Category: Safe Haven
Hellow, I just thought I'd make another strange board topic because I don't know what to talk about.
strange!. guess we can talk about....well, what ever you want. lol
Let's talk about not knowing what to talk about? hmm, this sounds like that show on radio 4, what's it called. just a minute? lol Good show that. Therein though, they do know what to talk about, and have to talk about it for just one minute. So not knowing what to talk about is not a problem for those guys. So, in the interests of helping those out, who don't know what to talk about, how about we all post something, and then suggest a topic for the next person to talk about. I propose bananas.
This topic could drive one bananas. I propose the next person talk about driving.
Lou
There are lots of things to drive, and lots of places to drive them. One thing I am very good at doing is driving people round the bend. Now rather than suggest bending to be the next topic, which may lead us into some serious trouble, I propose, for the next topic, trouble.
LOL, hmm, trouble seems to follow some no matter where they go in life. It's everywhere they look. Hmm, next topic life? LOL!
Life is a very complicated thing. It has too many twists and turns and you never know what happens next. The next topic is the unpredictible.
Unpredictable makes life interesting. I'm talkin in circles, so I'm proposing the next topic be circles.
Lou
Circles ... They're round. I made a circleular pot in ceramics club last night. I think the next topic should be ceramics or art.
Ceramics and arts, two very good topics. Now I could plug my woodworking site here, as it's a craft also, but let's talk about plugs!
where would we be with out plugs...we need them for electric apliances, and bath tubs. next topic bathtubs
Bath tubs are sometimes deep or sometimes shallower and used to be made from tin in Victorian times and before. Next topic, tins.
Tins come in several varieties. They come in pop cans, those cookie tins and of course tin foil. Next topic foil.
I like taking tinfoil and balling it up for the cat to chase. Next topic, running.
Lots of things run, lots of things that is except me. No balance, ya see. Next topic. Why, balance, of course...
Balance is extremely important. Without it, we can't do certain things that requires it. These things are for example hop on one leg, stand on one leg, roller blade, iceskate, and more. To see someone with out balance do these is a equivalent of watching a disgraced man or woman for a day..
The next topic should be about the moon!
The moon has been the cause of much human curiosity. Some worship it, some look up to it as a romantic symbol, others are said to go insane by it's power, and some even say aunt Flow is guided by it. But most importantly, there's a man, yeah that's right, a man up there.
Next topic: men
Men Are important. Without men, where would women be? Next topic, women.
women are important to. with out them, where would men be?. with out women, you would not have babies, but they can be very moody at times, even imposible at times. next topic is babies
Where you may see cute and adorable, I see sleepless nights, dirty diapers, and many colds I would've otherwise gone without. Not to mention the fact that there's a language barrier too, and I can't just leave them to fend for themselves. If you're a parent reading this, I'll probably think differently when I have my own kid, so don't eat me alive quite yet, I'm not ripe.
Next topic: cooking.
Cooking is important, because raw vegetables, fruits and water are good, but boring. Raw meat isn't particularly good for us to eat, either. Next topic, eating.
eating, just plain rocks. Now that isn't a recommendation, purely a statement of fact. Because eating just plain rocks wouldnt' be very good for you. For one thing stone isn't nutritious, and for another, it would wreck your teeth. Let's talk about teeth.
Teeth. mine aren't the best in the world, but they aren't bad either. They need to be brushed and flossed on a daly basis, but most of us probably don't do that. lol The next topic should be frightening experiences at the dentist.
The dentist is a very frightening place with all the sounds of the drill. Next topic drills.
If it weren't for drills, we might not have enough oil or watter as they are often found in the ground. Next topic, soil.
soil helps our plants grow and is also where those wiggling worms live. Next topic worms.
If it weren't for worms, many of the plants, fruits, and vegetables we enjoy would not be able to grow. For some people, these worms help their brain function, or so the critics say.
Next topic: brains.
Our brain keeps us alive as well as control all functions of the body. Next topic the body.
Some say it's the inside that matters, but we're not a bunch of walking guts, are we? No body, no inside, so there, lol.
Next topic: there.
There is the opposite to here, and here is where I am. Next topic, location.
ah, yes. Location. They say the secret to selling a house is location, location, location. Next topic, Real Estate.
I think you just covered it, lol. Just as I'm covering the fact that I don't know anything about it, except for that the market is bad here.
Next topic: the market.
Well, I could go to the questions only topic and ask what market, but I won't do that. To market to Market to buy a fat pig. Home again, Home again, Jigity Jig. Next topic, pigs.
Did you know pigs can get sunburned? Pigs usually live on farms, but some people have them as household pets. Next topic sunburns.
I've only had two really bad sunburns when I was a kid. I loved it when my skin began to peal, it was like being born again. The little jack ass that I was, I pealed off a... I'd say, 5 by 3 inch piece of skin, and started chasing some family members with it, lol.
Next topic: skin.
skin holds us together. Without it, as you probably guessed, we would fall apart. Next topic falling apart.
Things fall apart when they are quite old. So, anyone interested in falling apart right here for us?
Next up
performances!
Performances cna make one ver nervous. They can bring on a great deal of stress. Stress can raise one's blood pressure, cause stomach problems, and a host of other health issues. Next topic, tranquilizers.
Tranquilizers are what they should have used on the poor tiger that was taunted by those stupid kids in San Francisco. But one of the common ones, that is used as a street drug, is an elephant tranquilizer called PCP. Can you imagine what it does to a human?
Next topic: elephants.
elements. Well, let's see. Elements can be anything from something in nature to antennas to a part of navigating around on a web page. Next topic, navigation.
Lol, it was elephants, but ok.
Navigation is something that doesn't come so readily to all people. I know some people that can't find their way out of a paper bag. You'd think that the ones that give out bus information would at least know their cardinal directions, but... yeah.
Next topic: the bus.
The wheels on the bus go round and round, or so they say. We have county buses but they don't go to my part of town. I think they must have square wheels which can endure the elements just fine. I think elephants ride on them. lol. Next topic squares
Lol Jeannie
Squares are parallelograms, and if I remember correctly from my geometry class, they're a form of a rectangle. They're... freakin awesome!
Next topic: freakin awesome!
Hmmm. Squares. Ah yes... A square can refer to a person who is out of touc with popculture, or a geometric shape. I wonder if elephants have squares within their social structure? Is this an element of their culture?
Next topic, culture.
Hmm culture. This is a very interesting topic, for within culture we have sub-cultures and counter-cultures. My question though is, would a counter culture be considered a square sub-cultural peg in a round cultural hole? When does a counter culture become a sub-culture, and from there a culture? Do elephants have sub and counter cultures within their culture? Do elephants even have a culture? And do any elements of this culture involve worshiping a giant guava fruit? And did I have a point to this entry? hmm, perhaps not. Help me out folks, the next topic, points.
Points. Many definitions for this one. It could be a place where two lines intersect. They are also called corners, which are part of squares. Counters have points, too. I once ripped a shirt on the point of a counter, because it was very sharp. Next topic, indecent exposure.
Indecent exposure is something for which one can get arrested. Okay, the next topic is candy.
Wow now that's random. Candy, mmm. Good stuff, no good for you, but tastes great. As per lots of other things. Ice cream for example, which, incidentally is what I propose the next opic to be.
Brier's plain chocolate ice cream is hands down the best ice cream. I'd love to try gelatto though, in Italy though.
Next topic" Italy.
Italy is shaped like a boot and the weather is warm. Next topic warm weather.
Walm Weather. well now, that's something we have had plenty oh last week here in the midatlantic states. We're experiencing cold now though with temps in the upper 20's & wind chills around 15. Next topic1 wind.
The wind. It's sometimes very strong and on such windy days it's hard to walk because my cane keeps wanting to blow away. Have you noticed jaws doesn't say wind very well in some context? Next topic context.
Context is very important, especially when translating to other languages. This is why, for example, a hilarious joke in English would get you wierd looks if you told it to a Spanish speaking audience. The word "stupid," a mminor insult in English, is much more offensive in Spanish.
Next topic: Spanish.
I think I rad recently that Spanish is probably the most used language in the U.S. after English. I'm glad that JAWS can be set to speak Spanish and other languages. It sounds terrible if you leave it set for English and go to a Spanish website. Next topic, languages.
Since I was very little, languages have been a great interest. I used to go to the touristy parts of Mexico City and just sit around and listen to all the different languages people spoke. Even more interesting are the Native American languages around, they sound so cool.
Next topic: tourists.
Tourists can annoying for two reasons. First, they often know more about what they are seeing than the locals do, because the locals take the landmarks for granted. Second, tey can be annoying because of their behavior. Next topic, cameras.
how close can camras get to wildlife these days? i've heard they can get right in among lions, even witness the birth of a polar bear cub. any other things to say about camras?
but you didn't suggest a new topic bear! sheesh. well extending the camera tpic then, seeing as how it was requested. they say, they never lie. Next topic? Why, topics!
Topics can be difficult to pick depending on if you are told what topic to pick or if you select your own. Next topic, choices.
I would say choices are the essence of freedom, whether that's good or bad. Choices give us different paths to take, but it may be difficult to choose. One of the harder choices is, whether to have a cookie or a doughnut, lol.
Next topic: snacks.
snacks? long and venamous, oops, that's snakes, next topic then snakes.
Snakes. in the grass, in the water. in the zoo. they're everywhere! Next topic, zoos.
Some people act like they belong in zoos. have you noticed how monkies react to some humans at zoos? Next topic monkies.
"Ooh ooh ooh! I wanna be like you ooh ooh! I wanna walk like you, talk like you..."
Next topic: you.
Well, I've never been entirely comfortable talking about myself. Next topic, discomfort.
Discomfort is a very uncomfortable aspect of life. Sometimes, when you interview for a job, the interviewer purposely makes you feel discomfort to see how you handle it. That's why I say, use the bathroom before an interview, lol.
Next topic: jobs.
A job is something i need to find. Next topic finding.
Finding. Well, the hardest part about finding things is knowing what to look for. That depends on the goals of the individual. Next topic, goals.
It's good to set smaller goals towards a bigger goal so it's easier to accomplish them. Next up achievement.
Achievements are a good way to measure your life, according to your own standards. They're a source of great pride and satisfaction.
Next topic: something you're proud of.
I'm really proud of all of us Zoners who have kept this topic and the questions only topic allive. I think it a legendary achievement. None of us have set this as a goal, however. Next topic, legends.
Legens are found on maps to tell you what symbol represents what and they also come in people who have achieved greatness. Next topic greatness.
Greatness is something that illudes many of us. The hardest part of establishing greatness is establishing the criteria for greatness. Next topic, criteria.
Criteria is a categorization of something that needs catetorizing. Next topic, the word, huh?
"Huh" is the most convenient filler when you heard what the person said, but want more time to think of a reply. Or maybe I'm just slow?
Next topic: slow people.
Slow people are often annoying to people who think, work, and talk quickly. The advantage of being a person who functions at a slower pace is that the individual will probably have less chance of suffering the negative effects of stress. Next topic, stress.
Damn, it's stressful to write about stress. People, animals, and even things experience stress. However, unlike a bridge, there's currently noone to engineer a way for you to handle it.
Next topic: animals.
There are millions of animals roaming the earth. Some become extinct and others just like taking over the world. Next topic the world.
Don't listen to what people tell you, the world is flat for sure, lol. The world is also very small, someone you meet constantly knows someone you know.
Next topic: old friends.
Old friends are people you'll never forget, and you tend to run in to them in the strangest places when you least expect it. the next topic? research papers
Research papers are the most hideous things to encounter in college. Next topic the word hideous.
Hideous: Of or refering to being... well, hideous. Not something you want to be called, kind of kills the ego.
Next topic: ego.
Ego. Ah yes. Well, that's a tough one to discuss. Someone who has a highly inflated sense of themselves and their selfworth is said to be on an ego trip. I think we all need to both develop our ego to a healthy level, and yet, keep it in check so it doesn't become overinflated. Next topi, contradictions.
Contradictions are where different people say different things about the same subject. Next topic could be people.
People think I'm crazy but then, isn't everyone in some way? Next topic is crazy.
Yes, look up "crazy" in the dictionary, and you'll find a picture of Jeannie... at least I think that's her. You don't happen to have a tail, do you? It's also a very good song from Seal.
Next topic: the dictionary.
The dictionary has a plethora of words that will make your head spin. Next topic words.
Words are the best thing since sliced bread. But then again, if we didn't have sliced bread, we wouldn't have words. Or is it the other way? Hmm, words are confusing.
Next topic: bread.
Bread has many meanings. There was a popular group in the 70's by that name. It also refers to money. I did not mention food as of yet. Next topic, food.
Food is what people eat and enjoy most of the time. Next topic enjoyment.
Harmony is right. Food can be very enjoyable, as can dictionaries, words, elephants, elements, people, and many other topics we've brought up on this board. Next topic, History.
Some say it's important, some say it repeats itself, and others say it's a waste of time to learn in school. I'm just glad we don't live like the used to. I'm happy to be born in to this time period.
Next topic: the current decade.
The current decade is almost over. Can you believe it? Next topic believing.
I can't believe you put that as a topic, lol. But believeing in something is like closing your eyes and running across the street... but don't some of us already do that?
next topic: your street.
My street, or was the topic your street. Well I don't know much about it. It could be a dead end street or it could be one of those that intersects another making it very confusing to drive on. Maybe it's a very quiet street with no traffic. next, the unknown.
All I know about the unknown is that I don't know anything about it. I'll get back to you when they discover more.
Next topic: discovery.
Discovery can be good or bad. If the process of discovery leads to something that has positive benefits for someone or society, it is good. Of course, it can be negative as well. Of course, this can all be relative. If you have committed a crime, society might want to discover evidence to convict you of that crime, while you, on the other hand, may not. Next topic, relative.
The relative relative related about his relations. That was relatively simple.
Next topic: water.
Water is very esential for life. Without it, we may as well not be alive. next topic life.
Life is what you want it to be. You have full control over your life, except when you find a hundred dollar bill on the ground, then you better take it. That's destiny at it's finest, lol.
Next topic: destiny.
Destiny is what is supposed to happen. Next topic: things are supposed to happen.
Destiny is something that some believe to be pre-ordained. Others believe we have control over our destiny. Next topic, faith.
We all should have faith of things that are supposed to happen. Good things that is. Next topic the good.
The good cannot exist without the bad. One is the measuring stick for the other. That's my borrowed philosophy.
Next topic: philosophies.
Philosophies can be profound or rediculous. I remember when I was a child hearing Bill Cosby talking about being in college. He was a Phys Ed major, and he dated a philosophy major. They'd ask eachother questions. My favorite is "Why is there air?" His response was it existed to fill basketballs, footballs, and the like. Next topic, air.
air well we need it to live. I love the country air its so fresh!
next topic snow
Well,I'm probably unusual as a blind person in this regard, but I like snow. It presents challenges for independent travelers. It has been described as a blind man's fog. Next topic, fog.
well fog is bad. we get fog here in florida and it makes it bad to see. well..? guess that means next topic is about seeing.
Seeing is believing. Does anybody find that true? next topic truth
I think seeing is really the blind man's fog. It's weird to think that I could see perfectly when I was a baby. I wish I could remember some, to satisfy my curiosity.
Next topic: curiosity.
Lol, I'm slow here.
Truth will... set you free? Hmm, not if I told the truth about a lot of things, lol.
Next topic: curiosity.
Curiosity can be good or bad. If it weren't fur curiosity, many things would not have been discovered. Curiosity has been rumored to be the undoing of certain animals. Next topic, cats.
Cats... well, after an ex of mine had five of them, I want nothing to do with cats of my own. They have interesting personalities though, much more than most dogs.
Next topic: personalities.
Personalities are ascribed to animals and humans, and some people ascribe personalities to things like cars, boats, and airplanes. Next topic transportation.
Transportation is what we use to get around. It could be on foot, in cars, buses, plains, and anything that basically moves.
Next topic moving.
Oh, brother. I hate moving. It is probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done. My wife keeps talking about relocating, and the idea of moving just makes me crazy. Next topic, packing.
Ah, if there's something in which I excel, it is packing. I was able to fit 2 weeks worth of clothes and personal items in a regular sized backpak. Oh wait, I'm a guy.
Next topic: backpacks.
Nothing says convenience like a good backpack. I've been known to go on job interviews with one, because it is so much more functional than a briefcase. granted, the briefcase looks more professional, but when it comes to utilitarianness, the backpack wins hands down. Next topic, briefcases.
Yeah, I don't like brief cases either. As I might have mentioned before, when you lose your sight, you also lose a hand, since you need it to guide you by any method you use. So I'm against anything that takes up my one hand, if it can be carried any other way... except for rolling backpacks, those are a pain.
Next topic: hands.
Hands deinitely make life easier. We can get a handle on things, or be the giver or recipient of a helping hand. In any case, one might say they are handy. Next topic, fingers.
Intelligence, and fingers are the reason why humans are the most advanced animals. If it weren't for fingers, we would not have learned to use our first simple tools, making our development nearly imposible. But then again, we might have developed useful toes... hmm.
Next topic: toes.
Well, toes are analogous to fingers. Some people have quite a bit of dexterity in their toes. I'm not one of them, however. I hope I enriched your knowledge base with that information. Next topic, information.
I love seeking information and learning. so,,
the topic, is learning
Learning is a lifelong lesson. You can never stop learning otherwise your brain will turn in to useless mush. Next topic the brain.
Brains can either be organic or manmade. Organic as in the case of animals, and manmade as in the case of computers. All brains have some form of protection. Next topic, the skull.
The skull is on the head and protects the brain. The next topic is the head.
The head consists of the skull, which protects the brain, and comprises the face. It's the center for all bodily control. Thus the word "capital," derived from... (the Latin?) word for head, is the center of control for a state/nation.
Next topic: your state/province.
hmmm ... wisconsin's extremely cold in winter. think I'd love to move somewhere warm like Hawaii one day.next topic? soda
Soda, or some call it pop, is very adictive and is made mostly of sugar. It has lots of fiz and caffeine. Which brings up coffee.
Coffee is wonderful. There isn't a day that has been so bad that a good cup of coffee couldn't bring a smile to one's face. Some people don't know beans about coffee. Next topic, beans.
Jeez, is it just cuz I'm Mexican? lol Well, beans are for sure a staple food for us. They're personally not my favorite, but I do love them, especially fresh boiled, with a few herbs.
Next topic: your favorite food.
Well, it was already covered with coffee. You see, coffee is a vegetable. It is also a drug. Next topic, drugs.
Hmm, in safe haven? I better watch myself then. All I can say... stick to the herbal.
Next topic: tea.
Tea is good for you. I hate to admit it, but its better for you than coffee. Various teas can be very nutritious and healthy. Next topic, health food.
Here in California, there's an unhealthy amount of health food. I think you're just paying more money for food that tastes like cardboard. If you really want fresh food, grow it yourself.
Next topic: your favorite unhealthy food.
Probably my favorite unhealthy food is McDonald's French Fries. They make the best of the fast food chains in my opinion. Next topic, opinions.
We are all consumers of opinions, but we must also form opinions of our own. Next topic: consumerism.
Consumerism is what our economy thrives on. If it isn't for all the spending we do then the economy may as well not exist. Next topic the very slow economy.
The economy is rather frightening, as the cost of goods and services seems so dependant on the cost and price of oil. Next topic, gas.
Gas is in high demand even though prises are sky high. Next, the sky.
The sky has opened up and poured a little water on this previously thirsty city. Otherwise, it's usually very clear around here, no complaints whatsoever.
Next topic: rain.
Rain is something we need here in the midatlantic, as the watter tables are low. We're getting snow now, but not much. Just a dusting on the grass. Next topic, dust.
Whoever invented dust, I'd like to kick his ass, lol. Bu somewhere I read that dust is a bunch of particles from everything around, including yourself. So next time you dust, you're brushing yourself off.
Next topic: alergies.
Allergies are nothing to sneeze at. They can be very debillitating. They effect people and animals. I have a cat allergic to chicken and fish, but he doesn't know it, and steals from me whenever I cook. He doesn't do that with my wife who is sighted,however. Next topic, deception.
deception is a terrible thing. Its sad that so many people do it and trick people.
next topic, winter
Winter. Well, we're going to have a "weather event" tonight into tomorrow, so I don't know that I'll be going anywhere, although I prefer colder weather. Next topic, flakes.
Well, the only flakes around here are corn flakes, which is one of my favorite serials. I used to get a bowl of vanilla ice cream, and top it with corn flakes, then mash them down in to it, and enjoy. It gives it a nice consistency, and by mashing them down, it's a lot easier to eat.
Next topic: serial.
I enjoy cereals for breakfast. They are nutritious and tasty. Some are also good dry as snacks. Next topic, snacks.
Snacks are good if you are hungry in between meals. Next topic, lunch.
I've had many a nice conversation over lunch. Right now, I'm waiting for my wife to come home for our evening meal. Next topic, dinner.
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But I think dinner is most important as far as getting together with family, or people you live with, and talk for a while.
Next topic: roommates.
I went to a residential school for blind children. I had to get along with my room mates. Some I really liked, and others were hellish to live with. next topic, institutions.
Institutions can be interesting places for sure. I'm just speaking of ones for the blind, I'm sure the mental institutions are far more interesting. Is marriage one of them? hmm
Next topic: marriage.
Boy, on any given day, I could sure agree with that statement. Spouses think each other crazy at various points in their lives. Next topic, life.
Life has been portrayed as a road, as a box of chocolates, and many other things I can't remember. For me though, life is a railroad, and I've lost my whistle. What it is for sure is deadly, there is absolutely no cure.
Next topic: trains.
Trains used to be a major form of transpertation in the 1800's. Now it's mostly cars and buses. Next topic history.
Hmm, I'm getting deja vu, or however it's spelled. Is that considered history?
Next topic: deja vu,.
deja vu is just a funny word for something you think is happening the exact same way as before. Next funny words.
The funniest words are the punniest words. The other ones are euphemisms, such as, "she's sitting on the throne, can I take a message?" That would be funny if I misspelled euphemisms.
Next topic: spelling.
Well, Jumpin Gehosafat! Don't pea on my leg and tell me its raining! Holy Mackerel! Whic brings to mind the question: Has anyone ever seen a religious fish? Next topic, seafood.
I sea food all the time. Mostly in the fridge and I have a nice stash of snacks in my dorm. Next topic words that sound the same but spelled different. What are those called?
Well the words you are talking about are homonyms. I think they make English such a hard language for children and speakers of other languages. Next topic, languages.
If it weren't for languages, we'd be grunting out our thoughts. I really would like to learn a few more languages, especially if I could use them somehow. I'm thinking about studying to be an interpreter.
Next topic: careers.
I still haven't decided on a career. People are always telling me I've got time, but I'm afraid it's running out. Next topic dicisions
Decisions are something that until lately, I haven't been good at making. But I think the hardest decision you'll ever make is whether to have a piece of cheese cake, or tirramisu.
Next topic: pastries.
Personally, I like pastries. They are a way to get wheat and dairy products into our systems. On Sunday, we go out for doughnuts. Next topic, doghnuts.
doghnuts are round little cakes with a hole in the middle and they are really good. Next topic circles.
Circles can be both literal and figurativ. As w s said in the last post, doughnkts are examples of circles, howeler people jho say the same thing in different ways are described as talking in circles. Next topic, descriptions.
Discriptions are what blind people count on if they can't see something in a movie or if they want to know what something looks like. Next topic movies.
Movies are like books or stories with pictures and sound. They can be used to convey fact or fiction to the viewer Next topic, popcorn..
I like the sound of popcorn when it's popping. It's a lso a really good snack to eat while at the movies or just sitting at home. Next topic relaxing.
Relaxation... should be my middle name. Everyone that knows me personally will tell you that it's what I do best. Whether or not it's a compliment, I'll never know.
Next topic: compliments.
Compliments are given quite freely by some, and not by others. It is difficult for some to accept a compliment graciously. ext topic, flattery.
They say that immitation is the most sincere form of flattery. I'm not one to flatter people, but I really mean it when I do. But then again, I can kiss ass with the best of them if I have to.
Next topic: something you want.
I want spring break to start but I know it will be over faster than a week of classes. Next topic time.
Time is one thing that money can't buy, however it can be given away. 've had several co-workes who were sick and needed sick leave, so I gave it to them. Next topic, sickness.
Sickness is something I don't want, especially anything to do with the stomach. I had the stomach flu for the first time last year, and I think I got post-traumatic stress disorder from it, lol. If I see someone honk now, it makes me want to run for the hills.
Next topic: your worst illness.
Hmmm. I'd have to say mononeucliosis if I spelled it right. I slept through Christmas Day totally' and didn't care if I missed dinner or anything. I was a good 6 to 8 months befo6e I felt better. Next topic, blood tests.
Blood tests can hurt, or not at all based on your pain tolerance level. some people can't stand the idea of watching their blood fill up a tube. Next topic, tolerance.
Blood tests aren't so bad I guess. The last time I had one, it was in a lab, in a place i usually don't go to, and the guy was talking to himself the whole time. I don't like needles though, and if they can't find a vein soon enough and start poking me too much, I've been known to pass out.
Next topic: a fear of yours.
A fear of mine is someone posting at the same time as me. I just can't tolerate that. Lol. Next topic...finding a topic.
Lol, we just really like blood tests.
Finding a topic is kind of challenging. I've noticed most people use a reference from something they wrote. I do that too, but I try to think of something someone could write a little about.
Next topic: writing.
Writing is something I enjoyed in highschool over 30 years ago for me. I got to college, and had to type all my work, and the passion left me for it. When I got my first computer at work in the early 90's, It was fun to proofread my own work, and more importantly, lou was able to make the world believe that he knew how to spell. In short, I enjoy writing again. Next topic, spelling.
Spelling was something I was never good at. Part of it probably had something to do with reading contracted Braille. Next topic Braille.
Braille has had quite an impact on my life. I've always preferred to read books rather than to listen to them. I learn better that way. Funny, as I was a music major, and did most of my work by ear. Next topic, ears.
Ears are very important, especially if you're blind. Otherwise, our world would consist of everything are hands can touch, and you wouldn't be able to listen to music. I'm glad I'm blind and not deaf, but I'm sure deaf people feel the same about blindness.
Next topic: your kind of music.
This is a bad topic for me, as I listen to just about everything. Someone asked me this question at a party once, and I couldn't answer it. Next topic, parties.
Parties are really fun to attend with friends. they can also get out of hand especially if lots of alcohol is consumed. Next topic? Stuffy noses.
Oh God have had many of those stuffy nose issues this winter. Yuck!
Next topic, Beach walking
Beach walking can be interesting, depending on where the beach is. If its around a lake it can be relatively calm and quiet. Next topic, fishing.
There's a primal joy that comes with fishing for me. There are very few feelings quite like when you feel that fish start tugging on your line, and when you finally reel it in. I get that same feeling while grilling.
Next topic: grilling.
I never actually tried grilling before, but I definitely like the end result. Next topic, results.
Results are what you get when... you do something? Wow, I should write a dictionary.
Next topic: insults.
Insults are what you get you do when you are rude to someone.
what's the next topic? Next topic...
Picking a topic to be the next to be adressed is difficult, because ideally, it should come out of the previous topic in my opinion. Next topic, opinions.
Opinions are what we think of a certain issue. Often, opinions clash with others. Next topic debates.
Debates are for the most part, kinda boring, although I'm good at it. If you want a good debate, go to your nearest sketchy bar. Not only do you not understand them, but they don't either.
Next topic: physical fights.
Physical fights can be really nasty. Two components enter into one's ability to fight successfully off the top of my head: Brute strength, and emotional arrousal. Next topic, skulls.
I'm in to skulls a lot. My best friend has a really nice tattoo of a skull surrounded by roses on her arm. I have a bracelet with a big skull on it, although I don't get to wear it as much.
