This has me worried. I know this isn’t going on in the US, well yet at any rate but it still has me on alert. I use the word yet because with the way things are happening these days there’s no one saying that we who are Wiccan/Pagan in the US are safe. Come on people! This isn’t the Puritan times anymore and it hasn’t been for a long time. Whatever happened to freedom of religion? OH wait, I forget, our freedoms seem to be becoming less and less as the years go by. I just can’t believe that witch hunts and witch killings are going on in other countries. I get so tired of people saying there religion is the right one and how ever someone else chooses to practice is wrong. Who the bloody hell are you to judge me for the way I worship? Yes, i am proud to be wiccan and no matter how you want to try and tell me it’s not right or i’m going to hell for it, it won’t change a thing. So condemn me, it is you in the end who will be judged for doing so.
Sorry, this article just urks me. I’ve got a friend who openly tells me constantly that I’m going to hell for being Wiccan. He is a strong Christian and believes that his way is totally right and the way anyone else worships is wrong. He and i have this arguement almost every time we talk. He is one that would rejoice if the witch hunts began happening in the US. He also thinks that one day I will come around to his way of thinking and worshiping. I told him to keep wishing and dreaming because it would never happen in this lifetime. I accept everyone for who and what they are. I don’t judge anyone for their beliefs and never would. Nor would i try to convert a person either, that’s not my way. If people had questions about Wiccda then I would answer them to the best of my ability but never would I try and tell them they are wrong and try to change them.
Just for the record? Wicca/Paganism is *not* devil worship. It is an earth based religion. Ok so we make potions of sorts using herbs and such, but this means it’s all natural. What’s so wrong about that?
NEXT RANT…
WARNING: The oppinions expressed in this rant are my own and not meant to offend anyone. They are my oppinions only. If you don’t wish to read any further, i’d totally understand. You have been warned.
For this one, i will be posting things from the article and commenting on each one I take from it. i’ve posted the link for two reasons. 1. So that you can read the article in it’s entirety if you’d like as I am not going to post the whole thing and 2. It’s always good to site where you got information from. Just so you all know who may not know, I am a totally blind person.
How to Care for a Blind Person http://t.co/nkXmZ7rXFq via @eHow
BEGIN ARTICLE…
Having a disabled person in your life can be a challenge. Many blind people have never had sight, so they cannot relate to color, shape or perspective. Here are steps you can take to help a blind person live with his or her handicap.
Comment: This is interesting, *note the sarcasm*. I must admit before i go any further, some of these do make sense. First the ones that do make sense. There is nothing worse than running into a door especially with your head or face like I have done on occasion.
Statement: Put everything back in the same place after cleaning. If you have someone help you clean, make sure they are advised to do the same.
Statement: Keep everything on a blind person’s desk exactly where he or she left it. This applies to braille paper, CDs, radios, telephones and computer accessories.
Comment: Ok, this does make sense however, if something gets moved i just simply look for it or call the person and ask, hey, where did you put my CD for instance. To me, this is no big deal.
Statement: Try to keep all hallway and cabinet doors closed. Warn the blind person if you plan to have a particular door open for a prolonged period.
Statement: Help the blind person braille a list of important phone numbers, account numbers and any other personal information they might need to access when you are not available.
Statement: Keep restocking supplies of anything the blind person uses regularly. This includes food and drink, bathroom items and paper towels.
Comment: What? It’s not everyone else’s responsibility to keep your house restocked with things you may need. You must take some responsibility for yourself and make some effort to get the things you need. Just sayin.
Statement: Take out the trash regularly. Check for food that has been accidentally dropped on the floor or not returned to the refrigerator.
Comment: How hard is it to look for what gets dropped out of the refridgerator? I hear it fall, I get down on my hands and knees and feel around till i find it. Yes I do feel silly at times doing so but it works. Well that and i have a cat so I must find it before he does.
Statement: Remember to turn off the lights before you leave, particularly if you are a part-time caretaker. Most blind people have limited incomes.
Comment: As a general rule, I go around after a sighted person leaves my apartment and check to see if the lights are on or off. I feel to see which position the switch is at. If it’s up i flip it down. Again, not a hard thing to do. I always tell them lights are overrated but they still seem to need the bloody things.
Now here are the warnings and tips they suggest.
Comment: Here’s what i mainly have issues with.
Statement: Some blind people have problems opening doors with keys. You can buy a lock that requires both a matching fingerprint and a code for entry. It also comes with a standard key as insurance should it stop functioning.
Comment: Hello! Using a key isn’t that hard. So ok it may take you a few seconds to find the keyhole but so what. I just don’t think something like a fingerprint pad or whatever it is is a necessity. Take that few extra moments and locate the keyhole with your other hand while inserting the key with the other.
Statement: Keep all sharp objects like knives or scissors out of reach.
Comment: Just what are you smoking? This is the one that gets me the most. I am perfectly capable of using a knife to cut vegetables or fruits for cooking or just for eating a raw carrot periodically. With some training, a blind person can use a knife and a pair of scissors just fine. Yes, I may cut myself at times but so do sighted persons. No one can use a knife perfectly all of the time.
So there you have it. I feel that article was maybe geared twoards parents of blind children and teenagers. The blind can be taught to go through life indipendently and not have to be cared for all of the time. I realize some blind are sheltered all of their lives as parents and family feel a blind person cannot function on their own. I assure you we can and I do. There are places a blind person can go to so they can learn how to go through life caring for themselves.
My question is, what would happen if the parent or family member died? I realize that’s a bit morbid but as we all know it is a part of life. What would you do? How would you cope? Allow yourself to be put into a group home? Expect someone else to take up the slack? I’m sorry if I seem a bit harsh but this kind of thing bugs me. I know we need help sometimes but not all of the time. As i stated, i’m totally blind and I have my own apartment, I have a job, I can go shopping alone, although not totally as i have to ask for assistance when I get to where i’m shopping. Even that is showing your independence. I cook, I clean, I take care of a hansome four-legged feline, this means feeding him, cleaning up his hairballs and cleaning out his litterbox. I mop, vaccuum, do the dishes, clean the bathroom and everything that needs clean around the house. i also do my own laundry. My point in telling you all this is not to say that i’m better than you because I don’t feel i am, but to say that a blind person can learn to do all of this on their own as well. Nothing bothers me worse than a blind person saying that they can’t do something because they can’t see. You can, you just need to learn of ways to do so.
Ok, rant over. I do apologize if anyone was offended but as I stated in my above warning, they are only my oppinions.
Last night I went to a karaoke contest after work. I entered with the song Ten Thousand Angels by Mindy McCready. At first I wasn’t sure i would sing but decided i would. After the contest, I was asked to close it with another song. i sang Love Will Keep Us Alive by The Eagles. I ended up winning the contest. There was a guy that i heard say, “I could listen to her sing all night.” I got asked if I’d give out autographs and I just laughed because i didn’t think they were serious. They brought me papers and pens and asked me to sign. They meant it apparently. So i spent like 20 minutes signing autographs. We did video me singing so I’ll try to get it off my phone and put it here so you all can see it if you like.
I suppose, that’s all for now. i need to go and get ready for work. See you all on the flip.
Lily