I Won a Feature Cafe Giveaway!

In my March 13, 2009 blog entry I mentioned that an Etsy seller, and CreateAbility team member, Carapace, had an interview and giveaway on the Feature Cafe blog. The giveaway was for one custom drawing by Carapace. After making my blog entry, I decided to enter the giveaway, and I won! I requested the drawing be of myself having coffee with a dragon. I love coffee, and dragons. And, I love this artwork. Below is a link to the beautiful artwork created by Carapace.


Friday the 13th turned out to be a lucky day for me. I'm still doing a happy dance about winning,

Naomi

Save Money and Time - Nature Made

Save Money and Time Key:

= Excellent
= Good
= Better Than Nothing
= Just Dreadful, Run Away!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nature Made Wellness Rewards

Nature Made is a retail line of vitamin, mineral, and herbal supplements. They can be purchased at many grocery stores, pharmacies, and online through various vendors. Nature Made has a Wellness Rewards program in which each product is worth a certain number of points. After accumulating a certain number of points, you can redeem them for a $5 or a $7 Nature Made coupon. That's $5 or $7 off of one Nature Made product, a nice savings on products I buy anyway. The coupons are always an option for redeeming your points. Other items for which you can redeem points vary. I've redeemed points for samples of Soy Joy, and a cd sampler of classical music.

There is no cost to participate in the Wellness Rewards program. I often clip $1 Nature Made coupons from sales fliers, and use these towards purchasing Nature Made items which I then use to get points through the Wellness Rewards program.

Nature Made multi-vitamins do not have artificial colors; artificial flavors; preservatives; yeast or gluten. Their herbal supplements are consistent in quality.

Always talk with your doctor, and your pharmacist, before taking any vitamin or herbal supplement. Just because something is sold without a needing a prescription does not automatically mean that it will be good for you. Be sure that any vitamins, minerals, and herbal supplements you consider taking will not interfere with your current medications, or medical condition.

Nature Made Wellness Rewards FAQ

Naomi

Emoticons Courtesy of Free Emoticons

Today is Epiliepsy Awareness Day

Purple is my favorite color. Epilepsy Awareness Day is another reason for my loving purple. From the Purple Day web site:

"Founded in 2008, by nine-year-old Cassidy Megan of Nova Scotia, Canada, Purple Day is an international grassroots effort dedicated to increasing awareness about epilepsy worldwide. On March 26, people from around the globe are asked to wear purple and spread the word about epilepsy."

Purple Day - Support Epilepsy Awareness

It is my pleasure to post links to two CreateAbility Team Treasuries which support Purple Day!

CreateAbility Supports Celebrates Purple

Purple is for Epilepsy Awareness

Naomi

Misconceptions - Support Systems

I originally posted this on my previous blog, on October 23, 2007:

Some folks assume that if one is disabled, there is a safety net that automatically deploys. Not true. If there was not a support system of family and friends as a safety net prior to becoming disabled, a safety net does not miraculously appear upon becoming disabled. Life is tough for anyone lacking a circle of supportive friends and family. Life can be devastating for a disabled person without a circle of supportive friends and family.

Isolation can be difficult for anyone to deal with. Loneliness, boredom, feeling unfulfilled, and depression can be experienced by any isolated person. For disabled folks, add frustration, and fear.

A disabled person without a support system can be frustrated because the simplest tasks can be a challenge. The simple task of taking the trash to the curb can be more than a 15 second chore for the mobility impaired. In my case, I have a walker and a sharply sloping, uneven driveway. I have to mentally prepare myself because I know that I'm going to be in more than the usual amount of pain when I'm done; and make sure I take my emergency cell phone to call for help in case I fall. Getting groceries can be frustrating. For the mobility impaired, getting a few, light weight items can be relatively easy. However, add milk, or washing powder, or any heavy weight item to the grocery list, and it can take a lot of creativity to figure out how to get that item home. Without a support system, a seemingly simple task can become a challenge; a source of frustration for someone already dealing with a mountain of frustration.