Next topic: tattoos.
i would never get a tattoo because they sound very painful and the idea of ink that never comes off is just weird. Next topic needles.
Needles come in all forms and are used for many hings. They can be used in medicine, or in illegal activities. They can also be found on things of nature. Next topic, Christmas Trees.
I like Cristmas trees, especially for the way they make the house smell. But really, they're an inconvenience, and it's better to just have an artificial one. I made up my mind when a family from northern California went in search of one, and got stranded on a mountain, during a snow storm, and below freezing temperatures. I think they were all ok, but they were frost bitten pretty bad.
Next topic: a bad vacation.
my boyfrind is taking me on an emotional roller coaster. one minute he wants me and the next he doesn't. I love it though! Oh yah if anyone's seen tom please tell him to call Tbaby on her cell phone wen he gets a chance
i can't say that any of my vacations were bad, maybe for the lack of vacations. Next topic, not getting enough of something.
I just can't get enough good food! I'm thinking of starting a rigorous work out program just so I can eat as much as I want. "I just can't get enough" is also a horrible 80's song.
Next topic: music you don't like.
There is a lot of music I don't like. Most of it come from people's cars and it's that rap stuff that all sound the same. Next topic sound.
Sound travels at a snail's pace in comparison to light. There's also something about it carrying better in cold weather... or is it hot weather? It carries even better in water; I've been diving on a coral reef, and I could hear these fish that make clicking noises.
Next topic: fish.
Fish is one of those foods that I generally try to eat because it is supposed to be good for us, but it is probably one of my least favorites, unless we're talking shellfish. Pets don't make very interesting pets for me, because they are so silent. Next topic, silence.
Silence is silver, not gold. Who gave colors to abstract terms anyway. Next, colors.
There are too many colors, and matches of said colors, for my blind self to remember. That's why I mostly wear dark colors, so I rarely have to match. I feel really strange when I have to dress up, especially to play a gig, it makes me more nervous.
Next topic: dressing up.
I usually don't dress up to play gigs. I do all my own equipment setup,, and don't want to ruin a good suit. Usually dressing up to play means a good shirt or sweater and nicer pants. Next topic, transporting equipment when you don't drive.
It's definitely hard to transport equipment, or anything that has different parts to it, when you don't drive. But since my friend usually does the set up, all I really have to take is my guitar, and ocasionally, my amp, which isn't too bad. My gig bag goes right on my back, and my amp has a little opening where I can stick all the cords. I can just get on a bus and carry all that for sure.
Next topic: instruments you play, or would like to play.
I play the violin, piano, penny whistle, and the recorder. As far as instruments i would like to learn, these are the flute and the bag pipes. Next topic? most embarrassing moment on stage during a concert.
Well' I usually sing and accompany myself on keyboards. I was singing one Sunday in church and felt a hickup coming on. I just cranked up the volume with the footpedal and turned slightly off mike. You could definitely hear something that wasn't supposed to be there' but I'm glad I had the presence of mind to try to cover it somewhat. next topic, hickups.
When I get on a roll with hickups I sound like a yapping puppy and I really hate that. My husband usually just says "Boo"in this dead-pan voice and 9 times out of 10 it makes me stop. That kind of annoys me too, smile. Next topic is co-dependence.
Wow, by advanced calculus, I take it that means... two people needing something from each other? Well, as I tell my sighted friends, you're the eyes, I'm the brain, lol.
Next topic: friends.
Friends are people who we get on well with and have the same interests.
Next topic, interests.
Interests is a word that has a large variety of definitions. Many people do things in terms of their own self-interests, in other words, what is best for them. Next topic, value.
There are many things we all value such as family and friends. Money even has value because you can use them to buy things. Next topic, the overuse of the word thing.
Yeah, too many things around, in "everything," in "this thing here," and many others. One of my friends and I used to call ourselves thing one and thing two. Which was which depended on the day I guess.
Next topic: nick names.
Nick names can be derived from a person's reaql name, or related to a persons characteristics. My given name is Louis, but for most people who know me, I've been Louie or Lou for as long as I can remember. Next topic, memory.
I used to have a really good memory when I was a kid, and in to my early teenhood. But after partying in high school and college, I find I can't remember a lot of things, especially short term. There are certain experiences in my life though, that I told myself never to forget, and so far, I haven't.
Next topic: a nice childhood memory.
Happily, I have many of these. I think one of my favorites was at a local amusement park. I can remember riding the merry-go-round. It had a real mechanical band organ, and you could actually see the instruments in it playing themselves. A mallet struck the bass drum, and little ones played the bells. I thought that was so cool. Next topic, sounds.
When sighted people ask me how I can tell the difference between night and day, I tell them it's by the sounds. Even if it's quiet, there is still a subtle difference.
Next topic: night time.
ah yes, nighttime. My favorite time of day. I enjoy the silence, and not being disturbed by people and things. If only I could do my work at night. I don't think my clients would like that very much. Next topic, schedules.
I like schedules, when it comes to figuring out times for your transportation. Otherwise, they stand for some kind of routine. Guess I better get used to it if I want a steady job.
Next topic: working.
Working is something I better get going on or else. Next topic going.
There are certain places I don't like going to. I do like to get out, but there's nothing like spending some time at home, by myself.
Next topic: home.
Funny thing you mention spending time by yourself. I genuinely love my work, but there's nothing like going home to an empty house except for the cat. My wife enjoys shopping and going out, and I make the supreme sacrifice and encourage her to do so. *smile*. Next topic, sacrifices.
Lol, sounds like something I'd do.
Sacrifices are usually made to get something we want, or to help a loved one. Other than life, I think the ultimate sacrifice is giving up food you like. I hope I never have to do that due to a health problem.
next topic: food.
Food comes in all sorts of varieties. There are certain types people like and others detest. Next topic, pickyness.
I think picky eaters have the most difficult time finding foods they enjoy. (does that qualify for a duh statement? Next topic, stating the obvious.
I'd say that stating the obvious is stating the obvious, but that would be stating the obvious. A perfect example is the coffee cups at gas stations, and on the lid it has two arrows pointing to where you sip from, and it says "sip here," and it also warns you "may be hot." I'm glad that if someone came from outer space, or an aboriginal society, they would know how to safely and properly drink their coffee.
Next topic: stupid signs.
There's this sign that points to one city but it takes you to somewhere else. Next topic,getting lost.
Getting lost sucks if you're by yourself, but kind of fun if you're with someone. I know my town very well, so I get friends and family calling me when they're lost trying to drive somewhere.
Next topic: mobility.
Mobility is about independenc and getting around to different places on your own.
Next topic: independence.
Independence is somewhat an ilusive concept. My definition of a person who is independent is one who has multiple ways of doing things, so that if one way falls apart, the person has an alternative method for accomplishing the same task. Next topic, resourcefulness.
I'd like to think I'm a pretty resourceful person. I've hitched hike up and down the California coast to visit friends, when I don't have money for a bus or train. That may be crossing the line though, at least nowadays.
Next topic: hitch hiking.
Hitch hiking can be dangerous because you never know who might pick you up, or it may result in cars passing by thinking you are absolutely out of your mind. Next topic, not getting the desired result.
Not getting the desired result causes people to react in different ways. That's why I absolutely hate math, because i overanalyze problems, and it drives me insane when something doesn't work out.
Next topic: math.
Math is something you either love or hate. Most of it is very confusing and I forget most of it. Next, forgeting.
It's kind of funny when you're about to say something, or you just went somewhere, and forget what you were going to do/say. It's also weird how I can remember my dream clearly as soon as I wake up, but a few seconds later, it just completely vanishes some times.
Next topic: dreams.
Dreams come from a very active mind that scrambols immages and events so the things that happens in them, actually never do. Next, imagination.
The question of dreaming as a person with vision loss is interesting. Some people who have had vision say they still dream visually, while others don't. Next topic, glasses.
Putting your imagination to work is like putting on a pair of glasses that allow you to transform the ordinary things known to you into extraordinary. Next topic: Hallucinations.
How do we know that this thing called reality that we experience isn't really an hillucination? I mean, the voices in my head tell me they are real people. Next topic, reality.
Reality is a very strange concept. There are some who say there are other plains of reality, and some who can't keep up with a single one.
Next topic: strangers.
My mommy always said never talk to strangers. Then, how do we meet people if we don't talk to strangers? Next topic, friends.
Regardless of how popular you are, you'll only have a handful of true friends. I can say that I probably would not be alive without the people I know as friends, and I hope they know they can count on me too.
Next topic: someone you look up to.
Hmmm. There are a few people I look up to. They are quiet people. I am rather quiet also, and what appeals to me about these people is they don't have the need to talk all the time. Next topic' listening.
Listening is probably my best quality. In my circle of friends, I'm the one that they come to when they need to vent, or just talk. I love just listen to someone talk, without me saying anything, unless they want my input.
Next topic: advice.
Advice is free in many cases, unless your talking to a lawyer, accountant, doctor or consultant. The one thing that's nice about getting advice is you don't always have to accept it. Next topic, taxes.
We see taxes on items from stores, and we also pay taxes for prisoners. tax season is upon us. Next topic, seasons.
I like living in the midatlantic U.S. We have a nice change of seasons all year round. Next topic, the Solar System.
Our solar system contains the sun and nine planets with a bunch of stars. Next topic, the sun.
"The sun always shines on Christmas, in Californi-ay! Gotta lover and he's lovin' her, got a nazi for a governor, take me out of here!"
Next topic: song stuck in your head.
Song Sung Blue, everybody knows one. And you can tell everybody this is your song. I write the songs that make the whole world sing. I'd like to teach the world to sing. Next topic, lyrics.
ha ha perro.
Lyrics are the best when they tell a story, and the fact that people in other parts of the world when they hear a song they like and take the time to translate the lyrics into their own language, just shows that most experiences discussed in lyrics are universal. I don't think I made much sense but...
Next topic: Language barriers.
I'll never forget coming here at the age of 7, and not knowing any English other than greetings. Luckily, I learned pretty fast, with the help of my teachers and friends. Now, when there is someone who doesn't understand the language, I try to help them out as much as possible.
Next topic: helping.
It's always a good idea to lend a helping hand. People normally appriciate it when somebody helps. Next topic, appriciation.
Appreciation is probably what we all strive for. It's safe to say, that a good number of people would quit a job in which they were making a lot of money, but did not feel appreciate it. I know for sure that appreciation is a guide dog's pay check.
Next topic: dogs.
Appreciation can be shown in many ways, and for many things. Sometimes appreciation comes from places, and is shown in ways we least expect it. Next topic, surprise.
Lol, those poor neglected dogs.
I like surprises, at least, the pleasant ones. It's what gives life a little spice.
Next topic: spices.
Spices are wonderful. They make food interesting. I don't like them to be overpowering, but just enough to make food really interesting. My wife's family is Latino, and they taught me that lesson. ext topic, cultures.
I've always been interested in different cultures. I guess I like knowing how different people see the world. I just finished watching a movie, I think it was called Babel, and I thought they did a good job representing the different cultures of the nations involved in the plot.
Next topic: movies.
I find most movies boring, unless it's described or it's like a documentary or something.
Next topic: description.
Description is something I don't need much of in movies, I find I can get a lot just by the conversation. Also, only a few people can give good description, and those few are not in my family, lol.
Next topic: family.
I don't think there's enough computer memory to go through my opinions on family in depth. The short version is that while I love family, I'm so glad I can pick my friends, because I feel stuck with my family. Next topic, choices.
Choices are kind of like decisions. The only difference is that it's a different word... I think.
Next topic: thinking.
Thinking is a process that goes on among the most empty-headed individuals as well as people with IQs so high their brains stick out. Next topic, inteligence.
I love having intelligent conversations with people. Not necessarily book smart, but people who know a lot about life.
Next topic: conversations.
I enjoy conversations with most people. I honestly believe you can learn something from almost anyone. Next topic, knowledge.
Knowledge is power! I'd like to think I have a little bit of knowledge about a lot of things. That's why I haven't decided on a career.
Next topic: power.
Power is what the the prime minister or president of each country uses to make laws.
Next topic: prime ministers and presidents.
Prime Ministers and Presidents have to make many decisions each day, many of which result in the loss of life. Next topic, responsibility.
Responsibility is something I didn't have to deal with as a kid. Unfortunately, many kids, in many places, are the ones that have to care for their families.
Next topic: kids.
Personally, I like kids. We don't have any ourselves, and at 51, I don't see them in my future. I mean, I'd be old enough to be their grandparents. Next topic, grandparents.
I am lucky to have met both my grandmas, two sets of great grandparents, and another great grandmother. I've been living with my maternal grandma since I was 15, and enjoying her excellent cooking. I'll definitely miss it when I finally move out.
Next topic: moving out.
Moving Out is a rite of passage from childhood into adulthood, in my opinion. as I think about the topics we've posted on here, like decisions, independence, and the like, all these are factors that enter into this proces. Next topic, reflection.
Reflection is something I used to do too much of. Now I know that things weren't as I thought when I was living through them, some for the worse, some for the better. As they say, hind sight is always 20/20.
Next topic: proverbs.
Proverbs are simple on the surface, but we should never judge a book by its cover. We may dismiss some of our writings as trivial but we shouldn't count our chickens before they're hatched. Next topic, eggs.
lol
I ate so many eggs as a kid, I no longer like them. Very few people know how to make eggs the way I used to like them, and my mom grossed me out on them by giving them to me soft boiled. Other than that, eggs are a wonderful item that comes out of a chicken's ass.
Next topic: chicken.
Well, we answered the questionof which topic came first, didn't we?
Personally, chicken is one of my favorite foods. They are oh, so recyclable, too. Where would our sleep y heads rest without them? Next topic, feathers.
Feathers help birds fly, and depending on the type of bird they come in all different colors. Next topic, birds.
Birds are probably on their way north for the spring/summer now here in the U.S. We live under one the geese migration paths. It can be a really nice sound on a quiet morning to hear them flying. Next topic, surises.
Sunrises. I can't see them, and I hate them in the wintertime because I can't hear birds outside my window like I can in spring and summer. I love the sound of birds chirping, unless it's those damn crows. Next topic? birdsong.
Birdsongs are certainly indicators of spring and summer. In various parts of the world, they have different birds. I've always been fascinated with the way different languages spell out various animal sounds. Next topic, animal sounds.
There are all different animal sounds depending on where you live, and if you hear any at all. Next topic, hearing.
Huh? I didn't catch what you or JAWS or Windoweyes just said? Next topic, attention span.
Fish only have a short attention span of only about 3 to 4 seconds. Next topic, fish.
Free fun flying flexible fish. Next topic, alliterations.
These can be fun. My favorit is '"The Sick Sea Seaseth, and thus it suficeth us. Next topic, sickness.
Sickness is something I haven't experienced in a while, knock on wood.
Next topic: superstitions.
Well, let's see. I never believed in supersticions. Our cat is orange, and we have no ladders to walk under. Oh, our mirrors are all unbreakable. (lol) Next topic, paranoia.
Paranoia is one of the worst feelings. I'd share some stories, but this board is in safe haven, whatever that means.
Next topic: stories.
The idea of stories go way back in to the past when parents told their children stories that passed from generation to generation. Next topic, timelessness.
Time can be told in different ways, which is usually by a clock or sundials. Next topic, clocks.
Clocks are an enslaving mechanism, at least in this society. Everything we do is ruled by the clock; the amount of time we work/study, the time in which our favorite radio/TV shows come on, etc. I'd like to have a couple days where I don't need a clock to regulate my activities.
Next topic: favorite time of the day.
my favorite time of the day is .. well, not daytime itself, but night. I'm usually still awake at two in the morning, (which is fifteen minutes from now), and I find night to be very peaceful. I sleep when i feel like it. Next topic? messed up sleeping habits
Sleeping is what most people do at night time or sometimes during the day if they're really tired. Next topic, Night or daytime.
Well, as said earlier, the clock tends to dictate our sleeping habbits. I'm a night person trapped in a day person's body. What's worse the people I work with expect to have services durring the day. If only I could do computer training and evaluations at 2 in the morning, I'd be happy. Next topic, inconvenience.
It would be a semi-redundancy if i said I hate inconvenience. Currently, mine is that I'm a bit hung over, and I have to go to LA in a few minutes. May coffee save my day.
Next topic: drinks.
Well, if we're talking alcoholic beverages, I could become a hopeless wine-o if I let myself. My favorite beverage in the world has got to be coffee. It is a vegetable. Next topic, vegetables.
As the carnivore that I am, I don't eat too many vegetables, but I realize it's because very few people can make any vegetable taste delicious. I have a friend from India, and whenever I go to his house, I find I don't miss my meat at all. I could eat their food forever.
Next topic: favorite ethnic food.
For me, it would have to be Cuban. We used to go to Miami to visit my wife's family, and I couldn't get enough, especially the cofee. next topic, warm weather.
Warm weather sounds nice to most people already, but if you live in a warm weather climate it can get boring fast. After all,, they say variety is the spice of life. Next topic winter.
Winter? I think I've heard of it... We're actually supposed to get a storm over the weekend, with snow levels dropping to 2500 feet, rain, thunder, high surf, and strong winds. But I'm sure, as always, it'll just get cloudy, and maybe sprinkle a couple times.
Next topic: weather reports.
Weather reports should be used as a guide. where I live in maryland is one of the hardest places to predict the weather. We are between the mountains and the ocean, both a few hours drive apart. Both play havock with the weather fronts. Next topic, believability.
Believability is how easy or hard it is to believe in something. Next topic, belief.
One's beliefs are personal and unique to that individual. One might share beliefs with another, but the entire set is truly individualized. Next topic,, individualism.
I consider myself to be a pretty individualistic person. Especially in my high school days, I wouldn't like anything mainstream. I guess I was a bit of a punk kid.
Next topic: punks.
Punk usually means a kind of music, like punk rock or something like that. Next topic, rock music.
There are all types of rock music old and new. next topic, music.
Music is something very special to me. I wanted to teach when I was younger, and stil play now. I was just shopping with a friend to help him pick out a synthesizer. We didn't come to any conclusions, but I sure wish I had the money to buy the newer version of what I have. Next topic, money.
Money is what people need to be able to buy food, because without it they wouldn't be able to live. Next topic, living.
Living is one reason why we're all here on the planet. ,some religious systems teach that we are caretakers of the earth. Next topic, the earth.
I try to take care of Earth as much as possible. I don't litter, I take public transportation (although by default), I try to take as quick a shower as possible, etc. I'm really intrigued by Native American cultures, who were one with nature, and understood the balance of their environment.
Next topic: the environment.
Now everyone's talking about caring for the environment and what we can do to save the environment or make it better.
Next topic, improvement.
Everything and everyone can always be improved. As humans, we tend to rest on our laurels, and not move in a positive direction from time to time, but I like to think we improve with age. Next topic, aging.
Aging is when people or things are getting older. Next topic, things getting older.
Sometimes when things get older it's not good and other times they get better with age. Next topic better.
People like to buy new things sometimes, because they are better than the old things they already have. Next topic, new things.
Some people like to buy new things all the time because they can't be satisfied with what they have. Next topic, impulses
Impulses can lead you to do things without thinking. The consequences of this aren't always good. I like to look before I leap, as they say.
Next topic: diving.
Hmm. Diving. Well, three kinds come to mind, skydiving, skindiving, and nosediving. I've never done the first two, and hope that if I'm in a plane, we never hacve to do the last one. Next topic, noses.
Noses come in all different shapes. Next topic, shapes.
Shapes are... what geometry is all about? I love geometry, it's the only kind of math I like.
Next topic: algebra.
You are nuts. All math, including algebra I can't stand. Nex topic, subject you hate.
Lol, well, the subject I hate the most is math. I'm pretty good at it too, but i wanna pull my hair out when I don't get something. Besides, I don't see how it would apply in my daily life, unless I become a rocket scientist.
Next topic: favorite subject.
My favorite subject varies from year to year. I guess it's mostly depending on the teacher and if the class is fun or not. Next topic, a fun class.
I had a health class a couple years ago that I thought was pretty fun. The teacher made us laugh all the time, and the work wasn't that hard. I guess a health class, by nature, is open for a lot of joking around.
Next topic: homework.
Homework can be good or interesting depending on how much you like the class or how relevant it may be to you. Next topic, books.
Books are very interesting. They can be either fiction or non-fiction. Next topic, fiction.
Fiction is a work of... well, basically, it's not real. You are reading a bunch of pages about a lie.
Next topic: lies.
Lies are bad because you can't remember them as well as the truth. Next topic, deception.
Someone who can deceive well is an artist in his own rite. I mean, it takes skill to lie with fluency. Next topic, admiration.
I admire anyone who can define admiration in a clear, concrete way, at least for now. I don't really admire too many people, and most of my admiration comes for peoples' musical talent. Maybe I'm just cynical.
Next topic: cynicism.
I think cynicism can be a healthy virtue, as with most others, in moderation. Its one of those things t keeps us vigilant fo6 the truth. Next topic, truth.
Sometimes the truth might hurt a person's feelings. Next topic, feelings.
Feelings are what keep us human. It can be argued they make life worth living, as they can lead to some wonderful, spontaneous experiences. Next topic, impulse behavior.
Impulse behavior is the spice of life for sure. I suck at planning things out, and I find myself having a better time when something's spontaneous. As a kid, my parents would pull their hair out when I would grab a plastic bag and play with it, rather than the expensive new toy I'd been begging them for.
Next topic: toys.
There's lots of truth to that old saying about men and boys and the price of their toys. I too was happy with a plastic bag. Give me an aluminum pieplate and a stick, and I was playing symbols along with my records, now compact discs. next topic, improvizing.
Improvising in music is one of the most amazing experiences one can have. There's nothing like a long jam session with friends, just feeding off of each other's energy.
Next topic: epiphanies.
I just had an epiphany that this topic needs to go back up to the first page. Not really. Next topic, the boards.
The boards are... holding up my house.
Next topic: houses.
People who live in houses made of wooden boards shouldn't set fires. Next topic, fire.
I don't understand why some houses in Florida have fire places. Next topic, things that don't belong.
I live in a part of town where it's still like a little home town. There's a bunch of small businesses, mom and pop eateries, and places for artists of all types to display or perform. Lately though, Starbucks has been invading the neighborhood... so far there are four within a 1 mile radius of me.
Next topic: coffee shops.
Much as I like coffee, I think in a way, they've littered the landscape of america. I mean, the cost of gasoline is soon going to equal the price of a coffee at Starbucks. It would be a neat promotion to buy a gas fill-up, and get a coffee free.
Next topic, giveaways.
Giveaways are when someone gives something away for free, or when someone gives a secret away that they weren't supposed to. Next topic, secrets.
Hmmm. Secrets. Well, some people are better at keeping secrets than others. Ben Franklin Once said "Three people can keep a secret if two of them are dead." Next topic, death.
Death is an aspect of life that has intrigued people for ages. Some believe we reincarnate, while others believe we stop existing altogether. I'm not sure which I believe, when I die, I'll come back and let you guys know what happened.
Next topic: ghosts.
Ghosts can take on many forms. If one believes in a life after this one, one must acknowledge the possibility of ghosts. Next topic, open-mindedness.
It is a good idea to keep an open mind and respect other people's views even if you don't agree with them. Next topic, agreement.
Agreement is important if we are to work in groups and accomplish things. we can learn from listening to those with whom we disagree. Next topic disagreement.
Disagreement can result in losing friends, and it's bad if you have to work on group projects. Next topic, projects.
Projects require goals, so they could be done in an orderly fashion. When we decided to remodel our house, with very little outside help, I'm not sure we knew what we were getting in to. We were supposed to be done in early January, and we're barely putting the finishing touches. It's all been very interesting though, I'm pretty sure I could build a house of my own now, lol.
Next topic: an interesting project.
Interesting projects come up when we least expect it. My boss is seemingly forever throwing "Interesting" projects" my way at work. Next topic subjectivity.
For some reason, when I think of subjectivity, I think of a hostage situation.
Next topic: weird situations.
Once in a while, a weird situation comes up when you least expect it. Next topic, surprises.
Surprises are... surprising. Like when you're walking and a pole gets in your way, or when you open the bathroom door to find someone greet you...
Next topic: greetings.
Everyone greets people differently. It also depends on the person. You don't want to walk up to a business man and say, yo what's up. Next topic, types of people.
"Some people think they're always right, others are quiet and uptight, some people seem so very nice, inside they might feel sad and wrong. Twenty-nine different attributes, only seven that you like; twenty ways to see the world are twenty ways to start a fight." My gratitude to the Strokes for that one.
Next topic: burgers.
The weirdest situations in which I've found myself are in dreams. I have these dreams where people and places that are totally unrelated to one another are together, and it is perfectly normal. my wife and my father have never met, but I've had dreams whe6e they've been together. next topic, fathers.
dreams, burgers, fathers. I'm confused. Next topic, cluelessness.
I think some people go through their lives without a clue of reality or common sense. Makes it hareer for everyone. Next topic, aimlessness.
Sometimes i just walk aimlessly around my room, especially when I'm on the phone. next topic, A.D.D.
lol
I had an English teacher in high school who had ADD. He used to play with a slinky while he was talking to us. Once, someone broke his slinky, and he was beside himself the whole class time.
Next topic: slinkies.
I used to have this slinky that was all different colors and it makes this cool sound. Next topic, sound.
Sounds are what make pictures in a blind person's head. Sounds like an illegal substance, in a way.
next topic, illegal substances.
Some substances are illegal until you turn 21, and others are just plain illegal. Next topic, alcohol.
Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs, and they still sell it. Pot is so much less dangerous, and... well, I could go in to an entire debate here. It's all about taxes though, and money.
Next topic: taxes.
We just did our taxes this year and it looks like we are all going to get something from it. next topic, money.
Money is something I rarely have, I'm still trying to get a job. I'm seriously considering spending the last of what I have to fund some delicious beers tomorrow...
Next topic: beer.
Beer is something I never developped a taste for. Also, I'm kind of a control freek, and being in an altered state doesn't do much for me. Part of it is because I think I have a rather high adiction potential. I could become a hopeless wino if I let myself. Next topic, wine.
I'm the same way about wine, as far as the taste goes, especially red wines. I do like one that's called... Lambruzco, or something along those lines, pretty cheap wine. My friend gave me a glass of very expensive wine, and I could not taste the difference.
Next topic: expensive foods.
Sometimes I wonder why organic food is more expensive when they don't add as much hard to pronounce stuff found in the cheeper stuff. Next topic, quality.
While price can be an indicator of quality, it isn't always the case. I buy store brand batteries when they're on sale, because I find they last just as long as a rule. Next topic, batteries.
I bought a pack of 22 batteries, about 2 years ago, and I'm barely finishing it. I'm not sure if it's due to advances in battery life, or if things don't require them any more.
Next topic: technology.
Technology is ever-changing. We've traded in our walkmen that require double a batteries for mp3 players with their own specific lion batteries. DOS computers were replaced by Windows machines. Next topic, obscelescence.
Someday we might find the things we use obsolete and replaced by who knows what. Next topic, the future.
The future is promised to noone. We are all a heartbeat away from death. Next topic, promises.
Promises are meant to be broken. Oh wait... that's rules, right? Well, let's throw promises in there.
Next topic: rules.
Rules govern behavior. without them, we would have no relative framework to determine appropriate ways to act in society. Next topic, society
Society dictates many people's daily life. In many parts of the world, and I'm sure, the US, anything you do can make or break your family's reputation. Then there are those that try to go against the rules of society.
Next topic: reputation.
We all have a reputation whether we choose to acknowledge it or not. Some people work at creating a reputation based on lies and deception so their true colors aren't visible to others.Next topic, false fronts.
People put on false fronts even if they don't realize it. Next topic, acting.
