Greetings and salutations to all. I'm back. Well, sort of. As soon as I got on here, I got some other work to do. Now I'm done. So now let's see. Last week can be described with one word: sick. Yes, that's right. I had a bad cold. Of course, it had to be when I was auditioning for American Idol. LOL. That's okay. A combination of that and picking the absolute wrong song resulted in me not making the cut past the first round. Wow. I'm really having issues here. I need to start reading more again. I just blanked on which form of passed (or past) to use! I spent that night at my grandma's house. It was relaxing, but I kinda wanted to be at home even though nobody else was. I wanted to be around my computer.
Wednesday I went back. That's when the runny nose part of the cold began. My supervisor kept asking if I was sure I should be there. I said I felt well enough and went about my business. I went out to lunch with everyone on Thursday. We had a staff appreciation lunch. It was really good. We actually had a three day weekend.
On Friday I was still sick enough to cause a problem. The good thing was I had my voice back. I left the house only once to get lunch with Kristin. Saturday was the fourth. I didn't leave the house. Everyone was watching fireworks on the lawn. I talked to Darius a lot and talked to Tasha for a while. I talked to Celine too for a little while. That was great. I talked to Tina, my buddy from the seminar too. Actually I just talked on the phone and watched a lot of the Jackson 5 movie.
Sunday I went to Sunday Worship. It was nice. I seem to be singing solos a lot when I go. Yesterday was one where I went with Kristin and My-key and Kristin and I both were asked to sing. It was really random. I miss the choir. It's been a long time since we've all sung something. It's been even longer since we've rehearsed.
Now for my plans for the week. Today I'm going to come home and have a voice lesson and a telephone conference. I'm working on when I can take off and do my pasport. It's kinda irritating. They only have appointments between 10 and 3. I wonder if there's a way to see if the one I had is valid. I think I'll call my mom. It would be great not to have to hassle with all of this crap. The rest of my plans don't happen until either Saturday or Sunday. I'm hoping to hang out with Celine on Friday and Saturday. Sunday I'm going to Denver either on the train or Greyhound to reaudition for American Idol. I'm working with Kristin today on finding good audition pieces. I'll either go Sunday morning or Saturday afternoon depending on what Celine says. I'm really excited. It'll be a great adventure.
Well, sorry it's not the novel people expected. I've got to go to the staff meeting now. Oh boy! I'll talk to everyone later. Take care. I'm excited! I'm excited! I'm excited!!!
Leena
Monday, July 6, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
PSI 7 and other things
Hello everyone. It's been quite some time. Unfortunately, this is going to be a bit vague because I don't want to spoil PSI 7 for my friends who I really hope will go. In many ways, it was a very spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental experience. It covered every part of us. I am a member of PSI 7 team 484! I can't say anything specific about any member of my team, but I will say that we are all awesome! We started as individuals and became a team.
One thing that is highly publicized about PSI 7 is that the participants climb a telephone pole. It is of course metaphorical. I didn't realize I had that much courage. I did when I was young, but I had felt like it had been sapped out of me during middle school and even more at Louisiana Center for the Blind. It's ironic that a training center for the blind to live independently would be a place where I created all kinds of crazy problems for myself. I didn't trust my intuition and got myself into some awful situations. I have lots of pictures from PSI 7.
One thing that has dramatically improved is my self-esteem. I feel so awesome right now. We sometimes call it PSI high and the facilitators call it ranch high. I think I'm simply creating my own responses to things and having a happier life. In August, I'm going to Women's Leadership. I can't wait because I know several of my team members are going too! We worked from usually 7 or 7:30 A.M. until like 10 P.M. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
The week before was mostly uneventful except for Sunday. It was Father's Day. I went to Sunday Worship and I was the host. Then Allison took me shopping. It was a lot of fun. I went straight from there to hope to pack and then I rushed to the airport. When I got back yesterday with all my souvenirs, which range from the normal pictures to the absolutely insane which you will see or feel when you guys come hang out. My plane was delayed 40 minutes. I would have missed Access. Thankfully, a friend was around and willing to pick me up from the airport. Today I came to work at 6 o'clock. I did that so I could leave at 3:30. I'm auditioning for American Idol. I'm really excited even though my throat is kinda sore. I'm visualizing it healthy and my audition going perfectly. I'll come back and update once I've gotten on. Registration is today so my nana is taking me. Woo-hoo! Well, sorry this is so short and vague. I don't even know what to write. They said the events and stuff about our team and events was confidential and I am keeping my word. Sorry to those who wanted more information. I'll talk to everyone later.
Leena
One thing that is highly publicized about PSI 7 is that the participants climb a telephone pole. It is of course metaphorical. I didn't realize I had that much courage. I did when I was young, but I had felt like it had been sapped out of me during middle school and even more at Louisiana Center for the Blind. It's ironic that a training center for the blind to live independently would be a place where I created all kinds of crazy problems for myself. I didn't trust my intuition and got myself into some awful situations. I have lots of pictures from PSI 7.
