26

I'm officially 26.

YaMU SOrA (Sick Sky)

My physical health hasn't been the greatest this last week... It's actually quite annoying, but I'm dealing with it. As of right now, I am starting to feel a bit better, which is good. Hopefully, I will be able to keep it up!

This week is a very important week for me, too. Wednesday marked the one year anniversary of me going out to California to get my guide dog, and today marks the one year anniversary of receiving my guide dog and starting training with her. Happy one year, Teka!

It's actually really surprising how quickly this first year has flown by. Looking back, a lot has happened within one year. I wonder what will happen this year?

NeW YEaR

Happy New Year, everyone!

It's officially 2012! Did you make it to midnight? I barely did.

Generally, I'm not one for New Years resolutions. I don't see a point to them and very seldomly stick to them if I do make any. The big one for most people is "lose weight," isn't it? I don't want to do that, but I would like to exercise more to stay in shape. I guess I should add "eating better" to that... Since I now own legit, good pots and pans and a toaster oven, I can cook.

But here is my list of things I'd like to accomplish in 2012:
+I'd like to learn more about as much as possible.
+Become a better person.
+Visit places I have never been (and actually take a vacation).
+Read more books.
+Try to do more public speaking events
+RELAX

Now I'd like to recap 2011 (I know, I'm going backwards here):
+Received my first Guide Dog.
+Met some really awesome people at Guide Dog school.
-Numerous eye surgeries and the complications that went with them.
-Work related issues due to numerous eye surgeries/complications.
+Bought a house.
+Boyfriend.
-Family health issues.
+Selected as the 2012 Arline Philips Achievement Award winner.

All in all, 2011 seemed to have evened itself out.

Here's to a new year and hoping the world doesn't end (haha)!!

AWarD

Since my last entry, well..two days after my last entry I received a letter from the Association for the Blind in Exeter. It's the Greater Wilkes-Barre chapter. On my way back to my house, my dad told me I received a letter, but didn't tell me what it was. I had no idea and immediately said "I don't know what it could be. I don't think I did anything wrong..." My mind immedately goes to negative situations.

My dad leaves and goes to his house to pick up my mom. They both come back with the letter and I open it. My mom reads it to me and I start crying. The contents of the letter stating that I was nominated and selected for the 2012 Arline Philips Achievement Award for Greater Wilkes-Barre. The reason for my crying is because I was in shock and certainly did not expect anything like that.

I remember sitting at one of the award ceremonies years prior "Wouldn't it be cool if I were to win that one year? I don't think that would happen though." Low and behold! This year was my year.

The award letter states "This award is presented to a blind or visually impaired person whose lifestyle reflects a level of independence that serves as an example for others."

I am truly honored by the selection and the following day I called the Association to accept the nomination and talk about what happens next. I don't have much to do aside from picture taking with the sponsers once they have been selected.

The awards ceremony will be 12 Sept. It's a while away, but I'm still excited!

FlattERY

Today was another eye doctor appointment. It went really well, and I'm really happy with the results. My eye pressures have been staying stable, which is great! However, I have to have another yag laser procedure to remove some more membrane from the capsule of the eye (lens of the eye). The procedure isn't painful and it's really quick. Immediately afterwards I see almost a rainbow effect and am a little dizzy, but other than that I'm good. The nurses help me back to the waiting room, where my dad and Teka are. Teka's usually insanely happy to see me.

This next part, though, is flattering. My doctor invited me to speak at a local Lion's Club meeting. Basically, he said that he'd like me to talk about my experiences before having a guide dog, the process of getting a dog, and my experience thus far with her.

I honestly wasn't expecting that. I accepted the offer and gave him my contact information. Once he gets more information, he will pass it on along to me. The presentation isn't until the end of January, so I have some time to prepare and figure out what I would like to say. I pretty much have a general idea, but there is going to be some fine tuning later on.

Looking back on previous public speaking events that I have done, I have noticed a change.

I'm not as shy as I used to be when presenting. I think it deals with the fact my eyes aren't as good as they used to be in high school and college. That's a plus. The downside to that is, I have to memorize my whole speech, but I don't foresee that being much of an issue. By nature, I am a very shy person, but certain situations and circumstances have broken that habit--at least a little bit.

I suppose that that's it for now.

PIEceS

I have been wanting to write again. I used to write poetry a lot. None of it was any good and it was usually when I was a depressed teenager. However, the urge has struck me again. I've contemplated writing a book, but I'm not sure what it would be about...an autobiography? What have I done that's so spectacular? Nothing particular.

ToNGue tIEd

There's a lot that I want to say, but putting it into words is proving more difficult than originally anticipated.

So, I sit and stare at the blinking cursor on my computer screen, music and the hum of computer fans masking the silence of this house, while Teka lays peacefully at my feet.

Hmm...

There are some very significant things going on in my life, but at the same time I feel like there's nothing.

I took a taxi ride to Wal-mart. The ride was about 2.1 miles (roughly eight minutes) and cost $15. So, roundtrip would have cost me $30.. I cracked and called my parents for a ride home. I am proud of myself, though. At least I ventured out for a little while.