Acting is something I'm good at. It's how I got through school a lot of times. "Oh I'm sorry I couldn't turn that assignment in, my note taker broke down last night and deleted the entire thing, can I get some extra time?" It's worked about 95 percent of the time.
Next topic: "white" lies.
We've all told white lies at some time in our lives. Next topic, honesty.
Honesty is the best policy? I can think of many circumstances where that might not be a good idea. It's righteous, but some times you gotta tell the truth... in parts.
Next topic: ideas.
Ideas are the spark of creativity and imagination. Next topic, imagination.
Imagination is something Barney taught us to use. Of course, that's what I hear, I don't speak from experience.
Next topic: kid shows.
Many things can be learned from kids shows. AS an adult, I would watch Rocky the Flying Squirrell and appreciate the humor. Next topic, humor.
Humor is something that everyone differs in. Then there are those who can't appreciate any type of humor.
Next topic: spices of life.
if we didn't have spices of life then it would be very boring. Everyday would be exactly like the other. Next topic, manotany.
Monotony is what can happen when we get caught up in routine. We can do the same things over and over, and that slips into boredom. Next topic, excitement.
Sometimes we need some excitement in our boring lives. I get tired of going to class everyday and do all the work associated with it. Next topic, association.
Hmmm. The word association conjures up many things from a musical group to organizations to things that trigger thoughts of events, places, things, or ideas. Next topic, triggers.
"When I hold you in my arms, and I feel my finger on your trigger, I know nobody can do me no harm! Happiness is a long warm gun (bang bang, shoot shoot)"
Next topic: The Beatles.
The beetles were a profound influence on music, and continue to be one to this day. Next topic, musical influences.
Musical influences are what makes artists the way they do. When I decided to pick up a guitar and play, my influences were bands like Alice in Chains, Stained, Pink Floyd, etc. This list has gotten much longer as my musical taste has widened.
Next topic: your favorite musical instrument.
Well, for me, it has got to be the synthesizer/sampling keyboard. If it is played correctly, it can be indistinguishable from the real thing. I've played enough guitar over the years, so that I know how a guitarist would finger certain chords. I've played enough wind instruments so that on the flute patch, I know when to breathe to make it sound convincingly real.
Next topic, immitation.
What? My post didn't go through? I certaintly would not like to immatate my internet's sluggish connection. Next topic, things that don't work out.
I hate it when things don't work out, but I don't sit there and gripe about it because what we plan can go wrong without our knowledge, and we don't have any control over what happens. Next topic, Josh Groban, simply because he's playing on my computer right now. lol
Josh has a very nice voice. It is relaxing and very smooth, and easy to listen to. Next topic, voices.
A person's voice is the equivalent of someone's face, to a blind person. Some of us have developed our perception of voices to where you know basically, what another person looks like. I imagine it's something like wine tasting...
Next topic: tastes.
Tastes are directly related to opinions. What some people may consider tasteless may be perfectly acceptable to others. Next topic, jokes.
Speaking of jokes, I was just listening to Robin Williams make fun of golf... it's hilarious.
Next topic: comedians.
Some comedians are extremely funny to some people and others are not. It depends on the type of humor the person can understand. Next topic, understanding.
Understanding is something we all crave. WE all want to be listend to and understood and apreciated for who we are. Next topic, appreciation.
I do not appreciate the way appreciation is spelled. I have to slow down my typing to do it.
Next topic: typing.
I consider myself a decent typer. I usually try and correct any mistakes I make if jaws allows. Next topic, jaws.
I remember when I first started using Jaws, 3.2 I think it was, and I didn't like it. In middle school, they gave me a mac laptop I was used to, and loved, with Outspoken on it. So not only did I have to use a new screen reader, I had to learn a different format.
Next topic: your first computer experience.
Well, I'm older than than many of you who post to this board, but the first computer I used beyond the Braille 'n Speak was a dos-based 386 machine with a combination hardware/software syntheiszer called Artic. I didn't get much help with using it, so I ordered books from Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic, and taught myself a lot about word perfect. Next topic, notetaking devices.
When I first started learning braille in Mexico, we used a slate and stylus, and once we got the system down, we got to use braille writers once a week. When I got here, my first note taker was the Braillemate, which consisted of a 9 file ram memory, and 1-cell braille display, lol. I watched that one die as I tried to print out a very important assignment, then moved on to the braille lite. After that one met an equal fate, I used the braille note, and love it, although I haven't used mine in over a year, since I need to get it fixed.
Next topic: braille.
I love braille!!!! I don't use a braille display on the computer, but there's nothing like the pleasure I get from sitting down with a good book, a good coffee, on a cold winter evening in the quiet of my house. Next topic, simple pleasures.
Pleasures are what people enjoy doing, for example reading or wordsearches or playing on computers. Next topic: word searches.
I hate the boards and wonder why it's not letting me post html... *screams
I'm posting again here to see if that board is broken because it's all random on this board. it's my lj if it works. Other wise you won't see this.
now that I have just thone that all off because i didn't know where to post all that. Braille and I are ok but not best friends. I canread it and understand it and can write it, but when reading it allot of times i'll read across and letters will flip themselves in my mind or i read two letters backword, and I hated this while taking timed tests in braille in school I felt pressured and it made it worse. I'm not sure how many it goes for new topic because this is my first time her so i'll let the next person do that. I'm not seriously reading this whole board. byebye.
Well it looks like I am doing more than a word search, rather, a search of where I'm supposed to post. Next topic, posting.
Hmmm. Posting is something I rather enjoy doing on these boards. In some countries, it is what we call mailing a letter. Next topic, the mail.
Most mail we get these days are in the form of electronic mail. We seldom recieve "snail mail." Next topic, snails.
Snails are a food I've never eaten. For some reason they sound repulsive to me. Next topic, frightening foods.
Some countries, such as those in Asia ate some foods we Americans would never dare to eat. They probably thing the same of us. Next topic, viewpoints.
View points vary from person to person, and place to place. For example, I like to teach snails how to fly, while you may think I'm throwing them.
Next topic: throwing.
Throwing is something I'm not good at because I have terrible aim. I think a five year old baseball player is better than me. Next topic, baseball.
Baseball is something I can write pages and pages about. For now though, I'll just say my Padres will win the NLWest, the Tigers are probably the best team in baseball, and boooooooo Yankees and Red Sox.
Next topic: your favorite sports team.
I really don't have a favorite sports team because I lived in 2 places. Now most of my teams are from Michigan and Florida. Next topic, places you lived.
I was born in Mexico City, and lived there for the first 7 years of my life. Then we came out to San Diego, and I've lived here ever since, although I lived in LA for about 3 months. As expensive as it is, I never want to leave this town, I've fallen in love with it.
Next topic: your favorite city/town.
Hmmm. I think for me, it would have to be denver colorado. For one thing, our best friends live there. Also, I love the mountains, and there are lots of them there. I also think people are friendlier there than in the eastern U.S. There,s a really neat zoo in colorado springs about an hour or so away. The sidewalks in the zoo are at head level with the giraffes. You can feed them, which is an odd feeling. Next topic, animals.
I wish I appreciated animals a little more, but I wasn't raised around them, so I can't imagine living with one. I do have some birds, and I had turtles as a kid, but they are so low maintenance that I forget I have them some times.
Next topic: a memorable pet.
A memorable pet is still my pet for 11 years. He is a big, fluffy standard poodle named Brutus. Next topic, dogs.
I just read (yes, I actually read) a really good book about dogs, called Merle's Door. Since being chased by a stray dog when I was 5, I've come a long way in feeling comfortable around them. I still feel uneasy around the big ones, especially when they start jumping, I gotta know where it's head is at all times.
Next topic: a frightening experience.
I love dogs. There is nothing like the loyalty of a dog. My favorite animal is probably the cat. They're low-maintenance, and their indwependent spirrit is something to be admired and observed and laughed at and appreciated all at once. Next topic, independent spirits.
It looks like 2 independent spirits decided to do something they fear. Not knowing what was posted before them. Next topic, the unknown.
The unknown can be frightening to a lot of people. There's always a sense of uncertainty that comes with it.
Next topic: adventures.
If one can have the view that life is an adventure just waiting to be experienced, it can make one a real risktaker. Next topic, taking risks.
Adventures can be good or bad, enlightening or just plain fun. When I first moved to the East Coast from the West, I felt it was an ongoing adventure until I got used to the new surroundings. Next topic: things that are fun for you.
Hmmm. Very many things are fun for me. I honestly believe that one should try to make everything fun if possible. Great for the blood pressure and health in general. I know it isn't that simple however. Next topic, health.
Health is something I've been lucky to have, pretty much throughout my life. Unfortunately, diabetes and high blood pressure run in the family, so I really hope I don't have to deal with those. I love food too much.
Next topic: family.
Family is very important in influencing your actions. You take on many habits and cary on triditions by watching your family. Next topic, observation.
Observation can be good or bad. You can observe, for example, a family member making a meal following a secret family recipe. Or you could be obsessed, and observe someone through their window, hidden in some bushes.
Next topic: stalkers.
Stalkers are weird people who are obsessed with whoever they are stalking. They usually have no life and certainly are losers. Next topic, people who don't fit in society.
People don't fit in society, usually because they don't follow certain social rules. Unfortunately, this is often caused by a disability, and overprotecting by the family. Others simply choose to not fit in society.
Next topic: illegal activities.
Illegal activites vary from country to country. Under Comunism, large groups may not be permitted to meet by law. Next topic, meetings.
People meet to have fun and other times it's to conduct business.]Next topic, businessess
Businesses, depending on the type, can be hard to run. Somewhere I read that 80 percent of restaurants fail, within a certain period of time.
Next topic: your favorite restaurant.
Hmmm. I like dinging out too much acording to my wallet. Of the chains, my favorite is probably Crackerbarrell. They have really good coffee, and I like their breakfasts. In terms of a class of resturants, I like dines best. You can almost always find something for everyone there. Next topic, menus.
Menus are always a pain, especially if you can't see them. Some places have braille menus, but it takes forever to find the section you want. Still, I appreciate the braille menus.
Next topic: readers.
Luckly I am able to get all my textbooks from bookshare or scanned so I don't have to have a reader. I probably will if I take math or science. Next topic, difficult subjects.
Well, I think you mentioned two of them for me, namely math and science. A person with a print-related disability is at the mercy of technology or a reader to have that material read correctly. Next topic, symbols.
"the traffic lights turn blue tomorrow..." Symbols seem to be pretty universal, and they seem to dictate a lot of our rules and actions.
Next topic: the subliminal.
Everyday we recieve subliminal messages mostly from the media. They tell us what they want us to here whic turns our brains in to jello. Next topic, propaganda
I learned what propaganda meant through a weird childhood experience. Our apartment building in Mexico had a sign on the main door that said something along the lines of, don't come in with propaganda and bother the residents. One day, I got a phone call from my cousin, who said he wasn't coming to play with me any more, because he read the sign that said we don't want people to bother us. Made me sad then, but kinda funny now.
Next topic: life lessons.
Life's lessons hit us in unexpected ways and places. Ironically I learned the best lessons from negative experiences. I learned a good deal about what is acceptable behavior by dealing with negative people, and what I will tollerate from people. Next topic, negative examples.
Negative examples is the main reason why I don't want to have kids. I feel that I'm not over my "wild" phase, and can't set some kind of standard for him/her. Although I didn't turn out too bad, I don't want my kid to have to have to raise him/herself like I did.
Next topic: trains.
I love trains, both model and real ones. You can listen to the radio on trains, but you can't on planes. Next topic, air travel.
Air travel is the safest means of transportation, at least, that's what they say. I haven't been on a plane in a really long time, I think since 2001. I almost forget what it's like.
Next topic: safe traveling.
safe traveling includes wearing a seatbelt and paying attention to the road. it's a bad idea to talk on the phone or text while driving. Next topic, distractions.
My one-track mind can't handle distractions very well. I'm practicing being able to talk on the phone while using Jaws at the same time. I usually find myself paying attention to one or the other, but hopefully I'll get better. It's a useful skill, if I want to get a job.
Next topic: dexterity.
Dexterity is wonderful to have. I have some of it, but not enough to do all the stuff I'd like to. Next topic, goals.
It's a good idea to set goals but even harder to follow them. Next topic, ideas.
Ideas are the mother of invention. If that's not a proverb, it is now.
Next topic: the present.
We should all try to live in the present, as problems and all, it is truly exciting. One of the things I fear about getting older is living in the past. I may be perceived as being boring. Next topic,the future.
The future is probably the biggest uncertainty we face. Some try to look in to it, by going through people who claim to see in to the future. Once, while at a mall, a lady came up to me who said she really had to tell me something about my future, for a fee, of course. I wonder why they all have Jamaican accents?
Next topic: quacks.
Facts are a major consideration when making decisions. I don't particularly enjoy getting into discussions with people who won't listen to facts, because they've already made up their minds, and have done a good job of creating their own reality, based on opinions, which might not necessarilly be based upon fact. Next topic, opinions.
hmm?
Opinions are sometimes unwelcomed. For example, sometimes friends just want you to listen to their problems, and not for you to give them any input.
Next topic: good listeners.
It is important to be a good listener rather than taking up the whole conversation. Next topic, conversations.
Good conversations can be enlightening. You can learn a good del of information, as wekl as something about the speaker. Next topic, reflection.
I should do more reflecting, but there's not much to reflect on. Next topic, thinking.
Thinking is less common than one may realize. It seems like people just do things some times, without a logical explanation.
Next topic: explaining.
Many times, people are in too much of a hurry for explanations. I generally like to know the rationale behind decisions and why things work the way they do. Next topic, impatience.
You know, I really don't have time right now to right about that.
Next topic: time.
Lol.
Time is going way too fast. Does time ever end? Did it have a beginning? Next topic, unanswerable questions.
Hmmm. sounds like something to be imported to another board. ,one can spend a great deal of time pondering these. Next topic, pondering.
Pondering is a word, probably invented by someone who spent a lot of time thinking at the edge of a pond. Punny coincidence? I think not.
Next topic: ponds.
ponds are smaller than lakes, I think and they have lots of plants and little fish. Next topic, plants.
Plants are good for us, since they provide us with a lot of oxygen. They also make excellent pets.
Next topic: pets.
Pets are an extension of ourselves, in that they become part of our family. I think we can learn a great deal from them. Next topic, animals as teachers.
Animals have great effect on human beings, so much so, that they're used in many types of therapy. Personally, I'll never forget working with a guide dog, it was an incredible experience. I learned a lot about myself in the few days, and he provided a lot of comfort for what I was going through at the time.
Next topic: life changing experiences.
Hmmm. I've had several life-changing experiences. The ones that come to mind are the ones that showed me I had more potential than I was exercising at the moment. Next topic, self-knowledge.
Self-knowledge makes living a lot easier. Unfortunately, knowing oneself is not easy.
Next topic: prices.
What we are willing to pay for things has an effect on prices, as does the old law of supply and demand. I'm writing this on a newer less expensive notetaker that eventually will have a major effect on blindness technology. Next topic, technology for the blind
There's so much technology for the blind out there, that I don't even know half the stuff. I do know that it's very expensive, and that it takes forever to fix, if you have to send it in. I have my wonderful braille note, that has been collecting dust for about a year now, because I need to have the braille display fixed, and the charger replaced.
Next topic: do-it-yourself repairs.
Tragically, the DIY stuf is going away. Older, and I mean really older electronics were bigger to work on, and were less color-dependent to repair. Cars are another thing that are harder for the weekend mechanic to work on without an arsenal of tools. Next topic, cars.
Cars are nice, except for when I'm not in them, then they're my rivals. If I could see, my dream car would be a bitchin camaro. Either that or a Harley, I'm thinking about getting one just so I could sit in the driveway with it and rev up the engine.
Next topic: driving.
Some people drive me crazy when they start some of these board topics we've sceen. Nex topic, drama.
Personally, I have no place for drama in my life. That's one reason why I have public qn's off. Next topic people sharing too much information abokt themselves.
Ahhhh, the thing that seems to happen too often on the internet is people giving out personal information. This could get you in a lot of trouble. Next topic, the internet.
The internet, or the worldwide waste of time, has added a new aspect to our lives within the last decade or so. While it provides us with much useful information, it also comes with safety hazzards. I wonder how many deaths it's caused?
Next topic: viruses.
Viruses, phycical or cyber, are annoying at the least. Both cause numerous problems for humans. Next topic, humans.
Humans have existed for several years and the population keeps growing. Next topic, numbers.
Numbers are horrible aspects of life. They're especially bad when it comes to low numbers in your wallet.
Next topic: money.
As humans, I don't think we're ever satisfied with the amount of money we have. May years ago there was a tv evangelist who commented that "the lack of money is the rot of all evil." People think he said an awful thing, but I happen to agree with him. When one stops and thinks about how much crime is influenced by this lack of money, it begins to make a good deal of sense. Next topic, evil.
Evil is everywhere. We see it in crime from the streets to the corpret levels. Next topic, the word ubiquitous.
Sorry, I don't speak English.
Next topic: English.
English is very confusing!!
Next topic, sex.
Lmao!
Well, it's better than English, that's for sure. It's not better than food though.
Next topic: surfing.
Surfing is something that I couldn't imagine doing as a blind person. Of course, it would help if I knew how to swim. Next topic, swimming.
swimming is something I wish I knew how. I tried taking lessons but it didn't work out. Next topic, fear of learning something.
I was scared shitless when I learned how to swim. I was living in Mexico, about 5 years old, and they basically threw me in to a pool that was about 9 feet deep, and told me to swim. Now that I learned, I love it, it's my favorite type of work out.
Next topic: exercise.
Exercise has many benifits. It's good for your heart and makes your bones stronger. If done the right way, it can help you stay fit. Next topic, something that benifits you.
Things that benefit you may not be the easiest or funnest to do. This reminds me of when my mom would make me do things that I didn't like, but that she said were good for me. Because of this, I still feel weird if I eat dessert before a meal.
Next topic: mom.
Mom is a wonderful thing/person in many cases. My parents were considerably older when I was born. I'm 51 now, and my mother is still allive at 94, and I feel fortunate to have had her around this long. Next topic, the elderly.
We can learn a great deal from the elderly. My great uncle's wife's mom, I think that's right, lived to be 102 years old. She couldn't remember much, including who her daughter was, but she told great stories about her childhood, and she clearly remembered the fear of living thru the Mexican Revolution. I used to love sitting with her, and talking for hours.
Next topic: good conversations.
Good conversations are worth their weight in gold. You can learn a great deal about a subject, not to mention a good deal about the people with whom you're talking. In the case ofyour relative, you learned a good bit about how the revolution effected her life. Next topic, implications.
Are you implying that I don't know what the next topic should be? Next, assumptions.
I forget how the saying goes exactly. Something about, you know how to spell assume, because it makes an ass out of u and me.
Next topic: euphemisms.
Euphemisms is a word that I hope you spelled correctly because I'm a bad speller, and coppied it from your post. Anyway, I laugh at those things, because when taken literally, and if responded to in that way, one could get in a good deal of trouble. If someone said, "I Lost my husband" for example, and he were a real jerk, imagine responding "Good thing for you! Congratulations!"
Next topic, double meanings.
lol
The Mexican culture is known, especially among other Latin-American countries, for having double meanings to everything we say. I was reminded of this, when my aunt's friend from Ecuador came over for dinner, and he said something about her doing tongue exercises at the gymn. I started laughing and nudging my aunt, but then found out that he meant she just goes there to talk.
Next topic: misunderstandings.
Misunderstandings can get you in a lot of trouble especially if your planning a meeting and agreeing on a time. Next topic, trouble.
Trouble was something I got out of very easily when I was a kid. After all, I was the little innocent blind kid.
Next topic: innocence.
Innocence is something we loose as we get older. It is a sad thing to loose, but part of growing up. Next topic, growing up.
Growing up is something Disney doesn't want you to do.
Next topic: Disney.
Disney is famous for their talking mice and princesses. Oh yeah and theme parks. Next topic, parks.
I miss the parks in Mexico, they're so much more lively than here. They have people walking around selling food and drinks, a clown here and there, and it seemed a lot more fun. I really like going to the water parks here though.
Next topic: your favorite place to go for entertainment.
Hmmm. I don't take the time to relax very much. I'd have to say just being out and observing people, as they can be more amusing than any book or movie at times. Next topic, people watching.
I really enjoy people watching. Sometimes, especially in the summer, I like to get on the buses and just observe people. The fact that the buses are air conditioned has something to do with it too.
Next topic: air conditioning.
Ah yes. the good old AC. Our utility company will be smiling here very soon, as the electricity costs just keep going up and up. Next topic, inflation.
Inflation is something I should do to my wallet, so it looks like I have a big wad of cash in there.
Next topic: leather.
I like the feel and the sound of leather. It just seems so natural to me, and the material is durable. The smell of leather is positively wonderful. Next topic, smells.
Smells are a very powerful influence on the mind. There are smells that bring back memories, smells that make you feel good, and of course, those that make you want to run away. Smells also determine the people you are atracted to, at a subconscious level.
Next topic: atraction.
Opposites attract isn't all that true. People normally find one another with similar traits. Next topic, friends.
Friends are something to be treasured. I have many acquaintances, but few friends. I'm perfectly happy that way. Next topic, acquaintances.
I probably wouldn't be alive if it weren't for my friends. I love all of them for sure, even though I'm hard to get a hold of.
Next topic: the phone
Ah, screw me
I don't know that I believe in destiny and all that good stuff, but I think that everyone that comes in to your life in some way is there to teach you something, however big or small. It's complicated, but in my experience, that's always been the case.
Next topic: still, the telephone.
Many people think of the telephone as a luxury. I think for people with disabilities the phone is a necessity, and I can't imagine being without one. Next topic, the cellular telephone.
I definitely agree about the phone, especially cell phones. They're so expensive though, but slowly, I see them changing their plans. I remember when you had to pay by the minute, around 35 cents, but luckily I didn't have one then. I got my first cell phone when I was a senior in high school, and I wouldn't have, if it weren't for me leaving the house for days, without telling anyone.
Next topic: being independent
I've gotten into arguments about what the word independence means in terms of disability. To me, it means having multiple ways of accomplishing a task in case one of them falls through. Next topic, support systems.
It's always good to have a good support system. You never know when it might come in handy.
Next topic: planning.
Planning is one of those things that some of us are better at than others. I try to plan what I do ahead of time, but I always seem to leave out a detail or two. Next topic, details.
People feel differently about the details of something. I think I'm pretty detail oriented, I want to know exactly what's going on. This is evident in the fact that my mobility teachers had a hell of a time trying to get me to do 2-point touch with my cane, I can't stand not knowing what's on the ground at all times. Besides, people can hear you coming a mile away.
Next topic: cane travel.
Perswonally, I love cane travel. I'd still be teaching it if my hearing hadn't started to get really funky over the years. Next topic, hearing.
Hearing is very important when crossing streets. It's a bad idea to listen to your mp3 player while walking because it can be a distraction. Next topic, walking.
Walking is some of the best exercise, especially if done right. I used to love walking, and I guess I still do, but I don't really have time. Now I love eating the most.
Next topic: hobbies.
I don't really relax enough to have too many hobbies. I'd have to say that playing on the computer is both part of my work, and a hobby. I used to do music for a hobby, and I was involved with Ham Radio, but, I just don't give myself permission to relax and enjoy recreational pursuits. Next topic, hobbies we used to have.
I used to draw a lot because I can see about 3 inches of a basic picture. Next topic, pictures.
Some people call the film they go to see in the cinema the pictures, or the cinema used to be called a picture house, apparently. Next topic: cinema.
There hasn't been much good "cinema" out lately. Especially those so-called horror movies, which in my opinion, have all been done before. They're almost funny to watch, and of course, never at a movie theater.
Next topic: popcorn.
Nothing like a big bowl of popcornin front of the TV. Looking back at previous topics, that's where the movie theaters make most of their money. ext topic, greed.
Greed is a game show where you answer questions to win money. Next topic, game shows.
Although I rarely watch them, I'd love to go on some of those game shows. I'd really like to go on the Cash Cab, or the smarter than a fifth grader one. I'd kill those... I think.
Next topic: appearing on TV
I appeared on the eleven O'clock news one time when the news reporters came to our camp. I was in the background. Next topic, your 2 seconds of fame.
Perhaps unfortunately, I've appeared on TV too many times, for different things. Everything from surfing, to track and field, to simple interviews about things I can't remember. Most recently, I was seen during the weather report, walking in the rain with my friend in downtown SD.
Next topic: the rain.
The rain sometimes gets in the way of traveling. It's hard to hear the cars when crossing streets and it's web and slippery. Nect topic, travel.
As much as it wears me out, I love traveling. It's in my blood, many of my family members on my dad's side were truckers. If I could see, I'd want to be a trucker myself, or a bus driver.
Next topic: what you wanted to be as a kid
I think the two things I wanted to be most were a tuba player and a railroad engineer. I have no idea why such extremes. I still love music and trains, though. I had a favorite children's record called Tubby the Tuba which I wore out. Next topic favorite children's records or cd's.
I used to listen to barnie, Yeah, I know. Most people were a fraid of him. I also liked those books on tape that had the chime sound when you had to turned the page. Next topic, books.
I rarely ever grab a book and start reading it, but when I do, I can't put it down. That doesn't necessarily mean I'll love them, I'm just weird that way. The most memorable book for me are the ones that I can identify with, as far as characters, in particular instances of my life.
Next topic" arts, of any form, you identify with.
For me, this is a no-brainer. Music wins hands down. I've tried to appreciate sculpture, but I have a hard time keeping the picture in my head to get the overall effect of the artwork. Next topic, visualizing.
I've been told visualizing is one of my strongest areas. I actually took a test that categorized me as a visual learner, as opposed to an auditory learner. Maybe that's why I loved geometry, and hated algebra. But I have my town and a few other towns' maps in my head, as well as what a lot of people look like.
Next topic: driving directions.
I think driving directions are important for us to be aware of. We can then tell people how to get to various locations, and possibly avoid being scammed by cab drivers. Next topic, people taking advantage of the fact that one is visually impaired.
Hmm, ironically, the only people I remember taking advantage of the fact that I'm blind are some of my cousins and other family members. My cousins would try to steal things from me, or try to be in a room without my knowledge, etc. I became very good at listening for people, needless to say, and it was funny to watch their reaction when I told them I knew exactly what they were doing. Ocasionally, when I'm out around the town, I get people doing things around me, that they wouldn't do around anyone else.
Next topic: visually impaired people taking advantage of their impairment.
I know this is going to sound like a real contradiction, but this is something that concerns me. By doing this, we tend to feed into stereotypes aboub blindness. Having said that, I'll bet we've all done it at one time or another. Next topic, contradictions.
Well, I love it when people tell me not to drink with a beer in their hand.
Next topic: hands.
Most humans have 2 hands, and a few have one or none. I don't think there are people with 3. Next topic, limbs.
There was a baby born in India that had like 6 limbs, if I remember correctly. Knowing my luck, my kid would be born in a similar manner.
Next topic: luck.
Luck comes in the stranges times and just at the right time, except playing the lottery. Next topic, the lottery.
I think of the lottery as hope that you have to pay for. I think my mom won like 5 bucks a long time ago.
Next topic: an award.
Awards can be, well, rewarding. I used to get all kinds for making the honor roll, but now it's nearly impossible to get a B. Next topic, grades.
People can get different exam grades depending on how well they do in the test. Next topic: tests or exams.
I was not a good test taker. I always got confused.
Nex topic sunshine
I was watching a show last night about how the sun is supposed to evaporate our oceans and kill us all. Pretty uplifting stuff.
Next topic: happiness.
I think that Abraham Lincoln said, "In this life, you are responsible for making your own happiness." I think that's true. Other people can contribute to it, but its ultimately up to each of us. Next topic, joy.