One thing that has dramatically improved is my self-esteem. I feel so awesome right now. We sometimes call it PSI high and the facilitators call it ranch high. I think I'm simply creating my own responses to things and having a happier life. In August, I'm going to Women's Leadership. I can't wait because I know several of my team members are going too! We worked from usually 7 or 7:30 A.M. until like 10 P.M. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
The week before was mostly uneventful except for Sunday. It was Father's Day. I went to Sunday Worship and I was the host. Then Allison took me shopping. It was a lot of fun. I went straight from there to hope to pack and then I rushed to the airport. When I got back yesterday with all my souvenirs, which range from the normal pictures to the absolutely insane which you will see or feel when you guys come hang out. My plane was delayed 40 minutes. I would have missed Access. Thankfully, a friend was around and willing to pick me up from the airport. Today I came to work at 6 o'clock. I did that so I could leave at 3:30. I'm auditioning for American Idol. I'm really excited even though my throat is kinda sore. I'm visualizing it healthy and my audition going perfectly. I'll come back and update once I've gotten on. Registration is today so my nana is taking me. Woo-hoo! Well, sorry this is so short and vague. I don't even know what to write. They said the events and stuff about our team and events was confidential and I am keeping my word. Sorry to those who wanted more information. I'll talk to everyone later.
Leena
Monday, June 15, 2009
San Luis Obispo
Hello readers. It's a late blog entry. There's a reason though. The brilliant technology people at work decided they didn't like the firewall we were using for the computer. Well, they changed it to one that requires a Kaptcha. For those who haven't heard that name, it's the code that prevents spam bots from accessing computers. It's inaccessible to the blind. Hello. Someone's not thinking on that end. And they call themseles innovatie. Ha! Anyway, on to the updates.
Last week was cool. Kristin and I did a voice lesson Monday evening. I showed her my song which she was impressed with. We're working on it, but I think it's coming along quickly. I think Tuesday was a Lakers game. They won that one too. Then some friends came over for a study group. Wednesday was my Spanish class which turned into a Spanish and french class because a student wanted to be in the class but already knew Spanish. Thursday was another game. That's the one the Lakers lost. I don't remember anything else happening.
The big events started from Friday to Sunday. Friday was my first Metrolink experience. I had been invited by a student to stay at her house in San Luis Obispo. It was really exciting so I decided to go. Well, we had to take the Metrolink because the Amtrack left too early. We went to Montao. I can describe the town with one word: empty. There was not one car or person in hearing range! We called a taxi and went to Ventura so we could wait for her husband.
When he came, we went to El Torrito's. That's one of my favorite places! Then he drove us home. We talked and kept him awake by making him spell words using braille dots. He's really good at it and I think he had fun.
Saturday was really busy. I don't know if any of you know what it's like to feel busy and relaxed all at once, but I do now. I got up at 9:30 in the morning to find a cat sleeping on my chest. I was really happy because I was one of only two people the cats ever slept with that stayed in that room. I said they were good judges of character. LOL. Then I went outside where she was watering the garden. She has this huge garden filled with flowers and fruits. We ate tomatoes and plums. Mmmm! Then her husband made bagels and hot cocoa. She took me on a tour of the whole garden. There were figs, lemons, nectarines, oranges, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, and apples just to name some. After breakfast, we went downtown. We went to the library and the bookstore to see if they had braille books. We were disappointed but found an audio thing on Egyptian Arabic. I checked it out and can give it back later. We continued on to get some things for her friend, some candy from the candy store, bread and free samples from the bread place, cookies, etc. We went to the mission and saw the gardens and the church. We had amazing thai food for lunch.
The most amazing place was Bubblegum Alley. Yes, JAWS users, you heard right. Bubblegum Alley. It was literally this alley that had all the walls covered from top to bottom with three inches of bubblegum! They had me put my hand in a bag to touch the walls. The gum felt like it was part of the walls! People had even written names and dates in it!
After all that, we went to her husband's shop. He's a woodworker who makes custom furniture. He showed me a bunch of stuff he made. The best thing was a jack-in-the-box that looked like a circus tent! How cool is that? We left, had our leftovers for dinner, and we saw Les Miserables! OMG it was phenominal!!!! I liked "On My Own" the best. Well, "Bring Him Home" was close. The two of them had honest passion. Javert couldn't stay on key! It was irritating because he was passionate but couldn't sing. Marius sounded like the guy on the soundtrack which irritated me. It was really fantastic though and I'm so glad I got to see it. We got home late and went to bed.
The next day I got up at (:30 again. I had some hot cocoa and got to make waffles. After that, my student showed me with wood pieces what Union Station looks like. I want to start taking the train. It's so comfortable even if it does take longer than Access sometimes. We went and I got to pick a strawberry and pet her chickens. They're bigger than I thought and very soft. Then we went to the beach.
The beach was where we were supposed to have a picnic. The first thing that happened was that the bread was forgotten. Oh well. We stopped at this barn that got turned into a store and tourist place to get bread. I went to the petting zoo and felt a donkey and some goats. Then we went to the beach. It was so windy that sand was blowing in our faces and food. We ended up leaving the beach and eating lunch at the train station. That's after we took a walk along the shoreline and felt the freezing water against our feet. It was so beautiful. I didn't finish lunch so I took it on the train.
