Discrimination

I really like to try to keep this blog upbeat. But life is not perfect and we do run into bumps in the road from time to time. This week, we've had plenty.

On Monday, poor Mike walked into a light post and broke his hand. It was a significant injury that might require pinning. Right now, he's wearing a fiberglass class that includes his ring and little finger as well as all of his knuckes and most of his thumb. He's in a lot of pain and has no use of his right hand... not good for someone who plays piano for a living. You can tell he's thrilled...



On Tuesday we faced our first bout of guide dog discrimination. We were with my father-in-law and decided we wanted to eat dinner at the Oriental Palace. It's a local Asian restaurant we have frequented (without the guide dog) many times before. Unfortunately, this time, we were turned away. Despite our best efforts with the identification card and letting the restaurant know it was illegal not to allow us in with Otis, the hostess simply would not seat us. We chose not to make a big stink and simply left. This was the first occurance and it hurt. It was an insult, (after an injury) for poor Mike.

Happiness

10 Tips for Happiness

1. The Power of Positive Thinking - Negativity is the root that undermines our happiness. The negative ideas we think can manifest in the words we speak. The minute the words leave your lips, is the minute they manifest. Change your thoughts to positive, uplifting ones. Think hope not hopelessness. Think goodness, not evil. Think joy not despair. Energy follows thought. Program thought to be positive and your energy will reflect it!

2. Networking with those who have a good outlook on life. Do not be around others who are negative, self serving or do not know how to express genuine kindness.

3. Affirmations, are a positive word, expression or term to guide us and give us reassurance. "I am happy", "nothing will deter my happy thoughts, today", "I am full of joy". These are all great affirmations to live by.

4. Happiness is a long lasting enduring enjoyment of life. It is being in love with living. Happiness is your reward for achieving good character and personal, rational values in life. Some important values are a productive career, romance, friendship and hobbies. Achieving these values requires rationality and takes effort and skill.

5. Learn Your Happiness Skills Two types of skills you can use are thinking skills and valuing skills. Learn to have confidence in your own mind and discover the virtues that make it possible for you to achieve your values, which make your life worth living, then you will experience the result.

6. The Metaphysics of Happiness has everything to do with our belief system. Belief is one of our most powerful assets. With the ability to believe, you can accomplish nearly anything! The more you believe in yourself, the more you will definitely accomplish. Happiness comes to those who BELIEVE THEY ARE HAPPY! It's just as simple as that. When we face situations that are near physical or mental impossibilities, then it is our belief system, or belief in ourselves, that determines IF it is possible.

7. Our Belief System is one of the major factors that can get us through situations or can cause our life to crumble around us! How we "program" ourselves to see our real happiness, shows us just how happy we are.

8. Our self-confidence and self-love are often the key to opening and strengthening this portion of our thoughts which in turn emanates from ourselves, which in turn allows happiness to find us!

9. Really appreciating what we DO have as opposed to what we would like to have, makes a significant difference. This is always an important element in a happy person that is often neglected.

10. Find happiness in simplicity and you will find the greatest joys yet revealed to you. Smile when you talk on the phone. Great everyone you pass by or meet today, with a smile. Appreciate the smell of the air, the warmth of the sun and the laughter in children. Make that your happiness.

A visit to the Seeing Eye

Yesterday was our long awaited, much anticipated visit to the Seeing Eye. We drove up early and we were greeted by Ray, the Outreach Specialist at the Seeing Eye. He gave us a warm welcome and we met his Seeing Eye dog, a black lab named 'Mojo'. After a tour of the facility that included the history of the Seeing Eye school, we met by Daddy and permitted to have lunch with him in the dining hall. It was quite a special event. After lunch we spent some time with Daddy on the leasure path. He showed us all of the amazing things 'Otis' can do.

When it was time to leave, Camille shed some tears. We're so glad Daddy will be home in a week!

Ready!

We're all signed up and we're ready to go! We're heading to the Seeing Eye tomorrow morning for a tour of the facility with Ray K. then a visit in the afternoon with Daddy and Otis! We're so very excitied we miss Daddy so much and we can not wait to see him and meet Otis!

Miss you Daddy! See you soon!

One week down, three to go...

The first week at the guide dog school is winding down. Mike sounds fabulous. Still in love with Otis, he tells me what a good boy Otis is. He's tells me all about their adventures and sometimes, misadventures and there is just so much spark and happiness in his voice. I am thrilled for him!

This weekend, Camille and I are staying home. I plan to take her shopping for the back-to-school items on her list. First grade has a much longer supply list than kindergarten! It's supposed to be a hot weekend, so we might just get the sprinkler out too.

Next weekend, we're going to visit Mike at the Seeing Eye. As luck would have it, they are having a special Saturday tour, so Camille and I will get a chance to see the facility before we visit with Daddy... very exciting!

Matched!

Mike was matched with his Seeing Eye dog on Monday. He is a yellow labrador retriever named "Otis". Mike said he's so blonde, he's almost white! While I don't have a photo of the actual "Otis" to post, we think Mike's new dog might look something like this...

According to Mike, he's having a terrific time and the training is going very well! We love you and we miss you! Good luck Mike and "Otis"!!!

Mike has been at the Seeing Eye since Saturday. Since we've been on vaction, today is my first "real" day as a single parent. It is also "matching day" at the Seeing Eye... Mike will meet his new dog today, sometime after lunch. I probably won't post much information about the dog. (I expect to hear from Mike tomorrow evening with the details.)

Mike has not had an easy time adjusting, and I am worried that he's longing to come home, despite the fact that he's really only just arrived. Yesterday, his mood was a little better, but not much.

So far, Camille and I are doing okay without dad. We arrived home kind of late from the Outer Banks last night. Camille will start summer camp today. I am sure she'll have a great time.