(no subject)

[ashelterofpages]

I really do think that getting in the habit of both looking at my reading list, and doing my best to leave comments on things, is helping me think about posting here again. I've been making an effort to try and do the commenting thing because it's what I like about platforms like this. I absolutely understand and respect lurkers and would never discourage someone from doing so if that's what they're comfortable with, but part of this for me is stretching my social interaction muscles and engaging with people when I have the brain for it.

I've started reading a few stories out of The Dangers Of Smoking In Bed and I've enjoyed what I've read so far. I'm also working through a backlog of short fiction I've had piled up, as well as a bunch of articles I've had saved. Text-to-speech has been such a big help in getting through some of this. I forget how daunting physically reading is for me, even in small amounts, and doing so through audio feels like a game changer for me and my poorly made eyes.

Speaking of eyes, I saw my Orientation and Mobility instructor today. She thinks I should be pretty much good to go to start applying to guide dog schools. This fact is both fucking terrifying but also kind of exciting. With how my sight has been getting even worse over the last year, I think it's going to help give me confidence in going out on my own and eventually living by myself, which is something I've lost a lot of confidence in.

So, while I'm not sure how long it will take, y'all might be getting guide dog updates at some point soon! Also, I'll do my best to include many pictures of all the good, good dogs.

Comments

[muccamukk]

Dog school sounds very cool. My nephew just got a service dog to help with interacting with the world (he has autism), and getting it with a whole process, but it's sure been making a difference.

[ashelterofpages]

Yeah, it's definitely a whole song and dance, but we'll see how it goes. I'm hoping that I can maybe get them to help me with a few things for interacting with the world as well (I have some PTSD stuff, as well as agoraphobia to go along with the blindness) but if not, I'll have at least had experience training a dog, so it might give me a leg up in teaching them other skills.

[lilyveil]

I like the communicative aspect of online journalling, too. Sometimes it just helps to know that your thoughts are acknowledged by others. It's an intimate way to get to know people. I sometimes wish that all of my online friends journalled.

The Dangers of Smoking In Bed looks really interesting... I think I'll have to add it to my to-read list.

I can see how getting a guide dog would be both terrifying and exciting. I hope the process goes well, and I'll be excited to read those updates! Yay to the photos!!!

[ashelterofpages]

My two favorite ways to get to know people have been through journaling and roleplaying. Both allow for a really interesting form of intimacy that I find lovely.

Yesss! Let me know what you think. I need to pick it up again, but I was definitely enjoying it.

Yeah, because it's going to be A Process, and I also need to get a transplant this year, it's going to be a lot, but we'll see how it all goes

[yarnofariadne]

Excited for you re: the guide dog!! It'll be wonderful and I'm also excited for good dog pictures.

[ashelterofpages]

In the long run, I really do think it'll be good for me. I just have to get over some flail here and there.

[shanaqui]

Ooh, good luck with the guide dog stuff!

[ashelterofpages]

Thanks! Today I'm leaning toward excited instead of terrified, so that's nice.

[adore]

I want to make reading and commenting on Dreamwidth a regular habit because it helps me feel connected with people. Good luck with the guide dog, I look forward to those updates!

[ashelterofpages]

Thank you!

And yeah, I completely get that. I was better about doing updates and commenting when I was younger but I fell off it over the last several years.

[lassarina]

Yay, dog friend! I'm sorry that your vision has been getting worse, though :(

The interaction is so much of what I love about DW, despite the fact that I do it in fits and starts.

[ashelterofpages]

Yeah, I'm the same with doing the actual interaction, even when I was posting regularly. I'm trying to work on not expecting myself to respond to all the things, and that if I do wind up doing it in fits and starts, that's okay. I guilt myself into a lot of things, including feeling bad I didn't interact, and thus shouldn't interact because I've somehow managed to either mess it up or have to start over. Over from what? I have no idea. Brains are just wild that way.

[lassarina]

Brains are so wild. I also end up with the guilt pile of (fic to read, books to read, games to play, comments to answer) and then go on a big blitz through some of it and then....start over. Sigh.

[ashelterofpages]

Oh yeah, that is definitely a thing. And for me, I'll want to do those things so I don't feel compelled to try and blow through everything when I can, but my brain decides to be uncooperative and focus on nothing,even remotely fun or useful even though I want to do all the things.

[lassarina]

Oh, for real. I have all these lovely and exciting books to read and games to play and other fun stuff! ....what if I sat here sulking and playing solitaire, instead, that seems helpful (it does not.)

[einhornmaedchen]

Best of luck with the guide dog! I'm looking forward to seeing pics ♥

[ashelterofpages]

Thank you!