[Blindtlk] Good techniques?

Tue Dec 8 11:48:57 UTC 2015

Yes, different knives for different spreads.

If there is a long history of people helping you, remember that it's 
something new for them as much as it is for you.  Be gentle with them as you 
make this transition.  So saying something like, "I want to try this myself 
first, but thanks for offering your help."  or "I appreciate the offer, but 
I'm practicing some new things I'm learning." will assert your independence 
while not making them feel unappreciated.

I used to feel super self conscious when trying out new things in front of 
others.  It does get less stressful the more you do it.  I'd also suggest 
going at it with the attitude of experimenting or a "let's see what happens" 
mindset.  The attitude of curiosity and openness goes a crazy long way in 
making the stress go down and confidence go up.  Mistakes will happen, but 
if it's an experiment, then you've just learned what doesn't work.  Next 
time you can try something a little differently.

Please let us know how it goes!  With the holidays there will be loads of 
opportunities to try out some new things, I'm sure!
Julie
Courage to Dare: A Blind Woman's Quest to Train her Own Guide Dog is now 
available! Get the book here:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QXZSMOC
-----Original Message----- 
From: Tom via blindtlk
Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2015 1:34 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Tom
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Good techniques?

I'll certain begin to try this suggestion.  I'm going to have to find ways
of practicing.  I simply wish I wasn't always watched because that's when my
sighted family and friends ask about why I sometimes do things the way I do.

Oh, do you use different knives for different spreads if you're in a group?

And finally, when I'm in a group of people, should I be telling them I don't
want their help any more?
Tom

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Hyde, David
W. (ESC) via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2015 8:51 AM
To: 'Blind Talk Mailing List'
Cc: Hyde, David W. (ESC)
Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Good techniques?

First, you are not unique. There are several solutions. With some things,
like ham salad or egg salad, it is easier to use a spoon to put it on to the
bread. Then use a knife or the back of the spoon to spread it. Start in the
middle, and spread toward the corners. With butter, slice off a piece or get
a glob on the knife. Use your hands to see how much you have. Again, start
in the middle and work toward the corners. With mustard or mayo, take the
knife down to the bottom of the jar. Depending upon how much is left in the
jar, you may or may not get enough. Start in the middle again. If you are
using the portion control packets, open it and squeeze it over the middle.
Then use a knife to distribute it.
Finally, if you make a mess, and everyone does once in a while, clean it up.
If you do it well, you'll be the only one who knows.

-----Original Message-----
From: blindtlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tom Cramer
via blindtlk
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2015 10:37 AM
To: Advice and support for blind cooks; NFBnet Blind Talk Mailing List
Cc: Tom Cramer
Subject: [Blindtlk] Good techniques?

Hello,

I think this question will be way too basic for everyone but I hope to get
some good techniques other than just being told to not be afraid to ask
sighted company to help me.  I think this is an important skill, especially
now that I'm trying to be more independent and do more for myself.

I found I am not good at something very basic, like spreading.  I'm talking
about things like putting any kind of spread on bread or multiple spreads on
sandwiches.  I never really thought of it because I'm generally always with
family or friends and they always did it.
But when I was by myself, or when everyone just kind of did their own thing
and simply told me that the sandwich fixings were on the counter, I realized
how deficient I was in this skill.
I asked other blind people and they just said that they weren't afraid to
use their fingers to spread or that I could simply ask someone to do it.

So, specific questions.
First, I use a knife but don't seem to get much stuff on it.  Any good
techniques to tell how much is on the knife or how much more to get?
Second, what about the actual spreading technique?  I find mine to be uneven
and yet I thought I covered the bread.
Finally, what do you do if you're doing a sandwich and want more than just
one thing like mayo and mustard and squeeze bottles aren't available?

I know my family is happy to help me, and my friends haven't said anything
yet, but do I really want my friends doing something like buttering bread or
making my sandwiches for me?

Thanks for entertaining these very basic questions.
Tom

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