Today of course was work again. I wanted to laugh later this afternoon though. I had ordered one of my students a watch like mine. He came in today and handed me a really big box. It looked like an electronic appliance. I thought he was insane and was about to refuse. I thanked him and he paid me back for the watch. I opened the box up later and found it full to capacity with peanut butter cups. I just about died. Those are my favorite and I couldn't beliee it. I'd never seen such a huge box of those in my life! I thanked him profusely and enjoyed some of the candy.
This evening was a poetry night at work. I sang "The River" a Garth brooks song, and I sang the song I wrote. I was unsure, but when I went to sing the bridge, a melody I didn't expect came out! I hadn't thought of it. I'd thought of a different one but a better one came out. I wish I could remember. They really liked it though. Then I came home, checked e-mail, and wrote this really long entry. Sorry for the length, but I had a lot to say. My basket has been emptied. Enjoy.
Leena
Last week was cool. Kristin and I did a voice lesson Monday evening. I showed her my song which she was impressed with. We're working on it, but I think it's coming along quickly. I think Tuesday was a Lakers game. They won that one too. Then some friends came over for a study group. Wednesday was my Spanish class which turned into a Spanish and french class because a student wanted to be in the class but already knew Spanish. Thursday was another game. That's the one the Lakers lost. I don't remember anything else happening.
The big events started from Friday to Sunday. Friday was my first Metrolink experience. I had been invited by a student to stay at her house in San Luis Obispo. It was really exciting so I decided to go. Well, we had to take the Metrolink because the Amtrack left too early. We went to Montao. I can describe the town with one word: empty. There was not one car or person in hearing range! We called a taxi and went to Ventura so we could wait for her husband.
When he came, we went to El Torrito's. That's one of my favorite places! Then he drove us home. We talked and kept him awake by making him spell words using braille dots. He's really good at it and I think he had fun.
Saturday was really busy. I don't know if any of you know what it's like to feel busy and relaxed all at once, but I do now. I got up at 9:30 in the morning to find a cat sleeping on my chest. I was really happy because I was one of only two people the cats ever slept with that stayed in that room. I said they were good judges of character. LOL. Then I went outside where she was watering the garden. She has this huge garden filled with flowers and fruits. We ate tomatoes and plums. Mmmm! Then her husband made bagels and hot cocoa. She took me on a tour of the whole garden. There were figs, lemons, nectarines, oranges, tomatoes, apricots, peaches, and apples just to name some. After breakfast, we went downtown. We went to the library and the bookstore to see if they had braille books. We were disappointed but found an audio thing on Egyptian Arabic. I checked it out and can give it back later. We continued on to get some things for her friend, some candy from the candy store, bread and free samples from the bread place, cookies, etc. We went to the mission and saw the gardens and the church. We had amazing thai food for lunch.
The most amazing place was Bubblegum Alley. Yes, JAWS users, you heard right. Bubblegum Alley. It was literally this alley that had all the walls covered from top to bottom with three inches of bubblegum! They had me put my hand in a bag to touch the walls. The gum felt like it was part of the walls! People had even written names and dates in it!
After all that, we went to her husband's shop. He's a woodworker who makes custom furniture. He showed me a bunch of stuff he made. The best thing was a jack-in-the-box that looked like a circus tent! How cool is that? We left, had our leftovers for dinner, and we saw Les Miserables! OMG it was phenominal!!!! I liked "On My Own" the best. Well, "Bring Him Home" was close. The two of them had honest passion. Javert couldn't stay on key! It was irritating because he was passionate but couldn't sing. Marius sounded like the guy on the soundtrack which irritated me. It was really fantastic though and I'm so glad I got to see it. We got home late and went to bed.
The next day I got up at (:30 again. I had some hot cocoa and got to make waffles. After that, my student showed me with wood pieces what Union Station looks like. I want to start taking the train. It's so comfortable even if it does take longer than Access sometimes. We went and I got to pick a strawberry and pet her chickens. They're bigger than I thought and very soft. Then we went to the beach.
The beach was where we were supposed to have a picnic. The first thing that happened was that the bread was forgotten. Oh well. We stopped at this barn that got turned into a store and tourist place to get bread. I went to the petting zoo and felt a donkey and some goats. Then we went to the beach. It was so windy that sand was blowing in our faces and food. We ended up leaving the beach and eating lunch at the train station. That's after we took a walk along the shoreline and felt the freezing water against our feet. It was so beautiful. I didn't finish lunch so I took it on the train.
Today of course was work again. I wanted to laugh later this afternoon though. I had ordered one of my students a watch like mine. He came in today and handed me a really big box. It looked like an electronic appliance. I thought he was insane and was about to refuse. I thanked him and he paid me back for the watch. I opened the box up later and found it full to capacity with peanut butter cups. I just about died. Those are my favorite and I couldn't beliee it. I'd never seen such a huge box of those in my life! I thanked him profusely and enjoyed some of the candy.
