Category: Daily Living
Hello all,
So let me tell you a little about myself here.
I recently graduated from high school. People have suggested I attend a place called the hatlin center, a center that teaches blind people how to do skills in daily life. While I think it is generally a good idea to learn, I am a person who would like to be independent, and one who strives to be as successful as possible.
Lately, I have gone to my voc rehab here in Alaska. I have a plan this Tuesday, where we will go over a few things, and as for what those are, not sure yet.
I'm ready to work, not be on a program called ssi. And I think where the work needs to begin, is in my daily life.
1. Cooking. I think that this is terribly frustrating. This being said, I do like it, however. Does anyone have tips or tricks on say, how to fry bacon, or how to bake, and know when the food is actually completed?
2. Walking in busy streets. I know the rule, follow parallel traffic. I get it, but I tend to want to go at times, when there is turning traffic, not sure if this makes sense, so let me know if it doesn't.
3. Washing clothes - Any tips on how to do this without getting colors of clothing mixed up would be appreciated.
4. House cleaning. Ok, I've wanted to do this forever, and get it right. This being said, someone at my current home hasn't ever taught me these things correctly.
This is all I can come up for now. As one might be able to tell, I'm pretty dumb when it comes to daily life. If anyone could assist, that'd be appreciated.
Thanks.
Hi Paul. First, kudos to you for recognizing that the work needs to begin with your learning about independent living. No shame in realizing that, and working to learn the kinds of skills you're talking about. I hope you get some helpful answers here. Some of your questions are kind of general, so the answers you get might be general, but we can at least try to help. Let's see.
1. The two most common ways I do bacon are either on a George Foreman grill, or in the oven. Both are nice because you don't have to mess with flipping the bacon. I guess of the two ways, I'd say oven is preferable. I think I do it for like 17 minutes at 350 degrees. When it comes to baking, your best bet for knowing when stuff is done is to follow the recipe, especially if you're new to that kind of thing. As you get more familiar with cooking and how to do it, you can improvise a bit more, but initially recipes and timers are your friends. Also, don't be afraid to use your hands, to actually touch the food. No, that's not how sighties do things, but we're blind people. As long as you wash your hands frequently as you cook, you're fine.
2. I think I understand what you mean when you say you tend to want to cross when there's turning traffic. Often turners are at the very beginning of the light cycle, which is when we're taught we should cross. In that case, I usually wait a few seconds till the turning traffic has gone, and I hear that regular parallel surge, and go with that.
3. Laundry: People usually sort clothes by whites like underwear and socks and white shirts, to light colors, to dark ones. A lot of what I've had to do is ask someone sighted when I first buy something if a certain piece of clothing classifies as light or dark, and then it's just a matter of remembering what clothes would go in hwat pile. I've even written that kind of thing down before when I get something new, till I'm used to washing it. Most things aren't a big deal if you accidentally wash with the wrong kind, but be careful of things that have red in them.
4. This one is really general, so I'm not sure what to tell you. Maybe think of some more specific questions you have about house cleaning, so people can give you more specific answers.
Hope this helps.
You can also do bacon in the microwave. Time will depend on the type and cut of the bacon as well as the power of the microwave.
You can buy dishes especially for cooking bacon in the microwave or use a plate or some microwave safe dish. Put a paper towel on the plate and then layer the bacon on the plate, allowing a bit of space between slices. Place another paper towel over the top of the bacon. Give it 45 seconds for the first shot until you've gotten an idea of how long it will take to cook and then add 45 seconds or so until it is done to your satisfaction.
Also, they used to make a sort of lid type thing to use in a skillet. You put your bacon in the skillet and then put this vented metal lid type thing over the bacon and cook. The metal causes the bacon to be done on the top as well as the bottom without it having to be flipped.
You can buy various types of identifiers for your clothing and either sew them in or pin with a safety pin. You could also use puffy paint. I have little braille aluminum tags and some clear plastic tape (it is like labeling tape only it doesn't have the sticky back) that I can Braille with color, etc. There are also pins with movable beads you can use to coordinate colors. There are alos color identifiers you can use to check the approximate colors of your clothing. They run from around $200 on up.
I have been using Shout Color Catchers for the past year or so. I throw them in with my whites and light colors just in case to prevent mishaps. They seem to come in two varieties, one type is sheets that are similar to fabric softener sheets but you throw in with the wash. The others come in packets that you tear open and add to the wash. The packets have a very strong fishy odor (although it doesn't stay in the clothing) but it stinks up my laundry area so I don't like that type.
Good for you, fella. You're already taking the first step. Just remember that we all have our way of doing things, and what works really well for one might not work at all for another. If you see a bunch of conflicting or contradictory methods, keep them all in mind and just try until you find the setup that works best for you and your current situation.
When I cook bacon, I use an electric skillet. Once I've put the bacon in, I put the lid on and cook it for about 7 minutes or so on high. Both sides will get done this way, but as someone already pointed out, the size and cut of the bacon will effect the cooking time.
Let’s see. Cooking.
I agree with what has been said. Cooking is a skill you practice. Get some cook books, or look online. Go with the directions until you understand how it works.
I learned to cook by asking my mother and other women, and just trying it. I really don’t think it is a sighted or blind deal. I think you just learn how you do things your way.
My gran mother cooked by hand, meaning, she never really measured things, just used her hand as the measurement. I find myself doing this now, even though I’ve got cups and spoons for it.
Traveling.
What I think you mean is cars, or traffic turns or something, so you think it is coming. Wait until you hear, feel, the traffic is flowing the way you want to go. Traffic signals have turning signals and depending on what side you are on, this gets confusing maybe.
I always wait until one car has gone just in case some nut runs the light too. I also wait on a fresh light unless I’ve been listening as I come up.
Washing.
I am specific about my clothes, but believe it or not, I never sort the colors. I use a soap that has an all-purpose bleach, and cold water. This way my colors never run, even reds and such.
I don’t dry things like jeans, shirts, but let them air dry, but that requires some place to hang things, so if you must dry, don’t dry the stuff completely, like a shirt. You can hang them sort of damp, and they won’t need ironing.
Buy clothes that are color safe, and if you buy something cheap, just wash it the first time by hand, so the color can bleed alone.
Cleaning.
You wipe until what you are cleaning feels like it. Use some soap, but only a little.
Your hands, feet, and such will tell you.
This is also a practiced deal.
I understand doing things independently, but when you choose that option, you have to have a place you can practice just living.
That is what the training centers, or whatever provide, a place to just do it!
I use a pen friend for labeling, and it comes with washable stickers, so that's great. They run at about 100 dollars, or so.
Cooking: They've pretty much told you some good stuff. The George Foreman grill is great, that's the best way for hamburgers and stuff. Baking is fairly easy too. Just use a timer until you get the smell of the food down.
Travel: I'm still a work in progress. lol :)
Cleaning: Once again, it just depends.
Well, there's always maid service. Lol
Just had too.
You've got the right spirit.
If you have some kind of voc rehab center that you can go to, I'd highly recommend you attend it.
I went to one right out of high school, at that time I thought it was a waste of time--boy was I wrong. Mainly what I learned was confidence, but I learned a lott of travel skills, along witth daily living skills.
Be careful of some of the NFB centers as they want to teach a philosophy rather than a skill.
Just my thoughts.
Bob
Wayne, maid service is wonderful...if you can afford it. I've done that a few times when I've been employed, and may do it again at some point. However, it's pretty expensive, definitely not something one can afford on SSI. LOL. I wish!
Bob, you know I respectfully disagree with you. I think the NFB centers are great at teaching skills, particularly because many of those teachers are blind themselves, so have to live the skills they teach, not sighted people who can go home and do it with their eyes. However, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I know Centers are a controversial topic. I don't want this board to turn into a center debate, just had to put my two cents in. Done now.
Depends what and how you learn. I initially registered for hatlen, however, had to change my plans as school is a higher priority for me. I am rather glad as I am training through a center which sends trainers to your own home for ILS training. I discovered that I learn rapidly and a six month training program would be rather lengthy. I felt precisely as you do, but then discovered that I am able to do it quite well if guided once. I have cooked several dishes that used similar skills the ILS trainer introduced to me.
First, I must caution you to be extremely safe and careful, especially travel, It could be between life and death. Request for sighted assistance whenever in doubt. I do not prefer to cross major intersections by myself if not necessary even if I am definitely capable. With intersections, I usually wait for at least 4 to 6 seconds before I cross. If there is no parallel traffic, do not cross!!!! please seek out another route. When traveling I suggest you at least be familiar with a few routes to one destination.
As for cooking, I suggest some plastic tongs. If you are as heat resistant as I am use oven mitts. Make sure they have separate fingers.
I wouldn't worry too much about the cooking... as others have said, it takes
time and patience to learn.
I'm sighted and I still have problems with some things like soft boiled eggs...
mine usually turn out harder boiled than I was wanting (yolk is still runny,
but more solid than runny) or hard boiled and slightly burnt. I am also not
very good with baking cookies either... they tend to be very flat and very
hard on the teeth and not soft and chewy and puffy like you can get at a
proper bakery.
I can make homemade bread by hand like it's nobody's business... I've got
the recipe memorised and can tell by touch when the dough has been
kneaded enough. However, I've been baking two loaves every week to 10
days for the past two years, so all of that so-called talent has come with lots
of practice and some failure along the way in the form of loaves that didn't
rise properly, or baked properly and sank after they were taken out of the
oven.
I can do bbq beef or pork ribs and spicy pork chops with onion all in the
oven... these items are slow roasted over several hours, so they're easy
enough to make... for the ribs, you have to mix the bbq sauce yourself, using
ingredients in your cupboard, but it isn't difficult and it might be something
for you to try. If you would like, I would be happy to send you recipes for
these items... this offer is open to anyone who wishes to give them a whirl...
just in-box me with an email address and I'll send them to you.
Anyway, once you find some recipes that are easy for you to make and
you've made them a few times, you'll surely become an old hand in the
kitchen.
Following recipes is quite the key, yes, I agree. I am very new to cooking but it is not as difficult as it is made out to be. Everyone has been satisfied with what I have made. I've made a few Vietnamese dishes before such as vermicelli and summer rolls. I can supply those recipes. I am attempting bunmi sandwiches tomorrow. I have also made stake and garlic mashed potatoes and chicken tacos. ONe night I made pizza.
I still have to try to prepare pho which is more difficult.
Cooking is absolutely fun, as long as one knows what to do. Personally speaking, cooking, which is an art and chemistry, is one of my many hobbies, and I love to try new dishes and to experiment new styles.
Kudos to you for wanting to learn to be independent.
I personally had someone come to my parents' home when I was still in high school. She worked with me on everything you would like to, and more.
1. cooking
start simple: eggs, bacon, steamed veggies, burgers. Anything you can slap into a skillet or boil or steam in some water is very easy. With things on the skillet, you want to remember to move them around a lot so it doesn't stick. Whether you're cooking sausage, bacon, eggs, or chicken in a skillet, be sure to tend to it and move it around with a spatula to cook it evenly and to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Mind you, I don't use non-stick stuff, or anything teflon-coated. You can tell when it is done by how firm it is, and by how it sounds in the skillet. Things that are done hiss and pop louder, whereas things just dropped into the skillet will hiss softly or make almost no noise.
With veggies or potatoes, just scoop some out of the pot and taste them, or touch it to see how firm it is. I like my veggies crunchy, so really just heat them up, rather than cooking them through.
I personally am not a fan of timing; I rely more on texture. You definitely have to touch your food. Do not be afraid of getting burnt or stung by the stove. It's worth a good meal. I have definitely reached a point where I will flip things by hand, cooking them in a stainless steel skillet. Either Maxi Aids or LSS offers a double spatula to grip the food while you flip it. I used this as a beginning cook.
If you like rice, it's a good staple and easy dinner addition. It's very easy to cook rice and throw veggies in it, and you can change up the veggies. And you can cook the meat separately, or used leftover meat and throw that in there, too. With rice, I probably use a cup of broth for a third cup of rice. I stir and check on it regularly to see if more water needs to be added. I also throw butter in there to prevent it from sticking, again, I use glass cooking pots, not non-stick stuff.
The crockpot can also be your best friend. Throw some meat, veggies, potatoes, and seasonings in there, cover it with water, cook for several hours and you're golden.
As you grow comfortable with these basic things, you will be more willing to experiment with cooking different foods or cooking in different ways. I don't encourage the use of a microwave unless that is the only thing you have. Microwaved food isn't healthy anyway, and it doesn't taste or turn out the same as something fresh off the stove.
