Category: Daily Living
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Hey Siri, What Special Occasion is It? It’s Your 10 Year Anniversary
I remember several years ago, when I first started using an iPhone I was giving Siri a command. But before I did, I got distracted talking to my boyfriend at the time and said, “Oh, my God!” Siri heard me and immediately replied, “I am not a spiritual advisor. You must get a human being…
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Making Smart Money Moves: How Accessible Online Banking Benefits My Life
For the last several years I have enjoyed the independence and convenience of online banking. But there was a time when that wasn’t the case. I remember getting on the bus to make that commute to the bank. Rushing after work to get there before they closed. Or getting up at the crack of dawn…
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Listening in the Dark: My Favorite 10 Blind Podcast for 2021
I am a huge podcast fan! I started listening to them as a great alternative to audiobooks on my long commute to work. Even after I started working from home my enjoyment didn’t diminish. I listen to them while I cook. While I eat. While I clean the house. While I relax on the sofa.…
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Why I Loved the Story of a Blind Adulterous and His Deceitful Wife
Reading with My Ears Book Review How long can a husband who is going blind keep that fact from his wife? Can a Sighted Spouse Deceive Their Blind Partner Based on Vision Alone? Is it possible to commit adultery with a woman who is also your legal wife? What happens when the two meet and…
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My Blindness Protected Me From the Full Grief and Horror of September 11th
For years I have said little to nothing about the September 11th attacks. Keeping my thoughts and feelings to myself for the most part. Not because I didn’t care or have empathy for all the people who suffered and died. Not because of the seriousness of the attack and later our involvement in a war.…
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Library in Quarantine: My Book Clubs Are Virtual During the Pandemic
Book Club Before COVID Before COVID came along and turn things upside down I physically attended two book clubs sponsored by my county library. One was bimonthly where we met at local restaurants. We would discuss some of the latest reads over appetizing cuisine and drinks. Occasionally, While being served, even the wait staff and…
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My Laundry isn’t Smart But I Am
Washer Dies After 20 Years of Dedicated Service Last month my faithful washing machine said goodbye to me. It had been a long-term member of my household. Spanning the years since I went blind back in the late 90s when I was living in an apartment with two housemates. To the Y2K and people thinking…
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Today I’m Relaxing Instead of Working
It’s Time to Relax You are sitting in a comfortable position. The room temperature is just right. There is relaxing music playing in the background. Someone with a soft and gentle voice is giving these instructions: Relax. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Release with a slow awl. Sit back and close…
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Old and New Technology Keeps Me Connected to Friends
National Friendship Day Helen Keller once said that she would rather walk with a friend in the dark than alone in the light. Her statement reflects the importance of friendship. Close companionship is just as or even more critical than being sighted. I can relate. The friends that I have made over the years are…
Empish J. Thomas 