Joy is a popular name because it means happyness so I guess the parents hope their children is happy. Next topic, children.
Children are monsters in disguise.
Next topic: monsters.
I wonder who was the first to mention monsters
Next topic summer
It feels like summer today here in England. It's about time we had some warmer whether, because it's been really cold and rainy lately. Next topic, whether.
The weather can be a very strange thing. It's so unpredictable.
Next topic, mother nature.
Speaking of mother nature, happy belated Earth Day! Here in my town, we have a huge celebration, in which around 40 thousand people gather around and eat, dance, and all kinds of good stuff. The food is mostly vegetarian, and everything used, such as plates and cups, are recycled. I still wonder, isn't it bad for the environment to have a huge celebration like this?
Next topic: celebrations.
Celebrations come in all types. The biggest one is new years. Next topic, new beginnings.
In a way, each day is a new beginning. There's always something fresh and new about each day. Each day, each moment, is new, and we'll never see or experience it again. Next topic, viewpoints.
In many people's opinion, umpires and referees have the worst view points. I'm sure after the game, they grab their canes and guide dogs out of the locker rooms, and go home.
Next topic: home.
Home is somewhere I love to be. hay by the way, ubiquitous is the word of the day from dictionary.com. So I rather be home than ubiquitous. Next topic, being everywhere.
I definitely feel like I've been everywhere today.
Next topic: long days.
Long days can be so exhausting. All you want to do is relax and let your mind be cleared of everything that troubles or worries you.
Next topic: meditation.
Meditating is really hard to do because you have to tune everything out and be in this total relaxed state. Next topic, things that are hard to do.
Things that are hard to do are... not easy. Some of them include math, saying I'm sorry, dealing with certain things, etc.
Next topic: presentations.
Presentations can be given in different ways. People give presentations by talking about something or sometimes they use powerpoint presentations. Next topic: powerpoint.
Powerpoint is what all the teachers use to give a visual aid to their lectures. Without it, they panic. Next topic, something you must have.
I must have my CocaCola evry day. That's my only adiction, and no, it's not the caffeine.
Next topic: caffeine.
Cafeen is definitely an adiction of mine. My only one, and I think myself lucky, as I was a music major, so I did pretty well. Next topic, success.
Success can be achieved in many different ways. When one is successful at something, it usually brings on feelings of happiness, joy, and pride.
Next topic: feelings.
I thinki of feelings almost as the color in the landscape of our lives. They are what make life worth living. Next topic, things about living that excite you.
Nothing excites me more than the little things, and the first times. I love the smell of fresh cut grass, coffee, to hear a good song and people laughing. I love going somewhere for the first time, the first time you share a kiss with someone, meeting someone, etc.
Next topic: somewhere you'd like to go.
I'd like to go somewhere where the weather is more tolerable and it's not 90 degrees everyday. Next topic, weather.
Well, we're in the midst of some nice spring weather here. Hig temps in the 80's. Going to get some frost next week. Next topic, unpredictability.
Unpredictability is the order of the day in this house. Half an hour ago, my family informed me they're going on a road trip to northern California, and if I wanted to go, to get my stuff. I have a training bike ride tomorrow, so I get the house to myself for the weekend, I'm very stoked.
Next topic: road trips.
Road trips can be fun. When I was small, I used to enjoy listening to different radio stations in diferent cities. I also used to enjoy taking the ham radio along and talking to people in different cities as we went. Now, I just try to be a good passenger and provide directions. Unfortunately, I find that riding on super highways has a tranquilizing effect, and I find myself going to sleep. Next topic, sleeping in cars.
Sleeping in cars is uncomfortable because of the stop and go of traffic and bumpy roads. Next topic, road construction.
Road construction is a pain whether you're a pedestrian or a driver. Lately, I've about had it with some of the brilliant road-builders in our town. They were breaking up the road, and putting the chunks of concrete in the middleof the sidewalk. I got several nasty cuts and bruises from the encounter. ext topic, injuries while traveling.
I often get bruzes from running in to those bike racks that my cane likes to go right under, and sometimes I run right in to tree branches. Next topic, bicycles.
,i never had a good enough sense of balance to ride a bike when i was younger and could see more than ,i can now. It would have been fun. Next topic, balance.
I think balance comes easy for me except when i try to stand on one foot and sometimes I trip over my 2 feet. Next topic, feet.
Some people have bigger or smaller feet thn others. For example my sister has bigger feet than mee, even though she is youunger. Next topic: sisters.
Interesting choice, as I've had trouble standinglately. My left ankle keeps wanting to give out on me. Next topic, ankles.
I have a younger sister. I'm glad that I'm not an only child. It's great having a sister.
Next topic: relatives.
BTW, I was going off of post 197.
I'm sure we have relatives that we love, and o>hers that we like to keep in the family closet. Next topic, closets.
Closets are not only used for clothing. They sometimes contain monsters, people that need to come out, and skeletons.
Next topic: skeletons.
Mine contains shoes, lots and lots of shoes.
Well, while no next topic was suggested, I'll take a chance on what the poster intended. I don't usually generalize, but I will here. I think women have more shoes than men. I also think that most women's shoes are uncomfortable, based on the haste with which women take them off when they can. Nwext topic, comfortable footware.
Comfortable footwear is an absolute must, whether you're doing regular daily activities, or exercising.
Next topic: exercising.
Exercise is something I should be doing more of. I've been training to ride a bike 210 miles in the summer, and as the rides get longer, I find how out of shape I am.
Next topic: your favorite work out.
I love exercising. Some of my favorite workouts include aerobics, such as using my elliptical machine, swimming, etc. I also like resistance training.
Next topic: health.
Health is something many people take for granted. I've been lucky to not have any health problems, and rarely get sick. After watching those shows on the health channel though, I get paranoid when I feel a cramp on my side or a sharp pain somewhere. Might be a strange disease noone's heard about... or isn't it how they all start? lol
Next topic: diseases.
Hmm, ok. Diseases ... hmm, not really sure what to say here. Sadly, what first came to mind when I saw this topic was these little plush viruses a friend got some of us for Christmas one year. They're these little plushies you can order online that're shaped like different disease-causing microbes. I got Sleeping Sickness, one friend got Ebola, someone else got AIDS. It's sort of wrong to laugh about stuff like that, and tossing the AIDS plush around giving it to each other. I remember seeing a South Park ep once where it was proclaimed that AIDS was ok to laugh about after a certain period of time, and then the Family Guy song "You Have AIDS" came out which is completely wrong but also very hilareous. Which brings us to our next topic: Humor.
Speaking of humor, Family Guy's freakin hilarious! It's probably my favorite popular show. But humor is a nice thing to appreciate, especially through the tough parts of life.
Next topic: your favorite show
I really don't have a favorite show because I don't watch tv all that much. I might watch whatever my parents are watching sometimes. Next topic, parents.
Oh God, where do I start? Well actually, mine aren't that bad. I still live at home with them and they're gradually getting used to the fact that I'm officially an adult. For the most part they're very supportive of my decisions, and are always around when I need them, or when I don't. Lately though they've been pretty occupied with helping my brother through the final weeks of his senior year and getting ready for college. Which brings us to our next topic: siblings.
I was an only child for all my childhood, then both my mom and my dad had children of their own, within a year of each other, in my early teens. My mom just had a baby dude right before my birthday, so now I have 3 siblings. I hope to meet my sister on my dad's side soon, she seems to be very articulate, from what I've heard on the phone.
Next topic: phone conversations.
Apparently I'm having to many of them. Dad yelled at my brother and I today because we're using up our cell phone minutes. We were reminded (again) that when we're at home during the weekdays we should call friends and have them call us on the land line, since we only get a certain number of minutes a month. Dad suggested that my brother and I pay our own phone bill if we're going to keep this up, to which I agreed. I want to pay for my phone myself, currently I'm on the family plan and Dad won't let me pay for text messaging, which I really want to try now that I have Mobile Speak SmartPhone on my phone. Next Topic: cell phones.
Cell phones are something that almost everyone has. Most young people living on their own don't even have a land line any more. Hopefully the plans will go down though.
Next topic: expensive commodities.
I think that mankind will find a way to create an expensive comodity out of everything from watter to cellphones. Usually, someone will be willing to pay whatever the price for whatever. Next topic, suply and demand.
It looks like people are demanding gas to fill up their already expensive cars, but the supply of that is going to run out soon. Next topic, cars.
Cars are my enemies when I'm a pedestrian, and recently, while bike riding. But when I'm in a car, it's the other way around.
Next topic: love-hate relationships.
Sometimes i love my teachers for giving us extra credut and going off topic but hate the classes they teach. Next topic, diversions.
Diversions are what I need to forget about this damn headache I have. I hate taking pills.
Next topic: headache remedies.
Headache remedies are many and varied. For some people, different foods help, and for others, other sensations like heat and cold remove focus from the pain. Next topic, doctors.
I've had both really good and really bad doctors. Either way, I try not to go to them, unless I really need to. I think the last time I went was for a really bad ear infection I had almost 2 years ago.
Next topic: infections.
I hate infections, especially the scary sounding types you hear on the Discovery Health channel. Next topic, TV channels.
As Pink Floyd says "I have 13 channels of shit on the TV to choose from." We have digital cable, so that number should be something like 300.
Next topic: radio.
Radio is cool, because you can take it anywhere with you. Radio drama is neat, because as I think they say on XM, "The pictures are in your mind." Next topic, pictures.
They say pictures can say a thousand words. I have pictures, but I really wish that I could actually look at them. I think it'd be so nice to be able to see them and to look back on the times that they portray.
Next topic: reminiscing.
I probably do too much reminiscing for my own good. Especially when I'm lying in bed trying to sleep. This wouldn't be so bad, but it's usually before I have to wake up and do something important the next day.
Next topic: insomnia.
I suffer of insomnia for several reasons. Probably the worst cause is that I'm basically a night person trying to function in a day person's world. The other thing that is a major contributor is that whenever I'm busy, my body just goes to hell when it comes to getting a normal sleep schedule together. ext topic, biological clocks.
It looks like biological clocks are a rare commodity around the zone. Mine's relatively ok, but sometimes it goes off quite a stretch.
Next topic: wrong paths.
People go off on the the wrong paths usually, well, are los. Next topic, geting lost.
Getting lost can be fun, depending on who you're with. If you're alone, and can't see signs or such landmarks, it can be a pain.
Next topic: annoyances.
Annoyances are relative. Some people are annoyed having to wait for busses. I am not. I find that the wait forces me to just chill out and reflect for awhile. Next topic relaxation.
Relaxation is sometimes quite hard sometimes, but some people say it feels good afterwards. When I tried to do relaxation, I got bored after a while, probably because we were told to do that as part of our enrichment activity thing at college. Next topic: boredom.
Damn, wish they told us to relax at my college. Otherwise, I equate boredom with it, especially when the teacher is just droning on. Why be bored at school when you can be bored at home?
Next topic: boring classes.
The boring classes are the ones where the teacher doesn't seem to be engaged in the subject, and people sleep in those. Next topic, fun classes.
I used to have so much fun in gymn class, back in high school. The coach would leave it to me, and I'd lead the work outs. They hated me for working them too hard, but they all looked good at the end. Man, I miss that.
Next topic: a time you miss.
I'd have to say I miss my senior year of high school. I was involved in all sorts of activities, and I was a loner until that year. Next topic, solitude.
Solitude is something I appreciate. I really enjoy being alone, some times, a little too much. I like people, and doing crazy things with them, but I think I need a lot of time to myself to keep myself sane.
Next topic: something you have to have.
Wow! for me, it would have to be coffee. I'm truly adicted to the stuff. I need a minimum of two cups a day t function and be a decent human being to be around. Considering coffee is a bean, next topic, favorite vegetables.
I like an assortment of vegetables. They're very healthy for you. I especially love salads. I love to have a variety of vegetables in my salads. There are certain vegetables I like raw, but not cooked. Spinach and red cabbage are two examples. I love to put spinach leaves and red cabbage leaves in my salads, but I can't stand either when they're cooked.
I also love fruit, so next topic: fruit.
I like all kinds of fruit. I like apples, oranges, peaches, grapes, watermellon, and a bunch of other stuff. Next topic, meat.
Yay, I got the good one! I love my meat, I definitely could not live without it. I can't think of a meat I don't like, except for maybe most entrails.
Next topic: the most disgusting food you've tried.
I'm not much of a risk taker when trying new and sometimes discusting food. Next topic, trying new things.
It depends on the new things as to what is appealing. We had an exhibit at our local science musieum of body parts, and my boss at work thought it would be fascinating if I could touch these dead, preserved body parts. I had no interest at all in doing such. Next topic, things that gross you out.
As of a few years ago, I'm grossed out a lot more easily than I used to. Nothing grosses me out more than watching someone puke though, or to smell it somewhere. That ruins my day for sure.
Next topic: days.
Days seem to be how we measure the quality of our lives. One of the first questions you ask is "How was your day?" when you see someone. Even the most grouchy of sales people will say "Have a nice day." I guess it makes me wonder how many of us really want to know when we ask the question, or end the transaction/meeting with that phrase if we really mean it. Next topic, sincerity.
Unfortunately, sincerity is not something you find often. But then again, common courtesy just saves time. People are just as insincere when they say they're fine, as the one who asks how they are.
Next topic: courtesy.
Courtesy seems to not be present in people. Especially on the road. Next topic, roads.
The US is known for the roads and freeways. Or is it California?
Next topic: what your town is known for.
Baltimore is known for many things from foods to events. One of the more famous is the Preakness Horserace, which is comming up in about two weeks. Next topic, horses.
I've only been hourse back riding a few times and it was fun. Next topic, farms.
I love, love, love horses. It's so nice to go horseback riding. There's something calming about it. I wish I had one. I'd love to have one of my own someday.
Next topic: something you wish you had.
Farms are not the romantic little places of long ago. Now, many of them are owned by big corporations. Still, I loved going to my grandma's farm when I was little, so I could hang out at the creek, and play with the animals.
Next topic: nature.
I'm out in it right now, sort of. It's a beautiful day here in my backyard, about 75 degrees. The birds are singing, I heard a mourning dove and several sparrows I think. We also grow several different types of plants and flowers back here. The whole area is really peaceful and relaxing, and the fact that I can get wireless out here is a major plus.
Next Topic: backyards.
Four houses ago, we used to have a gigantic back yard. I'd say it was about 40 by 15 yards, perfect for many activities, except actually growing grass. We did have some fruit trees, and I remember being invaded by onions one time. And yes, houses are units of time, as of now.
Next topic: barbecues.
I enjoy barbecues. I don't like all the work that goes into them, but enjoy the end result. Next topic, results.
Results are what we strive for in life. Yes, even when they have to do with blood tests.
Next topic: blood tests.
Oh blood tests. I hate them I hate needles!!
Next topic, Needles
I don't hate needles so much as having them in me, if that makes any sense. I've been known to pass out if they're in too long.
Next topic: passing out.
It's easy to pass out from the heat if you have been out in it a long time without water. Next topic, water.
It makes me so mad when people go and pay for water, such as a bottle, those 5 gallon containers, etc. There's perfectly good water coming out of the tap, and it's... as free as it gets. There are people in the world who have to walk 5 miles for water I wouldn't think of giving it to a dog!
Next topic: stupid things people do.
One of the stupid things people do that drives me insane is when a bunch of them just sprawl out in the middle of the steps or hallway. They just sit there with their books and stuff all over the place, like they don't know someone could come and trip over them and their shit. Or when they just stand there talking and talking when there's a whole crowd getting somewhere that drives me crazy.
Same topic, stupid people do a whole bunch of stuff, I'm sure we all have examples.
Lol, wholeheartedly agree. Well, I didn't get this anywhere else too much, but in high school, kids would walk backwards down the hall, as they're talking to their friends. I had many more people bump in to me than people I bumped in to. I have some hilarious stories about that though.
Next topic: your last embarrassing moment, juicy details and all. muhahahaha
There are too many for me to remember the most recent one. one that comes to mind was my piano teacher in college heard that I could immitate his speech. He wanten to hear me do it. I was really embarrassed to do it, and was very, very red-faced while immitating him in foont of him. He laughed and actually wanted me to do it in front of faculty. Next topic, teachers you 6emember and why.
I assume you meant remember. I remember My history / typing teacher. she was awesome. When we went on our senior trip, she took me around the space center and read me everything there was to read. She even helped me touch rockets, and other displays you were not suppose to touch.
Next topic. would you fly on a shuttle?
Ever since I was a child, I've had an interest in space exploration. I've also been a ham radio operator, although I don't do much with it now. The answer is yes. Next topic, hobbies you used to have.
When I was a kid, I used to collect rocks, shells, and all that good stuff. My most prized item was an arrowhead I found while hiking in the hills of Michoacan, in Mexico. I'm not sure where it is, but I'd like to turn it in somewhere, to see if they can tell me more about it.
Next topic: something strange you've found.
Probably the strangest thing I found was a braille sign on an elevator. It was strange because I couldn't read it. God bless the elevator company, because after about ten minutse of trying to decipher what it was supposed to have said, I got to thinking the sign might be upside down. I just turned my hand around so it was ponting toward the floor and read "basement." Next topic, braille/raised print signs.
Braille or raised print signs help to point people in the right direction if they are lost or don't know their way around a place. Next topic: directions.
Directions are meant to be followed, at your own risk.
Next topic: risks.
When I was younger, I was more of a risk taker than I am now. With mobility for example, I'd cross streets against the light if I was sure I could make it. My hearing isn't as good as it once was, so while I still do that, I'm a bit more cautious now. Next topic, safety.
At many work places, safety comes first. At least, that's what they say.
Next topic: work.
Work to some is one of those dreaded four-letter words. As for me, I really like my job. I find I get bored if I have too much time on my hands. Next topic, boredom.
Bored is a word people throw around all the time on the zone. Next topic. common words.
And, like, so, are all common words.
Next topic: writing.
The computer has actually re-ignited my interest in writing. First off, I can't spell. Second, it was a pain to have someone proofread my typewritten work. Now, with the exception of formatting issues, I can write to my heart's content, so long as the printer doesn't run out of ink. Next topic, spelling.
Spelling is something I've always been good at. This, for the most part, is aided by jaws now. Occasionally, it'll mispronounce the correct spelling, but yeah...
Next topic: jaws.
Jaws is a good screen reader even though it sometimes like to act weird and not talk. Next topic, painful computer tasks.
I hate virus scanning. It takes time, and I don't like leaving things to chance. Next topic1 randomness.
When you sing, an owl dies. Kill two stoners with one bird.
Next topic: rats.
I worry about rats. We're starting to get them in our neighborhood. Next topic neighborhoods.
The neighborhood that I live in is more like this giant suburb that has it's own name within the city. Next topic, cities.
I live very close to a major city now. We live there, primarilly because I can travel independently. I was raised in the country and if I could drive, I'd be living there in a minute. Next topic, rural life.
I don't have much experience with rural life, except for a few camping trips, and going out to the farm when I was little. I enjoy it nonetheless, and I'm always fascinated by all the interesting sounds, places, and people. Definitely more laid back.
Next topic: camping.
I've been camping on a few occasions. I like the peace and quiet it offers, but I'm basically a lazy personwho doesn't like to cook outside and all the chores associated with camping. Next topic, what constitutes a chore for you?
I consider cooking a chore. I guess some people enjoy it and everything. I wish I could, but I rather eat. Next topic, something you enjoy.
Something I enjoy doing is knitting or playing about on the computer. I don't get to do much knitting when I'm here at college, but I do when I go away for the half term or summer holidays and things. Next topic, holidays.
Right now, some of us are on summer holiday because college gets out before high school. Next topic, school.
I enjoyed the security of school. After graduate school, I realized I don't like playing the games of academia. Next topic, social games people play.
There's a bunch of social games. There's the dating game, the on-the-job game, etc. Some would even say life's a game.
Next topic: dating.
Wow! This is one game I think I'm glad I don't have to play since I'm married. We do try to date (movies, dinner, etc.) because it keeps the relationship alive. I mean, we date eachother. I'd better sop while I'm ahead. Next topic inserting one's foot in one's mouth.
lol
I wonder where that saying came from. I think, if I could put my foot in my mouth, I'd do it in public as much as I could. Who knows, maybe a passerby might see my flexibility, and it might lead to an illustrious career in a circus.
Next topic: the circus.
The circus is where people do tricks like swinging from a trapeze or a few other things that I can't remember at the minute, but most of them sound quite scary. Next topic: tricks.
... are for kids lol.
Can't think of any other trick-related things to talk about really.
Next Topic: cerial commercials.
,Cereal commercials are designed to get children's attention. ,many cereals are so loaded with sugar that it is amazing children have any teeth left4 Next topic, teeth.
I love my teeth, but I don't love the dentist. I had 3 of my wisdom teeth taken out a couple years ago, and I never want to see a dentist ever again. But then again, I should have gotten more than just the local anestesia. It's never good when you hear crunching and you ain't chewing.
Next topic: the dentist.
I have a unique dentist, but I seem to atract different dentists. Let's see. There was the one who told me jokes while waiting for the anesthetic to take effect, and I'd start laughing. He couldn't work because I was laughing so hard. The dentist I have goes into these really long monologs while she's working, and although she's a really good dentist, she almost sounds like the typical stereotypical blonde. When I was really small, we had the dentist who gave us chocolates after he filled our cavities. Next topic, doctors.
I've had my share of really good doctors, and bad doctors. I wish I could still have my pediatrician, or the doctor I used to see in Mexico. Especially after I saw the doctor who refused to fill out my physical, so I could wrestle for my high school team. He thought that since I was blind, I would get hurt doing such activities. My current doctor, I've only seen once in the 4 years I've been with them, and almost evry time I go, they don't know what's wrong. I like to cure my own illnesses, and take as little medication as possible.
Next topic: medication.
i'd really like to see the pharmacies do more to make medication information more accessible. I mean, not everyone is net-savvy enough to go to various sites to find out about side effects, what the meds are for, etc. Next topic, life without access to information.
no information? that would be boring. How would you ever talk to people if you had no information on a topic?
Next topic, the best way to get information.
Hmmm. This topic brings to mind several questions. I guess the first one I can think of is for who? Some people like getting info via the computer or internet. Others prefer information in writing, while other prefer face-to-face encounters. I guess it depends on what works best for the person. Next topic, learning styles.
Learning styles vary from person to person, as mentioned. Some people, there learning style is the hard way, or not learning at all.
Next topic: a learning experience.
Why is it that so many learning experiences are painful in some way? I think of trying to solve computer problems as an example, as they are frustrating to solve sometimes. Next topic tutorials and operating instructions.
Are something I look at when I'm bored or just trying to figure out the product and how it works. Next topic, reading.
Ah reading, probably my favorite thing to do. It's very rare that I'm not involved with some book, and I can easily finish one or two a week if I'm really into them. My favorite genres to read are fantasy and science fiction, though I do enjoy regular fiction, humor and the occasional memoir as well.
Next Topic: favorite books.
Hmm. With the NLS Download Program, I've recently learned to enjoy reading, as I can c arry a library with me wherever I go. mMy favorite newer book is Water for Elephants. I lost lots of sleep because I couldn't put it down. Next topic, favorite animals.
My favorite animal is by far, the wolf. There's something primal about their howl, that makes your hair stand on end, and brings you back to a time long ago. It's good to know that there are people out there that care about them, and are working to reintroduce them to where they once lived.
Next topic: nice encounters with animals.
I was walking back from the shop here in Hereford once and a cat came up to me and crossed both parts of the road with me. I never saw the cat after that, but I thought he was lovely. Apparently he lives just across the road from the shop.
Well,I'll choose this topic. While I havea love and respect for all animals, mz favorite animals are cats, because I think they have such interesting personalities. Our cat is curled up sleeping besideme as Iwrite this. Next topic, sleep.
I got very little sleep today. I went to bed at around 3:30, and woke up around 7, and my cold didn't let me go back to sleep after that.
Next topic: hot weather.
We did have hot weather here until a couple of days ago, then it started raining and being cold again. Next topic: rain.
We really need more rain in southern California. They're basically rationing our water here. But for some reason, people just gotta have those nice lawns that require a lot of water to maintain.
Next topic: lawns.
Lawns. Ah, yes. Lawns are nice if you either don't have, or don't mind taking care of them. Personally, I'm glad there are people willing to mow lawns. Next topic, landscaping.
I've done my good share of landscaping in my teen years. This includes having to trim down my entire lawn using clippers, since the lawn mower broke down. My back didn't appreciate me for a while.
Next topic: athleticism.
I know someone at college who does athlectics each week. I think she said she is doing running training or something. Next topic: running.
When I was in track I hated running the most. Especially in the early morning.
Next topic, Morning
Let's not discuss mornings. I'm a night person trying to succeed in a day-person's world. My heart doesn't generally start till about 11:00 a.m. Next topic heart.
When I was a kid, I was very surprised to find out that an actual heart, looks nothing like the "love" hearts. I wonder why people think it's on the left side of their body?
Next topic: tactile graphics.
Tactile graphics or pictures can be made in different ways. You can draw the pictures on german film, or you can photocopy a black and white picture and go over it with a thick black pen, then put it through the minulta machine or however it's spelled which raises the lines up. Next topic: german film.
I really don't know what german film is, but I guess it's something you draw on. Next topic, something new you learned.
I learned something new the other day, but I forget what it was... Seriously though, I did learn something, lol.
Next topic: having something at the tip of your tongue.
Hmmm. Sounds like the hot pizza I had last night. Seriously, that can be madening. To have a thought, word or name just barely out of reach. Next topic, grasp.
I have had many good things slip out of my grasp. its frustrating.
Next topic frustration
My current frustration is not finding a job. It's a bear, for sure.
Next topic: searching.
I'm not sure which factor is most important in searching: patience or a certain level of insanity. It can take years to find things. Next topic, pursuing goals.
I admire those who pursue their goals to the bitter end. I would make a horrible guide dog-- I'd sniff everything along the way, and forget the blind fucker next to me.
Next topic: guide dogs.
I would personally not have a guide dog. I am lazy and well, I can't pick up shit!
Next topic Cats.
Well, while I love dogs, cats are my favorite pets, because they are independent. I find dogs are very loyal, but when it comes to being interesting, cats have them beat hands down. Next topic, hands.
Some people say that the future can be read by looking at your hands... well, your palms. While hanging out at the harbor, I had a hippy dude tell me my future, but I forgot what it was.
Next topic: parapsychology
Parapsychology is where people believe in things a bit like the paranormal but where they ... it's quite hard to explain. Next topic: the paranormal.
Wow! this is almost as hard to explain as parapsychology. Next topic, synonyms.
Synonims are words that sound the same but mean different things. Next topic: word meanings.
Word meanings are confusing, particularly in english. We use words like "up" in so many different ways. Next topic, context.
Context is very important, especially when translating in to different languages. For example, I've seen many, otherwise hilarious jokes fall flat when translated.
Next topic: bad jokes.
Bad jokes are relative to one's sense of humor & sensitivity. In other words, how easily is one offended. Next topic, being thick skinned.
I'd say that I'm pretty thick-skinned, especially with the family I come from. They weren't the kind to hide things from me when I was little. I'd say I had heard it all at a pretty early age.
Next topic: alligators.
I never had an encounter with an aligator. My in-laws live in central Florida on a lake, and they've told us that they've seen aligators in the lake when they take the boat out. Next topic, lakes.
There is a part of England called the lake district. Obviously there are lots of lakes and people go there to relax or enjoy themselves or sometimes do watersports like canoeing. Next topic: watersports.
I think in order to really participate in water sports, one should know how to swim, as it increases one's level of safety and preparedness. Next topic, canoeing.
I've never done canoeing, but I've done a bunch of white-water rafting, and some kayaking. White-water rafting is one of the most mind blowing activities I've ever done, especially when paddling in the very front of the raft. You get the full force of everything you do, and even the little wave trains are pretty exciting.
