Harris' InkWell

Turing 30!

This week has been a lot of fun…because I’m turning 30! I can’t believe that I reached a new milestone. I had a lot of fun on my birthday; I received lots of Facebook posts, tweets, and card.

The next night after my birthday, my grandpa and I had a nice quiet dinner at one of my favorite restaurants. I had a small salad, fish, and fries. Of course, to top it all off I had to have a coke. :)

With a new milestone goals have to be set and met. I want to continue working on my career goals. I really would love to work for a non-profit using my writing and social media skills. I would like to continue working on my education. Right now, I’m taking continuing educational classes, however, I would to get my master’s degree one day.

I want to take this time to thank everyone who took their time out of their day to wish me a Happy Birthday. Especially, the doctors, who helped me fight the battle of being a preemie- Without you I wouldn’t be enjoying life today.

Click here to see my birthday pictures and to follow me on Instagram.

The Disability Misconceptions Tag

What is your disability and how does it impact you? Well, actually I have three disabilities. I have Dyslexia which effects my ability to spell, read and sometimes write. Despite this, there are ways that I can achieve success everyday. I had training on how to read, write and spell with my condition when I was in Elementary school. The teacher taught me techniques to help me read, write and spell with confidence. On top of this, I use my Apple Iphone which includes the accommodations of, Siri and voice over. With these accommodations in place, I can write amazingly. Another disability I have is mild Cerebral Palsy. From the time I was young until I was in middle school I have had countless Physical and Occupational therapy sessions. These sessions helped me gain strong muscles in my hands and legs and confidence. Now the only time I really have a problem is, on a rare occasion, I get hand cramps from writing too much, or having a hard time opening a jar. Both of these can also be overcome. For my hand cramps I can over come it by taking a short break, When it comes to opening a jar I can achieve this by using a gripping aid that you can find most anywhere. The most impactful disability would be my low vision, which is caused by a rare eye condition called, Nystagmus. To read more about Nystagmus click the link: Nystagmus Tag (Nystagmus Awareness Day) Nystagmus effects me on a daily basis. For me personally, Its like looking through a piece of clear Saran Wrap-So my vision is blurry. To help me achieve success I use a screen reader, called ZoomText and an accessible print to text reader called Kurzweil 3000. With the use of these items I can achieve anything. It also impacts my ability to drive. I have to rely on public transportation; and that’s okay, there are many people, like me, who have to travel with the help of public transportation.
What is the most common misconception that you come up against with your disability?

For me I hear all the time, “You don’t look disabled.” this really hurts my feelings when people say this to me. I feel that people don’t understand the condition. The fact is there are a lot of people with Nystagmus who wear glasses, just like I do, and they can achieve amazing things. Nystagmus effects everyone differently and that’s okay. That’s what makes each of us unique; and gives us all different kinds of strengths and weaknesses that we can work with.

3. What misconception annoys you the most?

I actually have two misconceptions that annoy me: The first misconception that annoys me the most is hearing, “you’re visually impaired, so you must not able to do…” The fact is people with Nystagmus can do a lot of things, it’s just that we may have to have certain accommodations, such as a screen reader, to help us achieve success.

The second one is, “Oh, you have low vision, you must be on government aid.” The fact is the condition varies from person to person; and not everyone gets government aid, or they may get different forms of government aid.

4. Do you do anything to combat these misconceptions?

I do my best by trying to educate the public on Nystagmus and the kind of help that there is available to people like me. I’m not alone. There are support groups like the Nystagmus Network: Facebook page for the Nystagmus Network and The American Nystagmus Network: Facebook page for The American Nystagmus Network. With the right support, and by educating the public, a lot of the negative misconceptions that are heard can be bursts like bubbles and the correct facts made available. This can help the disability community shine.

Preparing for a special day

On February 24th, my friend and I set out on two very important missions. The first mission was simple… or should I say complex, depending on if you like shopping or not. I love to go shopping, and since its getting warmer here in Florida it was time to update my wardrobe. I was in desperate need of shorts. Luckily for me, after trying on what seemed like 15 pairs, I found four pairs of shorts and one pair of capris. I’m so excited to show off my new clothes on Instagram. :)

The second mission was very close to my heart. You see, I’ve lived with my very loving, caring and supportive grandparents for the past 13 years, and every year on the anniversary of the day I moved in, I buy them lunch and dessert. That’s why my friend and I went to a local Italian restaurant.

My friend and I had lunch there; and we both enjoyed our meals. My friend had a salad and I had a calzone. For my grandparents I bought them, a spaghetti entrée. It came with two garlic knots, and a small appetizer salad. For dessert, I ordered the Double Lava Chocolate cake.

On the day of the anniversary we enjoyed our lunch together.

I can’t thank my loving, caring supportive grandparents enough for what they have and continue to do for me. They have and continue to help me through some of the happiest and toughest times of my live. They have truly spoiled me during these years. Most importantly, I can’t give them enough gratitude for what they have done to help me get an education, and to help me become the successful young woman I am today. That can never be repaid.

My grandparents and I… around the time I moved in.

I did a Tag….

I can’t remember the name of this tag… but here we go:

Are you named after anyone? Yes, my middle name, Gene, is actually my grandfather’s name.
When was the last time you cried? Last Tuesday.
Do you have kids? No, just my dog, Duke.
If you where another person, would you be a friend or yourself? I would be myself.
Do you use sarcasm a lot?-No, I am a very serious person
What’s the firs thing you notice about people? Their smile and their voice
What is your eye color? Blue
Scary movie or happy endings? Happy endings
Favorite smells? lavender and peppermint
What’s the furthest you’ve ever been from home? Pennsylvania
Do you have any special talents? No, not really.
Where were you born? Illinois
What are your hobbies? Writing, reading, YouTube watching
Do you have any pets? My dog
Do you have any siblings? Not biologically, however I have two-step sisters.
What do you want to be when you grow up? A writer
Who was your first best friend? A girl named Patricia Grace, we lost contact in second grade after she moved away.
How tall are you? I’m short, 5’1
Funniest moment throughout school? I have so many happy memories of school I can’t pick one.
How many countries have you visited? Sadly, 0.
What was your favorite/Worst subject in High School? My favorite was English/journalism 101 and my worst was math.
What is your Favorite drink? Dr. Pepper, coffee, and tea are all ties. Animal? Dogs and Orca’s. Perfume? Anything light in smell, but mainly lavender.
What would you (or have you) name your children? Jesse Gene (boy) or Jessie Gene (girl)
What sports do you play/Have you played? Succor, basketball.
Who are some of your favorite YouTubers? Gone to the Snow Dogs, Cooking with the Snow dogs, Molly Burke, Through the eyes of Joy, etc.
How Many Girlfriends/Boyfriends have you had? To personal to answer…next question.
Favorite memory from Childhood? Riding bikes, playing sports, playing with my dog, Noodles
How would you describe your fashion sense? Tomboy, and relaxed even messy at times.
What phone do you have? (IOS v Android?) Iphone 6 plus
Tell us one of your bad habits! Trying to talk when someone else is talking!

More Shopping

Hi Blog world,

This weekend, a friend and I went and did some shopping. First, we went to a thrift store where I bought a small basket for my desk. It was a real blessing to find this basket because the small box I had on my desk broke. The basket is deep enough to hold all my things, yet small enough to fit on my shelf.

Then we headed to Wal-Mart. I bought a new pillow, two pairs of jeggins, ear buds, and some candy. I had a fun time picking out my jeggins and my grandpa says I look good in them.

After that we went to a Mexican restaurant. I had a cheese quesadilla which came with rice and beans. The whole meal was filling and I was stuffed by the time I finished eating.

The last stop we made was to a dollar store. There I bought two pairs of socks, and some bath salts. All in all it was a fun day.

Blog soon,

Amanda Gene

2018 Goals

Hi Blog world,

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2018! I hope each and every one of you had a Merry Christmas and a great New Year. This blog post I wanted to tell you about my goals for this season of life so let’s get going…

Read 15 books, including the book War Horse.
Complete five Alison courses online to help enrich my learning.
Get fit by toning my stomach muscles.

What are some of your goals for this year? Tell me in the comments below.

Blog soon,

Amanda Gene

How has 2017 been…December

Hi Blog world,

Wow, I can’t believe its the end of the year already. This month has gone by so quick. Looking back at my calendar Its been a busy time. I finished my Christmas shopping early, and I have to say all the people who I bought gifts for enjoyed them.

I even got to spend a day out with my best friend, we went to see the movie called “The Star.” You can read more about that day by clicking this link: A day out with friends.

I also spent an evening out with my grandpa, went to dinner at one of my favorite restaurants and then we went to see the Christmas lights. I look forward to this tradition each year.

For Christmas, I received: tea, a book, cookies, candy, pajamas and some money. Duke got some treats which he is loving. What did you guys get for Christmas? Tell me in the comments below.

I hope each and every one of you have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve, and I look forward to hearing from you in 2018!

Blog soon,

Amanda Gene

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: