Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Did my 10 K Today!

I completed my second to last graduation requirement in travel today. It
was a 10 KM walk around Ruston. My teacher gave me a preset route in
Braille; it involved combinations of all the routes I've been doing
throughout my time at LCB, all together in one long travel session.
Part of it involved crossing the interstate, then going back to the other
side of town: East, West, North, South, and everywhere in between.
I was lucky because the weather was cooler today – we've had some rain, -
and I started the route at 7 in the morning when it was a perfect
temperature for walking about 76 degrees.
I am proud of myself for completing this route. I did it well and managed
to stay focused.
I fell once on a curb and landed on my behind. But my pride hurt worse
than anything else. I bounced back up and continued on my way.
I lost concentration only a few times near the end and got disoriented,
but I used my skills to figure out where I was and got back on track.
An angel must have been watching over me because it didn't rain until I
finished my route. If I hadn't stopped for coffee, I would not have gotten
wet at all. Now I am sitting here at school in brightly—coloured sweat
pants that look like "clown" pants and wet feet.
Oh well, it's all part of the experience.
I will write more later about my final drop routes, which I completed last
week. .
I will be going on my "out of town," travel on Monday. This is another
requirement. I will take the Greyhound to Munroe, hang out in the city, go
for lunch, do some shopping etc. and return in the evening.
Another wonderful thing is that I timed at 57 words a minute in Braille
the other day. My goal before leaving here is 60. I am only four words
away. This is a huge accomplishment for me. I can read and enjoy reading.
I was able to read my 10 K route today in Braille and I read it fast and
without difficulty.
Love to all.
Elizabeth