Next topic: rivers.
Rivers have currents that usually go one way and it's hard to stand up straight in the water with the current. Next topic, lakes.
I don't really like lakes too much. There's this muck at the bottom, that kinda creeps me out when walking in there. I like the beach much better.
Next topic: ships.
I've never been on a large ship, only those that go two or three hours from the city where I live. I did enjoy it, however. next topic, waves.
Ah, I love the waves, especially when surfing. I learned how to recognize when a good wave is coming, by the way the current flows back out. It's harder the further you go past the breakers, but having a sighted companion makes it a lot more fun.
Next topic: sighted people.
Sighted people are great. I mean, they're so inspirational. Only problem is they resort to things like print for communications, and they just don't have good verbal skills, so they gesture. I guess everyone isn't as well off as we, and we need to give them a chance. Next topic, pity.
Lmao, love it.
Pity is something that I don't mind taking advantage of. There's been a couple times where people come up to me and give me money, just because I'm blind. I remember, sitting in high school during lunch, waiting for my friends and playing guitar, and a group of people came walking by, and droppeds a bunch of money beside me. I didn't realize the money was meant for me until my friends came by and asked if I'd dropped my change. I couldn't stop laughing. The way I see it, is it makes them feel better, I get a little extra cash... win win situation.
Next topic: win-win situations.
Funny how you mentioned school. I was playing music at an assembly for another school when I was maybe eleven or twelve. I could really put away some food for a little guy. The older guys were asking me how I did it. Well, I went off on how bad the food was at the residential school where we all went. felt much better for having done that. This lady from the kitchen heard me and gave me this really huge bag of potato chips. Next topic, favorite snack/junk food.
Wow, I have a bunch of favorites, depending on my mood, and time of day. Can't go wrong with chocolate/chocolate chip anything, or many pastries. Chips, I usually get the lay's lime potato chips, dorito's havanero chips, or hot chetos with lime. Ah, the good old times.
Next topic: favorite breakfast foods.
I love breakfast sandwiches with bacon eggs and cheese. also french toast.
Next topic favorite meat.
I'm a huge chicken person. I occasionally eat red meat, but I much rather prefer chicken.
Next topic: farms.
If weren't lazy, I think I'd like farming and farms. Not something for anyone afraid of manual labor. My mother was raised on a farm in New England. at 95, she still tells me stories of what her life growing up was like. I'm young enough to be her grandson. Next topic, grandparents.
I am lucky to have met most of my grandparents, and my great grandparents. I live with my grandma now, and i love it. I don't know what I'll do when I move out and don't have her cooking any more.
Next topic: cooking.
I'm learning to cook as part of my living skills at college. I'm enjoying it quite a bit. Next topic: living skills.
Living skills are something we never really perfect. For example as children, we may learn how to identify coins. As we get to be older and haev paper currency, we have to develop a way of identifying this as well. When we become adults, we have the opportunity/curse of acquiring credit cards--something else we need to develop strategies for managing. We go through similar processes in cooking, taking medicines, etc. Next topic, maturation.
Maturation is something fruits must go through before they're nice and ripe. However, I like my bananas, not quite green, but not yet ripe. I definitely don't like them when they're mushy.
Next topic: a food you're picky about.
Well, I'm not particularly picky about my food, as one look at me will tell you. Probably the only food I don't like is asparagus. I never liked the taste of it, somehow. As I've gotten older, my tastes have changed, but that's one food where I just draw the line. Next topic, setting limmits.
Setting limits is something most people do. While it's good to be open to many things, I think it's also good to stand for something.
Next topic: beliefs.
Beliefs are the underpinnings of each of our moral compasses. The more steadfast we are in our beliefs, the easier it is to be consistent in our interactions with others. Next topic, small talk.
Small talk can be kind of hard to do, depending on the situation. I was just talking about this to a friend who has a guide dog. You almost have to be ready to interact with a lot of people because of the dog.
Next topic: privacy.
Privacy is something that is getting harder to come by these days blind or sighted. I think as blind people, we have potentially less than the general population, if we need to have someone read our mail. Sighted people are forced to encounter closed circuit cameras in stores, traffic lights, and elsewhere. Next topic, cameras.
Cameras are definitely something I can't do. I think that if I could see, I'd be in to taking really nice pictures, that portray everything I wanted a snapshot of, to the best of my ability.
Next topic: something you would do if you had your full sight.
Everyone expects to hear me say all these noble, kind, fluffy things about what it would be like to see, such as knowing what a sunset looks like, or wanting to see my wife's face. Unfortunately, those things aren't particularly high on my list, as I don't think they'd change my overall values and beliefs. I'd like to sightread music. I have a really good ear, and if I could combine the ear and sightreading, I'd probably quit my day job and consider doing music full time.
Next topic, favorite employment.
completely agree
Well, drawing from my very short list, I really liked being a library assistant for the Braille institute. I would organize books, take a few book orders, and my favorite, rewind the books on tape. That machine spun so fast, that if you put the tape on wrong, it would shred it apart. I did it a few times, scared me shitless.
Next topic: embarrassing moment in school/work.
I don't think we have enough space for those from me. *smile*. Anyway, I guess the one that comes to mind that is safe to discuss without offending anyone occurred when I first started working at this facility. Someone came up to me and said "Hi Lou." I thought it was a woman named Sandy that I hadn't seen for a few years. I said, "Oh, Sandy, it is so nice to see you!" I gave her a huge hug. Everything was misplaced, missized, and misshapen. I knew instantly she wasn't Sandy, and turned beet red. Fortunately, this lady had a good sense of humor. Next topic, humor.
Lmao, at least it was just a hug.
Without humor, we would only entertain ourselves by making fun of people. I haven't checked that theory, but it sounds good.
Next topic: theories.
Theories mostly come from math and science. Both subjects I really don't like. Next topic, science
Science is something my little sister loves. She's actually going to a science academy a couple times a week. She's the smartest 7-year old i've ever talked to.
Next topic: siblings.
I have two siblings, both of whom are older than me. There are advantages and disadvantges ofbeing the youngest in a family next topic, pecking order
A pecking order is a group ofanimals who sort themselves into a certain order of who is the boss and the one who takes control is at the top. Next topic: taking control.
I like to be in control of everything I can. I've no problem admitting there are things in life I can't control including people, the weather, and the price of gasoline in the U.S. Next topic, relinquishing control.
Relinquishing control can be difficult, especially if it has to do with one's own life. That's why I couldn't be in the military, mafia, gang, etc.
Next topic: gangs.
Gangs are groups of people who like to do everything together. Some of them are good, but people sometimes asssociate gangs with being not so good. Next topic: groups of people.
High school is known for groups of people, or clicks. I was kind of the punk kid, so I hung out with the people that were like me, or the other visually impaired people. We had our hang out place on the edge of a swamp, use by the biology class.
Next topic: your favorite hangout place.
Hmmm. I think mhy favorite place to just hang out was a little cofe shop on campus when I was in graduate school. There were these really nice big, comfy couches just outside the place, and there were a few tables inside. I had to do a presentation in the same building a couple of years ago. I went into what was the small coffee shop, only to find it was now a large cafeteria. I know change happens, but it was hard to see this one. Next topic, what constitutes progress?
Hmm. Well, perhaps achieving something could get you progress. For example, sitting on this Zone typing only gets me progress in what I'm writing because I'm typing, which is achieving something. Also progress could be working towards a goal and actually achieving something.
The next topic should be, hmm. Lets see... Ok. Got it. Next topic should be a goal of yours that you have made progress in.
Well last year, we bought a new stove. I really needed to learn how to use it. We put braille labels on it, as it has touch pannels like a microwave. Next thing to do is to learn how to use the burners. Problem is is thatat the stove has a glass cooktop. Next topic, modern appliances.
Ah, yeah, I hate electric/glass top stoves. They're hard to use, and I find the food doesn't taste nearly as good. Many modern appliances are harder to use if you have a visual impairment, but at the same time, there's more potential to make them accessible.
Next topic: accessibility.
Accessibility is something that is constantly changing, and it also depends on the individual, his/her disability and his/her ability to accomodate to the device. I've made some of my gadjets accessible by adding glue or filing notches in controls. Next topic, creative labeling.
Probably the most creative labeling i've done is stabbing my microwave pannel with a knife, to make somewhat difficult to feel marks. This was in response to my little cousins pealing off the little rubber dots.
Next topic: bratty kids.
Unfortunately, bratty kids are everywhere. Dealing with them can be most difficult, annoying, and thoughts like homocide come to mind. Next topic, over-reacting.
Many people, at one time thought their parents overreacted to things. Parents always say that you'll understand when you have your own children. I choose not to understand.
Next topic: understanding people.
If any of us is honest, this is a task that will never be accomplished. Maybe that's a good thing, because while it would make life easier if we understood other people, we might not appreciate how wonderful and resiliant the human spirit can be. Next topic, impossible tasks.
There are many impossible tasks for me. One of them is cleaning my room. They say you have to recognize the problem before you try and solve it, and to me, my room is perfectly messy.
Next topic: chores that can be fun.
I actually enjoy washingdishes. To me, ith 6elatively little effort, one can see where one was with a sinkfull of dirty dishes, and can accomplish cleaning and putting dishes away easily compaired to say, cleaning gutters. Next topic, yardwork.
I haven't done yard work in a long time, perhaps because I haven't had a yard to work with? But it's not too bad, it can be a work out.
Next topic: running.
A lot of athletes you see on tv do running as their main sport and some of them go to compete in the olympics. Next topic: the olympics.
I get progressively more disappointed in the olympics as it seems each time, we hear about a new scandal associated with either the atheletes or the organizers. Next topic, scandals.
Watergate was a big scandal in the 70's.
Next topic, Swimming
I enjoy water, but never learned how to swim. My favorite thing to do in the water is to canoe. Next topic, unsafe activities that we enjoy.
Since i don't have a surf board of my own, I still like to swim out to where people wait for waves, and beyond. It's usually about 200 yards to a quarter of a mile out from shore, and in light of recent shark attacks off the San Diego coasts, probably not the best place to be. I've had my scares, like a huge wave coming and tossing me around like a rag doll, and sometimes, it's hard to get past the breakers back in to shore. But I find the balance between the adrenaline rush, and the seemingly endless tranquility out there, to be a great time to get some thinking done.
Next topic; something that gives you an adrenaline rush.
I think for me, the two things that come to mind are radically different. Roller Coasters have got to be up there. The sensations one experiences not seeing on rides like that are frightening and awesome at the same time. The other thing is playing music and improvising with people when the sound is good, the chemistry is good, and the results are pleasing. Next topic, favorite sounds.
Some people might have a different favorite sound to other people. I don't really know what my favorite sound would be, but the sounds I don't like most are like really loud music for example, like they have in the student bar here at college. Next topic: Loud music.
Oh I love loud music, especially concerts or a awesome kick ass sound system!!
Next topic, stereos
I have a sort of stereo thing. Well, it has a radio and cd player on it. I also like listening to music and things on my computer. Next topic: cd players.
I fear that CD's are going to go the way of vinyl records. With it being easier and easier to download music from the Internet, I think we'll see less people purchasing CD's. Next topic, favorite kinds of technology.
My favorite kinds of technology are the ones that help us, for example, the screen readers and braille displays. The other technology like the media players and games on computers are also fun. Next topic: Computer games.
Until this sit, I never played computer games. I must confess I enjoy them. Next topic, favorite websites.
Well, I guess I spend most of my internet time on here. I also go on myspace, pandora for music, and the MLB website to check out scores, standings, and highlights.
Next topic: favorite radio shows.
Hmmm. If we're talking about over-the-air broadcasting, I listen to a half-hour news program in the morning on a local station. I'd say on the National level, I used to listen to Don and Mike on my way home from work. I also enjoy Cartalk on Saturday mornings when I have the time. I can't say I listen to anything regularly. Next topic, Internet radio shows or podcasts.
I like listening to radio shows at night time sometimes, but don't really listen t podcasts much. I like listening to the live radio shows where the presenter takes a few people now and again to haunted places and sends the program live from there. Next topic: Haunted places.
When I was in LA, I lived in dorms that were haunted. I could sometimes hear people walking around, when the residents of that particular area were gone. There were a few times that my shower would go on by itself, and other wierd occurrences my friends experienced.
Next topic: things without explanations.
Things without explanations can be annoying, but interesting, depending on what they are. Next topic: things being annoying.
I'm a pretty hard person to annoy, maybe because I can shut things out very well. But I'd have to say that the most anoying thing in my life is my alarm clock. I especially hate it when I don't know what it is, in my sleep.
Next topic: sleeping.
Sleeping is sometimes hard to do. I normally go to bed fairly late like about 10 or 11 o'clock at night and wake up quite early, about half ast 6 when my alarm goes off. Well, once I stayed asleep until 20 past 8! Next topic: waking up.
Waking up is the worst part of the day for me. I've never liked it, and when I was little, it took my mom about half an hour to get me up. But there's nothing like those last few minutes of sleep you get, thanks to the snooze button.
Next topic: your favorite time of the day.
My favorite time of the day is the morning, probably. I like doing work in the morning, most of the time, unless it's to do with my business course! Hahaha! Next topic: the morning.
the morning is probably my least favorite time of the day, but the time in which firsts are the best, if you know what I mean. I especially dread it, on the days that it's supposed to get really hot, and the last few cooler hours are flying by.
Next topic: hot days.
Today was hot and I've had the curtains closed this afternoon and the windows open as far as they can go. I couldn't open the biggest window very far, because it's got a chain on it to restrict it from opening too far. Next topic: opening windows.
Opening windows. Well, I like to open windows whenever it gets hot out, like to day. Or tomorrow. It's gonna be a hundred degrees. Great my English class is gonna feel like a ferness. Oh well.
Next topic: Rooms witout air conditioning that feel like fernesses on hot days.
Our computer room here at home is very small, and even with the AC, it is quite warm. I probably need to tweak the controls on the furnace system that allow the air to flow into rooms better. Next topic putting off chores.
Putting off chores is what I do best. I should work for the Bureau of Procrastination, right next to the Department of Redundancy Department.
Next topic: redundancies.
"Help stamp out and eradicate superfluous redundancy."
Next topic, random quotes.
The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!" "I want a girl with a short skirt, and a long jacket." "Frankly my dear, I don't give a damn."
Next topic: not giving a damn.
I would find it hard to go through life not giving a damn about anything. There are many things that I believe in and care about deeply. Next topic, things we give a damn about.
Hmm, I would say that I really give a damn about fairness, and respect. My friends and loved ones are in there too.
Next topic: enemies.
I've heard it said that we should keep our friends close, and our enemies closer. Personally, I don't like wasting my time on my enemies. Happily, I have few people in my life that I consider my enemies. Not that I love everybody, I just don't dislike many people on that level of intensity. Next topic, babbling.
My little twin cousins are leaving their babbling stage, and learning to talk. They're a little unconventional though, one of them sometimes calls me a jack ass, and sometimes he calls me mom. Guess I'm something in between.
Next topic: convenience.
some things that wereconsidered a convenience in the past are necessities now like air conditioning and the telephone. delivered food is a convenience. Next topic luxury items.
Luxury items today are plasma TV's, PDA phones (probably not much longer till they're a necessity), espresso machines, etc.
Next topic: your favorite luxury item.
Hmmm. I'd probably have to say a really good sound system. There's nothing like kicking back and listening to music at high sound levels when I have time to enjoy it. Next topic, time telling devices.
I really miss my talking watch. It's one of those big metal ones, that has the four alarms, stopwatch, and calendar. But one day, as I was checking the time and getting ready to go, it started to say it, then never spoke again. oh, what a tragedy!
Next topic: drama.
Well, if you want to know about drama, this is probably a good place to find it. *smile*. I try to avoid drama in real life as much as possible. Next topic, tenacity.
I think the people on the zone are pretty tenacious to say some of the things they normally wouldn't say elsewhere but online. Next topic, identities.
Identities are things of which we should only have one master identity. I'm a musician, a computer instructor, a husband, etc. Inspite all those roles, I know who I am and what I stand for and what is important to me. Next topic, roles.
Roles people have vary from culture to culture. That was one of the major things I had to get used to when I moved to the US.
Next topic: traveling abroad.
That's something I've never done. I find there's so much to see here in the States, but more importantly, flying just isn't fun any more. Next topic, flying.
I haven't flown in a very long time. I'll never forget the first time I flew, when we were about to move over here. I was excited about the idea, until my mom told me what a plane has to do to take off, then I was a bit nervous. It didn't help that I messed up my thumb trying to figure out how to put the seat back.
Next topic: a memorable first experience.
Hmmm. Well, being as this is a family sight... *smile*. Seriously, I'd have to say for me it was the first time I went canoeing. A friend and I were out in the early evening just after sunset. I was impressed with how much I could tell in terms of direction by the wind, and residual sunlight. We went out into the center of the lake, and my friend was fishing. It was so silent. I think that was also the first time I really appreciated silence. Next topic, things we appreciate.
Often, we don't realize what we have until we lose it. Then we appriciate it even more. Next topic taking things for granted.
When I think of other disabilities, I understand how many sighted people feel about their sight. This is especially true when it comes to hearing. It's something that I don't remotely think about losing, and I feel like if I did, I couldn't live without it.
Next topic: hearing tests.
Hearing tests are difficult for me. NOt that I ever study for them... SEriously, my ears ring all the time, and with the higher tones, I'm not often sure if I'm hearing the ringing in my ears, or the tone generated by the machine. Next topic, machines.
there are machines that can do everything. Someday, the entire world is going to be run by machines and humans will just sit on the coutch and get fat. Next topic, those anoying waight loss commercials.
Ah, we could do without those for sure. I love it when they say the testimonials are real, but they sound very scripted.
Next topic: jingles that get stuck in your head
I used to have a co-worker who was a chronic hummer. I'd sing a gingle a couple of times in the morning, and that was good for the whole day of humming. Next topic, fun ways to annoy people.
lol
On road trips, while talking with whoever's on it, I'll take a bag of chips and crinkle it until someone notices. Man, it always takes forever until someone says anything.
Next topic: road trips.
I enjoy road trips. Being as I'm a dial twister, I like listening to local radio stations. I used to be involved with ham radio, and would enjoy talking to different people as I pass through. Next topic, interesting people you may have met when traveling.
I can't say I've met very many people while traveling. I do find the locals of whatever town interesting. Next topic, small towns.
I'm kind of on the fence as to whether I like small towns or not. They're usually laid back, and have a nice homy feel to them, but that also means everyone knows you and your business. They also tend to not be so accessible.
Next topic: somewhere, other than your town, you'd like to live in.
I don't know where other than here I'd like to live, but the countryside is nice, as long as there is a bus route to the nearest town. Next topic: the countryside.
I was raised in the country. I liked the quiet and more tranquil atmosphere, but I felt like a prisoner, as I couldn't get anywhere by myself. Next topic, walking.
Walking is good for people's health, but you can't do much of it if you haven't got anywhere or many places to walk to. Next topic: going to places.
There are many ways one can do that. One is of course to just go there by walking, riding, or whatever means necessary. One can also do so vicariously through movies and books and such. Next topic, books.
I don't read nearly as much as i should, although, how much is that? I digress. Once I start reading, i usually can't put the book down, unless it's horrible.
Next topic: the worst book you've read.
I'd have to say the worst book I ever read was Mobie Dick. Probably because it was a college assignment, and I didn't know there was an unabridged version available4 It was over 40 cassettes at slow speed and four tracks. Next topic, cassettes.
Woah. They drove me crazy because of the beep tones etc. Next topic reading books with tape players, cd players, portable book reader/PDA players and the services you enjoy for getting books
Mmm, I have a portable book player which name I can't remember, but it's awesome. It makes navigating the books so much easier. I use RFB&D for my text books, and bookshare for my pleasure reading.
Next topic: your type of literature.
I mostly like reading non-fiction except for the Harry Potter series of books and most of Roald Dahl's books. I like reading books about horses and just things I think sound interesting. Next topic: interesting books.
Hmmm. I've started rading again for pleasure after many years. I'm reading an interesting book right now about the life of the woman who was married to George Harrison and Eric clapten. Not exactly a page turner, but interesting never the less. Next topic, page turners.
A page turner for me would have to be "The Things they Carried," by tim OBrien. He's a Vietnam war vet, writing about his experiences there. I read it at a time when I started wrestling, and although it's nothing like war, it's a similar kind of mentality when you're doing sports. I tend to really like books that I can identify with at some level.
Next topic: your experiences with sports.
I haven't had much experience with sports, but i did attend sports camp for 2 years in a row at Western Michigan Univercity. Next topic, summer camp.
Oh man, great memories with summer camps. All the drama, the fun, breaking all the rules, etc. After all that, I was asked to be the counselor for a couple of camps, lol.
Next topic: what you like to do during summer.
I never went to summer camps. In some ways, I wish I had, because I would have had another common experience with many people. Next topic, non-camp summer activities.
I love going to the beach as much as I can during summer, even though they're really crowded. But the best thing about it are the warm summer nights, by myself or with friends. I like getting out to bonfires, or just taking a long walk through the neighborhood.
Next topic: your favorite season.
I think my favorite season is winter. I don't like hot weather very much, and there are only so many layers of clothing we can remove and be socially acceptable. I also enjoy snow, curling up with a good book and my cat. I just have more energy in cold/cooler weather. Next topic, favorite articles of clothing.
My favorite articles of clothing are, by far, my leather, and jean jackets. I also love my band shirts, some of which where custom made. Once in a while, I'll get the shirts with messages. For example, I had one that read "I don't give a," and below, it had a picture of a rat leading a donkey.
Next topic: bumper stickers.
I think that as blind people, we are cheated out of appreciating things like bumper stickers and tee shirt slogans until we're told about them. Many of them are absolutely wonderful, too. Next topic, favorite slogans.
There are so many of them, I can't really pick one out. Next, dicisions.
Ooh, scary stuff.
Next topic: scary stuff.
I'm having a hard time determining how to address this topic, but I'lll try. Then again, maybe I won't. Next topic, consequences.
lol
Newton took consequences to a higher level, and made a law about it.
Next topic: laws.
laws are what keeps the population in order, but people still break them. Next topic, law and order.
That's a show i've never watched, I think.
Next topic: your least favorite shows.
I don't watch much tv, but reality shows are really anoying. Next topic, favorite tv show.
My favorite show by far was Inside the NFL, but I think it won't be airing any more. It was done brilliantly though, they had footage of the players in the game, that you don't see otherwise. I loved watching it especially on 07, when my Chargers went 14-2 in the season.
Next topic: a good overall year.
Hmmm. I'd have to say my favorite year was my senior year of high school. I was always somewhat shy and worked to overcome it, but I became popular that year. Many tings went well for me. Next topic, popularity.
Popularity has always flown low on my radar. in high school, I was anti-everything popular, and hung out with people who thought similarly. So I guess, ultimately, you're popular in your own circle, however large or small it may be.
Next topic: your circle of friends.
I don't belong to any type of circle. I just kind of float around. Next topic, childhood friends.
I have few friends, and many acquaintances, and even fewer childhood friends. At 51, those friends I've known since I was a child I treasure. Some of them I still use as my "life barometer" if you will--my yardstick as to how well I'm doing, and for inspiration. Next topic, inspirational people to you that you have known.
Some of the most inspirational people I know were teachers I had. It's good to know that there are teachers who truly love their job, and can make a difference in their students' lives. They, along with close friends, kept me in line when my life could have easily gone down the wrong path.
Next topic; turning points in life.
I think we've all had those. I've had two or three that really stand out. The strongest is soon after I got married, and a good friend of mine died. He had had two or three kidney transplants, and it looked like the last one was going to take. His wife was pregnant with his child, and he died about six weeks before the baby was born. I learned not to forget to tell people how special they are, because you never know when they won't be around for you to tell them. Next topic, difficult lessons you've learned.
Growing up is pretty difficult, and along the way we had to learn that we had to do things for ourselves. Next topic, independence.
Independence, in my opinion, is what makes life worth living. Even if I live a long time, and end up requiring assistance, it'll be worth it to know I once could do everything on my own.
Next topic; creativity.
Creativity is what makes life fun. Bening able to be spontaneous and make, write or otherwise give birth to something is truly wonderful. All of us are creative in different ways. Next topic, inteligence.
Intelligence is kind of overrated. I know some people that could probably build a rocket, but can't tie their own shoe.
Next topic: stupidity.
should be a definition for some college students. They sometimes have to ask some of the most stupidest questions. Next topic, college.
I've been at college today and also tomorrow. We had an awards celebration thing where the students were given different awards for things they'd done in the year. Next topic: awards.
Hmmm. I've so many thoughts on this subject I don't know exactly where to start and b e brief. I think much stupidity comes from being narrow-minded. You can't reason with stupid people. On the other hand, ignorance can be dealt with provided someone is open-minded. Next topic, ignorance.
Awards or ignorance? Which shall it be? Next topic, double postings on the boards.
Oops! My Bad! Double postings are what happens when some of us/me get too careless or are in too much of a hurry. Next topic, sloppy reading.
If you read carefully, there's a chance you don't mis much information that is presented. Sloppy reading can lead to some misunderstandings. Next topic, understanding.
Understanding is certainly appreciated, but not necessary. Sometimes, you just have to hum along.
Next topic: singing.
I used to not enjoy singing, because I couldn't memorize words. I still have trouble with this, but I enjoy singing somewhat now. Some people shouldn't sing, however. Next topic, horrible sounds.
I don't like the sound of really loud music, like tonight at our summer prom, so I left early for the peace and quiet. Next topic: loud music.
When I'm walking along a heavily trafficked street the sound of wheels swerving really rattles my nerves because in my mind all I'm thinking is I'm about to get killed! This sound most people would probably consider terrifying, but I couldn't think of any horrible sounds.
Next topic: In what manner would you prefer to be killed?
For me, I'd like to be killed in a traffic accident as a pedestrian, and have it done instantly. I wouldn't want to linger. Next topic, waiting.
Oh man, I absolutely hate waiting. For that very reason, I'm usually late when I'm meeting friends, to ensure we're there at the same time, or they're the ones waiting. They hate it, but I hate waitin gmore.
Next topic: flexibility.
Being flexible helps keep one a more mellowed-out person. I once heard it said "happy are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." It also keeps the blood pressure lower, too. Next topic, health.
After watching all those shows on the health channel, about strange illnesses that can't be diagnosed, health problems have become my worst fear. I've been very healthy, for the most part, and I would hate having to change my lifestyle because of health issues.
Next topic: favorite, unhealthy thing to do.
For me, I'd have to say eating junkfood. I can watch TV, and go through a bag of chips if theprogram holds my attention. Next topic, attention span.
If I'm in a boring business class, my attention isn't very long, especially when I'm so bored I'm more interested in looking at the default jaws script files than listening to what the teacher's talking about. Next topic: boring classes.
I took a college level poli sci class in high school, and I couldn't stay awake to save my life. The teacher wasn't boring either, but I'm thinking it had to do with the fact that it was right after lunch.
Next topic: lunch.
I think it's been about ten, or possibly even more, years that I ate lunch. I just skip it without any problems. If this is unhealthy, I don't know, and don't care either. Next topic: Starvation.
Starvation is a relative term. I think children in more developped countries use that word loosely compared to those in third world countries. Next topic, wealth.
wealth controls the world. In this time period, it's what most people strive for.
Next topic: working hard for something.
I get this lecture about working heard in order to get anything in life. Next topic lectures.
When it comes to lectures, it is very important that the speaker makes it interesting for his audience, otherwise they will either fall asleep or escape to their own personal fantasy land and dream of commiting murders or some other illegal activity. Next topic: living or acting out a fantasy.
