No pain no gain? Another Covid booster

Like every other Covid booster, this most recent one sent me reeling.

I was very unwell and in my confusion in the kitchen I inadvertently threw out some marinated chicken breasts.  Boy, was I unhappy when I realized this.

Guess I need to be more careful the next time I get one of these boosters!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning, 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


 

This is a must: Identifying the soap dishes

 

For me, it is really important to be able to identify soap dishes, especially so when I am not in my own bathroom.  Whenever I am in an unfamiliar bathroom, I take time to find where the soap dishes are.

When in a hotel’s bathroom, I spend time locating the soap dish and making sure that the bar of soap is in the dish. If I am in a friend’s bathroom, I make sure to locate either the soap dish or the soap dispenser. Whenever I visit a washroom at a restaurant or at any other public place, I only search for the soap dispenser.

As someone with a vision impairment, and ever since the birth of the Covid era, this has become even more important for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning, 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

Dealing with those whose first language is not English

 I really do my best to understand and to communicate with those whose first language is not English and I can tell you, during the Covid years wearing a mask made it so much more difficult.

Now that Covid is over, I need to put the extra effort in to ensure that my communication is understandable and that I can also understand. But Covid may not be as over as we would wish so the effort continues.  I just need to listen more carefully, be a bit more attentive, and of course, be more patient!

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning, 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

No different for anyone: Difficulty understanding

I do not think that it is any different for anyone and it does not matter whether or not one is blind, vision-impaired, or sighted! It is all about trying to understand when communicating with a mask on.

During the Covid years it was extremely hard for me at times, especially so when I had to try and decipher a different accent.

Now that we are not wearing masks as much it is a bit better, but with Covid threatening to return I need to prepare for this once more. Others will need to do so, too.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning, 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

 

Very important to note! Emergency kit for travel

Covid may be less of an evil at the present time but I still take my precautions.  When I know that it is going to be difficult for me, as a vision-impaired person to find things easily in public spaces, here are some items that I pack in my emergency kit and place in my carry on.

This is what I did on my most recent trips to Portugal and England and it worked so very well for me.  I was well prepared.

Hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and masks.  Then I also pack the staple things such as aspirin, Tylenol, and a tiny tube of toothpaste and a tooth brush. A handful of Life Savers candies and, of course, my trusty chargers for my phone and MP3 player.

There are always other things that you can add but for now that is it for me.

I'm Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly award-winning 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 for ever.

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

 

Making sure! Positioning the mask correctly

This is one thing that I have taken the time to ensure that I am doing correctly, and as a blind/vision-impaired person I need to ensure that I check regularly with someone who is sighted.

I need to ensure that the elastic is securely tucked behind each ear and at the same time to make sure that the arms of my glasses are firmly in place so that they do not fall off.  

In addition, I need to constantly check to make sure that the mask is fitting appropriately on my nose and that it is covering all of the required areas on my face.

Yes, lots to do but I need to get it right and to play my part.

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
 

Big challenges: Communicating through a mask

 Talk about challenges and for me, as a blind/vision impaired person, it is an additional challenge. And why?  Because I need to ensure that my spoken words are heard.  In addition I need to ensure that I am clearly understood because I am unable to communicate by facial expressions.

In addition, I need to try my level best to use some body gestures and anything else to ensure that I am communicating effectively, concisely, and meaningfully.  I also need to ensure that when communicating I am adhering to the social distancing rules.  

One strategy that I have developed is to use my head to nod yes and no whenever I need to punctuate my communication.

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: Wonderful lab technicians

No one can deny that this pandemic has brought out the finest in so many of our front line workers and today I salute those wonderful lab technicians.

Over the past two years, these tireless technicians have visited my home several times to take my blood as part of my every three months' need to have blood tests taken.  They are always so very cheerful, always smiling, and so very efficient.

Their attitude is very positive and as a vision-impaired person I am truly grateful that I do not need to go to the lab and face the challenges of social distancing and hand sanitizing.

Thank you lab technicians!

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

Drinks: Hot Cinnamon Orange Star Anise

 

Boy, oh boy!  I always look forward to being able to enjoy any of my favourite hot drinks on a cold winter's night.  Especially so at Christmas time.  Just to either sit quietly in my living room by myself; just me and my hot drink!  My hands wrapped tightly around a tall mug filled with my favourite hot drink.  

Or, it could be with friends around my dining room table, sipping our hot drinks and engaging in playful banter and idle chat.  However, for this year it is not going to be the same, thanks to Covid!

No, I'll have to enjoy my hot drinks by myself because of the lock-down restrictions.  That's okay. I'll just enjoy the taste and smell of my favourite hot drink, and as I am sipping quietly I'll allow my imagination to take me back to Christmas times gone by.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give a gift of   accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Debra's Wreath

 

Well!  Christmas 2021 is here but for this year things are going to be very different because of the Covid virus.  I know that many will be severely challenged to be cheerful and to fill their homes and hearts with cheer but I am going to do whatever I can to bring joy and cheer to those around me.  

One of my favourite memories of this holiday season is that of a wreath.  A wreath means so much to me and although I can no longer appreciate its beauty, it does not stop me from still enjoying it.  So, how do I do this?

I patiently and painstakingly use my sense of touch to feel each part of my beloved wreath.  The soft delicate leaves and the petals of the poinsettia.   The tiny berries.  The candles and the greenery.  

I allow my fingers to do the walking and this is followed by my imagination; all in the name of the holiday season and I thank my dear friend Debra for having provided the accompanying  photo.