Some situations induce fear in anyone. Natural disasters, or home break-ins. When it happens, you run, so you can get away. Unless, you are mobility impaired and you can't run. Being disabled, and without a support system, means that some part of you is always aware that if something catastrophic happens, you may not have a way to get out of the situation. Since I've been disabled, someone broke into my home, while I was there. Before being disabled, if a thief broke into my home while I was there, I would have gone out of the nearest door or window and run. I couldn't run when that thief broke into my house, though. Fortunately for me, I had a very loud alarm system and had picked up a very sharp knife from the kitchen. More fortunate - the thief was not interested in hand to hand combat with me, and ran off. Running away from danger is imprinted on the core level of the human animal. Not being able to run when necessary; hoping that someone will stop and help you when necessary - these are the everyday, fear inducing truths for the disabled person without a support system.

Taking on the responsibility for the well-being of another person is a huge undertaking. I'm not asking anyone to do that. But, knowing that your neighbor has difficulty getting their trash to the curb, so you take it for them, and bring the trash container back up, is manageable. Knowing that your neighbor has difficulty getting heavy grocery items, so occasionally you offer them a ride to the grocery store, and carry the heavy items indoors for them, is manageable. Knowing that your neighbor is alone, so every now and again, you call or stop by just to make certain they are all right, is manageable. Letting your neighbor, who is alone, know that there is a space in your car if there is ever a need to evacuate the area is manageable. Any of these things may seem like no big deal to you, but they can mean the world to your neighbor, whether that neighbor is disabled or not, because then your neighbor knows that they are not fully alone.

Naomi

Springtime

Spring has sprung. The time of year that brings blossoms, new growth, and the awakening of life dormant during Winter. Vivaldi provides the background for a time of color, and renewal. Fresh, inspiring, and welcomed. Or, so I've heard. At my home, Spring is the time of year when weeds wake up and usurp my front lawn; creepy crawlies are back crawling creepily; and temperatures threaten to reach air conditioning required levels. Less Vivaldi. More National Geographic theme, with a fair amount of hard rock. Still, I like it, although Fall and Winter remain my favorite seasons.

I didn't have to check a calendar to know that it was Spring. Sprouting claws of gi-normous, purplish green weeds start slithering out of the ground, bent on world domination. Think Day of the Triffids or Audrey II from Little House of Horrors. The weeds can only be controlled by using a flame thrower, shot gun blast, or Roundup weed killer. I use Roundup. Not as dramatic as a flame thrower or a shot gun blast, but also not going to land me in jail when using it. I do think things through. Most of the time.

While nailing the 50s' scifi film wannabe weeds, I am mindful of fire ants, because Spring is when they are stirring around in preparation for Summer. Such aptly named critters. Bright orange red in coloring; totally psychotic in temperament; and their bite is an acid burning jolt of lasting pain. Spring is also the season when I see many carpenter ants, 1/4 to almost 1/2 long reddish and black color ants. Not aggressive nor poisonous. Their bites don't even break the skin, they just pinch. Thankfully, there's nothing of interest to either carpenter ants, nor fire ants, inside my house. Then, there's the little bitty black ants, reminiscent of the ants I experienced back in California, except a lot more neurotic. Understandably. Living between the psycho fire ants, and the humongous carpenter ants, it is not surprising that the little bitty ants seem to be in a constant state of needing a Valium. I see these little bitty guys about once every 3 or 4 years.

Ah, the signs of Spring. The swallows return to San Juan Capistrano. The iris bulbs bloom. And, a carpenter ant is walking on my window, looking vaguely confused. Spring has sprung. I love my home, and I like Spring - ants and weeds and all.

Naomi

Strange is Strange

Strange is a strange word. It's one of the few words I can think of that has such differing definitions. Many words can mean different things depending upon how they are pronounced. Such as the word nice. Said in a clipped fashion, it usually means "Yeah, whatever". Said in a drawn out fashion - niiice - it usually means "I'm impressed" The word strange is usually pronounced only one way, although the meaning varies.

Some Definitions of strange: unfamiliar; extraordinary; unaccustomed; singular; unique; peculiar; odd; quaint; outlandish.

Peculiar and Odd

There was a time when being called peculiar - odd strange bothered me, and I would try to change myself. I may as well have tried to not be an air breathing organism. Like breathing, my being these sorts of strange is an integral, unchangeable, part of my being that happens without conscious thought. I am what I am. Now, when someone refers to me as peculiar - odd kind of strange, I smile and say, "Right back at 'cha!" and move on.

Unfamiliar and Unaccustomed

My response to being called unfamiliar - unaccustomed strange varies, depending upon how good my day is going. When I've been called this sort of strange, it is usually accompanied by the sort of intense scrutiny that is normally reserved for viewing photos of Bigfoot. That looking at a bug through a microscope stare can chap my hide. I'll usually say something along the line of, "[whatever caused the comment] is not that unusual.", and engage, and try to enlighten, the individual. Okay, maybe a few times I've said, "Welcome to Earth."

Extraordinary, Singular, and Unique

When called this sort of strange, I just coo, and preen.

Outlandish and Quaint

I put these two together because I've been called outlandishly-quaint, and quaintly-outlandish strange for the same thing. For example, I read a lot. I've been called outlandishly-quaint strange for having more than 500 books in this age of electronic this and that. I've been called quaintly-outlandish for the majority of books being in the science fiction and fantasy genres, usually because that person doesn't like those two genres. In response, I say "Really?" in a vaguely disinterested manner, and either: a) go back to reading my book; or b) proceed to tell the person about a sci-fi/fantasy book I've recently read.

Overall, though I'm not unfamiliar nor unaccustomed to the singularly extraordinary statements I get from unique, and sometimes quaint, individuals, I find some of the outlandish ways I am perceived to be oddly peculiar.

Ain't that strange?

Naomi

My Purpose in Life

I originally posted this on my previous blog, on January 4, 2008:

One of the hurdles in my living life disabled is finding a new Purpose in Life. My pre-disabled purpose in life primarily revolved around two abilities: physical, and working multiple jobs if necessary, to achieve my goals. My current physical condition precludes most of my pre-disabled activities. My pre-disabled work skills didn't translated into post-disability income earning capability. So, I set about finding a new Purpose in Life for myself. Something more than my Social Security check being a source of income for utility companies, landlords, and such.

At one point, I decided to become a proponent of the disabled. Armor flashing as I boldly strode into the uninformed world! Smashing myths, crashing through barriers, and opening new doors for the disabled! All done to suitably magnificent choral and orchestral theme music, of course. The reality was that there were numerous agencies, and far better equipped individuals, already doing the necessary smashing and crashing. I mentally canceled the orchestra, and sent the choral group packing. I went for the position of semi-cranky ambassador of being disabled instead. Nice. Doesn't come with its own theme song, though.

Next, inspired by the extremely fertile, feral cat living in my backyard, my next Purpose in Life took shape. I would become a cat rescuer, socializing feral kittens, and working towards getting every cat in the country spayed or neutered, and into a good home! My bathroom became a feral kitten nursery. My fingers flew over my computer keyboard, as I searched the web for cat rescue organizations, and created "kittens looking for good home" posters for veterinary clinics. I learned that there are many cat rescue organizations, and they needed money (which I did not have), not kittens (which I had in abundance). The extremely fertile, feral cat in my backyard sneered at my attempts to capture her (I continually tried to trap her, in order to get her spayed). There were many problems with my new Purpose in Life, not the least of which was what to do with the unadoptable kittens? I thought a death sentence was extreme just because a kitten was not a people person. I kept the unadoptable kittens. Have you met Athena, Mad Martigan, and Bear?

They are sweethearts whom I love dearly, but they were all feral, unadoptable, hellions as kittens. I would have been suspicious of anyone who did want to adopt them. I had to drop being a cat rescue crusader because I couldn't afford to take care of anymore unadoptable kittens. So, I brushing the mouse toys off my lap, bandaging scratches from kitten Bear, dodging bites from kitten Athena, plucking kitten Mad Martigan off my chest, and wiping the kitten food out of my hair, I pondered what to do next.

As of now, I still looking for my new Purpose in Life. I'm not sure if it is out there, waiting for me to find it; or unformed, waiting for me to create it. I just know that it is out there, somewhere. And I bet it comes with really cool theme music.

------------------------------------------------------------------

March 16, 2009:

I originally wrote this over a year ago, and it is still applicable. I'm still searching for my purpose in life, and I still hope it comes with really cool theme music.

Naomi

CreateAbility Team Member Showcase #2

Create Ability Team Etsy is a group of artists with disabilities or who are caregivers to disabled people. The team exists to provide support and advice to each other, as well as opportunities to chat and promote.

Items for sale on Etsy by Create Ability Team members can be found by doing a search on Etsy with the word "createability": CreateAbility Etsy Search

Here is Showcase #2 of Create Ability Team Members:

One Fold Designs - Handmade Greeting Cards

Poppy Raye Studio - Jewelry and Paintings

Akua Designs - Jewelry, Ornaments, and Delights

Matt's Crafty Wife - a.k.a. Crochet by Anastasia

Naomi

Save Money and Time - Walgreens Online

Shopping online can save money and time. "Save Money and Time" blog posts are where I share my experience with online businesses and such.

Save Money and Time Key:

= Excellent
= Good
= Better Than Nothing
= Just Dreadful, Run Away!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walgreens Online

During a time when I did not have reliable transportation, Walgreens.com was a life saver for me. I couldn't consistently get a ride, or pay for a taxi cab, to the grocery store. There were days when I ran out of food. Walgreens.com provided a way for me to get basic food stuffs, and necessary personal items. After being accepted by the DART Paratransit program, I had a way to get to the grocery store, but I still use Walgreens.com on occassion because the shipping charge for orders weighing 10 pounds or less - $5.49 - is cheaper than the fare I pay to ride paratransit. Also, many items ship free by themselves, or when combined with a $50 or more order of other qualifying items.

The Good

Many items stocked in the brick and mortar Walgreens can be purchased online.

Save money and travel time on free shipping, or 10 pounds or less, orders (compared to cost of riding paratransit).

Ability to get people and pet food, personal items, as well as some OTC medicines, delivered to your door.

Delivery is via UPS, which for me is faster and often more reliable than USPS.

The Mediocre

Walgreens shipping department doesn't always pack items properly, but items damaged due to Walgreens improper packing can be replaced or refunded with a toll free call to Customer Service.

The Bad

Items from the weekly sales ads may not be at sale price when purchased online.

Outside of the 48 contiguous states, shipping charges are high.

Prescription delivery. Standard shipping of prescriptions is free to all 50 states, but Standard shipping prescriptions can take two weeks, or more, before they are shipped (then add the time it takes the carrier to get the prescription to you). Two day and overnight delivery of prescriptions are available, but are very costly.

Naomi

Emoticons Courtesy of Free Emoticons

Create Ability Team - Latest Happenings

Create Ability Team Etsy is a group of artists with disabilities or who are caregivers to disabled people. The team exists to provide support and advice to each other, as well as opportunities to chat and promote. Items for sale on Etsy by Create Ability Team members can be found by doing a search on Etsy with the word "createability":

CreateAbility Etsy Search

Flickr:

Relatively new, and growing, is the Create Ability Team Group on Flickr. Flickr is for online photo management and sharing. The Create Ability Team Group on Flickr is a place to peruse photos of items made by Create Ability Team members.

Also Happening:

Create Ability Team member Carapace is featured on the Feature Cafe Blog. Check out Carapace's interview, and enter her Giveaway. The Giveaway ends Friday, March 13th at 11:59pm, Eastern. Congratulations Carapace!

Check out the Createability Team Promotions March 2009 thread on the Etsy forums for the latest listings and specials of Create Ability Team members.

Naomi

Living Life - Adapting vs Settling

Adaptability is a phenomenal asset. It allows us to change as our environment changes, and still flourish. Adaptability is a two-edge sword, though. Often, we may not notice when adapting morphs into settling for the way things are - inertia.

When I became disabled, my income dropped by 75%. I cut expenses. Plain pasta with a sprinkle of grated cheese became my daily meal. Clothing is rarely purchased, and only if my clothing is falling apart, and replacements can be found at deeply discounted prices. My home is kept dim to cut electric costs, with the drapes close because open drapes let out the air conditioning, or heat. I stopped going anywhere other than to the doctor; pharmacy; and grocery store because of transportation, and other, costs. I sensibly adapted to the loss of income, but at some point I went from adapting to inertia. I settled.

Enjoying meals was a distant memory. Eating became an annoying chore. My standard of dress became "street legal", i.e. I was suitably covered, without regard to my appearance. I memorized the layout of my home, but never looked at it, because the light was too dim to see it. I no longer had enriching, fun experiences. Living life became a vague memory that would sometimes surface in a dream. Existing became all encompassing.

Little things began to wake me up from my day to day existence. I realized I had blinders on to the possibility of other inexpensive food stuffs. I noticed that I would throw on any clothing, of any color and pattern, as long as I was covered up. Anyone who stopped by my home would say the same thing, "Why is it so dark in here?" I realized that while I had made necessary changes, I had forgotten to keep going, to keep living. It was worse than being in a rut, because I didn't see my life as being monotonous and static. The inertia was a blanket that seemed to keep me warm, but was actually smothering me.

When I truly looked at what my life had become, I was surprised. I had lost more than my income and my physical well being. I had lost myself. Overcoming inertia is difficult when one knows what needs to be done. Overcoming inertia while having no clue what needs to be done is baffling and frustrating. I do things to get back to living, so far with limited success. I used to think I was re-building my life. Now, I understand that I am building myself a new life, from scratch. The life plan I had before becoming disabled is no longer workable. I'm feeling my way through a maze, and I frequently arrive at dead ends. But, I keep going because I don't want to adapt to existing. I don't want to settle. I want to get back to living.

Naomi

Save Money and Time - Books & DVDs

Shopping online can save money and time. "Save Money and Time" blog posts are where I share my experience with online businesses and such.

Save Money and Time Key:

= Excellent
= Good
= Better Than Nothing
= Just Dreadful, Run Away!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

PaperBackSwap



PaperBackSwap is for the exchange of used paperback books, hardcover books, and audio books. You post a book, someone requests that book from you, you mail the book, and receive a PaperBackSwap credit. You can use that credit to order a book for yourself. There are no membership fees, no hidden costs. PaperBackSwap requires a book to be in good, not excessively worn condition. You can set up additional conditions for books, such as non-smokers setting up a condition that they do not want books that have been in the homes of smokers. A great way for readers to save money.


SwapaDVD



SwapaDVD is a place to swap original, playable DVDs that you do not want to keep. You post a DVD, someone requests that DVD from you, you mail the DVD, and receive a SwapaDVD credit. You can use that credit to order a DVD for yourself. There are no membership fees, no hidden costs.

I did not rate SwapaDVD as high as PaperBackSwap because you cannot set conditions on SwapaDVD. SwapaDVD requires the DVD be playable. I've received a few scratched discs that play fine. However, the majority of DVDs I've received have been pristine, and many have been new and unopened. If a DVD is received that does not play, contact SwapaDVD and they will return your credit. Overall, I think SwapaDVD is a great way to watch DVDs without spending a lot of money.

For the sake of full disclosure: I will receive a referral credit if you use the links above to join PaperBackSwap or SwapaDVD. However, you do not have to be referred by someone, or use the above links, to join PaperBackSwap or SwapaDVD.

Naomi

Emoticons Courtesy of Free Emoticons

Another Create Ability Team Treasury!

A Treasury, curated by Flamingolady, features a colorful sampling of Create Ability team member's creations - including one made by yours truly! I hope you will take a look at the Treasury, and have a click or 12 while you are there. This Treasury is up until Wednesday, March 11, 2009, 10:47 am Eastern time.

Colors of the CreateAbility Team

I have a song in my heart, and a crick in my neck. I think I will belt out Broadway show tunes, after I take a Tylenol. Every problem should be so easy to fix.

Naomi

Assumptions

I originally posted this on my previous blog, on October 20, 2007:

Physical impairment does not equal mental impairment. I use a walker, and my movements are slow, and laborious. Many people assume that my mental functions are also slow and laborious. People often speak very loudly to me - apparently assuming that since I move slowly I must be hard of hearing; and/or speak to me as though I were 2 years old. These same folks are consistently surprised when I speak to them as an adult, with some college - which is what I am. The Speak Loudly When Doubting the Person Can Understand You syndrome is one I have never understood. Speaking to me as though I were a 2 year old, I think, is because they are assuming that since I cannot walk normally, I cannot think normally. Assumptions.

Please don't assume. Being in a wheelchair; using a cane; using walker; all signify only one thing: that person needs mobility aid. Being unable to speak clearly means that there is a physical impairment of one's ability to speak, not that there is an impairment to one's ability to think; to understand; and to feel.

If you don't want to say "Hello" or "How are you?" to a disabled person, I hope it is because you aren't the type of person to say "Hello" or "How are You?" to strangers, not because that person is disabled. When you speak to a disabled person, speak to them on your level, just as you would an able-bodied person. If we don't understand you, we will let you know...just as an able-bodied person would.

Naomi

Now Shipping to Canada

I spent the past few weeks learning about international shipping, and now I ship to Canada. Living in an international world, and I'm an international girl. I want to expand shipping to other countries, eventually.

My thanks to Create Ability team members who helped me learn the ins and outs of international shipping.

I've been to the southern portion of British Columbia - breathtakingly gorgeous. That's all the travel experience I have with Canada, so far. I would have loved to go to Vancouver, and hang out where they filmed Stargate SG-1, and Stargate Atlantis, and just be a total fan girl. Ah, well. Traveling again is one of my "hopefully one day, in the future" things.

Naomi

Create Ability Team Members Exposed!

On Etsy in a Vicki Diane Artists Exposed Treasury! The Treasury is up until Saturday March 7, 2009, 8:23 pm Eastern.

The CreateAbility Team Exposed Treasury

Congratulations to the CreateAbility team members featured in this Treasury!

Naomi

Disability In - Shyness Out

Before becoming disabled, I used to be shy. Talking to strangers? Not so much. Yelling in public? Uh-uh. A lot of my shyness went out the window when I became disabled. Maybe, it was all the doctor visits - how can shyness survive my going around clad in a hospital gown and undies? Maybe, it was all the stares as I moved slowly, and painfully, along with my mobility aid - how can shyness survive when almost every time I enter somewhere I'm hit with a spotlight that causes folks to stare, or turn away? Maybe, it was just me adapting to my new situation, and discovering strength I did not know I had within me.

I want to take care of myself. I want to be independent. I want to do everything for myself. The reality is that there are now some things that I cannot do for myself. Like when I go to the grocery store, and the item I need is on a high shelf, out of my reach. Pre-disability, I would shimmy up the shelves in a way that would make any squirrel proud, and grab what I needed. Now, when I'm alone on an aisle in a store, I will bellow out, "Hello!" in order to get someone who can get that out of reach item. My leg doesn't work right, but my voice is just fine, thank you.

Or, when my paratransit ride parks on the far side of a parking lot, unaware that I'm ready to go - my walking across a parking lot is a daunting, time consuming, and very painful task. When my paratransit ride is parked on the far side of the parking lot, I will ask an able-bodied stranger to walk across the parking lot and let the paratransit driver know that I'm ready to go.

I don't automatically ask for help. I want to be independent, and I debate with myself everytime such a situation comes up. Do I really need help? But, if the fact is that I am facing a situation that I cannot physically cope with, or I will probably come to harm by trying to do it myself, then I will shove aside my shyness and do what is needed. Now, I can approach a stranger. Now, I can shout.

I am not diminished by being disabled. I have found new strength.

