Harris' InkWell

Making Pimento Cheese (independent living skills series 25)

I was excited to get back into the kitchen at school. My teacher, classmate and I went into the kitchen and she told me all about the Pimento Cheese ingredients and where to find them when you are at the grocery store. After this, my teacher helped my classmate open a package of cream cheese. We left it on the counter. We got out our cutting boards and cheese graters. I chose the black cutting board and silver grater because the contrast of these two items are easier for me to see better. My teacher went over the different sizes of panels; we used the largest and medium-sized ones. She showed us how to grate the cheese. I found that grating is simple.

Once half of our block of cheese was grated, we went to the medium-sized panel. I had problems with my panel because of the way my cheese was ending up. Instead of getting grated my cheese was getting smashed into the holes and getting stuck. I had to switch to a handheld grater. Once all of our cheese was grated, we put in all it one giant bowl. The next step in our lesson was to practice using a measuring spoon to measure our miracle whip and softened cream cheese. Once it was all measured out, we added these ingredients to the bowl. We mixed all three of the ingredients together.

In the morning, our principle ordered pizza for lunch for all the students and staff. Our pizza was delivered right on time. The pizza was delicious and all the students and staff enjoyed this treat. Once we cleaned up from lunch, including some of our dishes from our lesson, we got back to it.

We added the Pimentos to the bowl. Then we stirred the cheese. It was time to clean the carrots that we were going to use to dip our cheese with. Cleaning the carrots was easier. My classmate peeled and cut half of the carrots. Then it was my turn. I had never cut carrots into slices before so my teacher had to teach me how to do it. What made this easier to remember was how I rocked my knife back and forth to cut our homemade pizzas. This was the same kind of process.

Lastly, my teacher placed the cheese on a plate and added some of the carrots. We then had a small discussion on how to plate cheese, vegetables, and crackers for a party.

My classmates, teachers and I all enjoyed our snack. It was a lot of fun making this simple snack.

Next week I will be learning how to make chicken salad and chocolate dump cake.

Redeeming my failure to ride escalators (independent living skills series 24)

I really wanted to go to class because I wanted to see my teacher before she left to go on vacation. I got to school before my other classmates. Before we got our assignments for the day we had a class meeting. The meeting was to remind us to take the bus to school whenever possible.

After the meeting, my teacher and I went to the mall. I quickly found my landmark and took off towards the escalator. Since going up is easier for me I was able to get on with ease. We stopped and looked at the new items of clothing that were on sale for Christmas. They sure had some cute things.

Then I had to face it! The down escalator. My teacher got behind me, and then said to me, the more you wait and psych yourself out the worse it will be; it is not that big of a deal. Just get on and ride. That’s exactly what I did.

I got on and got off with ease. Once that was done I had to navigate through the mall to get to the food court. When we got there, I looked at the many options for meals; I decided to have tacos.

I had three hard shell tacos with hamburger meat, rice, beans, cheese and avocado. For my drink I had a coke. My tacos were crunchy, and I loved the avocado. My coke was refreshing.

After lunch, we went to Dillard’s. On the way back, I saw a candy stand. I got some lemon drops and some bubble gum. Yum!

While I was mind mapping to get back to my original landmark, we looked at more Christmas clothes. I bought a red, long-sleeved top that has a Boston Terrier on it. Below the dog it says Santa Paws.

Once I had made my purchase we left the mall and went to Target. All I got there was a candy bar. We then went and drove around looking at what beautiful Pensacola has to offer before returning to the center. It was a great day. For the next two weeks I will be doing cooking lessons.

I would like to also address some questions on when I will be graduating from this program. I am set to graduate in March; however, I can request that I finish early. To do this, I must prove to my instructors and caseworker, that I have the confidence and that I have mastered the skills that are posted on my Individual Employment Plan.

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The first image shows a long red top with a Boston Terrier on it with the words Santa Paws on underneath the dog. #belks Image two: shows two pieces of Bubble Gum and lemon drops in clear bags wrapped with a cord. Image three shows a stuffed sheep I saw in #Bath&BodyWorks.

A post shared by Amanda Gene (@amandagenen) on Oct 30, 2018 at 2:14pm PDT

Failing at my Escalator review (Independent living skills series 23)

I woke up feeling sick and nervous because I felt like I have a lot on my plate. I quickly got dressed and was ready to go. However, I had to wait for the van; and it felt like it was never going to show up, but it did.

The part-time Orientation and Mobility teacher was not there, so the plans were to wait on one more student who was going to be late, and then leave as a group. A few minutes later the part-time teacher showed up. Because Pensacola was offering a wet and windy day my teacher and another classmate and I went to the mall.

My classmate had only a few Orientation and Mobility lessons before, so my teacher taught her about the basics of landmarks and mind mapping. Once that was done, we headed to Dillard’s, so we could practice riding escalators. My teacher gave instructions to my classmate, and with a little coaching my classmate did great.

Then it was my turn. As you have read in my previous posts I was gaining confidence with this skill, therefore it should have been a piece of cake for me. When I got up to the lip fear took a hold of me. I kept feeling the cane tip move, since my teacher had me swap canes with my classmate for a bit.

My teacher had to give me a lot of coaching and encouragement. “Come on, you’ve done this before,” she said as I stood at the top of the stairs. I shook my head no and backed up again. “Come on, I’ll make a video for your blog,” She said. Nothing she said seemed to help. A few members of the public came up to ask if I needed help. Of course, I just explained I was in a lesson. After a few more tries I finally did it.

We then walked around the men’s department and went back up the escalator. For me going up is easier than going down. This time my teacher had me swap our canes back to its proper owner. It felt good to get my cane back.

Since we were back at the top my teacher had me go first. Still I struggled. Oh, well at least I did do it eventually.

Then we went to do an elevator lesson. It was good to hear the lesson again as it helps reinforce what I had learned. The elevator lesson was quick and simple.

Once that was over we went to Newk’s. I had the half and half meal. I had my usual chicken salad sandwich, and for my side I had half a bowl of macaroni and cheese, and a pink lemonade to drink. I enjoyed my meal.

After lunch, we went back to the mall and did a drop off practice. While walking to our meeting place I stopped by HallMark so I could get a Christmas gift for a friend.

When I reached our meeting place my classmate and I chatted up a storm while we waited for our teacher. When we were leaving, a member of the public saw us walking and started yelling, “I’m so sorry for you; God bless you.” Even though sometimes we educate the public on blindness and the fact that blindness does not ruin your life. I chose to ignore his comments.

Then we went outside and worked on sidewalk travel, two-point touch, and basic street crossing.

Even though I felt sad about not doing good with my review, I say I’ll conquer the escalators next time.

Halloween This Or That Tag Questions

1. Chocolate candy or fruity? I love chocolate candy. My favorite is a KitKat bar.
Witches of Vampires? I love the idea of witches; one of my earliest memories is being dressed up as a witch.
3. Trick or Treat? I love treats especially chocolate.
4. Halloween Party or Scary Movie? I love Halloween parties especially where there are games that can be played to win prizes.
5. Skeletons or Zombies? I like the idea of Zombies better than Skeletons.
6. Trick-or-Treat or Hand Out Candy? I would love to go Trick-or-Treating again. I tried handing out candy once, however I did not care for it.
7. Hay Ride or Corn Maze? I think I would prefer the corn maze.
8. Scary Costume or Funny Costume? I love funny costumes. My favorite costume I wore was dressing up as blind as a bat girl.
9. Pumpkin Seeds or Pumpkin Pie? I love pumpkin pie.
10. Bottle Feed A Baby Zombie or Walk Alone Through A Dark Forest? I would not mind walking through a dark forest alone.
11. Bats or Black Cats? Black cats hands down. Just pass me a tissue because cats make me sneeze.
12. Pumpkin Spice or hot Chocolate? I love hot chocolate. Its one of my favorites.
13. Celebrate in your neighborhood or at the mall? The mall no questions asked.

I hope you all have a happy and safe Halloween. :)

This tag came from: http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/2015/10/halloween-this-or-that-tag/

The Sunshine Blogger Award Nomination-II

Sunnshine blogger award

Even though I was nominated for The Sunshine Blogger Award before I was also nominated by fellow blogger Nancy Mulligan. Be sure to check out her blog. She is a great writer.

Here are the rules for this award:

Thank the blogger who nominated you in your blog post and link back to her/his blog.

Answer 11 questions that the blogger asked you.

Nominate 11 new bloggers to receive the awards and write them 11 questions.

List the rules and display the Sunshine blogger award logo in your post on your blog.

Nancy, thank you again for this nomination.

Here are the 11 questions Nancy gave me to answer.

What’s the best / worst practical joke that you’ve played on someone or that was played on you? I have not played a joke on anyone or anyone has played a joke on me in a long time. Once my mother gave me my dad’s jeans for me to put on in the morning before school. It was April Fool’s Day.
What “old person” things do you do? I tend to yawn and say, “I’m tired” all the time.
What’s the most expensive thing you’ve broken? I once broke a CD player.
What obstacles would be included in the World’s most amazing obstacle course? I would include a rope course and a moving bridge.
What makes you roll your eyes every time you hear it? It would be “You’re not visually impaired. You have glasses.”
What do you think you are much better at than you actually are? Writing.
What’s the craziest conversation you’ve overheard? Hmm. I have to think about that question.
What’s the hardest you’ve ever worked? For my high school diploma.
What movie, picture, or video always makes you laugh no matter how often you watch it? I love Frozen.
What artist or band do you always recommend when someone asks for a music recommendation? I love Casting Crowns.
If you could have an all-expenses paid trip to see any famous world monument, which monument would you choose? It would be to Mount Rushmore.

Now here are my 11 questions for my nominees.

Do you like coffee or tea?
What is your favorite color and why?
Do you prefer to watch the Sunrise or Sunset?
Describe your perfect day? (In three words)
Do you like wearing shorts or jeans better?
Name the last time you cried?
If you had 1,000 dollars what would you do with it?
Do you prefer a desktop or laptop?
Describe your favorite meal?
What is your favorite season?
What was your first pet you owned as a child?