This evening was a poetry night at work. I sang "The River" a Garth brooks song, and I sang the song I wrote. I was unsure, but when I went to sing the bridge, a melody I didn't expect came out! I hadn't thought of it. I'd thought of a different one but a better one came out. I wish I could remember. They really liked it though. Then I came home, checked e-mail, and wrote this really long entry. Sorry for the length, but I had a lot to say. My basket has been emptied. Enjoy.
Leena
Monday, June 8, 2009
Nostalgia
Hello readers. So it's been a little less than a week since I've written. Well, today I am not in the least inundated by work. You know, I liked that feeling last week. It was stress, but it was a challenge and I had stuff to occupy my time all day. I am totally looking forward to PSI 7. I guess I'll just have to go on a dreaded shopping trip.
One thing that should be noted, I HATE SHOPPING!!! More specifically, I hate shopping for clothes and shoes and fashion related items. I don't know what the reason is. It's probably the crowds of people. Somehow walking around a store with a bunch of people pushing and yelling doesn't seem appealing. There's also something about trying on the clothes though. I think it's a comfort thing. Once I'm comfortable, I don't want to try something else on with the possibility that I won't be comfortable. I used to hide in the car when Nana would have clothes for me to try. We'd drive to her house and I'd complain the whole way. Then I'd refuse to get out of the car. LOL. I was such a baby. I'm still not a fan, but I know I need better dress shoes since one pair broke and the other pair is breaking and sticking to my feet. I also need a few more jeans and casual shirts. I have so much work stuff. My tennis shoes are also falling apart. My goal is to spend half an hour in a store and get two or three jeans, the same for shirts, and a pair each of tennis shoes and dress shoes. Maybe an hour because I'm guessing I'll have to find the shoe place. Okay. I'm stopping with that stuff right now.
Last week was mostly uneventful. Thursday we watched the Laker game. I went to Lancaster this weekend to visit my family. We threw a surprise birthday party for Mom. She was really shocked and it was hilarious. I can't remember the last time I saw some of those people. I also read a lot. I'm reading this book called Tasting the Sky which is about a Palestinian refugee. It's not anti-Israeli. It's about how she found refuge in writing and she wants everyone to come together. It's a powerful story. Sunday my sister dropped me off at home. She had to drop off my younger sister's boyfriend and I was on the way. Also, Access had been suspended because they claimed I had too many no-shows.
And now for the wonderful news. Access was wrong. I sent in my appeal and it has been overturned. I only ended up without Access for three days. I can start booking trips tomorrow. I am so incredibly relieved. I know my friends don't mind helping me, but most of you know how I am. I have been trying to be self-sufficient for so long that I have to be taught to receive gifts/compliments. It's hard sometimes. I must say though that three days without Access is enough to convince me to cancel a trip at least two hours in advance. Anyway, It is with jubiliation that I announce that tomorrow is the last day of my suspension!
Now is the real reason for writing this. The title of this post is nostalgia. I've been feeling it a lot recently. It seems so old to talk about "the good old days", but I don't care. Even in high school I was just so much more innocent. I was connected to my friends and we had our high school lives and our outside social lives. Braille Institute was the hang-out for all the blindies. Now everybody's got jobs, boyfriends, and no time for the old connections. I mean, the people reading this blog are mostly old friends mixed in with some new ones. OMG! I forgot to mention that I broke up with Chris. I'm free!!! Anyway, I feel like while I am relieved and happy to be free of that situation, breaking up with Chris was breaking the last connection to my past. Well, when I was a little girl I mean. I mean, Tasha has a boyfriend who she spends every waking moment with. We talk maybe once every two or three weeks instead of every day. Oh. And randomly, Darius called Thursday. That was so hard. He told me a lot of stuff that makes much less attractive, but I thought about what life was like before Louisiana and before Darius. It was so much different and sometimes I long for that life again.
Well, that's my thoughts on that. But I forgot to update you on what happened yesterday. Disjointed, yes, but at least it's in paragraphs. LOL. Yesterday after I went home, it was time for Sunday worship. I was looking forward to singing with the choir. Well, the choir didn't sing. A man sang "Summertime". It was a very creative way to sing the song. I question the choice with relations to its ability to be used in a worship service, but he had style. Then we had a really great guest speaker. When he finished, they called me to the mic to sing "Blowin' In the Wind." It was a total surprise. I was so panicky because my throat had been scratchy all morning. Well, it wasn't when I got up to sing. I think that was one of my more expressive performances. After the service, we went to a friend's house for a barbecue. I had two of them in one weekend. Her son's band had put on the barbecue. They played and they were quite good. We once again watched the basketball game. Go Lakers! It actually was an amazing game. Then we watched Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. For those who don't know, that is the original and that is so much better than the newer one.
Well, there you have it. This is all I have to say. There's no controversy or difficult topics in this one. I guess that happens from time to time. I'm gonna go even though I have another half hour. I don't know what else to say. So take care and have joy and love in your lives. Take care.
Leena
One thing that should be noted, I HATE SHOPPING!!! More specifically, I hate shopping for clothes and shoes and fashion related items. I don't know what the reason is. It's probably the crowds of people. Somehow walking around a store with a bunch of people pushing and yelling doesn't seem appealing. There's also something about trying on the clothes though. I think it's a comfort thing. Once I'm comfortable, I don't want to try something else on with the possibility that I won't be comfortable. I used to hide in the car when Nana would have clothes for me to try. We'd drive to her house and I'd complain the whole way. Then I'd refuse to get out of the car. LOL. I was such a baby. I'm still not a fan, but I know I need better dress shoes since one pair broke and the other pair is breaking and sticking to my feet. I also need a few more jeans and casual shirts. I have so much work stuff. My tennis shoes are also falling apart. My goal is to spend half an hour in a store and get two or three jeans, the same for shirts, and a pair each of tennis shoes and dress shoes. Maybe an hour because I'm guessing I'll have to find the shoe place. Okay. I'm stopping with that stuff right now.
Last week was mostly uneventful. Thursday we watched the Laker game. I went to Lancaster this weekend to visit my family. We threw a surprise birthday party for Mom. She was really shocked and it was hilarious. I can't remember the last time I saw some of those people. I also read a lot. I'm reading this book called Tasting the Sky which is about a Palestinian refugee. It's not anti-Israeli. It's about how she found refuge in writing and she wants everyone to come together. It's a powerful story. Sunday my sister dropped me off at home. She had to drop off my younger sister's boyfriend and I was on the way. Also, Access had been suspended because they claimed I had too many no-shows.
And now for the wonderful news. Access was wrong. I sent in my appeal and it has been overturned. I only ended up without Access for three days. I can start booking trips tomorrow. I am so incredibly relieved. I know my friends don't mind helping me, but most of you know how I am. I have been trying to be self-sufficient for so long that I have to be taught to receive gifts/compliments. It's hard sometimes. I must say though that three days without Access is enough to convince me to cancel a trip at least two hours in advance. Anyway, It is with jubiliation that I announce that tomorrow is the last day of my suspension!
Now is the real reason for writing this. The title of this post is nostalgia. I've been feeling it a lot recently. It seems so old to talk about "the good old days", but I don't care. Even in high school I was just so much more innocent. I was connected to my friends and we had our high school lives and our outside social lives. Braille Institute was the hang-out for all the blindies. Now everybody's got jobs, boyfriends, and no time for the old connections. I mean, the people reading this blog are mostly old friends mixed in with some new ones. OMG! I forgot to mention that I broke up with Chris. I'm free!!! Anyway, I feel like while I am relieved and happy to be free of that situation, breaking up with Chris was breaking the last connection to my past. Well, when I was a little girl I mean. I mean, Tasha has a boyfriend who she spends every waking moment with. We talk maybe once every two or three weeks instead of every day. Oh. And randomly, Darius called Thursday. That was so hard. He told me a lot of stuff that makes much less attractive, but I thought about what life was like before Louisiana and before Darius. It was so much different and sometimes I long for that life again.
Well, that's my thoughts on that. But I forgot to update you on what happened yesterday. Disjointed, yes, but at least it's in paragraphs. LOL. Yesterday after I went home, it was time for Sunday worship. I was looking forward to singing with the choir. Well, the choir didn't sing. A man sang "Summertime". It was a very creative way to sing the song. I question the choice with relations to its ability to be used in a worship service, but he had style. Then we had a really great guest speaker. When he finished, they called me to the mic to sing "Blowin' In the Wind." It was a total surprise. I was so panicky because my throat had been scratchy all morning. Well, it wasn't when I got up to sing. I think that was one of my more expressive performances. After the service, we went to a friend's house for a barbecue. I had two of them in one weekend. Her son's band had put on the barbecue. They played and they were quite good. We once again watched the basketball game. Go Lakers! It actually was an amazing game. Then we watched Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. For those who don't know, that is the original and that is so much better than the newer one.
Well, there you have it. This is all I have to say. There's no controversy or difficult topics in this one. I guess that happens from time to time. I'm gonna go even though I have another half hour. I don't know what else to say. So take care and have joy and love in your lives. Take care.
Leena
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Being Busy
Hi to everyone. First I want to apologize to anyone that I haven't been trying to be in touch with more. I feel like I've been running on some unknown energy source and then crashing down. No, it's not drugs although that kinda sounds a bit too close to what happens when a person takes meth. Yikes! I think that energy source is that I'm trying to find myself in all the messes I've created and trying to uncover that person. I think that meant that starting during the Memorial Day weekend, I just kinda lost all focus. I needed alone time galore when I got home. I'd hang out with Kristin, but I'd go into my room a lot and just sit with things. I would talk to people on occasion, but usually I could be found sitting either with Kristin and My-key listening or in my room listening to music, movies, or Adventures in Odyssey.
I went to another seminar this weekend. It was about being a woman who is powerful. It did make me see things from a different perspective. I learned about how to receive things or compliments. Stupid homophones. I can't remember if that one's compliments or complements. JAWS users, one has an e after the l and one has an i. It was very helpful. I am working on being more A communicative and b committed to what I'm saying. That's another topic that we learned about in the context of setting boundaries for ourselves.
That's about it on the update. Now I have a question/concern. Sunday I was listening to Odyssey. I love there programs, but one episode made me almost get angry. It was one of the episodes where the main character Mr. Whitaker, was using a radio station to broadcast a Bible lesson. He told the story of these two guys: Simon and Sunny. It started out with Sunny stealing candy from a vending machine. After that, he grew up stealing stuff from stores, cars, and all kinds of stuff. He was a mob boss and things like that. He ended up dying in prison and went to Hell. Okay fine. Simon was always made fun of for being so honest. He always toldthe truth and worked to help people. He founded some reputable charity organization. He served in Congress. He was running for president when he was hit by a car. When they showed where he was, he was the roommate of the mobster. Why? Because he didn't accept Jesus as the only way. He said when asked, "I believe in God, but there is room in my heart and my campaign for all faiths." Now I won't speak to the belief itself. What I will say is why on earth would someone teach that to little kids? I know it's just a show, but I felt like it could have major adverse effects on little kids listening. This would mean Gandhi would go to Hell. I don't believe that, but I can't say anything about anyone else. It's not my place. I've talked to a few people about this, but I want clarification of why little kids would be learning this. For me, I'm concerned that it would be fostering hatred among Christian children, and I know that's not what Christ, or most Christians, want. Please explain.
Well, it's time for me to sign off. Thanks for listening to my rambling. Take care.
Leena
I went to another seminar this weekend. It was about being a woman who is powerful. It did make me see things from a different perspective. I learned about how to receive things or compliments. Stupid homophones. I can't remember if that one's compliments or complements. JAWS users, one has an e after the l and one has an i. It was very helpful. I am working on being more A communicative and b committed to what I'm saying. That's another topic that we learned about in the context of setting boundaries for ourselves.
That's about it on the update. Now I have a question/concern. Sunday I was listening to Odyssey. I love there programs, but one episode made me almost get angry. It was one of the episodes where the main character Mr. Whitaker, was using a radio station to broadcast a Bible lesson. He told the story of these two guys: Simon and Sunny. It started out with Sunny stealing candy from a vending machine. After that, he grew up stealing stuff from stores, cars, and all kinds of stuff. He was a mob boss and things like that. He ended up dying in prison and went to Hell. Okay fine. Simon was always made fun of for being so honest. He always toldthe truth and worked to help people. He founded some reputable charity organization. He served in Congress. He was running for president when he was hit by a car. When they showed where he was, he was the roommate of the mobster. Why? Because he didn't accept Jesus as the only way. He said when asked, "I believe in God, but there is room in my heart and my campaign for all faiths." Now I won't speak to the belief itself. What I will say is why on earth would someone teach that to little kids? I know it's just a show, but I felt like it could have major adverse effects on little kids listening. This would mean Gandhi would go to Hell. I don't believe that, but I can't say anything about anyone else. It's not my place. I've talked to a few people about this, but I want clarification of why little kids would be learning this. For me, I'm concerned that it would be fostering hatred among Christian children, and I know that's not what Christ, or most Christians, want. Please explain.
Well, it's time for me to sign off. Thanks for listening to my rambling. Take care.
Leena
Saturday, May 23, 2009
I am changing
So this week has been different from any other. I have had a lot more energy even though I was tired. It was also one of the busiest times. Monday was fairly relaxing as compared to the seminar weekend. I came home and just relaxed after work. Tuesday was a life success interview where I was asked what I discovered about myself and how I would fulfill my goals. Wednesday was my graduation. The people that said they'd come didn't make it except for Kristin and my-key. Yesterday I saw The King and I with one of my students. It's nice to get some culture. Today I worked again but I made a mistake and napped at 3:30 when I came home. Now I'm semi-awake. It's an awake where you don't want to do anything, but you still can't sleep.
I just am interested that this week, despite being tired, I have had plenty of energy. It was really funny because on Monday I was fairly energetic and my students were quite the opposite. I literally made them get up and jump up and down and yell "I'm excited!" three times. I must say that it worked. They thought I was absolutely crazy, but I had to tell them that the energy was very different and they could tell. Another change is that I think I've been walking straighter and with more confidence. Sighted folks who have seen me, what do you think? I guess out of all my readers, that means Kristin. LOL. I didn't even really think about that. I have also been coming up with myriad goals to get done. I want to record a demo and have already taken my first action step which was picking out the songs. I would like to create a whole new braille curriculum with more variety in the exercises including paragraphs/stories with content, word searches, proofreading, dictation, and essay topics. I would also show them elevators, calendars, menus, and other stuff that's in the current curriculum, but I'd make them from real places and I'd consolidate it all into one book. I'd include all my memory tricks for the alphabet and punctuation. I'd do a vocabulary scaenger hunt for the Grade 2 learners so they could learn to use the dictionary. I feel like I need to leave JBA in order to do this. I mean, I talked to my supervisor and she's unwilling to let me do this because this other awful curriculum we're using is free. I just feel like it's boring the students. I feel like I'm losing motivation when I get to a certain point because it's all fill-in-the-blank! Anyway, that's my second goal.
My third goal is one that could be easier. I want to fundraise $3600 so I can go to the advanced PSI seminars and learn to be a better leader and overall stronger person. Any ideas? One of my students said she would call some people she knew to get help. This is NOT a monetary solicitation. This is asking for ideas.
This weekend is going to be all about Leena and her relaxation. I am going to have a voice lesson at around noon I think and then I'm going to a friend's wedding. Sunday I am hosting Sunday serice and then I'm resting at home. Monday I have absolutely nothing planned! I think I need a definition of nothing planned. Chris invited me, but his mom said no. I don't know how I'm going to do this. Okay. I need to stop the limiting talk and figure it out. I just have to tell him the truth.
Okay. This is randomness, but I need to express my beliefs on a few things. One of those things is religion. I feel very confused as far as that goes. I feel like so many people put an emphasis on the founder and not the teachings. For me, if I go somewhere that doesn't contradict the teachings of a religion, but never mentions the religion, founder, etc., I feel that it is still good. Jesus said that we would know something good by the fruit it bears, right? Maybe I'm out of context, and if so please correct me, but it seems like things like a Muslim-run charity organization or something would be a good thing even if it doesn't directly happen in the name of Baha'u'llah or Jesus or Moses. In my case, I believe if there were a religion which would worship God and not focus so heavily on its founder, that's what I would be. This is all about study and prayer and witnessing people. Sometimes, we get so lost in who we gollow that we lose sight of the father of us all. Isn't that the most important thing? Our creator and what he wants us to do? The Word of God is an undeniable truth, and the people who received it are great examples to follow, but it's the Word that they followed that is of paramount importance. It's about practicing what you preach instead of doing something and then praising the founder for not getting caught doing it.
I can already hear a few voices, and no, this is not meant as accusatory toward anyone. This is my own societal observation which, as a person living in the U.S., I feel free to reveal. If you are offended, my apologies, but NOT a retraction. I ask that you not give me the power to offend you and just take these words for what they are: my opinion. I am making a promise to myself that I will not follow blindly along like a sheep in the herd just to feel accepted. I am an outspoken, honest, opinionated person and will not hide that part of me any longer. In any case, I ask that before criticism, you would reflect on what I have said. At the same time, I love discussion so please send what you think to me. I have no problems with anyone's opinions of what I write. I only ask that this not be considered as some crazy reflection of my character.
As for me, I believe I am a person who cannot praise anyone but God himself. I do everything in the name of God. I feel a little confused because I don't think there is one religion that isn't focused on the founder or considering the teachings and Word of God to be the teachings of the founder. So that's my opinion. Now I'm a little tired and am going to go back to sleep so I'm refreshed and energetic in the morning for my voice lesson. Peace and happy trails to all.
Leena
I just am interested that this week, despite being tired, I have had plenty of energy. It was really funny because on Monday I was fairly energetic and my students were quite the opposite. I literally made them get up and jump up and down and yell "I'm excited!" three times. I must say that it worked. They thought I was absolutely crazy, but I had to tell them that the energy was very different and they could tell. Another change is that I think I've been walking straighter and with more confidence. Sighted folks who have seen me, what do you think? I guess out of all my readers, that means Kristin. LOL. I didn't even really think about that. I have also been coming up with myriad goals to get done. I want to record a demo and have already taken my first action step which was picking out the songs. I would like to create a whole new braille curriculum with more variety in the exercises including paragraphs/stories with content, word searches, proofreading, dictation, and essay topics. I would also show them elevators, calendars, menus, and other stuff that's in the current curriculum, but I'd make them from real places and I'd consolidate it all into one book. I'd include all my memory tricks for the alphabet and punctuation. I'd do a vocabulary scaenger hunt for the Grade 2 learners so they could learn to use the dictionary. I feel like I need to leave JBA in order to do this. I mean, I talked to my supervisor and she's unwilling to let me do this because this other awful curriculum we're using is free. I just feel like it's boring the students. I feel like I'm losing motivation when I get to a certain point because it's all fill-in-the-blank! Anyway, that's my second goal.
My third goal is one that could be easier. I want to fundraise $3600 so I can go to the advanced PSI seminars and learn to be a better leader and overall stronger person. Any ideas? One of my students said she would call some people she knew to get help. This is NOT a monetary solicitation. This is asking for ideas.
This weekend is going to be all about Leena and her relaxation. I am going to have a voice lesson at around noon I think and then I'm going to a friend's wedding. Sunday I am hosting Sunday serice and then I'm resting at home. Monday I have absolutely nothing planned! I think I need a definition of nothing planned. Chris invited me, but his mom said no. I don't know how I'm going to do this. Okay. I need to stop the limiting talk and figure it out. I just have to tell him the truth.
