[Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

Fri Aug 27 00:18:03 UTC 2010

I live in texas for most of my life, and for that time was in shape. But the
Texas heat, getting over 100 degrees can be dangerous, not only for an adult
but even more so for a child. And it would not matter what shape your in.
The heat can be dangerous. I frankly can't deal with the heat, thus why I
left. 

Just my two cents!
Marsha

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:42 PM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

Mike,
Good point. That is my problem though. I need to get in shape before I am
able to get my lazy bum out in that heat. I know it will be so good for me
and my kids to walk. And for some reason- I really want to I just can't
imagine myself doing it, which is actually really silly because I have
walked to and from my son's school several times. It was last year. the
summer has turned me into one big fat lazy bum. I work from home on my
computer so that doesn't help with exercising much. I also do have some
medical conditions (blood disorder) that makes me feel so super fatigued all
the time. Gotta exercise! I think that will help. Thanks. and Yes, liquids
help hydrate your body to be able to manage the heat. So true. Mari Hunziker

On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 9:32 PM, Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:

> Mari:
>
> When I lived in New Mexico during the 1970's, I didn't think twice about
> walking five miles in 105-degree heat: I just drank a gallon of ice tea
when
> I started and another when I arrived at my destination.
>
> I truly don't want to come across holier-than-thou but I confess to
> wondering sometimes if we -- every one of us -- have gone wimpy over the
> last few decades! Look at it this way: if you and your children walked
both
> ways, you'd both be in far better shape than am I right now! (grin)
>
> Mike
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mari Hunziker" <marihunziker at gmail.com
> >
> To: "Marion Gwizdala" <blind411 at verizon.net>; "Blind Talk Mailing List" <
> blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 11:55 AM
>
> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
>
>
>  I have gotten to the point that I would rather sit at home and do nothing
>> than ask someone for a ride. Some people get so frustrated or seem to be
>> bothered by having to help me out sometimes. Yesterday, I paid a friend
>> $30
>> dollars in gas money to drive my son home from school. My 1st grade son,
>> is
>> not eligible to ride the school bus because his elementary school only
>> offers busing to kids with special needs. I asked for special
>> accommodations
>> for our situation and they were not able to help. I paid the my friend
>> because I could not see myself walking 1.75 miles to the school and back
>> another 1.75 miles back in 105 degree heat. I told the district
>> transportation manager that when the heat index is so dangerously hot it
>> should be mandatory that kids get rides home somehow. It breaks my heart
>> that kids have to walk, ride their bike, etc home in that heat. My
>> transportation needs have been met by a kind friend willing to drive out
>> of
>> her way to bring my son home. I was so blessed the last couple of years
to
>> have a friend in my neighborhood be willing to carpool with us. My
husband
>> drove the kids in the morning and she brought them home after school. It
>> was
>> great. But of course things always change and we (I) must learn to deal
>> with
>> it like I am trying to. I just signed my 2 year old daughter up for Dance
>> class and then called up CARTS to arrange a ride. So happy they can take
>> us
>> and charge us $3 each way. We will see how it goes. I wish visually
>> impaired
>> / blind people received a living expense stipend like they do in Canada.
>> It
>> would be so helpful for those of us living on a budget and for those of
>> us,
>> like myself who live in the suburbs  with no public nor para transit
>> system.
>>
>> You all are fabulous. Thanks for all of the words of wisdom posted on
>> here.
>> I love it.
>>
>> Mari Hunziker
>>
>> On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:22 AM, Marion Gwizdala <blind411 at verizon.net
>> >wrote:
>>
>>  Diane,
>>>  I also find it interesting that people are "amazed" that it might take
>>> us
>>> 2 hours to get somewhere that, by car, only takes 30 minutes. They also
>>> express concern over how much a taxicab cost. I point out to them that I
>>> get
>>> a lot of work done on my commutes by making telephone calls and doing
>>> writing. I also share with them the comparitive savings of taxicabs,
when
>>> necessary, and public transportation for regular, everyday needs, as
>>> opposed
>>> to a $300 car payment, $500 insurance payment, $200/month gas budget,
not
>>> to
>>> mention tune-ups, oil changes, tires and rotations, etc.
>>>  I generally use the public transportation fixed route system for most
of
>>> my travel needs, Para transit when necessary, and taxicabs for those
>>> times
>>> when neither of those forms of transportation are viable, e.g. inclement
>>> weather, gigs where I need to take my sound gear, and entertainment that
>>> gets out after the buses stop running! I guess it's all a matter of
>>> perspective!
>>>
>>> Fraternally yours,
>>> Marion Gwizdala
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Graves, Diane" <dgraves at icrc.IN.gov>
>>> To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:49 AM
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>>
>>>
>>>  Hey Mary,
>>>
>>>>
>>>> You know it's funny. Another thing that came to mind after I sent my
>>>> post
>>>> was my amazement at how frustrated I've seen some sighted people get,
>>>> when
>>>> they have to hop into the driver's seat and take a 15 minute ride in
>>>> their
>>>> car, to go somewhere that they weren't planning to go. Maybe to run an
>>>> errand to the grocery store, or go pick up a child, or take a child's
>>>> friend
>>>> home. It just blows me away. I'm like "give me a break."
>>>>
>>>> My sister-in-law is like that. She always wants me to come out into the
>>>> suburbs to her house, but never wants to come into the city to pick me
>>>> up or
>>>> visit me.  I'm thinking, "hey lady, you're the one who drives!"
>>>>
>>>> But see, even if you are sighted you get locked into a routine, and are
>>>> frustrated by the little unexpected inconveniences that come up.
>>>> Inconveniences that seem almost ridiculous to a blind person who would
>>>> love
>>>> to be able to drive independently and take care of some of those things
>>>> without the  hassle of planning.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Diane Graves
>>>> Civil Rights Specialist
>>>> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
>>>> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
>>>> 317-232-2647
>>>>
>>>> "It is service that measures success."
>>>> George Washington Carver
>>>>
>>>> Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain
>>>> confidential
>>>> and/or legally privileged information intended only for the individual
>>>> or
>>>> entity(ies)
>>>> named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient, be
>>>> advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or
>>>> acting
>>>> in reliance
>>>> upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have
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>>>>
>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>> On
>>>> Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:23 AM
>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>>>
>>>> Thank you Diane and Gary,
>>>>
>>>> Your words of wisdom have left me to ponder about what the Lord has in
>>>> store
>>>> for me as a mother of two wonderful children. I know that I was given
>>>> this
>>>> opportunity for a reason. I know that being visually impaired will only
>>>> enhance my life. Yes, Diane I wish as well that I could spend $1000 in
>>>> an
>>>> afternoon and not think twice. Being financially secure does help make
>>>> life
>>>> a bit more comfortable but not necessarily happier. It takes a lot more
>>>> self
>>>> assurance of oneself to be happy. That is what I think my real issue
is.
>>>> I
>>>> want to be happy with all that I have. I am most of the time. Its that
>>>> emotional roller coaster that I don't enjoy riding at times. But for
the
>>>> most part life is good. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I really
>>>> appreciate it.
>>>> Mari Hunziker
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 8:43 AM, Graves, Diane <dgraves at icrc.in.gov>
>>>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>  Hi Mary,
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> First, please know that I do understand your feelings and frustrations
>>>>> all
>>>>> too well. I have definitely been there before, and occasionally still
>>>>> go
>>>>> there. I think there was a lot of wisdom to be found in Gary's post,
>>>>> and
>>>>> so
>>>>> I'll just second it with a couple of points.
>>>>>
>>>>> I don't care how well adjusted and accomplished you are as a blind
>>>>> person,
>>>>> there are times when having sight would simply be more convenient. It
>>>>> does
>>>>> get frustrating sometimes. But if you think about it, this is true in
>>>>> many
>>>>> areas of our lives. I often find myself feeling envious of those who
>>>>> can
>>>>> go
>>>>> shopping, spend $1000 in an afternoon, and not think twice about it,
>>>>> while I
>>>>> am struggling to make sure all of the bills are paid. I am frustrated
>>>>> that
>>>>> the members of congress charged with making our tax and economic
>>>>> decisions,
>>>>> are the people making more money than most of us will ever see.
>>>>>
>>>>>  I am often disgusted by the women who complain and refer to
themselves
>>>>> as
>>>>> "fat" because they can't fit into a size 4 dress, when I would give
>>>>> anything
>>>>> to see a size 14 again
>>>>> .  These are just some small, maybe silly, examples, but my point is
>>>>> that
>>>>> blindness is just one of the many frustrations that life has to offer.
>>>>> Life
>>>>> has dealt us all a partial deck of cards, and we just have to learn to
>>>>> play
>>>>> the best game we can with the cards that we've been dealt. But, as any
>>>>> skilled card player knows, the more you practice, the more skilled you
>>>>> become.
>>>>>
>>>>> Just know that while you are concerned about transportation issues
>>>>> where
>>>>> school is concerned, some other mother is agonizing over how she is
>>>>> going
>>>>> to
>>>>> get new shoes for her child, or pay for the after school childcare.
>>>>> Another
>>>>> mother is worried about how she is going to get her wayward,
rebellious
>>>>> teenager through high school in one piece, and on and on.  This is not
>>>>> to
>>>>> say that your concerns aren't frustrating and understandable. Please
>>>>> don't
>>>>> think that that is what I am saying at all. I'm just saying that the
>>>>> blind
>>>>> community is not the only population that encounters these
>>>>> frustrations.
>>>>>
>>>>> I hope this makes a little bit of sense, at least. Gary did a much
>>>>> better
>>>>> job than I. If you are able to attend an  NFB Training Center I think
>>>>> it
>>>>> would be great for you. It is always something that I wanted to do,
but
>>>>> never had the opportunity.  All the reports I have heard though have
>>>>> been
>>>>> amazing, and, if nothing else, it would offer you support and build
>>>>> your
>>>>> level of self confidence. I know that having a child would pose
>>>>> concerns
>>>>> in
>>>>> this area too.
>>>>>
>>>>> Feel free to vent to us any time. We are all here to help you.
>>>>>
>>>>> (big cyber hug for you)
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Diane Graves
>>>>> Civil Rights Specialist
>>>>> Indiana Civil Rights Commission
>>>>> Alternative Dispute Resolutions Unit
>>>>> 317-232-2647
>>>>>
>>>>> "It is service that measures success."
>>>>> George Washington Carver
>>>>>
>>>>> Confidentiality Notice: This E-mail transmission may contain
>>>>> confidential
>>>>> and/or legally privileged information intended only for the individual
>>>>> or
>>>>> entity(ies)
>>>>> named in the E-mail address. If you are not the intended recipient, be
>>>>> advised that any unauthorized disclosure, copying, distribution, or
>>>>> acting
>>>>> in reliance
>>>>> upon the contents of this E-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have
>>>>> received this E-mail transmission in error, please reply to sender to
>>>>> arrange for the return and proper delivery of the transmission.
>>>>> Subsequently, delete the message from your system immediately.
>>>>>
>>>>> -----Original Message-----
>>>>> From: blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
>>>>> On
>>>>> Behalf Of Mari Hunziker
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 7:13 PM
>>>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>>>>
>>>>> Thank you so much for sharing that Mike. I would love to learn more
>>>>> about
>>>>> the NFB centers. I am now needing more assistance in finding creative
>>>>> ways
>>>>> of finding transportation for my son to get to and from school each
>>>>> day.
>>>>> Not
>>>>> being able to drive or to do other things is a constant struggle. I
>>>>> wish
>>>>> there was someway to get over the emotional roller coaster I ride
every
>>>>> day.
>>>>> Some days thinking its a blessing to be blind and other days it is a
>>>>> curse.
>>>>> How have you all gotten over this?
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>> Mari Hunziker
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Aug 24, 2010 at 4:35 PM, Mike Freeman <k7uij at panix.com> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> > As a matter of fact, one of the things done at our NFB centers is to
>>>>> > do
>>>>> > some grilling and other chores that involve working with fire >
>>>>> precisely
>>>>> to
>>>>> > get people over their fear of being burned. It's not thatanyone >
>>>>> wishes
>>>>> > to
>>>>> be
>>>>> > burned but (a) blindness doesn't increase one's risks assuming one
is
>>>>> > careful and (b) we want to turn that fear into what might be termed
>>>>> healthy
>>>>> > respect for fire which still allows one to work with it. At the end
>
>>>>> of
>>>>> the
>>>>> > day, it becomes another lesson that blindness need not prevent us >
>>>>> from
>>>>> > leading normal lives.
>>>>> >
>>>>> > Mike
>>>>> >
>>>>> > ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Andrews" > <
>>>>> dandrews at visi.com>
>>>>> > To: "Blind Talk Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
>>>>> > Sent: Tuesday, August 24, 2010 1:22 PM
>>>>> > Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Grilling question
>>>>> >
>>>>> >
>>>>> >  A totally blind person can grill or smoke.  i have a gas grill, and
>>>>> > a
>>>>> >> large off-set smoker and use them regularly.  I have also grilled
>>
>>>>> with
>>>>> >> charcoal -- although the gas grill is easier.
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> There are lots of techniques to do stuff.  One good source is our
>>
>>>>> blind
>>>>> >> cooks list
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-cooks_nfbnet.org
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> Dave
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> p.s.  You mentioned a "fear of getting burned."  Just like with an
>>>>> >>  >>
>>>>> oven,
>>>>> a
>>>>> >> pot of boiling water, a gas stove etc., you can get burned if you
>>
>>>>> don't
>>>>> do
>>>>> >> stuff carefully and correctly, but like with the other things there
>>>>> >>  >>
>>>>> are
>>>>> >> ways.
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> At 08:42 AM 8/24/2010, you wrote:
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>> Was anyone of you grillers afraid of the fire and the potential
for
>>>>> >>> getting
>>>>> >>> burned. That is what keeps me from doing it. We have a charcoal
>>>>> >>> grill/smoker. My brother, father and husband have mastered the >>>
>>>>> great
>>>>> >>> taste
>>>>> >>> of grilled food. I have always thought that I could not grill or
do
>>>>> >>> things
>>>>> >>> of that nature because I am blind(visually impaired). I now think
>>>>> >>> it
>>>>> >>> might
>>>>> >>> just be a fear of getting burned. I do cook fairly well in doors,
I
>>>>> never
>>>>> >>> thought about trying it outdoors. The next time we grill out. I
>>>
>>>>> will
>>>>> have
>>>>> >>> to
>>>>> >>> pay more attention on how it is done so that I may someday try it.
>>>>> >>> Who
>>>>> >>> knows, I may like doing it.
>>>>> >>>
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>                        David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
>>>>> >> Follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >>
>>>>> >> _______________________________________________
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>>>>> >>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
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>>>>> >
>>>>> >
>>>>> > _______________________________________________
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>>>>>  _______________________________________________
>>>>>
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