I think everyone should live or act out their fantacies. Of course, as long as noone gets hurt... too much.
Next topic: pain.
Some people derive pleasure from inflicting pain. Even though I'd like very much to understand why this is, why they hurt people to make themselves feel good, I guess I'll just have to keep wondering why, at least until I give it a try myself, which hopefully will never actually happen. Next topic: Torture.
Torture is a relative term. If one is into suffering, what the torturer may consider torture may not be considered such by the orchuree. Obviously there are things that many of us would consider torture such as anything involving inflicting severe pain on another, but some may enjoy such. Next topic, enjoyment.
People have many different hobbies, and interests that they enjoy. Next topic, interesting hobbies.
I know someone who enjoys digging for fun in fields and places. He said he's found some interesting things. Next topic: interesting objects.
Interesting objects can be found anywhere, and like so many of these topics of late, what is interesting to one person may not be to another. I've found the shape and texture of rocks interesting. Next topic, the beach.
The beach is all part of the environment where I live. SometimesI like a seenery change. Next topic, your environment.
We all like to have some measure of control over our environment. I think that's a reasonable desire. Next topic, things over which we have no control.
One thing we have no control over is the weather. Some people like to think they do. Next topic, the weather.
The weather has worried human beings since the beginning of time it seems, with rituals and offerings to gods so as to provide them with rain. Nowadays we have weather channels and satelites up in space solely to monitor the climate and keep us updated with weather; will it be nice today, will it be cool where we're going for vacation, etc. Next topic: manmade things and their influence over humans.
Machines are a perfect example of this. Certain things couldn't be done, even just a couple hundred years ago. Either that, or they would be incredibly slow. I was just thinking about this as I rode in my friends car, up a road that used to be an old wagon trail. How long would it take me to get home 80 years ago?
Next topic: something that makes you feel old.
Oh. In some ways, I have to ask the question of where do I start? I think one of the things that makes me feel old is when I see students I taught in rehab years ago working. That's not a complaint though, because that's obviously an indicator of success. Next topic, complaints.
This culture just love to complain. Some of the complaints seem so trivial. Next topic trivial things.
Trivial things are really all relative. If you talk to someone with OCD, they'll verify.
Next topic: disorders.
Although I work in the helping profession, I sometimes wonder if we have created "designer diseases." It seems that some disorders become popular for a few years, much the same way it seems disabilities have become popular. I know that sounds harsh and unfeeling, but its just one of those rhetorical questions. Next topic, rhetorical questions.
I've wondered that myself.
Do pigs fly? Do bears shit in the woods? Lol, rhetorical questions go much deeper than that in reality.
Next topic: hidden meanings.
There is a hidden meaning to almost everything, even gestures. To an ignorant observer a friendly wave from a stranger standing outside his home to a woman driving a car may mean nothing more than a greeting, but in reality it may be a sign between the stranger and the woman saying that the coast is clear, she may come without worrying about his wife coming home. Next topic: Extramarital affairs.
They can either signal that something is radically wrong in the marriage and give the couple a wake-up call, or they can destroy the marriage. ext topic, crossroads.
There are many traditional crossroads, such as leavng high school, college, etc. Then there are the ones that are implicit, although their meaning may be deeper.
Next topic; songs that remind you of things/people.
I can't really think of any songs that remind me of anything, but I'm sure there are some. Next topic, brain freezes.
Try biting in to frozen fruit.
Next topic: tomatos, fruit or vegetable?
Fruitable.
Next topic, made-up words.
Fantabulous.
Next topic, one word topics.
Yeah.
Next topic: texting.
Texting can be slow if you write the entire word out, which is what i do verses using shorthand which is very anoying with talks.
Next topic, phone bills.
a very long time ago, I visited family in Mexico. While there, I constantly talked with my GF at the time, back here. By the time I came back, we'd ran up an 1800 dollar phone bill, that took her mom longer to pay off, than our relationship actually lasted, lol.
Next topic: bad situations.
If you've ever been riding on a public bus and you're in traffic and you're suddenly overtaken by a serious bowel movement, then you've come to know one of the worst bad situations you can possibly be in. Next topic: Emergencies.
If you're riding in a car and are in an accident and have a bowl movement and no clean underwear in the glovebox, that's an emergency. ext topic, things your mother told you.
"Don't force your way into the house through one of the windows if you don't have the key, you're giving potential burglars ideas." "This is all the bread I can give you, too much will kill you because it's unhealthy." Yep our food was served along with a threat or two because it was her way of keeping our poverty a secret from the children. These are just two of the many things momma told me. Next topic: Well-meant threats.
"don't go in there, or the dog will get you." "Don't pick that up off the ground, it has shit on it." "If you fall asleep here on the bus, we'll leave you with the driver so you can help him clean the bus when he's done." Those are some of the threats that kept me in line throughout my childhood.
Next topic; styles of raising children.
The way parents raise their children varies from culture to culture. I have seen extreme examples of authoritarian parents disciplining their child in public, and I've also seen deadbeat parents neglecting their children where they run the streets unsupervised. But I guess it is as most say, there isn't one correct way of being a parent, you just gotta learn as you go, adapt accordingly as challenges arise. Next topic: What challenges are capable of producing amongst human beings.
Challenges can bring out the best and worst in people. It isn't always easy to predict what will happen no matter how well we know someone who is being challenged. Next topic, your best traits.
I don't know what my best traits are, but people say I'm good on computers and mobility and cooking. I'm not so good at the written subjects though, like business or maths which I found boring anyway. Next topic: things you're good at.
Well, I'd be a great... taste tester? I guess I'm good on the computer, as far as using it, but once it breaks down, I'm screwed. I'm definitely good at traveling, and explaining things to people.
Next topic: something about you you'd like to improve
I'd like to improve my ability to make better use of my time. I waste entirely to much of it. Next topic, timepieces.
I don't know about you, but I sleep with my watch on which is probably not a good thing because I check it everytime I wake up. Next topic, alarm clocks.
I miss my radio alarm. I'd wake up in so much of a better mood with music, than with that horrible alarm clock noise. The only bad thing is, I'd hear the song in my sleep, and think it was part of my dream. So a few times I woke up an hour later than I was supposed to.
Next topic: your favorite way to wake up.
I don't really have a favorite way to wake up, but I normally wake up about the same time every day, even if I don't get up at that time. I normally only get up when I've been awake for quite a while or when I hear my alarm clock. Next topic: getting up in the morning.
I've always been an early bird; even if 3 or lesss hours of sleep is all I get, I always manage to get up because staying in bed for too long makes me feel like a dead person. I like when the sounds of barking dogs or birds and even traffic in the distance reaches my window. I just have to wait a few minutes for the sunrise to creep in through the blinds, then I know day has come. Morning time is my favorite time of the day. Next topic: Natural cues that govern human behavior.
That is something that I've learned to do. My wife is less of a morning person than I am. If I don't get up, I'm late for work, and if I'm late for work too many times, I won't have to worry about going to work at all. Next topic, logical consequences.
Hmm, well, if you disregard some of the natural cues that govern human behavior, you might have some serious logical consequences.
Next topic; typing.
We still use this word when we talk about entering information into a computer. We need to find another word that more accurately describes it, as for the most part, we no longer use typewriters. Next topic, changing vocabulary.
Vocabulary changes, throughout time, and in different regions. Even here, in California, people in the northern half have different phrases. But most interesting, is how people talk differently in different parts of New York City.
Next topic: your accent.
I really don't have a noticeable accent that would tell you I'm from baltimore Maryland. The one thing that peole in this part of the country do is not lift their tongues on the final l of words like ball or fell. It sounds more like a w. I can't even get the speech syntehsizers to duplicate the famous Baltimore o. It starts out sounding almost like the e in bell, and slurs into the long o sound in toe. If you've hearde it, you know exactly what I'm talking about. I could go on about this for a long time if you couldn't tell. *smile*. ext topic, long monologs.
Some plays have extremely long monologs that seem to go on forever. Oh wait, I just repeated myself in one sentence. Next topic, redundancy.
Hmm. Redundancy. How many ways can I be redundand. How many words can I use that signify repeating myself? How many ways can I say the same thing over and over again? Next topic, synonyms.
In order to BS my way through school, I had to learn as many synonyms as I could, to make me sound professional. This was especially true when analyzing literature.
Next topic: BS.
A master of the art can usually spont another one. As read the last post, I saw myself here. *smile*. In some ways BS is similar to small talk. Next topic, small talk.
Honestly, I'm horrible at small talk. I think I'd rather people come up to me and start arguing with me about something deep. But at the same time, I can small talk with the best of them.
Next topic: contradicting yourself.
I think anyone with a shred of honesty would have to admit to doing this at least once. Next topic, reconciling self-contradictions.
that's something I have to do often. I guess I don't feel strongly enough about too many things, and so I tend to do things, and agree with both sides of the spectrum. I think that made sense.
Next topic: not knowing how to word a thought.
I don't want to talk about it. (lol).
That can be a paralyzing experience, because you may have a point to make, but may not find the words. Next topic, inadequacies.
They are a source of preoccupation for a lot of people. Everyone wants to be at their best, especially when it counts. I think there might be help for it though.
Next topic: therapy.
Therapy can be painful, beit physical or psychological. The measure of its succwessful isn't the pain, but how well the patient is doing afterward. Next topic, progress.
Progress is measured by the equation, no pain no gain. Sounds like we need a new one.
Next topic: mottos.
Oooh Yeah! *smile* Seriously, models come in many types (role, fashion, car, etc.) They are all very important. There are so many ways one could go with this topic. Next topic, dirrection.
That reminds me, I was getting ready to cross a pretty weird intersection, as far as how it's aligned. I cross here often, but it's pretty challenging evry time. But today, as soon as I stepped off the curb, I completely lost my sense of direction. This has never happened to me before, at least to that extent, and it scared me crapless. Maybe it was the weird direction all the moving cars were going, or the pedestrians, but I seriously didn't know exactly where the corner was.
Next topic: strange occurrences.
I've had several happen to me. I sometimes think I'm a magnet for strange things and people. The one that comes to mind is when I was riding a bus many years ago, and got into an argument with someone as to who I was. They thought that I was going to get off the bus at one place, when I wanted to go to another. They had me confused with my brother who is also blind. I spent ten minutes trying to tell this person they were wrong. It finally dawned on me to ask myself why I was wasting my time. I mean, I'd probably never see this person again anyway, and after all, I knew where I was going. Next topic, stupid arguments.
lol
You can see a lot of these on the zone, in the proverbial "old married couple," and in bars.
Next topic; bars.
I never hung out in bars much when I was younger unless I was playing music. I didn't like to be in noisy environments then, and as my hearing has gotten more problematic, I like them even less. Next topic, hearing.
Hearing is something I really take for granted. I have relatively good hearing, but i remember being able to hear better when I was little.
Next topic; being a kid.
Personally, in some ways, I never really grew up. I still enjoy laughing, and being impulsive at times. My immagination can get me in trouble, too. Next topic, imagination.
I'm not sure if this is true for other people, but I think the fact that I'm blind gave me a vivid imagination. Sometimes, especially in boring situations, I can just daydream for hours. I really like doing it on long walks too.
Next topic; walking.
I enjoy walking. I don't do as much as I probably should. I used to walk much faster than I do now. I don't know if I've slowed down because of the aging process, slower reflexes, or the fact that I had some vision when I was younger, and lost it in surgery. I'm probably a safer traveller now, because I don't take the chances I used to. Next topic, shoes.
If you walked a mile in my shoes, I'd say you stole them.
Next topic: stealing.
It sounds like someone is in stealing proverbs for their own purposes (lol). Next topic, proverbs, sayings, or cliches.
lol
There was a time, when I was little, that I'd try to come up with my own proverbs. Obviously, they weren't worth remembering.
Next topic: CD's.
I've quie a few CD's, although I probablyhave less than many. Because of the Internet, I can't say I've bought many CD's in the last few years. Next topic, downloading music.
everyone's beginning to download their music, with the increasing number of MP3 players. Soon, if not already, the CD's will go out of style.
Next topic: some way in which you're old school.
Wow! in many ways, it might be easier to pick topics in which I'm not old school. Let's see. Many people I know who are younger than me and are blind use paratransit exclusively, while I've never used it. I still like my reel-to-reel tapes. I have a cluky cellphone about the size of some cordless phones, because I can find the buttons. And last, I tend to write all my e-mails out without abreviations. Next topic, abreviations.
Abreviations come in all types. Most of us abreviate names of states as well as days of the week and months. Next topic, time.
"Time is on my side, yes it is!"
Next topic: good days.
Good days, sunshine. Next topic, the beetles.
We all live in a yellow submarine. Next topic, ships.
I'm glad we have other modes of transportation nowadays. If we had to travel on ships, I wouldn't go anywhere.
Next topic; your least favorite mode of transportation.
Hmmm. After my day yesterday, I'd have to say a hot smelly bus without air conditioning on a hot humid day going through the inner city. I was fortunate to have busses like that going to and from work. Next topic, smells.
Oh man, I got on a bus today that smelled like someone had honked in. that's a smell that gets me evry time. I don't have a strong stomach for those things.
Next topic: favorite smell.
Has to be something baking in the oven, like cookies or cake. Next topic, favorite kind of cookie.
I like warm chocolate chip cookies best of all, although, to tell the truth, I like most cookies. There is a chain of hotels that give all their guests warm chocolate cookies. Next topic, favorite experience in a hotel or motel.
I like those hotels with really large rooms. I sometimes get my own room so no listening to everyone snore or the tv while trying to sleep. Next topic, distractions.
I tried listening to my Ipod while doing my 3-mile walk. Didn't work out so well.
Next topic: mp3 players
Well, I'm dong one of my favorite distractions right now. *smile*. I think we all need distractions from time to time if we're workaholics like I am. Next topic, pleasant diversions.
Lol, speaking of distractions.
Mp3 players are very pleasant diversions.
Next topic: glass.
Ah yes. Peole who are totals or partially sighted must be careful with glass. Why totals? Well, we might not always know there's glass around us and sightlinghs might see us doing things we'd rather not be seen doing. Less embarrassing for partials in some cases, although annoying, one might look through glassware in the kitchen and send it flying through the air with an open hand. Next topic, disadvantages of vision.
Sometimes I wonder, if I were to live by myself, how much money I would save on electricity each month? I don't even know where all the light switches are located in my house. when sighted friends come over, I have to rediscover them.
Next topic: discovering.
Ah yes. Discovering. Well, I had to pay an electrician to help me discover lightswitches. We had some plumbing work done in our basement. The lights have pull chains for each one individually, and a toggle switch near the door of the utility room. The plumbers went and turned the lights out with the pull chains. I didn't know that. The circuit breaker was in propper position for those lights, so I called the electrician, and he told me what had happened. Next topic, expensive lessons.
To avoid paying the holiday price on an Amcrash train back home, I took a commuter train from LA. The commuter train links to another train in northern san diego county, that takes you in to the actual city. my first train was late, so I missed my connection, and there wouldn't be another until 3 hours. I was so fed up, and had so much stuff on me, that I bought an Amtrak ticket to take me the rest of the way. When I finally got to san diego, instead of taking the bus home, I ended up catching a cab. I ended up spending more by going the long way, than I would have by just paying in the first place.
Next topic: bad traveling experiences.
Hmmm. I'd have to say my worst travel experience was a four and a half hour flight. Work was sending me to a conference in Las Vegas, and I live in Baltimore on the East Coast of the U.S. The flight itself was fine, and the service ferom the attendants was good. I just found myself really exhausted from sitting in a cramped seat for so long. To make matters worse, I flew in, and the first session was about an hour after I landed, so I really didn't plan it so I could relax particularly well before I dove right in. Next topic, poor planning.
My family is known for very poor planning, so they don't plan at all. I would've been the same way, if I hadn't learned to plan everything out according to bus schedules, walking distances, etc. But I learned, that if they say something will be done at a certain hour, to add 4 or 5 hours, and you'll get a more accurate time.
Next topic: organization.
Something I've struggled with all my life is organization. My files on the computer and notetaker are more organized than anything else in my life. To me this ranks up there with housecleaning. Next topic, housecleaning.
Some people consider house cleaning therapy. I don't see how. Next topic, Things that seem inpossible
I have a 68 mile bike ride on Sunday, that will end up out of San Diego county. with the shape I'm in, that's looking pretty imposible right now.
Next topic: bikes.
I'm ahsamed to say this, but my sense of balance was never good enough to ride a two-wheeler. When I was a teen ager, we had tandem bikes at the residential school where I went, and that offset my poor sense of balance. I often wonder if given a large open flat area, I'd like to try it again.
Next topic, things you'd like to try doing.
I would really like to try learning to play other musical instruments. I'd like to learn a lot more licks on the bass, and try the drums. I absolutely love my guitar, but everyone knows how to play it.
Next topic: grocery shopping.
I've met people who don't know how to read in grocery stores. I was looking for ginger ale one day, and I swear the guy was going through the aisle and said "Here's Toxic Water." I really don't think he was being cute. Next topic, times you wanted to laugh but couldn't.
There aren't too many things funnier than when people fall. Usually people wait a couple seconds to make sure you're ok, then they explode in laughter. But it's just so funny when people look like they're trying to take off, right before they fall.
Next topic: falling.
Oh, have I got stories about this one. I think the funniest time I ever fell was actually twice in one day within a few feet of eachother. I was helping a friend of mine move into a condo. Carrying boxes, I wasn't using my cane and thought it couldn't be too hard to walk across this loading dock to the elevator. Did that part fine, but in coming back to the moving van, I veered, and walked off the loading dock. My fall was open by what I later learned was the condo owner's Mercedes Benz. I kinda bounced off the roof, and on my way to the ground, pulled some of the trim off the door of the car. Later that day, I fell off the dock again, and there wasn't a car there to break the fall. Guess I'm a slow learner. Next topic, cars.
Lmao!
I was only ten when I realized that evry car has a different look. Of course I knew that trucks, and other obvious vehicles looked different, but I thought the sedans were the same. So now that I know, my dream car would have been a bitchin camaro.
Next topic: the nicest car you've been in.
Well years ago, my wife and I went to see a gentleman and his wife that I knew who lived near New York City. He ws a really neat guy. He was in his 80's and did all the maintenance work on his Mercedes Benz. Little did I know at the time I would have the aforementioned accident. We had a drive through the country together, and had a really nice dinner. Next topic, favorite dinners.
wow, where to pick? I really like the holiday dinners my grandma cooks. Those usually consist of traditional Mexican dishes, such as shrimp in mole sauce, or mishiotes. She is making tamales, as I write this.
Next topic: your favorite foreign foods
I like chinese food except for the mushrooms. Why do they have to put mushrooms in everything is beyond me. Next topic, hideous vegetables.
Egg plant, for sure. I realize it may not be a vegetable, but to me, anything you can't put in a fruit salad is a vegetable. Olives are absolutely disgusting too.
Next topic: something you just can't eat
Unlike some of the last choices where there were so many, now we're looking at so few for me. I guess I'd have to say rubarb. For some reason, it just tastes nasty to me. I can't explain why at all, unless its just one of those childhood things I never got over. Next topic, childhood fears.
I forget around what age, but there was a time in my childhood that I was afraid to go to the bathroom. I was scared that when I flushed the toilet, something would come out and take me down in to it. I would push on the handle, and run for my life, to the other side of the house.
Next topic: a frightening situation
Frightening situations can be in one's mind. I play music part time, and have a regular church job. One of the gigs I had was in this church. I used to show up early for practice to set up the equipment and just jam by myself on the synthesizers. My mind tends to wander into territory ithas no business going. For some reason, I got to thinking about how many funerals were held in that church. A minute later, the wind started whistling through the church, and I heard the roof and walls creeking. Scared the *%$^ out of me. Next topic, being alone in huge buildings.
Huge buildings can be scary especially being alone in one. anything can be lerking in the corners ready to jump out. Next topic, paranoia.
I'm amazed that blind people aren't mroe paranoid than theyalready are. Next topic, personality characteristics.
Those are what EHarmony claims to match their couples by. so I've decided, that if I'm ever single again, my eHarmony name will be Down and Dumpy.
Next topic: being single
I had a friend of mine who asked me if it is better to be single or married. He researches everything, and found that socrates said that "no matter which you decide, you will have regrets." I think that says it all. My wife and I have been married for 23 years, and while I'm happy, there are times when I'd love being single. Next topic, divorce.
Divorce is one of the main reasons I don't want to get married. I think that if the relationship doesn't work out any more, why complicate it with legal issues? Not to mention she gets half my stuff.
Next topic: inheriting
Inheriting is something that many people worry about. I don't understand why, but that's because must of the stuff I ever wanted out of the house where my parents lived was given away. My mother was trying to provoke a fight, and it didn't work. I was disappointed, but learned that it is only "stuff" that was being given away. The memories of a person and what they did to make a difference is really the only thing that lasts. Next topic, memories.
Memories and music are some times what get you through life. Either that, or they make for great stories. I love listening to others' memories. If I lived in ancient times, I'd be a traveling story teller.
Next topic: stories.
I think I would enjoy stories more if I learned to relax more. A good story is captivating, and a great escape from day to day routines. Next topic, escapes.
Escapes are, very... releasing? an ice cold beer certainly helps.
Next topic: iced coffee.
I never got into iced coffee. I love a nice hot cup of coffee, because it forces me to slow down and relax a little. Next topic, worst beverage you ever drank.
The way my girlfriend prepares her coffee is up there with the worst beverages I've had. She puts tons of sugar and flavoring in it, that when it's ready, it tastes like warm cough medicine. I just want the taste of a nice, dark roast coffee.
Next topic: the best dessert you've had.
boy, this is difficult. I think one of my favorites is served at Outback Steakhouses. Its called Chocolate Thunder From Down Under.It starts with a flourless brownie of all things, and has a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. Next topic, favorite ice cream.
Mmm, I've heard of it.
As much crap as I get for it, my favorite ice cream flavor is plain chocolate. Briers makes the best, if you like dark chocolate. It's so fluffy, chocolaty, and if heaven existed and were edible, it would be something very near to that.
Next topic: favorite place to eat out.
i will have to say the best place to eat is my house. i know it's not exactly eating out, but it's still the best.
Next topic, houses.
Houses seem to be built according to the climate of the area. They also seem to have rooms with different names, or rooms that others don't have.
Next topic: beds
I think any of us who've gone to residential schools have probably had some of the worst sleeping experiences in terms of beds. Matresses were very thin, and not too comfy. Next topic, worst environment in which you were able to sleep.
This probably had to be when we drove from San Diego, down to Mexico City. my uncle's car was completely packed with clothes, toys, and many other things he was taking down there. All this stuff was on, and between the seats, so there was very little room to move around. To make it worse, we did the trip in the middle of December, and the car didn't have heating or air conditioning. So driving at night over the cold mountains, and in the day across hot deserts was extremely uncomfortable. I managed to sleep out of shere tiredness.
Next topic: the longest time you've spent traveling
Hmmm. I really don't like long car rides. I tend to get really sleepy. We once drove from our home in Maryland to meet my wife's family in North Carolina. We got lost a few times on that road trip. We left around six in the morning, and got there at about 11:00 at night.
Next topic, unexpected stops on road trips.
One of the most memorable ones, was when I was about 5, and we were coming back to Mexico city from one of my grandpa's road trips. Just as we entered the city, a hail storm broke out, and we had to sit in the truck for about an hour, until it died down a little. It was pretty scary at the time, especially since the windshield started to crack from all the hailstones hitting it.
Next topic: storms
Hmmm again. I'm thinking of several. Perhaps one of the most memorable for me was what we refer to here as the President's Day Weekend Snowstorm. It began late on a Saturday Night, and snowed pretty much continuously for a day or two. We had several feet of snow. I knew we were in trouble, because we had what is called "thunder snow." This is when it actually thundwers in a snowstorm. I couldn't get out of my house for two or three days. Severl roofs collapsed in the area from the weightof the snow, and when I got to work, I had a flood in my office. Next topic, worst mess you ever had to clean up.
Hmm, I guess that had to be when we had a random onion attack at our old house. We couldn't get anything to grow there, but somehow, we found tons of onions growing on the side of the house. I don't think i've ever seen so many in my life.
Next topic: an impressive experience
Well, I've had several of what were impressive experiences to me. I think the one that comes to mind right off was when My wife and I were married, we went to SeaWorld in Orlando, FL. I got to feed dolphins. I was just impressed to be that close to a thing of nature.
Next topic, natural wonders.
I think evry aspect of nature is a wonder. It's amazing how almost everything is made to adapt to something else. No matter how advanced humans become, nature is always the most powerful. I was reminded of this by an earthquake this morning.
Next topic: earthquakes
I heard about the earthquakes. That's something I've never experienced. Back in the 1970's, there was a person who measured quakes who had the most unusual name. He (I think it was a he) was named Waverly Person. I got a picture of someone staggering around when he walked when I saw that name. Next topic, unusual names.
I'm a big fan of unusual names. That being said, you really have to be careful with what you name your kids. I really think some parents don't consider the serious consequences of a name. Reminds me of Johny Cash's "a boy names Sue."
Next topic: how you feel about your name
I think I'm the only one my age with my name. I even did a facebook search in my network, and no luck. I don't mind being the only one with my name, but sometimes I like to meet one person with it. Next topic, a friend whose similar to you.
I have friends similar to me in their way of thinking and their approach to life. It makes it easier to communicate, in fact, we sometimes don't need to say much. I really value my friends who are different than me, because they challenge my ways of thinking. Next topic the importance of differences.
Differences are, thankfully, why utopias are imposible. They're also most likely why comunism doesn't work either. They're something that must be appreciated, if not understood.
Next topic: people who are considered weird
Weird is one of those relative terms when it comes to describing people. To a non-musician, many musicians are weird, and someone who works a normal nine-to-five job is weird to many musical types. Next topic, what constitutes normal?
What's normal to one person might be weird to another, so everyone's definition is different. Next topic, dictionaries.
A dictionary was half of my learning English. My VI teacher in elementary school had an English-Spanish dictionary on hand, so if there was a word I didn't understand, she'd look it up. it was slow, but it worked.
Next topic: your learning style
My learning style varies. I'm finding that I'm learning to enjoy reading books in audio formats, now that I can download them. I also find that I learn by doing. Next topic, most fun learning you've done outside the classroom.
in the time I was in college, my friend and I would study for a test, usually on the weekend. When the studying got too hard though, we'd get a 12-pack of Corona, and make the studying a little easier.
Next topic: old friends
Old friends are real prizes to be treasured. There's a girl I h ve known since we were real little. I remember her from kindergarten. She's a couple years younger than me. Just went to her 50th birthday party. We've been good friends since high school. Next topic, favorite parties.
Until recently, my favorite parties included lots of drinking, loud music late at night, and all kinds of mischief. But with those, I found that there was a lot of drama during, and after them. So while it was fun, I remember them mostly for the bad things that happened.
Next topic: double-edged swords
I'm not sure where to start, is life is full of them. I think that as a musician, I probably tend to "find" more of them than the average person. To work, or not work and be creative. Writing for myself, or writing for money are two examples that come to mind. Next topic, difficult choices.
I haven't had to make very difficult choices, at least ones that have a major impact in my life. I guess the most difficult one was when I decided to not go to san Francisco State University, and instead chose to do a program in LA for 3 months. But I couldn't imagine my life in the circumstances i was presented with at the time, and I still can't.
Next topic: being at the right/wrong place at the right/wrong time
Boy, that really dovetails with difficult choices. Being in the right place at the right time is actually how I got really interested in teaching technology. I was at one of our local libraries with my wife. I was saying that I wish there was access to public computers for people who are visually impaired. She casually walked me over to the computer information desk and said " you had a question, didn't you, Lou?" She emphasized the last three words meaning, "You damn well better ask it, too." Well, it turned out they were just beginning to develop a program. Next topic, opportunities.
