments.  Let's just say they have to do with a hot skillet, oil, fire and a very calm instructor.  I was able to prepare the omelette with little help.  I cooked the bacon with zero incidence.  Tip:  Bacon stops sizzling when it's fully cooked.  I diced some of my favorite veggies:  Onion, green pepper, mushroom, and tomato.  I successfully cracked 3 eggs and beat them to prepare the omelette.  I believe I did it successfully without adding eggshell??  I LEARNED ALOT!!  Here comes some of the struggles....  At one point, I turned the wrong burner on and my omelette sat cold, uncooked.  Doi.  The last struggle was a biggie.  After sautéing the veggies, seasoning, melting the cheese, folding the omelette over.. it was time to transfer it to the plate.  Are you with me?  My instructor showed me a method where you place a large plate on top of the skillet, covering it like a lid.  With pressure on the plate and skillet, you do a quick flip so that the plate is now on the bottom and the skillet on the top and gently raise the skillet off.  If you do it right.. the omelette makes a safe landing on the plate and you can enjoy.  My instructor advised me to do this method over the sink, "just in case" to avoid messes.  Foreshadowing?  Yup.  I did what was described, but rather than holding the plate securely it went on an angle and the omelette ended up in the sink.  After a deep, frustrating sigh I hesitantly felt where it landed.  It landed skiwampus in the bacon skillet I had placed in the sink to clean later.  All was not loss...at least that what I keep telling myself.  Here's a picture of my creation.  Not too shabby.

My co-worker (Amber) made a corn souffle.  Look how pretty it is.  (Don't ask me what a souffle is).

The other student in our class is in the process of making what sounds like a tai chow mein.  I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Orientation & Mobility.  Today was my first official lesson outside.  My instructor, Brook asked if I had any concerns.   Brook is blind.  Some people may respond.. "What the H Mario?  You have a blind O&M instructor teaching you cane travel?"   Other than letting me take air off a curb to teach me a lesson to use my cane (hahaha), I trust Brook one hundred kajillion times.  She is one of the smartest travelers I know.  Not just saying that either.  I had a lot of concerns about traveling outside, like getting hit by a car for one.  Brook reassured me we were staying on the sidewalks today.  The goal was to travel the perimeter of the building and come back inside through a specific door.  For an hour, Brook gave me very useful tools to use that helped me feel more comfortable and confident in traveling.  Of course one of those tools was to listen to my surroundings.  Do you hear the flagpole? My response.  No. How close was that car?  Do you hear the traffic?  What side is the traffic on?  Do you hear the door?   My family tells me that I need to clean my ears all of the time.  My hearing or perhaps, listening skills kind of sucks.   So, let's get this out of the way.  No, I don't hear better because I can not see visually.  One thing I have learned is that I am definately more aware.  Aware of sounds and smells.  Aware of how people are feeling based on their voice, sighs, sniffles.  Aware.  Word of the day.  This experience was one of my favorite lessons so far, and I am sure I will have more to come with Brook and my other instructors.

Keyboarding.  It did take two times,  but I signed in successfully and progressed.  Feeling good about the progression in this class.  That's the goal.  Progression.

Looking forward to sleep and tomorrow.
Nighters.

Day Five: If You See Me, Say Hello.

This will be quick because I was suppose to be to bed 90 minutes ago to be ready and refreshed for day six.

Friday consisted of my typical routine.

Woodshop:  Explored and tried to learn the "Click Rule", which is a very important tool when taking exact measurements in our class.  It takes skillz, Math skillz that is.  WHAAAT? Oh man, I was having a hay day trying to figure out 3 and 11/16th.  Was unsuccessful, but will try again on Monday.

Braille: Plugging along.  I am able to get through one lesson in an hour, or learn two letters a day.   have felt guilty all weekend not practicing my Braille.  I am trying to learn how to balance and prioritize family, church duties, and work (homework).  This weekend church and family came first, so I'm most likely going to have to back track which is not what a teacher wants to hear.

Home Management:  Another student in my class wanted to purchase a large purse or professional looking bag that she could carry her Braille books and materials in.  This was my first official travel lesson outside of the building and I was quite nervous.  We met in the front of the building and met a driver who took us to TJMaxx.   On the way to the store, I started feeling a bit car sick.. not dramatic, but the motion along with my shades was not a pleasant combination.  I made it there succesfully without spewing and took a deep breath as I exited the van.  An O&M instructor was right there to greet me and talk me through methods of how to find the entrance. Listening to the door, asking the driver where the entrance is and then pointing into that direction to make sure I understood those directions.  He explained a successful way to hold and use my cane while in a store, finding larger aisles for walking around the store, versus smaller aisles which typically has products to choose from.  While we were talking, I bumped a container off the shelf and waited to hear it drop to see if it was plastic or glass.  Whew, a plastic tupperware container.  Set it back and thanked the Lord above.  We caught up with the others who were in the purse section.  We spent time exploring the different purses, materials, pockets, compartments and asking one of the sales reps what color, designs, etc.. were on it.  On our way out, someone said, "MARLA!"  I asked who it was and they said, "Kristie".  One of my good friends from Park City and her daughter were out shopping.  I have known them for many years through my association with the Utah Parents of Blind Children.  It was really great to see them, and chat for a bit.  I went away thinking, "What if they hadn't said hi?"   I wouldn't have had the social connection with them.   I am definitely more mindful of the importance to say hello to those around me.  It makes a difference in your day.  Time quickly passed and we were back on the van on the way home.  We talked about our personal lives and home management topics such as, "folding different increments of money to tell the difference between bills".

