I'm Packing!

The suitcases are out and I'm trying to figure out what to bring for 3 weeks. When I was much, much younger, all I needed was a little bag. Now, it seems like I have to hook the house to the back of a van. I think I have enough clothes since GDB has washers and dryers to use, so that shouldn't be a problem. I still need some sort of rain gear (just in case) and all those last-minute items. When I put the cases on the bed to start packing, both cats looked at them, looked at me, and hid out in the closet. They know what suitcases mean. Well, I'll be gone for 3 weeks and that's a long time for them, but, on the positive side, I'll be bringing them home a "friend".

GDB is Waiting for Me!

I got my confirmation emal from GDB adminissions wherein I'll need to arrive at the campus on 10/11/10 between 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. I am to go directly to the dormitory where I will be greeted by someone in attendance and shown to my room. I was also given the names of 4 of my instructors. I will also receive for use a Victor Streaming Reader unit to download class material, as well as books from the Library of Congress and from Recording for the Blind. There is also an option to purchase the unit. I will be given my own voicemail in my room

My O&M instructor has been working very intensely with me and I've attually taken our local public transportation all by myself and met her at the main terminal. Sounds like a simple thing, but I actually haven't taken a bus on my own for about 40 years and it's really strange when the landmarks you've known for so many years as a visual person, can hardly be made out and you have to rely on messages from the bus announcements, ask the bus driver, or really plan in advance, (which I did). I have a lot more difficult routes to learn, but at least I'll be a little more oriented to this type of travel with a Guide Dog when I get to San Rafael. Life is Good!

GDB Admissions Called Me Today

I got a call from GDB Admissions checking on my travel status and answering any questions I may have. I told her I had a volunteer taking me up and my husband will bring me home. She said graduation is at 1:30 p.m. and I'll get to meet the puppy raiser and trainer prior to that time. She also said I would have my own room (YEAH). Although the rooms originally were set up for 2 to a room, because they now have so many classes, they are able to give each student their own room. She said the instructors and nursing staff would also be contacting me prior to my arrival for any last-minute details.

I am so impressed with GDB. From the time I submitted my application to the present, everything has gone exactly as they indicated it would. I am really, really looking forward to this training with GDB!

The Crate is in Place!

Today, the crate was put together and placed in the corner of the bedroom at the foot of the bed, where No. One Dog will be able to see me and peek out the french doors next to the crate. Of course, the dog will only be in there mostly during the night, but it really does look inviting. The wire frame is coated in a red plastic with a red bottom plate. It has both a dog mat and supersoft dog bed. It looks so comfortable , the dog may not want to come out to guide me!

I kept the doors on the crate closed so the cats won't go in, but they've already sniffed every inch of the outside and climbed on the top. One cat, Minime, even took a nap on top of the crate. I'm glad they're getting used to the crate now, because there will be a big surprise in it at the end of October!

Blogging With a Laptop

Thanks to the folks at the BVIC, I will be able to continue to treat all readers to my Guide Dog Anticipation since they've loaned a new laptop loaded with ZoomText (a screen reader) and MS Word. Although GDB does have a shared computer, it will make things a little easier to blog and check mail, etc. I'm a very lucky lady to be part of the BVIC. They are a wonderful organization who are willing and able to help in so many aspects of my vision loss. There's a lot of work for so many people in training a Guide Dog, training the Guide Dog user, and all the people like BVIC behind the scenes who cheer you on. Check out the BVIC website at www.blindandlowvision.org .

The Anticipation is Growing!!

Today was the day we went to the pet store and bought some of the needed dog supplies for when the Guide Dog comes home. I got the crate, which was highly recommended by my GDB Regional Resource, a soft bed for the crate, a mat for the tie-down area in the kitchen, 2 stainless steel bowls for food and water, a food mat, and cleaner (safe for pets) if there's an accident. The crate is portable and after a few months, can be folded up and put away when needed again. The bed can be used with a tie-down during the night. Eventually, when everyone in the house settles down, the dog can go off tie-down. The bowls are sturdy with inset handles and rubber around the bottom to keep from slipping.

It's exciting to actually have some real tangible items the dog will need. It's less than 2 months before I leave for GDB and the CLOCK IS TICKING!

Getting in Shape for Guide Dog Training

August 1, 2010 became "Get in Shape for Guide Dog Training". There is a little over 2 months before I go to Guide Dog school and I need to be ready. I've been walking most everyday, but now I need to walk at least a mile a day. I started my workouts using free weights and aerobics to compliment the walks. It's been too long since I did regular workouts and after starting yesterday, my muscles are sore and I'm tired. I'll do the weights every other day (I mean, I don't want to get stronger than the dog)! The training at the school is rigorous for 3 weeks, with only 1 day off, and that day I still need to take care of the dog. I mean when I get home I don't want to be too tired to walk with my dog.