[Blindtlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

Mike Freeman k7uij at panix.com
Sat Aug 28 02:47:31 UTC 2010 

Heat, cold, sun, rain -- all can be dangerous. But all can be dealt with. If one lives indoors for fear of encountering potential danger, one will never go anywhere.

Mike

----- Original Message -----
From: "Marsha Drenth" <marsha.drenth at gmail.com>
To: "'Blind Talk Mailing List'" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org>
Date: Thursday, Aug 26, 2010 17:20:17
Subject: Re: [Bltlk] The Cost of Independent Travel

>
>
> 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: [Bltlk] 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 105-457ree 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: [Bltlk] The Cost of Independent Travel
> >
> >
> >  I have gotten to the point that I would rather sit at home and do nothing
> >ar than ask someone for a ride. Some people get so frustrated or seem to be
> >ar bothered by having to help me out sometimes. Yesterday, I paid a friend
> >ar $30
> >ar dollars in gas money to drive my son home from school. My 1st grade son,
> >ar is
> >ar not eligible to ride the school bus because his elementary school only
> >ar offers busing to kids with special needs. I asked for special
> >ar accommodations
> >ar for our situation and they were not able to help. I paid the my friend
> >ar because I could not see myself walking 1.75 miles to the school and back
> >ar another 1.75 miles back in 105 degree heat. I told the district
> >ar transportation manager that when the heat index is so dangerously hot it
> >ar should be mandatory that kids get rides home somehow. It breaks my heart
> >ar that kids have to walk, ride their bike, etc home in that heat. My
> >ar transportation needs have been met by a kind friend willing to drive out
> >ar of
> >ar her way to bring my son home. I was so blessed the last couple of years
> to
> >ar have a friend in my neighborhood be willing to carpool with us. My
> husband
> >ar drove the kids in the morning and she brought them home after school. It
> >ar was
> >ar great. But of course things always change and we (I) must learn to deal
> >ar with
> >ar it like I am trying to. I just signed my 2 year old daughter up for Dance
> >ar class and then called up CARTS to arrange a ride. So happy they can take
> >ar us
> >ar and charge us $3 each way. We will see how it goes. I wish visually
> >ar impaired
> >ar / blind people received a living expense stipend like they do in Canada.
> >ar It
> >ar would be so helpful for those of us living on a budget and for those of
> >ar us,
> >ar like myself who live in the suburbs  with no public nor para transit
> >ar system.
> >ar
> >ar You all are fabulous. Thanks for all of the words of wisdom posted on
> >ar here.
> >ar I love it.
> >ar
> >ar Mari Hunziker
> >ar
> >ar On Wed, Aug 25, 2010 at 11:22 AM, Marion Gwizdala <blind411 at verizon.net
> >ar >wrote:
> >ar
> >ar  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: [Bltlk] 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
> >>>> 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: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 10:23 AM
> >>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List
> >>>> Subject: Re: [Bltlk] 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: [Bltlk] 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: [Bltlk] Grilling question
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> >  A totally blind person can grill or smoke.  i have a gas grill, and
> >>>>> > a
> >>>>> >ar large off-set smoker and use them regularly.  I have also grilled
> >ar
> >>>>> with
> >>>>> >ar charcoal -- although the gas grill is easier.
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar There are lots of techniques to do stuff.  One good source is our
> >ar
> >>>>> blind
> >>>>> >ar cooks list
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blind-cooks_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar Dave
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar p.s.  You mentioned a "fear of getting burned."  Just like with an
> >>>>> >ar  >ar
> >>>>> oven,
> >>>>> a
> >>>>> >ar pot of boiling water, a gas stove etc., you can get burned if you
> >ar
> >>>>> don't
> >>>>> do
> >>>>> >ar stuff carefully and correctly, but like with the other things there
> >>>>> >ar  >ar
> >>>>> are
> >>>>> >ar ways.
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar At 08:42 AM 8/24/2010, you wrote:
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >>> 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.
> >>>>> >>>
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar                        David Andrews:  dandrews at visi.com
> >>>>> >ar Follow me on Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/dandrews920
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar _______________________________________________
> >>>>> >ar bltlk mailing list
> >>>>> >ar blindtlk at nfbnet.org
> >>>>> >ar http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
> >>>>> >ar To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
> >ar
> >>>>> for
> >>>>> >ar bltlk:
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> >>>>>
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/k7uij%40panix.com
> >>>>> >ar
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> >
> >>>>> > _______________________________________________
> >>>>> > bltlk mailing list
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> >>>>> > To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info
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> >>>>>
> >>>>>
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> >>>>> >
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> >>>>>
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> >>>>>  _______________________________________________
> >>>>>
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