[Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Gary Wunder gwunder at earthlink.net
Thu Apr 4 20:05:52 UTC 2013 

Hi, Julie. It is amazing how much of your message shows real humility and
does not say "I know it all, and it's all easy," but "I have enough
confidence in myself to believe I can figure it out, that it may take me
more than one try, and I refused to be embarrassed or cowed into passivity
just because I don't want to violate my comfort zone. You must must must
write something for the Monitor.

Warmly,

Gary


-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 10:27 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Justin,

If it is at all possible I find an employee or someone I'm with to tell me
what's what on the buffet.  I'll wing it alone, if I can't find anyone, but
I don't like doing that.

I did receive blindness training at the Nebraska Commission for the Blind. 
I learned a lot of stuff there, but I also learned how to learn.  I mean I
learned how to ask for the information I need, how to advocate for myself,
how to problem solve and how to have dignity left when what I tried flopped
miserably!  *smile*  I had most of those skills to one degree or another
before training, but daily intense practice sharpened, refined and enhanced
them in rapid fashion.

I learn by trial and error and necessity.  I have failed at many things I've
tried.  Some I tried again and had better luck.  Others I decided weren't
for me.  There are still things I can't do, but would like to master.

I read Braille at a miserable 30 words per minute.  I cannot cook fried
chicken to save my life.  I am freaked out by airports.  I have worn
mismatched socks! *smile*  I still use and practice Braille.  I still try
cooking fried chicken every now and then.  I still travel through airports,
even though I don't like it.  I have learned better methods of matching
socks, so I think that is pretty much solved.

You have to just keep putting yourself out there.  It's a process and nobody
is perfect, sighted or blind.  We are all learning.

all my best to you,
Julie


-----Original Message-----
From: justin williams
Sent: Sunday, March 31, 2013 9:58 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Sometimes, I see you guys on here and feel like I missed out on some
valuable  skill training somewhere.  I'm not under these illusions that I'm
the best because there aren't very many blind people with my skillset n
columbia.  If you listen to the sighted, as they heap praise that you don't
really deserve  upon you you may think that.  I hope you folks have learned
as much from me as I have you.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie J.
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 10:51 AM
To: Blind Talk Mailing List
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

Kelby,

I've found that if I have a choice I prefer to go through a buffet on the
side that puts my guide dog furthest from the buffet.  I'm not worried about

him being inappropriate, sniffing or snatching food, but if he is in between

me and the food, it means that I have to reach over and it's awkward.   He
always positions himself parallel to the buffet, so as I'm facing the buffet

he's at a 90 degree angle to me, standing behind me.  When I'm ready to move

I turn to line up correctly with the direction of travel, tell him to "step
up" which is something I taught him which means that he should proceed only
a step or two.

At buffets with regular plates I have filled and carried them myself.   Put
small items like napkins, utensils and straws in a pocket if you can, it
saves valuable hand real estate!  I make multiple trips to get a drink,
soup, dessert etc., rather than trying to make one mega trip.

The only place I've encountered the tray type of buffet was on a college
cafeteria last summer when I was attending a leadership training thing.  I
found it best for me to ask for assistance in that situation to carry my
tray.  There were lots of little islands, some self service, some with staff

behind the counter who would take your order.  I think if I were a regular
college student I would have figured out what was what and been able to do
more myself, but for the three days I was there it worked out fine.

Oh, almost all of the time I find a sighted person to let me know what the
food choices are, but generally I fill my own plate.  Working my guide dog
with food in my other hand hasn't been a problem.  Of course I can't use
hand signals so I have to be mindful to be clear with verbal directions.  He

knows both, but responds a bit better with hand signals.  Still it hasn't
been a problem.  As much as is possible I try to keep my plate held in front

of my body, not off to the side, because the guide dog isn't going to factor

in the additional width.  Of course a dog can be taught to account for
something  additional on your right side, like a large bag or a baby
stroller you are pulling, but this requires training and practice.

Anyhow that's how I manage.  I hope others will share some ideas.  Buffets
are not one of my favorite things.  Some more ideas would be great!
Julie



-----Original Message-----
From: Kelby Carlson
Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 7:26 AM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Blindtlk] Buffet Lines

(This may have already been sent; e-mail is glitching.)

I wish I could come to Maryland, as I'd love to know how y'all do buffet
lines.  (Especially when their are trays and guide dogs
involved.)

Kelby S.  Carlson

Vanderbilt University


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