2. Crossing streets
I think what's happening is that you are just listening for moving cars, rather than cars moving in a certain direction or going at a certain time. Turners typically go just after the light changes, so wait a few seconds. If no one's turning, go! Or, wait until you here a parallel vehicle actually drive on cross the intersection, then you should be safe.
3. laundry
I'm a cheater here. I don't have jeans, so I just wash all my stuff together. I have everything labeled color wise, but I just wash it all on cold or warm and my stuff comes out just fine. I separate my linens from my clothes, and some college kids don't even do that. I'm not sure why lights and darks need separating. Someone, please explain.
I have a Sherlock and the Braille labeling tags from Maxi Aids to tell which clothes are which colors
4. Housecleaning
Um! cleaning what! The bathroom? Kitchen? Vacuuming? the fridge? Dusting? That is just too broad.
Generally, the best method is to move in a left to right, top to bottom pattern. That way, you'll usually get everything. Always check for any crud afterward. Cooking is less of a mess if you work on a tray or cookie sheet. Then you don't have to do major clean up of the counters.
sword of sapphire, the reason lights and darks and whites and colors should be separated is that colors can run or bleed into the wash water and then dye the colors of lighter garments in the same wash.
Yes, in some cases that is true.
I find that if you wash in cold water, and use the correct laundry soap, this doesn't happen.
Not to offend, but color bleeding normally happens with cheap clothes.
If you know something might bleed, soak it first, than wash it with your other stuff.
Heat makes dye bleed too.
People normally like to wash lights, or whites in hot water, the rest in warm or cold. I use cold period.
Saves on the utility bills too.
I wouldn't wash personal undergarments in cold water. And I also wouldn't wash very dirty heavy-duty things in cold water. I have a setting on my washer called the "sanitary setting"; it uses very hot water and a double rinse. I use that for linens and undergarments. I mean, my stuff is not extremely dirty or anything; I just like it all to be super clean.
Also, it's worth paying close attention to what the tag on any clothing item may say in terms of washing and/or drying.
Some things you cant' even wash in hot water, because the fabric may shrink or be destroyed, and that's besides the color issue.
Actually, wayne, I've seen some very expensive clothing bleed dye to, so that statement about only cheaper clothing bleeding is not accurate. Cotton bleeds, so does cashmier. Neither should be dried in hot temperature though, too, as an example, so drying is something to be careful about as well.
As for me, I separate all my clothing because I don't want to take that chance of ruining any clothing. I'm totally blind and I'd hate to risk ruining something by just throwing it all in and hoping it comes out ok. but that's just me; my preference. I've grown up in a household where, if you didn't separate your clothes, you were considered a less-than-average laundry doer. lol. So separating is important to me because it's the way I was raised; my mom always said you could tell who separated their clothes in the wash and who didn't. I dont' know if that's true, but I'll just stick to my own bias on this one. lol.
As for using hot water; like I said, I use it on linens and underthings and I love it; in my oppinion, it just smells better washed in hot water. But again, my preference.
I just had to add my two-cents because it was implied that hot water washes have no real use or place in laundry, and that's not true. :)
Oh, and as someone who has a baby, I also wash my little boy's stuff separately from everyone else's and in hot water (unless a particular piece of clothing calls for cold or warm, of course). Those food stains and bits of dirt or whatever else a toddler always seems to accumulate on a regular basis just come out much better when they've been pre-soaked and washed in warm water. Onesies, jammies, tee shirts (unless all cotton) all get washed in warm or hot water. And they come out so nice and spotless! And that's confirmation from my perfectionist of a sighted mom, too. lol. Believe me, she doesn't dispense compliments unless they're really warranted, and especially not when regarding the care of my little boy. lol.
Oh, I think hot water has a use for landry, I just don't need to use it.
Example, my under garments would totally ruin, there silk mainly.
Warm water is best is says on the label, or hand washing.
The rest, as I've said the type of soap used makes the difference.
An expensive piece that bleeds probably should have been hand washed. I've honestly not seen that happen.
Also, when I say cheap, I don't mean price, I mean quality clothes.
Some sweaters and such require hand wash. They are quality, but would shrink even in cold water if you machine them.
Now, if I have like work clothes, dirty jeans, and such, hot water is best, but I don't have these often to wash.
My colers and such stay clean and crisp, so I don't know.
I also don't dry many things, like jeans, and shirts. I like to air dry these.
Thanks all for your responses. They are much appreciated.