Opportunities are why we moved to the US. Although it's getting better for blind people in Mexico, it's still not the same. However, I haven't been the best at cashing in on these opportunities.
Next topic: lost chances
I think anyone who has ever lived has had their share of lost chances. I had a chance to do some work writing a TV theme for a PBS program, but never pursued it vigorously. Next topic, favorite TV themes.
Hmm, I don't think i have one. The ones I remember are the jingles on commercials.
Next topic: jingles that get stuck in your head
They say that the commercial jingles must be affective if they get stuck in your head. Next topic, things that get stuck in your head.
There are times when I want certain foods, and that thought just remains in my mind until I do something about it. Next topic, acting on a desire.
there is probably nothing more fun, and sometimes, nothing more dangerous than acting on a desire. I guess it depends on what that is.
Next topic: ambiguity
Ambiguity can be fun or frustrating. It depends on how you deal with multiple enterpretations of something. I have a co-worker who specializes in it in his speech. It gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "justifiable homicide." Next topic, anger.
The most effective way to deal with anger is to take a deep breath, count to ten slowly, then punch the crap out of everyone nearby.
Next topic: happiness
That antidote for anger might lead to happiness. (lol) Seriously, hapiness is so subjective. For some people, finding happiness is like trying to put a rainbow in a jar. It just doesn't happen. Next topic, comparisons.
Comparisons are a good way to set standards. That being said, they can also be unfair.
Next topic: fairness
Fairness is a nice ideal to strive for, but seems to be hard to achieve. Next topic, something that isn't elusive.
Bills and taxes would fall in to that category. In fact, you don't even have to find them.
Next topic: searching
I hate looking for things. I don't mind searching for things on the computer or the Internet, but I'm probably one of the most disorganized blind people you'd ever want to meet in terms of physical posessions. Next topic, getting organized.
I'm with you on that one. actually, I'd like to think that my organizational style is quite messy. I still know where things are, but they're just not in conventional places.
Next topic: most prized posessions
Hmmm. As I've gotten older, I've come to realize that posessions are just stuff, and ultimately, you can't take them with you. Having said that, I'd say that three come to mind. My cane, my Braille Plus, and my music synthesizer. Next topic, things or ideas or ideals that are the most value to you.
That would have to be respect for others' most valued ideals. I've really stuck with that, and as long as others' ideals aren't imposed on me, I'll continue to think that way.
Next topic: judgement
Judgement is something that can cause more trouble than it is worth. I try to be as nonjudgmental as possible, but I probably let my opinions be known in subtle ways. Next topic, subtlety.
Subtlety is especially good when it comes to perfume, cologne, and body sprays. there are people who insist on wearing half a bottle of these things, which smells horrible. Nothing like a nice, subtle scent.
Next topic: smells
I've had clients who lost their eyesight in unique ways. Several los their sense of smell in the process. Closely related is the sence of taste. I can't imagine life without these. Next topic, pleasure derived from the senses.
although i admit I take them for granted, i'm glad of the senses I do have. I can taste food, listen to music and people, smell my surroundings, etc. I've always been curious as to how much more powerful animals' senses are.
Next topic: favorite animal
Well, I'm unashamedly a cat person. My favorite cat died many years ago, but I wouldn't trade the guy we have now for anything. He has trained me well. Next topic, who is in charge? us or our animals?
Humans look like they are in charge because we are able to kill animals, and drive them in to extinction. Next topic, Animal Planet.
I used to watch that channel when i was little. Now, I'm not sure what i'm in to, as far as watching TV.
Next topic: nature
Nature can be peaceful and quiet with the birds chirping and the soft breeze blowing through the trees. Next topic, a peaceful place.
I'll never forget this place, on the banks of the American River in central california. It's the site of a big campground, where we used to go white water rafting from. I remember sitting at night, righ ton the bank, talking to my friends, and enjoying the cool night breeze. I'd really love to go back there again.
Next topic: summer
I used to really lok forward to summer when I was younger, I think primarily because I wasn't in school. Now, its just another season to me. I look forward to the change in seasons though. Here in the midatlantic coast of the U.S., it gives me something to look forward to weatherwise. This is the fastest summer I can remember. Next topic, the speed of time.
I am always amazed at how fast time passes. This especially true at the end of the year. I can always remember exactly what I was doing a year before, and feel the proverbial "as if it were yesterday."
Next topic: your new year tradition
My wife and I have one when we're at home, and not visitting her family. We go to a movie. We catch the show that starts between ten and midnight. There are very few people in the theater, and it is very quiet. Almost like having a private screening. Next topic, privacy.
Privacy is of high value in american culture. I was surprised to know that many people here opt to stay in a hotel when visiting family, rather than at the relative's house. I don't blame them though, I've come to not like sharing my room with other people.
Next topic: things that surprise you about other cultures
Something that surprises me about some cultures is that when people shake their heads it means "yes" and when they nod their heads it means "no". I think that would probably be confusing for someone who is english looking at them. Next topic: confusion.
Confusion is something that transcends cultures and has an impact on all of us. Sometimes, people contradict themselves which leads to confusion. Next topic, insanity.
I guess insanity is a relative term. Sometimes it feels like I'm going insane from stress, but I wonder if I really went insane, would i know it?
Next topic: stress
Stress can be positive or negative. We tend to think of stressers as things like heavy bills, death in the family, or other negative things. Our bodies can react to positive stressers as well like a marriage, or a new house, or learning something new. come to thinnk of it, these can be negative stressers, too. Next topic changing your mind.
My girlfriend is the queen of the mind change. This is why I hate shopping with her.
Next topic: shopping
In general, I hate shopping. This is a hot button, because I just got back from the store. My wife was sick, and sent me out. Now if you turned me loose in a music store, that is an entirely different matter. Next topic, favorite kinds of shopping.
I'd have to say music stores are my favorite too. I never have the money to buy anything, but I love going in there to jam with instruments I could never have.
Next topic: something you really want
Hmmm. Short of a currency tree in the back yard, That's kinda hard. I think it would probably a computer that I could dedicate to music production, and the time to figure out how to make it work. I have a really nice musicsynthesizer, but no time to figure out how to do all the stuff it can do. if I did, I'd probably give up on sleeping. Next topic, what would you do if you had unlimmitted time?
I think that if I had unlimited time, i'd either waste it, or spend it trying to find a limit for it.
Next topic: if the world were perfect
If the world was perfect, no-one would be different and everything would be the same. If it was really perfect, we probably wouldn't be here because we've all got "disabilities". I think we'd all be pretty bored if it was a perfect world. Next topic: boredom.
Anyone can suffer of boredom at any given time. There can be so many sites to visit on the net, but we get bored with the net. There are so many channels on tv and radio, but we get bored with those as well. Next topic, favorite information sources.
That would have to be the internet, although not for it's reliability. If there were more accessible methods, I'd probably choose them. It would be nice to go to the library and look through the books once in a while.
Next topic: libraries
I haven't read much for pleasure in years. I must confess that the ability to download books and magazines has really changed my view of going to such places. I think if I could see, I'd thoroughly enjoy the real and not the on-line libraries. Next topic, downloading readming and listening materials.
It's the best thing since... sliced bread? It's still has a long way to go, as far as having absolutely everything accessible, but I love it. In fact, I love being able to download anything.
Next topic: downloading
Nothing beats the convenience downloading affords. So many products you can transform with a few hits of the enter key on the Internet. Next topic, most physically abused key on your computer keyboard.
That would be the spacebar, if anything, by it's lenth. I also play the computer version of showdown, and the spacebar is used to hit the ball. You can imagine how hard I slam it some times in a crucial moment, lol.
Next topic: computer games
I've never played many computer games other than a few here on the Zone. I tend to spend enough unproductive time in front of the computer, and I'm almost afraid to find more unproductive things I can do on the computer. (lol). Next topic, most boring computer activity.
Most boring thing to do on the computer is anything important. I hate writing papers for school, or having to respond to important e-mails. Unfortunately, it's so tempting to ditch all those things and do something much more enjoyable.
Next topic: temptation
None of us who walk the earth are immune to temptation. How we respond to it is what counts. Next topic, adversity.
Adversity is one of those so-called spices of life. Although sometimes it seems hard to handle, it beats the alternative.
Next topic: something you find extremely boring
I'd have to say the most boring thing is waiting in a hospital for someone, or while someone is having a procedure done. In the last few years, I've done my share of that. Thank God I have my notetaker now that holds books and stuff, but still, one can only read so much. Next topic, reading.
I really miss reading braille. Unfortunately, it's so bulky, and almost hard to find. Jaws does a pretty good job, but there was almost a personal connection with the book, when reading it myself.
Next topic: braille
I totally agree. I think that with braille, you are one with the page. I call it a more "active" way to read, because the reader is really involved with the printed/brailled words. It will always be my favorite medium, and I doubt it will go away. Next topic, favorite methods for writing braille.
I still like using the old Perkins brailer even though they are noisy and bulky. I used to be really fast at it, but with college and having to do everything electronically, I'm not sure how fast I am using it. Next topic, a forgotten skill.
man, i have so many of those. I used to be really good with the slate and stylus, but now it takes me forever. I also used to know how to write evry letter in cursive, but now i'm down to my name. Hmm, also, tying all kinds of knots.
Next topic: a useless fact you know
A really useless fact I was told once is that most righthanded people talk on the phone with the phone to their left ear! Why would anyone want to know that? Next topic: righthanded people.
Most of the world is right handed, but more and more things are being designed for use by either hand. Mice, some braille displays are two things that come to mind. I know people who put strings on their guitar backwards because they are left handed. Next topic, difficult tasks.
There's a guy in my town that plays guitar with his feet. He sits at our best known park, and he's actually become somewhat famous around here. Man, I'm barely able to play with my hands, haha.
Next topic: fame
Lots of people are famous even if they don't seem to do very much. For example, Jade Goody or whatever her name is was famous and for some reason still is, just because she won one of the earlier Big Brother shows. Next topic: Big Brother tv series.
If I'm correct, it was one of the first reality TV shows. now, evry family, especially in southern california, has a camera following them around. I should be on any time soon.
Next topic; any television appearances?
Well, I've had my share of tv appearances. I was on some local sunday morning tv shows playing piano when I was 10 or 11. Last time I was on the tube was when Iwas interviewed because I complained about my log distance telephone service being switched without my knowing. Next topic unpleasant events.
They can creep up without warning. Those are the really anoying ones such as an exam that you don't want to take. Next topic, exams.
I actually really like exams, except for the ones where you have to write an essay. But if my grades depended on tests only, I would ace evry class.
Next topic: something you know the most about
I'd have to say I feel pretty cofortable with the topic of notetakers. I could write a pretty good general overview of their calabilities. I'm most comfortable with humanware's and the icon or braille plus. Next topic favorite technological device.
Hmm, I guess it would be the microwave. I am the best microwave chef out there. I'm also easy to please, usually.
Next topic: cup-a-noodles
Believe it or not, I discovered this product a few years ago. I can't say I cared for it very much, but I have to admit it is relatively quick and easy. I commuted from home to school through college and grad school, so I never appreciated convenience foods like that when most people do in life. Next topic, products everyone else knew about but you.
I didn't know there were such things as color detectors up until about a year and a half ago. I just thought you were supposed to ask people what the colors of things were or do ... nothing. Now I use mine most of the time, but looking for a slightly better one. Next topic: talking color detectors.
I don't know if it was on this topic thread or not, but I know I posted about this before. I hope they've improved, because if I believed the judgements they made about my skin color, I should have been dead a long time ago. Next topic, funny technology stories.
In my first semester of college, i had a braille note. one day, in health class, i turned it on to take notes, when it warned me about a low battery, then proceeded to make an ear piercing screech. i tried turning it on and off, but the toggle switch wouldn't work. I tried resetting it, and still nothing. I finally had to put it back in my backpack, and borrowed a bunch of heavy books from my friend to stifle the noise. Very, very embarrassing!
Next topic: embarrassing childhood moment
Hmmm. There are so many. I guess the one that comes to mind is one day when I was about five or six. I was really being obnoxious. My mother told me that if I kept it up, she'd spank me in front of a housefull of company. Well, I just ignored this and kept on doing whatever it was I was doing. Next thing I knew, I was held, my pants were down, and she made good on her threat/promise. The embarassment hurt worse than the actual spanking. Next topic, unrully children.
My family is full of unruly children. The terrible two's continue on to their teens. This is probably why I don't want children of my own.
Next topic: parents
I think being a parent is one of the most difficult jobs in the world. I know that I'd probably drive my kids crazy if we had any. As a blind person, I'd want the child to wear a bell until he/she was 21 so I'd know where he/she is or what he/she is doing. My parents were considerably older than me, and could have been my grandparents. Next topic, grandparents.
I am lucky to have met three of my great grandmothers, and two of my great grandfathers. As a child, I lived with my paternal grandmother, and now, with my maternal grandmother, who I think, is my only remaining one. As great as it was to sit and listen to their stories, I remember them most for their cooking.
Next topic: cooking
Cooking is something I enjoy doing when I get started, but I just hate getting started. I tend to be a perfectionist in many ways, but cooking is one of things I give myself permission to not be perfect at. I figure it will be gone, so nobody will know or care. I'd much rather clean up afterward. Next topic, doing dishes.
Doing dishes is the only cleaning up I enjoy. I find it to be pretty relaxing, and something that doesn't require a lot of concentration. i could wash dishes all day, haha.
Next topic: dish washer machines
Well, we have an Armstrong Dishwasher in our house, namely me. Seriously, I guess they're great if you have lots of dishes. Its just my wife and I, and I can't see going through all the work of loading the dishwasher for two people. Next topic, labor saving devices that create work.
lol
The dish washer is probably the best example of that, since you almost have to wash the dishes in order for the washer to wash them properly. But the other one I can think of are those braille labelers. It's nice that it's all on one strip, and it even cuts it for you, but it takes forever to write something with them. You have to line up the wheel, and if it doesn't have contractions, you have to write everything out.
next topic: arts and crafts
For some reason, I never was really good at that kind of thing. I guess I never really had the patience or much inclination toward it. Next topic, things you've tried to enjoy, but didn't.
I've really tried to enjoy a really hard work out, but really didn't. I do like the feeling of accomplishment when I'm done, but it really sucked getting there. Oh well, gotta keep it light.
Next topic: exercise
This is something I need to do more of. Perhaps the most exercise I get is walking to and from the bus every day when I go to and from work. We've lots of hallways in our building, but I hate walking to nowhere. Next topic, what constitutes a waste of time for you.
Hmm, this is a hard one, since I'm extremely generous with the time I spend doing nothing at all. Yet, I don't feel it's necessarily a waste, just not time spent doing something productive in others' view, haha. But I guess wasted time is time spent with pointless arguments or worries, and I realize this makes me sound like a hippi in denial.
Next topic: alternative lifestyles
Hmm. I guess I like too much security to explore alternative lifestyles. I like having a stable relationship, regular job, all the things my parents and elders taught me growing up. I'm not knocking alternative lifestyles by any means. I admire people who can make the choice to live in those lifestyles. I'm just not one of them. Next topic, exploring your own values.
everyone has different values, and sometimes those can interfier with other people when their values collide.
next topic: outer space
I think that the Star Trek people have it right when they say that is the final frontier. I think space exploration is exciting, because there is so much to learn when we break the bonds of this planet. Next topic, discovery.
Over the last century, there has been an amazing amount of discovery, in many aspects. This is especially true in the fields of transportation and medicine. we went from traveling by horse and carriage, and dying of common colds, to walking on the moon and having a pill for evry mood disorder.
Next topic: medicine
We tend to give our physicians a great deal of respect and power over our lives. Why shouldn't we? They are the experts on human health, right? Fortunately, the trend is changing. Now, the patient and doctor are co-laborers in the care of the patient. Next topic cooperation.
Cooperation is the key to many things. It's the whole, evry bit makes a difference.
Next topic: cliches
Well I could say something like what goes around comes around and make the next topic cliches, but I won't do that.I mean after all, that would be like counting chickens before they hatch. This is a bad idea. Something is wrotten in denmark. Next topic favorite foreign countries.
well, being from mexico, I'm kind of biased. But I guess my favorite countries would be either sweden or the Netherlands. They just seem to be the most socially advanced countries out their, and therefore, some of the safest.
Next topic: crime
Boy I'd sure like to steel the guy's gun who killed someone last night, or break into the defunked banks that stole everyone elses money. Seriously, I think that crime can be attributed to one of two motivations: love or money, and maybe both. Next topic, what motivates us to do the positive things we do.
Hmm, speaking for myself, what motivates me is the hope of a possitive outcome. Many times, it's so much easier to do the wrong thing, or take a short-cut through life, but whoever came up with "what goes around comes around," wasn't kidding.
Next topic: habits lost with age
I think I was more organized in some ways when I was younger. I'd organize my clothes by colors. Now I don't even bother labeling them. I need to get back to it. Next topic, habbits worth beginning again.
I used to keep in touch with my friends and family more. But now, it's hard to get me on the phone. Although people seem to understand, I probably should do a better job at that.
Next topic: writing letters
I don't write letters very often, but still do sometimes. I should do a bit more really, but don't have much time, seeing as most people expect to send e-mails and get the jobs done quickly.
Next topic: doing jobs quickly.
usually, the jobs you expect are going to get done quickly are the ones that don't and vice versa. The words I hate to hear from someone are "do you have a minute?" That usually means whatever they want is going to take a long time. Next topic, dreaded words.
There's nothing more annoying than when someone says, "it is what it is." That's an absolute waste of breath. Also, when someone says, "no offense," or, "not to be rude..." always means something rude is coming.
Next topic: rudeness
Rudeness is something that seems to be more widely accepted nowadays than when I was growing up. i know shi is going to make me sound really old, but I think people are just ruder than they were when I was growing up. Next topic, changing acceptable behavior.
When I was in my teens, I always thought about how it would be, if I could go back in time and show people things we do now. If people thought Elvis was too lascivious, what would those same people think if they heard the music now, and saw the shows? I don't know, i might be burned at the stake for showing them, haha.
Next topic: religion
Religion of any kind is a very personal thing in my opinion. I know this is a contradiction, but I believe it is meant to be shared. I don't mean in the sense of preaching to the masses, but one should truly live out one's faith in order to have a larger impact on others. Next topic, learning by example.
Learning by example is how I learn best. Unfortunately, there haven't been too many people I'd like to follow, but I've learned many things from the ones I do.
Next topic: heroes
,to me, a hero is someone who takes a risk to do something for someone else. ,by that definition, someone who stops an armed criminal or dies doing something that others may live is a hero. Next topic, something worth dying for.o
I have often told myself that I would protect loved ones with my life. Some years ago, I might have said country, but I realize now that it would only be under very special circumstances.
Next topic: the military
The military includes the army. Military people are still in Iraq and other places where people say they should be taken out of and that they shouldn't have been sent in the first place. Next topic: the army.
I always thought I'd want to serve in the Armyor Military. Now, I'm too old to serve formally, so maybe I can help a disabled vet sometime in the course of my life. Next topic, things you're too old to do, but wish you could.
I miss going in to the play areas at Chucky Cheese, and such places. I loved getting lost in those tunnel things. I used to love trick-or-treating too.
Next topic: Halloween
I enjoyed halloween until we bought a house. Then when the same children would come around two or three times, and many of them were bigger than me, it just wasn't fun anymore. I think the funniest halloween story I have happened our first year in thehouse. It was a very warm night, and my wife and I were sitting on the porch waiting for the children to come. I heard a set of footsteps approaching, and then, they ran away. My wife went into hysterics laughing. Turns out the person was dressed as a blind person. Next topic, least favorite holiday.
I guess my least favorit holiday would be saint patrics day. Its not really that I don't like it but when your at school people love to use that day as a chance to pintch people as hard as they can. Even if they are wearing green. The kids just say, well we're at a blind school and I didn't no they were wearing green. I hate that.
Next topic: animals.
Wow! I love animals of all kinds. I think they are here to teach us as people things we need to learn. Our current cat, for example, was adopted by us from a vetrinary blood bank. He was the bully of all these cats, and had the hardest time getting used to people. His attitude was almost like saying, "Lou, you think you have patience? Well, you're wrong. I'll help you to become more patient." He had the hardest time getting used to being among people, and knowing that no other cat would steal his food. It took him awhile to learn to trust us, but I learned that I had to be friends on his terms. Now, this cat rides around the house on my shoulder. Next topic, rewards for changing behavior.
I think its really emportant for people and animals to get good rewards when they change their bad behavior to good. Like you said, time and patience helped you to get your cat to have good behavior and his reward is a good home and love. I think also it is good for kids to get a reward for good behavior as well, like an allowance for doing chores, or a treat for good grades.
Next topic: hottubs.
Believe it or not, I've never been in a hot tub. I don't give myself time to relax and enjoy things like that. Next topic, plumbing.
plumming is the art of weaving pipes, bolts, fossets, and nuts in to position. So we can access hydrocloric substances. I got help with that one lol. I don't really no what else to say. plumming is, plumming. Kind of nasty. I don't want to work with plumming that's for sure. lol.
Next topic: artic warfare.
Hmm, not sure what artic warfare is, but it sounds like arctic warfare, which sounds like a serious snowball fight.
Next topic; snow
At last, something we northeastearners can talk about! Most blind people hate traveling in snow. While I'm not as fond of it as I once was, I still enjoy it. next topic, adverse weather.
something san Diegans definitely can't talk about. Although if you ask any native, driving while it's sprinkling is adverse weather. It causes unbelievable traffic jams, and many accidents.
Next topic: traffic
Traffic, hmm. Traffic isn't really a good thing. It slows people down on their way somewhere and causes accidents. But sometimes its much worse than others as we all no.
Next topic: streets
Streets are how we orient ourselves to where we are in society when traveling. They are the basis of our road system. I had a cane destroyed while trying to cross a street the other day. Next topic, annoying motorists.
Some people in cars when I'm waiting to cross a road just sit there expecting you to cross, which I think is annoying. I was told to wave the cars on and wait until there are none coming. Next topic: crossing roads.
This is a task that is much harder now than it was when I was learning cane travel. There are more cars on the roads, and they are quieter. Next topic, which is worse? Loud or soft sounds?
crossing streets is something I learned early in my mobility training. I remember being six, figuring out how to cross a street with another blind kid, and trying to find someone to help us. we didn't know that the mobility teacher was watching from a distance, and all around, there were only drunks, so we were kind of scared. We finally got some college students to help us, but for years afterwards, we still laugh about that experience.
Next topic: mobility mishaps
Hmm. I used to do mobility when I was little, then I stopped for a few years having the class at school, and I started up again last year. There fore, I'm not a pro at it. I have trouble with vearing when I cross streets so at first when I started the class again last year, I kept vearing towards the paralell street. There would be a car coming really close and I would kind of panic. Mobility mishaps are no fun, but its a part of blind peoples lives.
Next topic: telascoping canes.
Oh, I dispise telescoping canes. I've yet to see one that lasts as long as the traditional folding cane, no matter what it is made of. I will say though, that the telescoping cane is much more easily put away than the folding cane. When I used to wear a suit or sports jacket to work, it was nice to put it in the inside pocket of the coat when not in use. Next topic, pockets.
I think my entire livelihood depends on pockets. I can't go out without wearing anything that has them. everything I need, in life really, is there.
Next topic: something you gotta have, other than a mobility device, to go out
When I go out, I have to have my phone. It makes me feel more secure in case I might have one of those mobility mishaps and heed help, and I also feel like I'm more able to reach in case someone in my family is having an emergency.
Next topic: emergencies.
Emergencies are something we should try to prepare for. We can't always anticipate every emergency. If we did, we'd probably drive ourselves crazy. I used to be way more paranoid than I am now. I'd go away and carry lots of extra batteries. I tried to make sure all my gadjwets had the same kinds of batteries. That's getting harder to do, as my notetaker, mp3 player, and cell phone all have different battery types. Next topic, alternative power sources.
alternative power sources are something we need to come up with. They have solar power, but it's extremely expensive to install one to power your home. However, that seems to be the most promising one, until they figure out how to power entire cities with nuclear, not nucular, reactors.
Next topic: bad pronunciation
Oh, is this a topic that really bothers me. Its bad enough that blind people have trouble spelling, because some of us (me included) were too lazy to learn the way words are spelled in uncontracted braille/english. When you put bad pronunciation into the mix, that really compounds the problem. I could actually spell better in spanish than in english, because the language is way more phonetic.. Next topic, famous people who butcher the English language.
Oh man, nothing like the president of the US butchering the english language. Another amusing one is Packman Jones, of the Dallas cowboys, who is prohibitted from going to "scrip clubs." I know there's a bunch of other ones, but I can't think of them.
Next topic; annoying accents
I hate to admit it, but one of the most annoying accents I know is right here in my home town. There have been boks written about "baltimoreese". You might here locals referred to as Baltimore-ons. Anyway, some of the problems with our speech is that we don't rins clothes in the sink. We wrench them out in the zinc. There's a certain way many locals here say the o as in boat or local. It is a really huge dipthong that starts out as the e sound in wet, and migrates to the o that it is supposed to be. Words that have the ire sound like in fire come out as an ar as in tar. Next topic, favorite expressions.
One of my favorite expressions is, Your as useful as a screen door on a submarine. and your about as useful as tits on a boar hog.
next topic, Favorite commic
comic as in in strip, or comedian? well, as for comedian, it would have to be John Legazamo. I love how he makes fun of Puerto Rican culture.
Next topic: childhood friends
I was going through some old cassettes (remember those?) the other day. I found a casette a buddy of mine made me when I was in seventh or eighth grade. I've few friends from my childhood, but I value those I have. Next topic important people in your life.
As bad a year as it's been for me, I will take from it that I can't take people for granted. Not necessarily that they'll die, although there's been some of that this year, but that they might be in a situation where you can't always see them.
Next topic: people you miss
Missing people is a strong feeling. Sometimes I feel like it takes over your life. Because if you miss someone your constantly thinking of them, and I don't no about everyone but sometimes you think about what would make where you are right then different if they were there with you. We miss people we haven't seen in a couple hours, days, weeks, or even years. But the worst is missing someone who died, its a forever missing.
Next topic: good memories.
I'm fortunate to have several in my life. I think the most pleasant memory I have is an experience that lasted about an hour. My girlfriend at the time and I went with another couple to a camp ground for a day. The other guy and I went out in a canoe at night. He was fishing. It was so silent. I don't remember ever being more relaxed. Next topic, relaxation.
Relaxation is what I do best. I'm usually the one people call when they need to calm down.
Next topic: relieving stress
Hmm. For me, I guess I relieve stress by just going off and doing something quietly by myself like reading or playing a game. I'm off work tomorrow, and while I have plans for the bulk of the day, I'm looking forward to a couple hours after my wife goes to work when I can just sit and do nothing if I choose to. Next topic, pros and cons of doing things by yourself.
I really enjoy doing things by myself, some times, a little too much. I love others' company, but I really value my own time. so while it's something I enjoy, my friends do resent the fact that I don't feel like hanging out once in a while.
Next topic: being a good friend
If someone considers you a good friend, you should feel honored that that person has taken you into their life on that level. Accepting someone as a good friend implies trust, and being a good friend is also risky, but well worth the rewards. Next topic, acquaintences
No matter how popular you are, most of the people that know you are merely acquaintances. Only a handful of those people will be truly friends.
Next topic: fame
Fame can come and go. I wouldn't want to be famous, because the people you meet may not want to know you for who you are, but rather, what you are. Next topic, things that may be appealing to you but can turn out not to be what you expect.
I see being extremely rich as one of those things. I don't have anything to worry about in this economic crisis, because I have nothing to lose. I tell people, I don't even have enough money to die.
Nex topic: poverty
Poverty is relative. By Bill Gates standards, many of us would be considered living in poverty. By people in third-world countries stanandards, many of us may be considered rich when you look at things from a material standard. I believe the human spirit can rise above povertyfrom a non-materialistic point of view. Next topic , taking responsibility for one's own happiness.
Ultimately, I think that's the only way to attain happiness. Everything will always change, so you can't depend on outside forces to make you happy. One has to adapt, and strive to make the best of it.
Next topic: goals
I think goals are what keep us striving for more. The goal can be as simple as fixing breakfast to as complex as getting a job. In any case, through goals, we progress toward making a better life for ourselves. Nex topic, obstacles.
You'll never face so many obstacles in life, and feel so pressured to overcome them quickly, than when you're racing in an obstacle course.
Next topic: olympics
The Elympics are for participants in excelent physical condition. These are people who have overcome numerous obstacles to meet their goals. What a great topic to combine the previous two. Next topic, history.
History is everything to do with the past. Some parts are more interesting than others. For some reason I really like finding out about old houses. Next topic: old houses.
I like the smell of old houses. I also like the way they sound, and how well they are built compared to modern houses that seem to go up way too fast. Next topic, plastics.
my aunt worked at a plastic factory for a few months. I went in there once to pick her up, and went right back out. I'd have a horrible headache from the smell, if I worked there.
Next topic: smells you can't stand
Well, as much as I love animals, when we were adopting our current cat, we were on a search. We went to this place that was essentially a house full of cats. You could smell the house about ten feet from the door. Only good thing I could say that as a blind guy, I'd have no difficulty finding it. Just think how far I could be if the wind was right. Next topic, dirrectional cues.
I've always used directional cues too travel around. For the longest time, the sidewalk in front of our house was pretty jacked up, so that's how I ould know when I was home. They recently fixed it, so for a while I would walk past my house, ot not quite get to it, before I'd turn in to the drivewa. I told my neghbo to have dinnr ready for me, jus in case.
Next topic: neighbors
I've had excelent neighbors, and not so excelent neighbors. For the most part, our neighbors aren't particularly good now. There's an elderly gentleman two houses from us who is a good neighbor, and we look out for him. Next topic the elderly.
I've always had great respect for the elderly, even though I think it's not always returned. There are elderly people who seem to appreciate everything and everyone, and who I'd really like to learn from. but there are those who develop an attitude of, I'm old and grumpy, and it makes for hard relationships.
Next topic: grumps
There must be a certain part of me that hates myself, but the grumpier the person, the more of a challenge it is to get them to smile. I particularly like serley store people. I was shopping on Christmas Eve, and the girl was grumpy. She found out she had to work Christmas Eve, and wasn't at all happy. I wished her a Happy Easter. She said same to you and started to laugh. Next topic, customer service.
I'm currently trying to get a job in the customer service area. I always thought that I wouldn't b good at it, because I'd go off on anyone that yelled at me, but my need for money has gotten rid of that thought.
Next topic: something you would be willing to do, if you really neede money
Well, I'd have to say being a case manager. It was my least favorite job, and I nearly drove myself crazy doing it, because of the goofy way our agency had me do the job. I was rsponsible for schedulign almost all the clients comming through our department, and making sure that everyone's paperwork was done. Next topic, paperwork.
I've never had to do paperwork, so I can't say for certain, but it sounds like something I'd hate doing.
Next topic: a job you wouldn't want
I'd have to say having to reposess stuff from people who didn't pay for it. I mean, you'd have to go into all sorts of neighborhoods, and the people you'd be trying to get furniture or cars or whatever from might be well-armed. Next topic, weapons.
I'm pretty sure there are as many weapons out there as there are medications. It's kind of mind boggling to watch the military channel and hear about all the things out there. I'd personally like to try firing a gun, I guess to say I've done it.
Next topic: something you'd like to accomplish in your life
Tattoos aren't for everybody...I think they're strange
Next topic:
music
Music is quite a universal language. Many people fight about it that never played it, and can't define why they like or dislike certain types of music. Next topic, taste.
Taste is something that develops and changes over time. one taste that is unwavering in my life is my love for dark chocolate. My grandpa in Mexico, would go on trips to the southeastern state of tabasco, and bring back boxes of dark chocolate. Ever since then, I won't eat any other type.
Next topic; something you liked as a kid, that you still like
Wow. For some of us, that was longer ago, than others *smile*. For me, it would have to be hot dogs. They are probably one of the unhealthiest things to eat, but I like them hot or cold. When I was in college, I'd take the busses home and get home at 11:00 at night. Sometimes the question was whether or not to heat them up, as gross as that sounds to some people. Next topic, favorite unhealthy food.
Mmm, i love cold hot dogs.
Wow, which to choose from? I'd have to say, as of now, carne azada nachos. It's tortilla chips, carne azada, sour cream, and salsa all thrown in to a bowl, mmm! I'm sure the American Heart Association does not reccomend that.
Next topic: favorite healthy food
This makes me feel like a more responsible adult. (lol).
Probably it would have to be between apples and carrots. Must have been a horse in a previous life.
Next topic, favorite animals.
lol
I'd say it would have to be the wolf. I've never had a chance to experience them in the wild, but something about their howl sends chills down my spine. As a kid, I always wanted a pet wolf.
Next topic: pets
We can learn a good deal from our pets. For starters, who is smarter--them or us? Who goes out to work and bring home food in all kinds of weather? Who worries more? etc. Next topic, unlikely sources of knowledge.
This really makes me wonder how we got to know what we know now. For example, who found out that whatever came out of a cow's utter would be good to drink? And, why a cow, when dogs are more readily available? Also, who thought of letting said milk go through bacterial decomposition, and then put it in a sandwich or salad?
Next topic: delicious gross food
I'd have to say for me it would be oysters. As they are described to me, they look like flehm, and "real fishermen/oyster lovers" can eat them raw. Personally, I like them fried. In the raw state, I understand you just slurp them out of the shell. With that visual description, I'm not sure I could do that. Next topic, advantages of being blind and eating.
Oh, I think about that all the time. In fact, I probably wouldn't be so open-minded about eating things if I could see. People describe some drinks as looking like piss, or food that looks like barf or worse. I'm just glad I enjoy the taste.
Next topic: type of food you enjoy most
Hmmm. That's a hard call. I like all kinds of food, as anyone who could see me would tell you. *smile*. I guess my favorite is a good steak, or steamed vegetables. Nothing like a hot meal on a cold winter day.
Next topic, favorite season of the year.
i really don't have a favorite season because they all are good and bring variety. Next topic, the weather.
Here, there isn't too much variety as far as weather. in fact, the forecast says it'll be in the 80's for the next few days and in to the weekend. summer has gone on too long here, where's the cold?
Next topic: Thanksgiving plans
I, unfortunely have to stay at school for Thanksgiving, but there are others staying also.
Next topic, favorite holiday.
It's a toss up between christmas and New Year. Christmas is nice because of how we all get together and celebrate. New Year is a little more personal, like getting a chance to turn a new page, and all that good stuff.
Next topic: your year, over all
Hmmm. I'd have to say it has been pretty good. I still have a job, my wife, my house, and my cat. Given the economy, I feel pretty fortunate. Next topic, what you are most grateful for.
I am most greatful to sing. Even when I have had lousy days, I can perform shows for others and they feel good and I begin to. Singing is my life!
What is your favorite kind of movie to watch?
Hmm, I'm not really sure what it would be called, weird movies maybe? I like indi and foreign films, if I can understand them, and seem to have a good plot. But lately, i've been finding more described movies, and I'm liking genres that I previously didn't like, such as action.
Next topic; television
A television is that box that sits in your living room that projects sound and picture for all of us to enjoy. lol.
Next topic, the radio.
The radio is slowly becoming less and less entertaining. We have one of the few radio stations here that don't play what the record companies tell them to play.
Next topic: buying music
Well,it took awhile, but I finally have started downloading music on-line. I've ordered my sheare of music over the internet. Next topic, on-line shopping.
It's something I've never done, but something I'd definitely take advantage of, if I had the money. There are a lot of discounts that way.
Next topic: presents
Presents are always fun to get. One time I opened all of mine on Christmas Eve. It was all my brother's idea. Next topic, siblings
Oh boy. This is a tough one. I have two brothers, an till recently, I can't sayI was particularly close with either. I'm glad we can pick our friends, because we're stuck with our blood family. Next topic, characteristics of a good friend.
I think a good friend should be loyal, understanding, relate to you in some way, and not judge in the ways that he/she doesn't. there's more, but I can't think of them.
Next topic: about your best friend/friends
Hmmm. Outside of my wife, I have a few good friends who are very loyal and honest. I mean, I know they really look out for my best interests, based on what other people have told me they've said, and I have no reason to distrust the sources of this information. Next topic, trust.
I think a person's trust is based on the surrounding environment, and past experiences. Speaking for myself, I trust cynically.
Next topic: cynicism
I think a certain amount of cynicism is healthy. One who trusts all the time is naive. I feel the same way about the next topic.
Next topic, Paranoia.
Extreme paranoia is one of the worst feelings in the world. I have many stories on this topic, none very pleasant.
Next topic: carousing
That's something I never did much of. I'm basically an introvert who tries hard to be social, and I was a loaner in high school and college. Next topic, solitude.
Solitude is something I welcome, as long as it's not accompanied by the feeling of loneliness. I almost enjoy it more than socializing nowadays, but I understand there's a balance I must keep.
Next topic: balanced lifestyles
Hmmm. I guess this comes along with the statement "all things in moderation." Next topic, too much of anything.
That is one of the biggest lessons i've learned this year, and sort of paying for now. Long story, but from now on, I'll practice what I preach.
Next topic: hipocricy
Hipocricy is perhaps one of the biggest lies to live, and the hardest to maintain. It will eventually catch up with you. Next topic, lies.
I would like to say, that I've never told a lie in my entire life.
Next topic: turkey
Turkey is what most of us are having for thanksgiving. it has a lot of health benifits. Next topic, thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is another holiday we don't take seriously around here, although we make tons of food nonetheless. Then we usually do a mock thanksgiving thing, and laugh at each other.
Next topic: black friday
As one who hates shopping, this is one day I avoid the major chain stores and malls. Sure, I might pay a little more for some gifts, but it minimizes my personal stress level. Next topic, stress.
If it weren't for stress, we wouldn't have relaxation.
Next topic: massages
That's something I've never given into having. Next topic, something you've always wanted to try but never did.
I've always wanted to try bungee jumping, but when I get the chance, I hide inside the nearest skirt I can find.
Next topic: fear
Fear is a good thing. I think it helps us set limmits on what we do that might be dangerous to us. It also helps establish our comfort zones in life. I have often said, and strongly believe that a certain amount of fear is healthy for these reasons. Next topic, caution.
I'm finding, that the older I get, the more cautious I'm becoming. When I was a kid, I'd jump from the top floor of my aunts house, and land on a huge cushion she had. Now, I wouldn't even consider jumping off a 3 foot hedge without knowing exactly what's at the bottom.
Next topic: adventures
Life is full of them, if you choose to look at it that way. Next topic, point of view.
Isn't that a style of movie/literature? i like those movies, where the main character is narrating, such as Good Fellas.
Next topic: favorite movies
My favorite movie is Mr. Holland's Opus. I think it is because of my own desire when I was younger to be a music teacher. Next topic, careers you considered at one time.
as a kid, I wanted to be either a bus driver, or a trucker, lol. Many of the men in my dad's family were truckers, and I loved traveling. I've always loved the road, it's in my blood.
Next topic: a profession you admire
Hmmm. While it isn't a profession, I think being a single parent is the most difficult job one can have. It calls for being both mother and father, and to do it well, have a wealth of skills, or develop them as a trial-by-fire kind of thing. Next topic, adoption.
That's something I don't think I would do. I don't see myself having my own kids any time soon, much less someone else's. But it's a noble thing to do, and usually ends up working out.
Next topic: parents
Parents are put on the earth to make children crazy. As much as I hoped I wouldn't be like my parents, I'm amazed and disappointedd how much like them I've become as I've gotten older. Next topic, life changes you thought wouldn't happen to you.
So many of these instances are happening as I transition from the teen years to adulthood. This is especially true with music, I realize how close minded I was. But on the negative side, i always said I was really going to strive to do well in my higher education, and I can't seem to get that aspect under control.
Next topic: life satisfaction
The level of satisfaction with life tends to change with one's circumstances. I'm fortunate to be at a place where I'm more satisfied with my life than I have been for the last several years. That doesn't mean that everything is perfect, but that I'm more content than I've been for awhile. Next topic, peaks and valleys in life.
These come at very unexpected times. But just like in sports, things are never as good, or as bad as you think they are.
Next topic: triumph
Triumph is a relative term. What may be significant for one person may be nothing to another. Personally, I celebrate my triumphs wherever I can get them, whether it be completing a new task on the computer, or finding a destination while travelling without much assistance. Next topic, what makes you pat yourself on the back?
I also enjoy any kind of personal accomplishment. lately, they've been more musically inclined. I love it, when after searching through endless guitar tabs that don't make any sense, I can just figure out how to play something I like.
Next topic: playing by ear
Some of us have been at this topic too long! (lol) I couldn't do the musicI do if I coudln't play by ear. All the Music Theory I took in combination with my ear has really helped me to be able to learn a good deal of music quicker than one skill by itself. Next topic, skills that compliment eachother.
I think such a skill is the ability to listen to a screen reader, and hold a conversation at the same time. It can come in handy in a work situation, and can help keep a good sense of ones environment while talking in a crowdes situation.
Next topic: big crowds
I hate large crowds. Probabably because I have a hearing problem called tinitus, or ringing in the ears. I find it hard to tell who is talking to me in large noisy groups of people or echoy rooms. Next topic being disoriented.
Being disoriented is one of the worst feelings in the world. lately, I've been waking up this way, and it's really kind of frightening. Sometimes, i have no concept of anything for a while, like I got completely knocked out.
Next topic; sleeping
Sleeping is something that generally, I have little difficulty doing. I used to be a night person, but not any more. A regularjob and age does that to a person, unfortunately. My problem is the next topic, namely, staying awake when I need to.
That was a huge problem for me during school. I tried everything, from coffee to energy drinks, only to find me crashing and burning in half an hour. But I did sleep much better in class than I ever did at night.
Next topic: most comfortable place to sleep
Believe it or not, I like sleeping on the floor when I'm supposedly watching tv. Something about the noise in the background that really makes it happen for me. Next topic, favorite sounds.
Other than music, I'd say it's the sound of running water. On my last river rafting trip, all the guys set up a big tarp on the edge of the river, and slept right under the elements. It was some of the best sleep I ever got.
Next topic: nature
I say I'm too spoiled by modern conveniences to camp, but there's nothing I enjoy more than the sounds of crickets on a summer night. My in-laws live on a lake in Florida. I enjoy the quiet at night when we go down to see them. So, yeah. I probably enjoy nature more than I realize. Next topic, self-analysis.
self analysis is something I do on a regular basis. I'm very obsessed with knowing exactly who i am, and why things happen to me.
Next topic: you
Hmmm. Not sure where to begin with this one. Depending on the situation, I find it helpful to focu on the "You" in any interactions, and not the "Me". I had a colleague, for example, who was asking me directly about her communication style. I was able to say "You sometimes come across as being abrasive." I was able to back it up with a couple of examples. On the other hand, if I'm making a statement concerning my reactions to things, I find that using "Me" or I" can be helpful. Next topic, helpful criticism.
i think that any criticism is helpful. Although I take peoples' words for what they are, there is always some truth to how people see me. It's always good to listen to the good and bad.
Next topic: compliments
Compliments are something I don't take well. I've gotten bettar at it over the years, though. I ask myself if I deserve it and usually respon "Thanks. Nice of you to say thad." Point is I find a way to acknowlegde the compliment. Next topic, something you're good at.
Other than relaxing, I'd have to say it's doing a thorough job at everything I do. It takes me a little longer, but i get it done right.
Next topic: something you're proud of
I'm so proud of my humility. I'm just so darned perfect at being humble. Next topic, sincere words..
Using sincere words in conversation is so important; they make others feel good inside.
Next topic:
cooking.
Cooking is something I love doing. My repertoir of recipes isn't very big, but I really enjoy doing it. I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable doing it for a lot of people just yet, but i'm getting there.
Next topic: your cooking specialty
Most of the time I like cooking pasta. I also like rice, but I like pasta with sauces and things. Next topic: different ways of cooking with pasta.
There are many ways to cook with pasta...far to many to list here.
Next topic:
The economy
There are many things wrong with the economy, far too many to list here. lol
Next topic: job searching
Job searching is in and of itself a full-time job. At least, in order to be successful, one needs to be ready to devote that much time to the task. Next topic, most time-intensive task you've ever had to undertake.
That would be remodeling our house around a year ago. We started around this time last year, and didn't finish until late March. It was well worth it though, and I learned a lot.
Next topic; construction
My mechanical skills are legentary. They stop before my hands begin. Seriously, I struggle with tools and such. I've gotten books from the Library for the Blind which have helped. Next topic, most helpful materials you ever found from libraries for the blind.
lol
Hmm, I don't think I've ever gotten anything from them, that wasn't purely for entertainment.
Next topic: something you should take advantage of but don't
I think probably one thing like that is paratransit. I'm very patient with people, but I really don't like waiting for others very much. So many people I know who use and depend on paratransit like it, but I guessI'm just not wired that way. I like traveling in most kinds of weather. Next topic favorite weather in which to travel.
Ooooh, I want a tatu for my 18th birthday, i decided to get one.
Um, i really dont get how this game works, but next topic is music?
I like traveling when it's kind of chilly outside. I get to show off my jackets that way, and I think it's easier to hear. When i have a sighted guide though, I do enjoy traveling in the rain.
Next topic: music
lol daniel, that was my topic lol.
anyways, i like all kinds of music, its my life...
next topic is food
I'd say music is my life too, but food is probably more like it.
Next topic: something you identify with
Hmmm. I'd have to say I identify with bricks. I think of them as stable and reliable. these are things I try to be. Next topic, personal characteristics of yours that can be related to physical materials.
Hmm, I'd say I'm like sand. Grounded for the most part, sometimes flying in the wind, hard to walk on...
Next topic: poetry
I love poetry. I like writing it more than I like reading it. I find it to be a very good way to deal with my frustrations. It really helps. when I write poetry, it feels like a big weight has been lifted from my shoulders
Next topic: things you do when your frustrated.
I guess lately, I find a willing ear and pour out my frustrations in to it. writing helps too, but I'm not much of a poet in those circumstances. I like to freewrite, just whatever comes out.
Next topic: writing
OK. Now I'm gonna give my age away with this one, so I'll just say I'm 51. Having said that, I used to hate writing in undergraduate and graduate school, because I had to type everything, hoping the typewriter ribbon/ink cartritridge today was still good. I had no way of proofreading my own work. With my bad spelling, it was often an embarrassment. Now that I can proof my work, writing is a pleasure now. I haven't tried my hand at fiction or poetry since I was in school, but I sure do enjoy the freedom I have in my writing now. Next topic, your favorite task to do using technology.
When my braille note was working, i used to love turning on the GPS, and using it to tell me the shops and businesses in the area I was. It was also nice taking it on roadtrips, so I could know exactly where we were.
Next topic: technology drawbacks
I'd say the biggest drawbacks occur when the technology stops working. we become so dependent on it. I have a Braille plus, and it seems like my life is in the thing. I mean, I have my addresses, favorite websites, books, news articles. I'd really really miss it both for leisure and necessities if it died. Next topic, favorite toy.
That would be my laptop, for sure. I have all my music, movies, and phone numbers on there, basically my biggest source of entertainment.
Next topic: what you want for christmas
Hmmm. I really don't know. I know that after christmas, I want to get a portastudio that seems to be blind friendly from all the things I've read. It uses SD cards, and the thing I like, it has no menus. Just knobs switches and buttons. Next topic, touch pannels and how to work around them.
Ugh, i hate those, and I was less than thrilled when the family got a microwave that had one. since I didn't have the sticky dots, I took a knife and poked holes in to the pannel, to mark where the buttons were.
Next topic: alternative accessibility
Wow! I don't know that I've gone that far, but it sure must have relieved your frustration as well. Good thinking!
Now to the topic at hand. I've done all kinds of things that have probably permanently marred the surfaces of many devices. You can accomplish a good deal of marking with a good file, glue, various kinds of tape, velcro, and toothpicks. I've filed notches, made my own bump dots, and put pointers on knobs when I needed them. My "modifications" aren't always pretty, but they get the job done. Next topic, unusual ways to accomplish a task.
Hmm, I can't think of any for myself, but I remember being surprised when hearing that some people sit down to take a shower. Not because of age or disability, but just as a way of relaxing. I'd imagine it would almost be harder to take a shower that way, than standing up.
Next topic: showers
Oh, God! I love a nice long hot shower. I agree. Can't imagine sitting for one. It would actually interfere with the relaxing properties of a shower in my opinion. Next topic, water.
Water is slowly becoming a rare commodity, at least in southern california. As much as I love a long shower, I shower with just a trickle, and hurry it as much as I can. It's really expensive nowadays.
Next topic: environmental consciousness
Hmmm. I try to be conscious of the environment, and what it needs. I think those of us who live in large cities tend to take things for granted like fossil fuels, and an endless water suply. I've gotten better about recycling, which is an improvement. Next topic, self-improvement.
I'm sure everyone could use a bit of self improvement. At the same time, this is relative. some peoples' perfect life might have to include a sense of imperfection.
Next topic: kalamine lotion
Hmmm. This is something I'm not familiar with, although I believe it is used to treat poison ivy or something. Next topic, plants.
i think plants are amazing, because of what they can do, and how we can use them. There's carnivorous ones, poisonous ones, ones that taste delicious in foods, ones that can be used for medicinal and recreational drugs, etc. As I write this, Peter tosh's "legalize It," is playing on my radio, haha.
Next topic: drugs
There are lots of things that are drugs that don't have that label or are legal. Cafeen comes to mind.I'm truly adicted to coffee, and I'd be in rea trouble if they made it illegal. Next topic, things that help you cope.
For me, music is what helps me cope the most. There's a song or style for evry situation. Also, talking to friends and loved ones is a great way. But yes, a good cup of coffee, or an ice cold beer is great too.
Next topic: cold beverages
Which brings to mind of icies. Yummy. I like the cherry coke one. Next topic, 7-11.
If you are ever knocked unconscious, and you wake up in a strange place, just make sure you know who you are, what day it is, and where the nearest 7-eleven is, haha. Oh thank heaven!
Next topic: slogans
A good deal of our popular culture is based on slogans. They have made a big impact on us, and it keeps writers in business. Next topic, advertisements.
I put some to good use on my profile, haha.
Next topic: profiles
Something I probably don't update nearly as much as I should. Probably because my life goes on in endless song to borrow a line from a musical selection. Next topic, favorite songs.
Hmm, those change and cycle all the time for me. Lately, I've really been in to exploring local artists, so I'd say they're included in my favorite songs.
Next topic: your musical taste
Oh. This is really hard. I like almost everything from rock to jazz to classical. I tok classical piano for years, played in jazz and rock bands, played my share of folk music on guitar and autoharp, played harpsichord for an early music group. They are wide ranging. I can't honestly say I have a favorite kind of music, as I like so many kinds. Next topic, something you could talk about for a long time.
Music is definitely one of those things. I could also talk about sports, and food for a long time, especially the current state of affairs with san diego teams, and Mexican food.
Next topic: snow
Ah. One of my favorite weather occurences. Most blind people hate travelling in snow. I love it. It really makes things much harder, but more interesting, as landmarks are obscured if the snow is six or seven inches deep. Its like throwing a blanket into an empty room, because it changes the sound so completely. Next topic, wind.
I probably feel the same way about the wind, especially since it's hard to travel in it. It's very hard to pick up on sound cues, and it's extra hard to cross streets. Fortunately, I have good enough cane skills where it's not much of a problem.
Next topic; your prefered mobility tactic
Hmmm. Depends on many factors. I used to be more of a seat-of-the-pants traveller than I am now. I guess hearing loss will slow one down in that department to a degree. I like to get halfway decent dirrections before I start out. If there's a place I'm going to go regularly, I like to go there when onone is in the building and explore. I find that I learn much more that way than if someone shows me everything. Next topic, times when you don't want mobility assistance.
i think those moments are rare for me. I don't use my cane when I'm in someone's home, and definitely my own. Otherwise I think I'm obsessed with knowing everything around me, especially since people move too many things around all the time.
Next topic: mobility nightmares
Mobility nightmares. Hmm. I'd have to say it was one day when I was looking for a bus stop on a cold windy day, and there was nobody around to ask exactly where it was.
Next topic, most humorous mobility experiences.
Wow, i've had tons of those. I've sat on a couple laps, trying to find a seat on crowded, moving buses. I've neglected to sweep my cane adequately, and crashed in to unsuspecting people, or poles/objects. one time I toppled over a man who was bending over to tie his shoes in the middle of the street, lol. I could go on and on.
Next topic: strange places
Hmmm. I think every state or country has there fair share. There is an island comnmunity here in Maryland where there are no cars, and all the people speak Elizabethan english. I haven't been there, but am courious. Next topic, odd expressions.
I've never understood when people say "I could care less," to show disdain for something. shouldn't it be, "I couldn't care less?" I'm assuming the person is trying to say he/she doesn't care... I don't know.
Next topic: common language mistakes
The first one that comes to mind is irregardless. It sounds like a contradiction in terms. Of course all of the theres and toos come to mind as well. English is loaded with homonyms. Next topic, difficulties of the engoish language.
As an ESL myself, the hardest thing about English was the fact that the rules don't always apply to everything. I can't think of a good example, but i remember having some problems with that while learning.
Next topic: languages you like
I think my favorite language is spanish. There aren't many ways to misspell words like there are in english. I was never a good speller in english, but I took dictation in spanish, and even words I never heard before, I could copy them correctly. Next topic, taking dictation.
That reminds me of the Braille Challenge. One of the contests was speed and accuracy, so we had to use a dictaphone and braille out what was said on the tape. I was really sloppy at first, and I kept having to rewind itk, until I found a good rhythm. I think my main problem is multitasking though.
Next topic: multitasking
I used to be much better at multitasking than I am now. I could copy morse code from ham radio, carry on a conversation, and get a glass of watter at the same time. I can't do that any longer. Next topic, things you used to be able to do, but can't now.
As i sit here freezing, I remember being able to stand the cold much better when I was a kid. I hated wearing jackets of any kind, and didn't feel the least bit cold. Now, I gotta wear something if it's around 63.
Next topic: your ideal weather
Hmmm. I'd have to say I like a high in the 40's and a low in the 20's or teens. Like you, I don't tollerate the cold like I used to, as I found out here yesterday. Next topic, rain.
That's southern California's versionof winter weather, and we've been getting a lot of it. we've gotten a wopping 3 inches in the last week or so. Still, it's enough for people to freak out and get in to traffic accidents, and suddenly forget how to drive.
Next topic: traffic
There's really not a lot of traffic where I live. People can't drive.
Next topic, driving.
,i've been fortunate enough to have two experiences with driving. In both cases, I have been very glad I can't drive. I was amazed how little effort it took to move the car in terms of how little pressure on the gas was needed to get the car moving. I'm amazed sightlings don't have more accidents. Next topic, car accidents.
The possibility of a car accident is scarry when I'm riding in a car, but there's no point of thinking about it.
Next topic, things you know but don't dwell on.
If you listen to "do you realize," by the Flaming Lips, it'll give you a nice list of all those things.
Next topic: songs that remind you of things/people
I can't hear the old song If by Bread without thinking of the first time I kissed my wife. Yeah, I know how sickening that is, but its true. Next time, being sappy.
Being sappy is good once in a while. At least, it shows your appreciation for another person.
Next topic: love