After lunch, I was exhausted.. both mentally and emotionally.  My orientation and mobility instructor was very perceptive of this and we had a "lighter lesson".  She encouraged me to take a break and get some of my employee paperwork and benefits done.  I spent the rest of the day organizing my office and signing my family up for benefits through the state.

I looked forward to getting home and spending a relaxing weekend with my family.  It was something I definitely took for granted before I started this adventure.

Til next time.

Day Oh-Four

Day Four-Thursday.

Woodshop.  Spent the whole time exploring, exploring, exploring.   Grateful for this time so I can make a mental map of the space.  Still not feeling a 100% with the layout, but definitely feeling more comfortable than the day before.  Progress.

Braille.  Still plugging along.  Believe I worked on letters and words, using the letters A-G.  My Braille teacher is very patient and encouraging.

Home Management.  Practiced cutting, cutting, cutting.  I transferred the roast to a cutting board and sliced it.  I added the sliced pieces and veggies to a tupperware.  I then worked on cutting different types of fruit to make a fruit salad.  The fruit included: an apple, mango, pineapple, and banana.  One of my fellow classmates made a fruit smoothie and a sweet onion salad dressing.  The other was working on preparing a corn souffle.   She made a bacon, tomato, mushroom omelette yesterday.

After class some of the instructors and students stayed in the classroom and we enjoyed the roast and veggies.  I have never prepared a roast using broth, typically add water or a can of coke.   If I were to do it again, I would have cut the veggies a lot thicker since it cooked for almost 24 hours and added a little more seasoning.  Overall, it turned out better than I thought.

Orientation & Mobility.  This was a very challenging class today.  My instructor asked me to find different employees throughout the building.  My first assignment was to find the library for the blind and ask an employee how I could sign up for services as an employee for DSBVI.   Because of my children, I was pretty familiar with where the library was located.  I verified how I would get there from my instructor's office,  and away I went.  I first found the check in desk where I said hello to Sharon.  I then proceeded down the tiled hallway to where I thought the library was.  I walked until I came to a dead-end and wasn't sure where I was.   I felt a sign on the wall and it had Braille on it.  "What the heck, maybe I can read a few letters".  "L".."I"...B"  NO WAY!!  I found the library AND I read the sign TACTUALLY in Braille.  I didn't care who was looking and did a fist pump in the air.  I located the entrance and asked if I could speak to someone about opening up an account.  I quickly realized I was talking to Sara Pitkin who I have spoke to many times regarding my children's library account.  We had a lovely chat.  While we were talking, two women came in the library and started asking questions about why I had a "mindfold" (name of the shades I wear) on.  I talked about cross training, found out they have 3 "older" sisters in their family with macular degeneration.  They came to visit learn more about the services DSBVI and the library provided.  They were very fun to talk to and wished me luck on my next assignment.  I quickly returned to my instructor.

The second challenge was to find 4 people in the building.  3 of the 4 people I was unable to meet my first day of work.  I had no idea who they were or where their offices were.  My instructor told me their names several times and said "good luck" after asking her for some hints.  Hahaha.  I went back to the front and talked with Sharon at the "check-in" desk.  I explained who I was looking for and asked her if she could tell me what division they worked in.  Once I understood what their job was, I clarified the hall/location where their offices were.  Long story short, I spent about an hour successfully locating the offices, asking questions and having really interesting conversations (some short, some long) with the people I met.

Keyboarding.  I started about a half an hour early for keyboarding, which was a good thing because it seems like my computer always needs a re-start.  I really like the typing program I am using as it reviews basic keyboarding skills, along with basic Jaws commands.  If memory serves me correctly, I am close to 20 lessons.

Day Oh-five will be written later.

Day 3, 4, and 5. Sike, Only Day 3.

Update time.  Day Three.

Come back because I will write about my adventures finding the library and people I had met once or never met.  I will also share how my trip to TJMaxx went today with 2 other students and 2 instructors.

First, YES, I am still obviously here.  I survived the first week of work.  This has been one of the most challenging, rewarding, exhausting work weeks of my life.  I quickly stop complaining because I have an awesome fellow co-worker "A" (who will remain nameless until I get her approval) who started 3 weeks before me.  She too is going through "cross training" but has a much busier life.  She has two very young children, still nursing one, and of recent is getting very little sleep.  She shows up to work on time, energized, positive, and ready to learn!  I love people that don't complain and do what they have to do.  The people I work with are fantastic!  There is a very positive vibe from the people I've met.  Feeling blessed.

So.. Wednesday, Thursday, today.

Wednesday was a MUCH better day than Tuesday.  I was feeling a little like this after work on Tuesday so I wasn't sure how I was going to react to Wednesday's learning fest.

Wednesday morning started out with woodshop.  I found my way to the classroom (shop) and was greeted with the smells of saw dust, wood, and varnish.   My instructor had several students finishing their small projects, so he invited me to explore the room.   My Home Management teacher had a free hour, so he called me over to see what he was doing.   He was working with a lathe and making his fourth and final spindle leg for a table.  My woodworking instructor explained that I will be using tools I could find in any large woodshop.  Aside from two lathes, I found all varieties of saws, drill press, routers, hand tools, industrial sanders, etc..   I also found a large area where students are working together to make a canoe for the center.  I am sure there is more, but I am still discovering.  Some peeps might ask, "Why would this be a beneficial class?" "How does that relate to employment?  I have an answer, but would like to hear your opinions.

After woodshop I went to Braille, where I am slowly TACTUALLY reading uncontracted braille.  I know the alphabet and a few whole word contractions visually, but that is where my wealth of knowledge ends.  It's been fun reading Braille tactually and takes a lot of practice!!  I am finding practice to be a bit difficult to fit in after a long day of work and getting the kids settled.  I read a few lines after my husband turned off the lights and feel asleep reading.  Haha!

After an hour of Braille, I headed to Home Management where I spent time preparing a roast and vegetables for a crock pot meal.  My instructor showed me different and safe methods of peeling and cutting potatoes, carrots, and celery.  I added broth and seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic salt.  Finally, plugged the pot in and set it to low.  We weren't sure which switch set the pot:  [on, low, or high].  We agreed to set it to the "middle" setting, guessing left was off and right was high.   I learned before purchase,  it would be very important to ask a salesperson how any appliance worked to make sure it was accessible or could be made accessible with a few tactual markings.   We wash our own dishes every class, put them away, and wipe down counters after we are done.

Mike surprised me and took me to lunch which was a good break.  The "break" from sleepshades is nice to reboot for the afternoon lessons.  Mike has bee "over the top" supportive in this new venture which I have appreciated so much!

After lunch I spent two hours working on Orientation and Mobility (O&M).  I practiced my cane techniques, walking along the North hallways from the East & West doors.  I did my "class route" again and was given the challenge to find my supervisor's office.  Little by little I am feeling more comfortable traveling and finding landmarks in the building.  I have personally known my O&M instructor for over 10 years and have massive respect for her.  It's been fun being her student and learning how she teaches, challenges, encourages, and knows how to push me without pushing me over the edge.

Keyboarding was a lot better!  A substitute came in and logged me in so I was able to start right into the lessons.  I have learned some different commands related to Jaws which has been fun and challenging as well.

H.E. Double Toothpicks

I'm HOOOOME!! My kid's response, "How was your second day mom?"   Wasn't exactly sure how to respond as this was a challenging, exhausting, frustrating at times, overwhelming, and a productive day all rolled up into one.

My day started out with a group lesson where we discussed questions such as, "What would be your ideal job?"  "If you had a choice, between getting 10 million dollars or have your vision back? What would you choose?"  "Which of your instructors would give you a job recommendation and why?"  The million dollar question was very interesting to hear people's answers.  I shared, my first inclination would be to say I wanted my vision over the millions of dollars, but mostly because I was feeling uncomfortable at the moment.  I shared that this feeling might be short sighted because I didn't have the proper training and tools to be feel confident, comfortable with who I am, and independent.  I know many blind and visually impaired individuals, including my own children.  Blindness can be inconvenient, but shouldn't define a person or their happiness.  It's definitely not a tragedy if an individual can receive the proper training, tools, and attitude towards it.    Believe you me, I have met unhappy sighted peeps and happy blind peeps.

After group lesson, I participated in Home Management, Orientation & Mobility & Keyboarding.

In Home Management, I spent most my time orienting myself to the kitchen, finding the large and small appliances, silverware, kitchen tools, etc..  I am in class with two other students.  One student made a fruit salad and then turned it into smoothies for everyone.  The other made a cherry cobbler.  Really cool to witness and partake of their Success.

Orientation & Mobility was spent in the back hallway near my office.  To give you perspective, I was told that walking the hall 6 times would equal 1 mile.   I believe I walked it at least 10 times, practicing my cane techniques which was put to the test when I was asked to find all of my classes for the next day.   The first time, I was successful in finding all of my classes, except one.  I had gone too far before making a right and ended up in a room full of supplies.  My first thought was, "Why the heck are there canes and a chair in the hall."  "Really, did I just think that?" was my follow up thought.  I got a bit frustrated which is not a good thing when I should be thinking and problem solving.  My O&M instructor came in, and rather than guide me out started prompting me with who could I hear, where did I think I was, etc..  Once I found the door (after what felt like 10 minutes), I was back in the hallway where I was able to find everything again.  Success.

My last class of the day was Keyboarding.  I was pretty excited for this class, because I felt like this wouldn't be "as" challenging.  Let's just say I was completely wrong.  On a good day, I typically type 50-60 wpm, using my Mac keyboard.  Today it took me 35 minutes to just log into the computer.  I was suppose to type in a specific password to get into the typing program.  I lost track after typing it wrong 20 times and was like, 'What the H Mario?"     Because passwords are asterisks (*) on a screen, I was only hearing "asterisk, asterisk, asterisk.." instead of the letter and  unable to pinpoint the mistyped letter.  After I was successful, I gasped, "Finally, what the H.E. Double Toothpicks!!!"  Yup, said it exactly like that without swearing.   I had 15 minutes left of class and was able to complete 6 lessons.  93 to go.

Success.

Selfie with sleepshades during my lunch break.  

We're Going to Party Like It's 1996

November 23, 1996, the day before my oldest was born.  It was also the last time I worked full time "outside of the home"...  until, today.  Coming on 17 friggin years, peeps.  Deep breath.

The past 16 years, I have spent most of my days caring for my children, keeping the house in order, dabbling in a few part time ventures, volunteering my butt off, and advocating for the educational rights of children with special needs.  It's been a joy.   So why the change?

Aside from the upcoming "big" expenses of missions, college, and marriages.. I have had this nagging feeling of getting back into the grind.  I grappled with the idea of starting my own business, furthering my education.. but nothing felt "worth" jumping feet first into a full time commitment.  Until now.

I have always been impressed with Utah's Vocational Rehabilitation Center that services blind and visually impaired adults (DSBVI).  When I developed Project STRIVE, I was able to hire and work closely with competent, successful, blind adults who were full time instructors at the center.  They not only worked their 40 hours a week, helping blind and visually impaired individuals reach their highest potential, but they were passionate about spending their day off (Saturday) helping transitioned aged teens.   It was a beautiful thing.

Several weeks ago I was offered a position and today I officially started working for the Division of Services for Blind & Visually Impaired as a "Sensory Impairment Specialist".  My two youngest also started school the same day/time.   Luckily, my awesome husband took charge of carpool, ironing school clothes and balancing the morning, taking the children's calls, and pick ups.. so I could have a positive first day.

So.. what will I be doing?  For starts, I will be going through an intense training for 3-4 months.  The center calls it  "Cross Training" where I will be working alongside students and being taught by instructors in 1) Woodshop 2) Braille 3) Home Management 4) Orientation & Mobility & 5) Keyboarding and eventually Technology.  The kicker, I will be doing all of this training under sleep shades (blindfolds), 7 hours per day.  After the training.. I will be assigned an instructor position which remains a mystery.

I will be using this blog to share my feelings and experiences I will have each day during this training period.  I am excited, scared, have feelings of inadequacy, and open minded to what lies ahead.

Today, I spent most of my time getting introduced to staff & going over policy & procedures.   I officially started, or "launched" (as my supervisor announced) "cross training" a few hours before the day ended.   My first class, ORIENTATION & MOBILITY.  Ask my kids.  Finding addresses & knowing which direction I am headed is not my forte'.  This class frankly makes my stomach cramp.  I put on my sleep shades, spent time talking to my instructor about the value of cross training, grabbed my long white cane, headed out my office door, and took a left to the back of the building.    I was taught a few rules.. how to hold the cane in my palm (don't grip tight), tap it shoulder width, don't tap higher than 1" off the ground, tap in sequence, don't tap hard against the wall.  I was taught to keep my chin up, "look" toward where I am going and problem solve when I get stuck or turned around.   Yes, I got stuck and turned around.  The cool thing is,  my instructor didn't say... this is where you should go but rather, "Where do you think you are?"  "How do you think you can get out?"
"What are things you remember passing?"   I think this type of instruction was brilliant.  Even though I wanted her to point me in the right direction, especially when I was stuck.. she allowed me to explore and then gave me the freedom to figure or problem solve on my own.  I was able to find my classes for tomorrow and return to my office.  I learned a few non visually tips such as using guide finger to place the key and unlock my door.  It was very enlightening experience.. and this was just the first 90 minutes of the next 600 hours.  Crazy!!

Tomorrow awaits a longer day under sleep shades and more experiences to come.