I'd like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!  Happy holidays!  But most of all!  A 2022 that will bring us lots of blessings, good things, and hopes and dreams to be fulfilled.
Feliz Navidad!
Buon Natale!
Happy Hanukkah!
Please take a moment to give the gift of accessibility to families with children with a disability!
Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Joyeux Noèl!
Visit https://donorbox.org/author-donna-jodhan

Tedious times: Cleaning the kitchen

The pandemic has made me work ever more diligently to ensure that my kitchen is cleaned more than regularly.  So, what do I do?

I sweep my floors more often. I clean my dressers and cupboard with a homemade mixture of bleach and a gentle disinfectant. I do the same with my stove top, my microwave, and my toaster oven. My sinks are also more than regularly scrubbed. Garbage is taken out more than regularly.

Hard work but it gives me peace of mind. I'll probably retain this process well after the pandemic is over.

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

How wrong we were! Waiting and hoping

 

And the waiting goes on and the hope continues.  I do not think that anyone expected that this waiting and hoping would continue for such a long time.

Certainly not me!  When the Covid first struck, I honestly felt that it would only last just a few months, but alas!  Well over 18 months now but the light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter with each passing day.  I can only hope that come October the light will be brighter than the sun!  So bright that my eyes will hurt as I walk into its rays.

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

Just another Covid related task: Printing pictures

Now that I have a need to send pictures to my mom every month, I have had to find ways to do this.

During the lock down it was Shane who came to my rescue by my sending the digital images to him and then he would print them and bring them to me. Then the restrictions precluded us from doing it this way and I had to ask Jane to help.  I would send the pictures to her, she would print them, and then mail them to me. Sometimes with the help of a pair of eyes I would print some of them myself.

Now that the pandemic appears to be coming to an end, I look forward to finding easier ways to print my pictures. I keep all of them in a special folder on my computer and back them up to dropbox.  So, not much chance of losing these blessed treasures.

I may not be able to see them but they are still very special to me.

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

When will it end? More Covid restrictions

No, can't do anything about this except to adjust to them and not complain. Complaining does no good and it can only increase my stress and anxiety levels.

So, I adjust.  I accept.  I do not complain.  I simply go about my business and make my days as normal as I can.

I pack my patience but most of all I pray extra hard for protection for all of us.

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 an 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

It is as it is! Scary and horrible

The Covid chokehold has certainly made it scary and horrible for me; especially so when it comes to ensuring that I am able to decipher and process my important printed documents.

Before Covid struck, my trusted friend Gabriella acted as my eyes, so to speak.  She would read my printed documents and then help me to complete any necessary forms.  Now it is a different story.

I have to deploy different mechanisms.  I now depend on the Aira app's agents to read those private printed documents to me.  Then they email the info in those documents to me or they provide images of said documents.

Sometimes I can ask my very willing neighbour, Sandra, to help me out and when it comes to completing forms online, Gabriella is still here to help out.  So many websites are still quite inaccessible and not very navigable for those who are blind and vision-impaired.

This is understandable, to a certain extent, given that everyone is desperately trying to provide vital info but it is also equally as frustrating whenever a vision-impaired person cannot independently take care of their own business.

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 for ever.

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

A major concern: Privacy protection during Covid

This should be a very huge concern for anyone. For me, as a vision-impaired person, it is paramount.

With my trusted friend not being able to visit me, I have to make very sure that I choose the right person to help me with confidential documents.

Thanks to my neighbour, Sandra, it is not as difficult but I am still very leery of ensuring that I am as protected as can be.

Of course, the Covid scams are increasing daily via automated phone calls and horrible emails.  I just need to be alert and to pay closer attention to my surroundings and not to fall into very slimy and sleazy traps.

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 an 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 a t www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

A new discovery: The Walmart Superstore

Covid has certainly changed the landscape of the Walmart store.  No longer crowded, lots of space for Stephanie and me to manoeuvre our shopping carts, to choose our items, and to move around.

I am extremely comfortable when it comes to social distancing at Walmart. We sanitize our hands before entering, wear our masks, and follow the Covid rules.  All is good.

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 an 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're all in this together! Hard choices to make

We are living in times when the Covid chokehold demands that we make hard choices and this affects everyone.

For me, my choices dictate that I would choose the ones that would enable me to keep my head above water.  To choose what to purchase, when to purchase it, and where to purchase it.

To ensure that I follow the restrictions rules; adhering to lock down rules which I have been able to do quite easily. To be able to choose to follow certain routines so that I stay healthy, think healthy, and live healthy.

This means that my choices will enable me to stay organized and on my schedule.

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 an 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

Scary times are here! Vaccination time

No one really knows when it will be vaccination time for us, and that means me along with the rest of Canada.  So I wait, hope, but most of all I pray!

My main concern is that, as a vision-impaired person, I'll be able to receive my vaccination safely.  To be able to find someone who would be able to accompany me to where I need to go and that I would not run into any difficulties.

I guess that we all hope for this but I truly believe when one is vision-impaired, it makes for even greater challenges.

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 an 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 at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan

Looking back with a tinge of sadness: Thanksgiving without Mom

 

Thanksgiving 2020 without Mom was not very happy for me and I blame this on the Covid chokehold. We spent it apart and for whereas each year we have our rituals of packing boxes with unwanted clothes in good condition and giving them to charity, that did not happen this year.

The Thanksgiving weekend was very quiet for me, reflective and thankful for all that I had. For all of the blessings that the good Lord had given me and continues to shower on me.

I played my piano, spoke to Mom, and enjoyed looking after my fall plants.

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 an 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 at author_jodhan

And like me on Facebook at

www.facebook.com/donnajodhan and at www.facebook.com/authordonnajodhan