My 11 Nominees are:

Holly Bird, who runs who runs the blog, hollysbirdnest
Nancy, who runs the blog, myeverydaychallenges
Chessney Rice, who runs the blog, The Game of Chess
Tammy, who runs the blog, midlifemilestones
Stephanie Reece who runs the blog,itsmycrazybeautifullife
Erin, who runs the blog When in Rome GA
Ejaleigh, who runs the blog, writeonejaleigh
White Cane Gamer, who runs the blog,White Cane Gamer
Nicole, who runs the blog,navigatingdarkness
Carol, who runs the blog, The Invisible Vision Project
Lydia Senn, who runs the blog, frugaldebtfreelife

Heavy Traffic, Elevators and a Target Run (independent living skills series 22)

I woke up feeling sick, and it took a lot of effort to get going. Thank goodness for Cheerios and coffee. I got to school early; and the taxi ride was uneventful. During class announcements, I found out that we would be getting a new teacher for our daily living skills classes. i.e. cooking, managing a home, etc. I can not wait to get back into the kitchen. I had Orientation and Mobility again. Things are getting harder, as my teacher is upping the traffic flow and making my routes more difficult.

We started off at an area close to the center. Because I had not been at this intersection before I listened to the flow of traffic. I heard the cars go left, straight, stop, left again, and then straight again. I felt unsure of myself, so I listened to the flow of traffic once more. The third time the traffic started its pattern I was ready to cross; however, I missed my opportunity. I was clearly not on the top of my game. I had to wait again, and I had to wait a long time. I finally made it to the second crossing.

During the second crossing, I learned not to trust the crossing light because it was broken. I truly had to rely on my traffic signal to know when to cross. By the third crossing, I was feeling a little better and was able to cross with confidence.

When we got back into the car it was 11 O’clock. I was hungry! I was hoping some protein would help me perk back up. I really wanted a hamburger, and at first, we were planning on going to McDonald’s, but we changed our minds and we went to Tops. I ordered a cheeseburger, tater tots, and a coke.

The cheeseburger was twice the size of the one I would have gotten at McDonald’s. The extra lettuce, onions and tomatoes made it feel much healthier. The tater tots were so hot they burned my fingers; and they were also greasy. My coke was smooth and tasty as it filled my mouth and slid down my throat. I was so thirsty that I couldn’t drink it fast enough. My lunch as a whole was only $6.00, and my meal gave me the energy I needed to finish my lesson in stride.

Once we finished our lunch we went to a bank. The lobby was filled with people as I navigated to find the elevator. I had to pay attention to the doors as it is normal for it to open to the side of the operating box. I did not like the feeling my stomach got when the elevator went up. I went up to the fourth floor, and then we went back down again. This time the elevator talked and announced each floor. This made it much easier to know what floor I was on. I was a star coming out of the elevator impressing my teacher and many onlookers. When I was leaving the building, I saw a lab puppy. Its fur was light in color and it was laying quietly by it’s raiser while we walked by. It was cute!

The last part of our lesson was going to Historic Downtown Pensacola. There was so much to see as I walked down the streets. There was an archaeological dig going on. Across the street was a school going on a tour about the slave house. I even saw a train. While I was crossing one road my teacher took a video of me crossing.

I even got to go to a gazebo where I practiced my ascending and descending technique for stairs.

On my way back to the car, I practiced compass directions. Believe me I still need help with this.

I learned how to assess my environment because there were so many cars parked along the road. I felt so confident at the end of the lesson; and I really enjoyed seeing downtown.

Our last stop was Target. I got some shampoo, body wash, and another coke. I was so thirsty. We then went back to the school and we had an oral review, and I learned how to transfer while doing sighted guide. It was a great day 😊

National Dyslexia Month…What It Means to Me

“Hey Alexa, spell the word Dyslexia,” I requested my Amazon Echo Alexa. “Sorry, I don’t know that one,” Alexa response. Once again, I request the spelling. D-Y-S-l-E-X-I-A… Dyslexia was the diagnosis I received when I was in the second grade. Back then my mother and teachers could not figure out why I was struggling to read and spell. Testing showed that I have a learning disability called Dyslexia.

According to the International Dyslexia Association, “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.”

What this means is people who have this learning disability have brains that function differently when it comes to learning these specific skills.

Because I was struggling with reading, writing and spelling I went through the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital Dyslexia Training Program while I was in elementary school. With the program’s help I was taught to decode words by using phonetics. This taught me how to read better. The class taught me how to write and spell and use resources like the dictionary when I got stuck with my spelling. With this new-found confidence my grades improved.

I have seen several documentaries about Dyslexia, and one thing I hear that makes me so sad, besides the normal myths and stereotypes, is how parents worry about their child’s future. Many people think that people with this disability cannot have a good career and they will struggle. I can tell you from my own personal experience that just because someone has Dyslexia does not mean they cannot have a good career. We may have to use assistive technology to help us cope, however that is okay. I have a great budding career. I love writing despite having this disability. I have a journalism degree and I want to run my own business.

This month is National Dyslexia month, and it means a lot to me because it helps educate the public about the disability and that people can have success.

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