Okay. This is randomness, but I need to express my beliefs on a few things. One of those things is religion. I feel very confused as far as that goes. I feel like so many people put an emphasis on the founder and not the teachings. For me, if I go somewhere that doesn't contradict the teachings of a religion, but never mentions the religion, founder, etc., I feel that it is still good. Jesus said that we would know something good by the fruit it bears, right? Maybe I'm out of context, and if so please correct me, but it seems like things like a Muslim-run charity organization or something would be a good thing even if it doesn't directly happen in the name of Baha'u'llah or Jesus or Moses. In my case, I believe if there were a religion which would worship God and not focus so heavily on its founder, that's what I would be. This is all about study and prayer and witnessing people. Sometimes, we get so lost in who we gollow that we lose sight of the father of us all. Isn't that the most important thing? Our creator and what he wants us to do? The Word of God is an undeniable truth, and the people who received it are great examples to follow, but it's the Word that they followed that is of paramount importance. It's about practicing what you preach instead of doing something and then praising the founder for not getting caught doing it.
I can already hear a few voices, and no, this is not meant as accusatory toward anyone. This is my own societal observation which, as a person living in the U.S., I feel free to reveal. If you are offended, my apologies, but NOT a retraction. I ask that you not give me the power to offend you and just take these words for what they are: my opinion. I am making a promise to myself that I will not follow blindly along like a sheep in the herd just to feel accepted. I am an outspoken, honest, opinionated person and will not hide that part of me any longer. In any case, I ask that before criticism, you would reflect on what I have said. At the same time, I love discussion so please send what you think to me. I have no problems with anyone's opinions of what I write. I only ask that this not be considered as some crazy reflection of my character.
As for me, I believe I am a person who cannot praise anyone but God himself. I do everything in the name of God. I feel a little confused because I don't think there is one religion that isn't focused on the founder or considering the teachings and Word of God to be the teachings of the founder. So that's my opinion. Now I'm a little tired and am going to go back to sleep so I'm refreshed and energetic in the morning for my voice lesson. Peace and happy trails to all.
Leena
Monday, May 18, 2009
Shameless Plugs
Hello to all my loyal readers. For those I don't hear from anymore, I miss you and I miss your feedback. For those who do reply, thank you for your honesty, support, and most of all, your friendship. Please know that I mean this completely. And now for the updates and promotions.
This weekend was an emotional roller coaster. That's an incredible understatement. Since Darius, I think I cried in front of people who were semistrangers once and that was at the Baha'i Conference. Otherwise, I rarely let that show to friends, let alone anyone else. I think this weekend I cried in front of my classmates four times! Well, I know for sure three, but another time few times I came close. I don't remember if I cried Saturday night when I left. I think only one person besides me who reads this will understand why I said that. And I'm not telling because I can see the benefit for every person to go to PSI seminars. So that's my first plug. LOL. Wednesday evening is a guest event for the seminar. It's a surprise activity and my graduation. It is also a time to enroll in the seminar for a significant discount. Anyone who wants more information, please feel free to e-mail me by either replying to this post or sending a different e-mail all together.
One of the activities we did had to do with goal setting. We each had to set a 90-day goal. In 90 days, I will record a demo, contact and send it to 10 studios, and follow up. My other 90-day goal is to attend the two advanced courses. One is for life success and one is leadership. I am trying to fundraise to get the money. My idea, thanks to my groupmates, is to find places where I can sing and see if people will donate. If anyone can offer support of any kind, which includes ideas, assistance, etc. it would all be greatly appreciated. This whole thing was such a worthwhile thing for me and I am so grateful that I got to have this experience. Just so you know, I do not earn anything for having people come. I don't think I'd be doing this if I got something out of it because then it would be a trick IMHO.
Well, I need to sign off. I know it was short, but I have class soon. Have a wonderful day.
Leena
This weekend was an emotional roller coaster. That's an incredible understatement. Since Darius, I think I cried in front of people who were semistrangers once and that was at the Baha'i Conference. Otherwise, I rarely let that show to friends, let alone anyone else. I think this weekend I cried in front of my classmates four times! Well, I know for sure three, but another time few times I came close. I don't remember if I cried Saturday night when I left. I think only one person besides me who reads this will understand why I said that. And I'm not telling because I can see the benefit for every person to go to PSI seminars. So that's my first plug. LOL. Wednesday evening is a guest event for the seminar. It's a surprise activity and my graduation. It is also a time to enroll in the seminar for a significant discount. Anyone who wants more information, please feel free to e-mail me by either replying to this post or sending a different e-mail all together.
One of the activities we did had to do with goal setting. We each had to set a 90-day goal. In 90 days, I will record a demo, contact and send it to 10 studios, and follow up. My other 90-day goal is to attend the two advanced courses. One is for life success and one is leadership. I am trying to fundraise to get the money. My idea, thanks to my groupmates, is to find places where I can sing and see if people will donate. If anyone can offer support of any kind, which includes ideas, assistance, etc. it would all be greatly appreciated. This whole thing was such a worthwhile thing for me and I am so grateful that I got to have this experience. Just so you know, I do not earn anything for having people come. I don't think I'd be doing this if I got something out of it because then it would be a trick IMHO.
Well, I need to sign off. I know it was short, but I have class soon. Have a wonderful day.
Leena
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