Starting over: Trying on new shoes

At the best of times trying on new shoes is probably not one of my favourite things to do, but the pandemic period has taught me to have a better appreciation for this particular event.

I go shoe shopping with Stephanie and she makes it a lot of fun.  I tell her what I am looking for and what colour I am interested in.  I take her arm and we wander around the shoe store and as we walk she describes the shoes on the shelves, their styles, colours, and then it is time to get down to the real matter at hand.

Stephie finds a clerk and soon he/she is bringing me my right shoe size and colour that I would like to have.  I try it on and if I like the feel of it we then walk around the store to see how it feels and fits on my foot.

If all goes well then it is time to choose and then pay.  Stephie stands guard as I stand at the counter and watches carefully to ensure that the transaction goes through without a hitch.

Thank God for Stephie!  My precious pair of eyes!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
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Relearning: The food court

 

It is only natural that so many food courts in the malls have changed after the pandemic and the one at Fairview Mall was no different.  So, Stephanie had to reacquaint me with it.

Some fast food outlets were gone but there were some new ones.  This food court seemed a bit larger than the pre pandemic one.

We walked around to get acquainted and Stephie was very good at telling me what was there and this sure helped me to get back on track.

The sumptuous smells were still there but now there were new ones to familiarize myself with.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

One of my favourite times: Getting ready for planting season

 

It was no different for planting season 2022 and I welcomed it with opened arms and a huge smile!  Of course, my trusted Super, Nick, was right beside me to help out.

Now that I can no longer see to choose my colours, I ask Nick to select them for me and he chooses whichever colours I tell him.  Next he asks me for my choices of plants and I tell him.  Then off he goes and soon he is back with a shopping cart filled with plants, soil, and watering cans.

Nick is very fast and precise and within half an hour he is done planting my plants on my balcony.  After this he cleans my balcony and all of my windows and all is done in about two hours.

I simply love planting season and it does not matter that I cannot enjoy my plants visually; it is just enough to go out there every day and touch them and smell their fragrances.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Oh, my gosh! When the powder became a real challenge

This is exactly what happened when I went to clean out my bathroom cupboard!  I completely forgot that a few months previous my Super had placed some powder in my bathroom cupboard for those inquisitive and roaming roaches.  So, when I went to sweep out my cupboard I ran right into the small heaps of powder.

The first sign that trouble was ahead was when I heard the sound of a crunch under my hand broom and when I put my hand under the hand broom to check things out, well, the rest is history.

I quickly discovered that it was powder and for the next frustrating half hour I had to painstakingly spend time picking up the powder using various methods.  The hand broom and dust pan, paper towels, and more.

The lesson for me here is that when cleaning out my cupboards, I first need to thoroughly check out the bottom of the cupboard before starting to clean.

For a sighted person, they would have seen the small heaps of powder and they could have avoided my dilemma.  So, for me, I have to be more careful.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Irritating but funny: Mixing up the leftovers

I guess you can say that the last laugh was on me this time but truth be told this can happen to anyone and it does not matter whether or not one is sighted or blind/vision-impaired.

It just means that for me, as someone who is vision-impaired, I just need to ensure that I can clearly identify all of the items in my fridge and freezer.  And if I had done that in this circumstance then I would never have mixed up my leftovers.

Indeed!  Here I was, getting ready to enjoy a certain meal, but lo and behold when I put it on my plate to warm it in my microwave, it was something else! What a surprise, but lesson learned.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A refreshing experience: The clinic that pays attention

On the whole, almost every doctor that I have met fails to get it when it comes to providing documentation in an alternate format.  That is, when it comes to providing instructions for tests.  So, just imagine my delight and pleasure when I was recently asked if I wanted my doctor’s office to send me my colonoscopy instructions in Word format!

What a pleasant surprise and all of my instructions: the Covid test form, the instructions for taking the medication before my test, and the email itself were all sent to me in alternate formats. Hats off to the Toronto GI Clinic.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

 

We need to pay more attention! Scam scares

 

At the best of times scam scares, as I call them, are  horrible nightmares for us all. But, as a blind/vision-impaired person, it is even more so.  What does this all mean for me?

It means that I need to be overly watchful.  I have to be on the alert at all times and I need to depend on being able to be logical, sensible, and to use all of my senses to help me navigate.

It is even more so because of my lack of vision.  I cannot read facial expressions.  I cannot read printed forms, and I need to use every ounce of energy to listen and comprehend as much as possible.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Anticipation: Getting ready for the Envision glasses

 

As of today, I have now purchased a new device that I hope will help me to maintain my independence when it comes to being able to read and keep up with printed documents.