Naomi

CreateAbility Team Member Showcase #1

I have a shop on Etsy, BeadDance Jewelry, where I sell the jewelry I make. My online shop allows me an opportunity to earn an income, working within the constraints and limitations of my disability.

Etsy is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell items that are handmade, as well as vintage goods and crafting supplies.

I joined a group on Etsy - Create Ability Team Etsy. Create Ability Team Etsy is a group of artists with disabilities or who are caregivers to disabled people. The team exists to provide support and advice to each other, as well as opportunities to chat and promote.

Items for sale on Etsy by Create Ability Team members can be found by doing a search on Etsy with the word "createability": CreateAbility Etsy Search

Periodically, I will post a showcase of Create Ability Team members. Here's the first:

Ophelia's Apothecary - Lotions, Creams, Sprays, and more

Cindy Lou Who 2 - Gemstone, Pearl and Shell Jewelry

Unusual Feline Objects - Feline Fun Objects, and more

Stuff by Steph77 - Greeting Stuff, Magnetic Stuff, and more

Sierra Pelona Crochet - Hand Crocheted Lace, and more

Flamingo Lady - Jewelry, Magnets, and more

Carapace - Original Illustrations, Jewelry, and more

There will be more Create Ability Showcases in the future.

Naomi

Helping the Disabled - Some Dos and Don'ts

I originally posted this on my previous blog, on June 25, 2007:

Since I've been disabled, I've been fortunate to interact with a lot of people who want to help me. A heart-felt thank you from me, to each and every one of them. Sometimes the help, though well intended, is not so helpful. The help is always given with the best of intentions, but sometimes the end result is not so good. All of these situations have happened to me.

I'll Get That for You
Please, continue to help, but rather than automatically doing it for me, ask me if I need help. Sometimes, I may be struggling to accomplish something that you can do quite easily, like picking up an item I dropped. You can pick that item up faster, and easier, than I can, but sometimes I really need to pick that item up myself, just to re-affirm that I can still do certain things.

Ha, ha, ha! You Don't Need That Cane (Walker, Wheelchair)
Yes, you are trying to get me to smile, and that can be a nice thing. However, I do need my mobility device, and I'm not particularly happy about needing my mobility device. I will always smile, and welcome, a friendly "hello".

The Arm Grab and Drag
I do move slowly. Please do not grab my arm and try to pull me along at a faster pace. Even with you grabbing my arm, I cannot move at a faster pace. The end result is always my having a sore spot on my arm, or I fall, or we both fall. Please respect my person, and my personal space. However, in emergency situations, please feel free to snatch me up, throw me over your shoulder, and run like crazy.

I'll Take That Walker Out of Your Way
My walker may seem like it is slowing my progress, but it is actually keeping me from falling over. I appreciate that you want to be helpful by getting things out of my way, but I really need to keep my walker.

Yes, I have had a surprising (to me) number of people snatch my walker away from me in an effort to help. I am left stranded, until I explain that I need my walker in order to move without falling over.

Let Me Help You Up (Down) Grab
I can really use help maintaining my balance, especially in a situation involving stairs without hand rails. But, please do not grab my hand, wrist, or arm and pull. We are both likely to take a tumble. Be certain that you are standing in a stable position, and offer up your forearm for me to hold on to. And, please understand that we will have to move at my pace (very slow) rather than your normal pace (much faster than I can manage).

Naomi

Welcome

This blog is about the differences, similarities, disappointments and triumphs I experience as I live my life disabled.

I became disabled when I was around 40 years old - femoral neuropathy. After becoming disabled, I've had to shuffle through my life knowledge, and re-apply lessons learned to my new path. So far, there have been some abysmal downs, and some instances of shining hope. I'm still on my journey, and I'm still learning. Perhaps, what I've learned can be helpful to disabled, and able-bodied folks.

I will post about my experiences with businesses, groups, and day to day life. There will be kudos for some, and a veil of disappoint for others. I may ramble, rant, and wander off topic on occasion. That is something that hasn't changed because of my being disabled.

Some of my posts will be transferred from another blog I had, but most of the posts will be new. I hope you will enjoy your time here, and perhaps learn something new.

Naomi