I made sure to research this particular device, which is indeed a magnificent one, but it comes at a high price tag.  I was satisfied that it would assist me and that it would be a good add-on and compliment to Aira.  

The Envision glasses is great for reading text and identifying objects.  It is very precise and easy to use.  All I need to do is to put some good old grease into learning how to use it.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Exciting times: Sorting out my tops for my Portugal trip

 

This is probably one of the most tedious tasks for me as a person with a vision impairment.  In this case I need to identify the tops that I wish to take on my trip, to know each of their colours, and to determine which pair of pants I am going to match them with.

This was so when I prepared for my trip to Portugal.  First, I asked Stephanie to help me identify the colours and next I separated them and then decided which pair of pants I would wear each of them with.  For me, everything needs to be super organized and very precise.  I sort, place carefully in my suitcase, and then make sure that I know where to find them when the time comes.  All of this after I have carefully determined which of my tops I am going to take.

You would think that with time it becomes easier for me but as this was the first big trip since Covid, it was indeed a matter of revisiting this chore.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Oh boy! When things fall without a sound

Just another challenge for me to overcome.  When things fall on my carpet they do so very often without a sound.  For example: paper, gloves, scarves, objects that are light, and so on.

If these fall on my kitchen or hallway floors, which are tiled, it is almost the same thing.  So, this is why I need to be so careful when working around the house.  Just another challenge to bear in mind and then to find ways to overcome.

I will not stress about this because it is a reality and in truth it is so for sighted persons if they either are not aware that something has fallen or that they did not see it falling.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

 

Funny at times: I never thought to ask

 

Asking for me, as a vision-impaired person, can be a double-edged sword at the best of times and here is why.

If I ask I need to ensure that it is not going to offend anyone.  Example, if I am unsure of the person’s gender!  More often than not, for some reason I run into circumstances where the voice of the person speaking to me does not tell me their gender and this may be due to the muffled voice under the mask.  

So, when I go to say thank you I need to find a way to say it without saying sir or madam at the end of my sentence.

Then, I once forgot to ask nicely when I needed to have a description of someone.  It would have helped when I  ran into a situation where I was asked to help identify a service desk agent.

Ah, yes!  The joys and challenges of when I forget to ask.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Post Covid challenges: New rules at the Sunnybrooke Hospital

I discovered this on my last visit and although I understand why they are there, it still makes my visit somewhat of a challenge.  But, as they say, rules are rules.

It is a good thing that Stephie was with me.  We had to hand sanitize at the entrance to the hospital. Then we had to wear our masks through the visit. I had to wear my mask even when I was with the doctors.  I can only hope that this ends soon.  Not a very friendly environment for someone who is vision-impaired.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and accessibility advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/donnajodhan
and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

 

A refreshing experience: Acquiring new kitchen tools

I recently decided to acquire some new tools for my kitchen and they included:
A nifty food chopper which is easy to use and its size suits me very well.
A one-in-six opener which is easy to use and very flexible and versatile.
Rings for forming such things as pancakes and patties.
Mats for my microwave.
Sturdy clips for keeping opened bags closed.
A device that I can use to make patties in my microwave. You can make two at a time.
There was more but these were the highlights of my shopping spree.  

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

 

A must do: Sorting out the images

This continues to be a work in progress but truth be told I am finding it very interesting.

Whenever images are sent to me as attachments in emails, I need to know exactly what they are. First, if the subject of the email titles the image then I am good but if there are several images attached then this is where I find myself having to sort them.

I first ask my senders to label each image but if they forget then I do my best to sort them by time stamp and if my memory is correct then it works.  However, if there are a bunch of attachments then I need to ask my friends to help me sort them and they do this by either sitting with me and labeling them or they assist on the phone by us sorting via time stamp.

As mentioned above, it is a work in progress but happy to report that I am getting there.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly sight-loss coach and advisor, wishing you a terrific day.

If you would like to learn more about me as a sight-loss coach and author then I invite you now to visit http://www.donnajodhan.com

There you will not only learn about me as a sight-loss coach and author but you will also gain insights into my campaign against bullying and why I strongly believe that you need to consider joining me in order to insure that the future of our kids, with their wide eyed smiles and infectious laughter, is secured forever.

Follow me on Twitter @accessibleworld and @author_jodhan
And like me on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan