I like to stay busy!

Hi everyone, yes, as the title implies, I seem to be in a constant state of being busy. This might sound strange at first, but after reflecting on this concept for a while I realized that I actually prefer to have a life which is full with a somewhat busy schedule. In fact, I believe that I get bored with too much free time; I seem to thrive from activity. Therefore, I thought it would be appropriate today if I shared with you a little bit of what I enjoy doing all day long: (if you were thinking “eating dark chocolate and being overly sarcastic” then I am sorry, those two things almost made the top five)
1. Earning a master’s degree in social work: I began my first class in the MSW program last Tuesday and I have really enjoyed my first two weeks. The topic of my class is extremely interesting; pardon the cliché but I actually do learn something new every day (actually I have gained much more knowledge and insight than that).
2. My aspiration to become a food critic: There is something which is extremely delightful about trying out different kinds of food, and every once in a while I come across an opportunity to do so. Last weekend I was presented with one such event, during the first ever Gourmet Latino festival I was invited to a tasting of food and cocktails from Ecuador. You might be asking yourself: “how much does Dan know about Ecuadorian food?” Well… before Sunday the answer was: nothing. Luckily for me, there was a dynamic chef and “mixologist” who were there to teach me. As my readers know, I am very picky, especially about food that is too spicy, but there were certain dishes (such as the masitas fritas, pork shoulder which was fried then braised) which I actually enjoyed very much. (If you would like to read more about this event, you are in luck: there will be a separate blog coming soon. If this type of food does not interest you, why not read my blog anyway?).
3. Working out: After eating all of that delicious food, and just overeating in general, I have been working out on a regular basis. I find it easier to get up really early in the morning and go to the gym before class, that way I don’t have the chance to procrastinate later on in the day. (give me a stationary bike and an iPod and I’m set)
4. Following the Yankees: June is a great month for baseball, and although I haven’t been to any games this year, I enjoy listening to a good game. Despite numerous injuries, the Yankees continue to stay competitive and hopefully will still be close to first place when the entire team becomes healthy. (I am generally optimistic, but I am also a realist: having injuries is one thing, but horrible pitching and poor offense are two things I cannot excuse)
5. Reading: Yes, I said it, I like to read! Audio books have come a long way, and with an hour long trip each way to school, I am truly fortunate to have such excellent entertainment with me along the way. I have even read a science fiction book or two, and I’m trying to be more flexible and branch out into different genres. (within reason of course)
I hope this list has given you some insight into my life and why I enjoy being busy. Thanks for reading, I’ll talk to you next time: I am the busy blogger!
Dan

important update (creative title)

Hello world, I am writing a quick 5 minute update so that all my great readers can have a concept of what I have been up to. I have been working at a social work internship since the beginning of march, it is going really well and I am so excited to help out people who are blind like myself. I am learning a great deal about this field and I feel this experience is extremely beneficial. I have been keeping track of the Yankees’ progress so far this season: the team looks very competitive but after all it is still early and anything can happen. Nevertheless, I am hoping for the best (eternal optimist) and would really like to attend a few games this season (hint hint). The return of baseball is a great thing, especially because I experience an immense feeling of anticipation during the months of the off-season.
I enjoy reading audio books very much, and I just finished reading a fascinating yet strange science fiction book: WWW Wake. It is difficult to summarize such a complicated but well-told story, so for your information this is part of amazon.com’s description: “Blind teen Caitlin Decter gets an experimental signal-processing implant that inexplicably opens up her vision to the wondrous infrastructure of the World Wide Web. Inside the Web is a newborn webmind, a globe-spanning self-contained consciousness that is just becoming aware of the outside world.” I recommend this book, as long as you found that portion of the description to be of interest.
In other news, my struggles with weight loss continue, and my scale can never decide how much I weigh from day to day. I have been creating many salads this week, and I am continuing my diet despite the occasional frustrations. Finally, I am busy doing many reviews of restaurants and venues for a project I am working on called Accessible New York. According to our new website, “Accessible New York empowers people with disabilities to share their experiences of New York's dining, lodging, and entertainment destinations, and provides quality information about these establishments to people who are ready, willing, and able to dine, stay and play in the greatest city on Earth”.
I hope you have learned more about me and my progress from this update, there will be more blogs to come in the near future. Thanks everyone!
Dan

New York: it's where dreams are made of and there is nothing you can't do

Good evening:

I just finished listening to the magnificent game 2 of the 2009 world series where the Yankees beat the Phillies by a score of 3 to 1. I really feel proud to be a Yankees fan after watching that game, some of you might think that sounds silly but it is not. Ok, so this is just a sport played by millionaires, I’ll give you that one. However, the pitching was superb, Mariano was, well, Mariano, and we finally earned our first world series win in the last six years.
I feel lucky to be a New Yorker, no matter what anyone says. After living in different parts of the country, and trust me I have, I found that this is the best city for me: accessibility, convenience, and great food! This year alone, I have commuted to the Bronx on a daily basis from Manhattan, then to Brooklyn each day in the summer, and to another location for my internship. This city makes me feel very independent, which other cities can’t do because of either a lack of transportation, quality of transportation, or because they are suburban or rural and you need a car to get around. In my neighborhood I can locate restaurants of varying cuisines such as Chinese, Japanese, Spanish, and Italian. In addition, I really enjoy going to local businesses just by walking a couple of blocks from my apartment, I think you get my point.
My semester is just about half done and I am feeling positive but a bit nervous. I haven’t received grades for much of my work in different classes and so it makes it hard for me to feel certain about how I am doing. I work hard and always submit assignments on time, but I find myself going on blackboard (the college’s online system) almost every day to check for new grades that have been posted, maybe I should relax. (Insert sound effects of drinking cold water and taking a deep breath) Ahhh, that feels better.
This life is complicated, I don’t mean that in a bad way, it just feels sometimes like I am like the pre-2009 Yankees version of Alex Rodriguez. (And no, I don’t mean that I’m taking steroids!) I’m trying to say that I over think things occasionally, when what I really should do is go out there and just live my life. In any case, welcome to my diary, it’s almost midnight and these are my strange thoughts.
Stay tuned for clips from my next blog:
The Yankees did what?
There’s a new restaurant called:-----
Something something something disability.
Take care!
Dan

diary of random thoughts

Dear diary:
I have tried to learn to live with regrets, with things that I have done wrong in my life, there are days when I feel that I make more mistakes than most. For example, on a day like today, I sit in front of my computer, thinking, wishing I had more friends. In a perfect world, I would have stayed in contact with friends who don't live in New York anymore, and I never would have ever done anything dumb to alienate anyone. Some people say that life is short, maybe even you think that. Right now, however, this adventure that is called life can feel awfully long. I never really understood how much friendship means to me until I almost didn't have any friends at all, and that was a scary place to be. So I just want to thank everyone who reads and/or comments on my blog: in one way or another, whether you are a friend, acquaintance, or robot?, all of you are meaningful to me.

I'm sure that all of you are expecting me to go on some kind of enthusiastic rant about the Yankees and their success so far in the play-offs. Well, sorry, I'm a little more cautious than you expected.

Yes! We're going to the World Series, isn't that great? Ok, back to reality, we still technically have to beat the angels, but I am sure that we will.
Random thought of the day: Don’t let Braille die! (If that makes no sense, I mean to say that I believe that Braille literacy is very important and should not be replaced by electronic, CD, mp3, or any other formats).
Please stay tuned for my next blog, where we will examine the fascinating question: What makes my diary so dear?
Dan

chapter 51: yankees, dreams, and... read on!

If you didn’t come here to hear about sports, and in particular the New York Yankees, then I encourage you to press alt f4 and exit this page immediately.
Now, is everyone gone yet? Good:
How can I express my feeling of satisfaction due to the Yankees’ latest success? I am not sure, but I will start my story here:
Once upon a time, I had dreams of baseball. I spent time thinking about the day when I would be announced as manager and could pick my own line-up, one that would bring wins and a world series to New York City. I hoped that one day we would actually finish first or second In our division (I became a Yankees fan in the 80’s so that is where my frustration came from). When Torre started as the manager of the Yankees, he brought my dreams to reality and my thoughts soon changed: let this guy handle it, I no longer need to worry about being the manager. Long story short, I have been a huge fan of this team for my entire life. Therefore, I am extremely pleased with the way that the Yankees have been playing this year, especially after the all-star break.
There is another reason why I like this team so much. The following is a chart which explains how I rank my interest in each sport.
1. Baseball
2.
3.
4.
(just imagine pages of blank space)
(finally you will get to the bottom of the list and find everything else)
I really enjoyed “watching” the Yankees in the late 90’s because I felt they had a great team chemistry (this is when I began to route for Jeter and he is still my favorite to this day). Each player was not playing for his own statistics (can you say A-rod, oops), and I truly believe that this was missing for several years. However, presently, it certainly isn’t 1996 anymore, but we are improving.
Yes, I know some of you are wondering, do I really watch the game? (What I mean is, as someone who is blind, do I physically watch it?) I technically listen, but I find it so natural to say watch. Sometimes I use the television like the Yes channel or ESPN, sometimes on the radio on WABC, either way I tend to say that I watched the game.
This summer has been quite busy for me. In fact, Monday will be the first free day that I have had (besides weekends) since June 1! Take care everyone, the birthday blog will be posted around the 24th.
Dan

I don't want to talk about it!

I am done talking about my weight: I like myself the way I am. I am done talking (at least for now) about the Yankees: I hope we win the World Series and I will support them forever (especially the captain Jeter) but I have my concerns.

Hello New York City, the world, and cyber-space:

Thanks to all of you who made my internship and semester go smoothly. This seems to have been a successful time for me, and I am appreciative of all of those who helped me along the way. I still have a long road ahead of me, but I feel that I am in a positive place right now. I am happy about who I am, hopeful about the future, and I am trying to be optimistic.
I experienced a very disturbing incident yesterday. I was walking down Lexington avenue (towards the Lighthouse for the blind on 59th street) when someone grabbed my backpack before I was about to cross the street. He didn’t really remove it from my back; he just took hold of it very strongly. When I asked the stranger why he would do such a thing, he replied “there’s a big puddle in front of you.” While I was a little glad that I avoided the water, I was more frightened by this man’s actions. Do people think that the only way to communicate to a person who is blind is to grab them or their belongings? I can’t tell you the amount of times that someone has either grabbed my arm or pushed me in order to “help” or “guide” me. Your intentions are good, but your actions have a negative impact.
I want to say this to all of you: (this will sound like a simple thing, but it is rarely done): If you would like to help someone who is blind, you should actually ask them how you can help! Don’t grab me, push me, or try to steal my backpack. I am a human, aren’t I? I am just like you, how would you like it if I grabbed your purse and then said “watch out for that puddle.” I think you get my point; this kind of thing really makes me frustrated. Sometimes I feel like I’M the only “normal” one, but then again, what does that even mean?
Your cliché of the day: do unto others as others would do unto you.
What should I talk about next? There are a limitless amount of possibilities. I would like your input on this please.
Dan

random thoughts: think before reading this

Hello everyone, well with the end of spring break, I am realizing that my graduation is not so far away. I don't know how my free time flew away so quickly, but in a way I am looking forward to returning to school tomorrow. At the same time, I am having mixed feelings about my internship: it can be boring at times, even tedious, and I will admit that I get into an occasional argument with the staff. That being said, I have established a kind of rapport with the residents there, and in a way I will miss them when I leave next month. It is a shame that a place like this, where people with more than one kind of disability live, is not serviced by at least one social worker. No one is paying attention to how the residents are feeling; all staff there are service based. In other words, there is one to cook, one to clean, one to give out medications, and one to fill out paperwork. I am looking forward to the day when people with disabilities are looked at as more than just statistics or people that you want to fix. We want services, but we equally want to be seen as regular normal people.
Speaking of things needing to be fixed, did any of you hear about that Yankees game yesterday? In case you did not, which is fairly unlikely considering the final score, the Cleveland Indians beat the New York Yankees by the score of 22 to 4! No, I didn't make that up, don't try to adjust your monitor (or, for those of you who are blind, don't try to reinstall JAWS or whatever speech software you are using!). The Yankees really lost by 18 runs. Now, where do I start? Was our pitching staff drunk? Was Wang using some kind of steroids that actually make your pitching worse? I don't know, but I am shocked and appalled! Did you know that we gave up fourteen runs in one inning? I think when something like that happens, there is no coming back from it. It's not as if you can say to your team: "good job, we are only down by fourteen runs, now go out there and tie up that score!" Therefore, we now have 6 wins and 6 losses, which is great for a team with a 200 million dollar pay roll. (Sorry, I am just frustrated, I still love the Yankees, but with our new acquisitions over the off-season and our new overpriced stadium, I was mistakenly hoping for positive results).
Will the Yankees turn it around and earn a trip to the World Series? Will people with disabilities finally get the respect that they deserve? Tune in next time to: the blind blog.
Dan

guess who's back?

Greetings to all:
I have been sick for the last week and a half, so excuse me if this blog comes out a little random.
1: Please comment on the blog, otherwise how will I know who is out there?
2. The A-rod "injury", and note that I used quotes around that word, might be devistating for my team the yankees, but I am just about fed up with all of the a-rod headlines.
3. If you learn one thing today, it should be to mind your own business. Today at my internship, I had an "incident" with a staff member who decided that it was her job to monitor me, and to judge me regardless of what the facts were. I admit it: I got frustrated, and yes, a little angry. Excuse me for saying this, but don't tell me how to do my job, especially if you are not my supervisor. I think that nurses and doctors should stick to medicine, lawyers should continue doing work related to the law, and leave the counseling of people with disabilities to the real social workers, even if that means letting a soon-to-be college graduate take control over a situation which can be tense or challenging at times!
Ok, that was a bit harsh, sorry. I just had to say it, regardless to the consequences, I hope someone understands or has gone through the same thing before. I hate to end blogs on a negative note, so let me say this:
I miss Mtv. Yes, I mean the old mtv. Not the current channel with so many reality shows, I mean to say "music television", with actual videos. I prey that this country gets on the right track, and I wish the best for all of you.
Sincerely,
Dan the man

A-Roid?

Ok, so I won't pretend to know all of the facts and truths in this situation. Furthermore, I question the truthiness of Mr. Rodriguez. I would like to weigh in like this:
I think it is great that A-Rod finally came clean, but what is up with waiting three days before commenting? In addition, since 2003 he still has been producing excellent numbers, so apparently his statistics are not steroid-based overall. I just don't know what to say, am I supposed to forgive him? I forgave Pettit, but I have been a fan of his for years. A-rod, on the other hand, is not a favorite player of mine, he is No Jeter, and to some extent he is just a free agent with little team loyalty. Therefore, after days to consider this situation, I have come up with a list of pros and cons.
Should I forgive A-rod?
Yes: He admitted to the steroid use, his performance since then has been great, it was the "culture" of baseball at the time (104 other players also tested positive).
No: Taking performing-enhancing drugs is wrong, he took a long time to come clean, just because other players took steroids does not mean that you should.
Conclusion: I forgive him, but he still needs to do more to convince me that he truly means his apology.
Now that this issue is done, let me say a couple of other things:
I sat through almost 3 hours of the Grammy's and was not impressed, I don't know who decides the winners but maybe they should get some fresh blood (me perhaps?).
I went to ohio last weekend to see my great uncle, he is a great man and an inspiration to me. I really enjoyed my time there, however I came away from that experience with another unrelated thought: I love New York City (no offense to the buckeyes.) I love living in a city where I don't need a car, where there are diners on every other corner, and where places don't close early. Go NYC!
Dan

the Facebook test

Ok, so I linked my blog to my facebook account, great. Now, what exactly am I doing on facebook? If everything goes well, this newest blog will be posted soon on facebook, by the way can someone explain to me the benefits and usage of facebook? (just comment on this blog and explain away).
New Year's Eve is coming up soon, I am fortunate to be living in the greatest city in the world! 2008 has been good for me, but in terms of the economy and country: not so much. I am waiting for the day when Obama takes office, it's time already!
There is something about chocolate, I don't know, I have no words to articulate it, but the blessings of dark chocolate are incredible. This is different for me, I usually wouldn't say this, but if I had to pick one food that is not on my "diet" I would pick chocolate, particularly dark chocolate.
I'm just living my life
day by day
waiting for the Yankees
to bring a championship my way.
We might get Manny
but I have no fear
so I wish everyone the best
and have a happy new year!
Dan

it's been a long time, sorry I left

Hello and happy holidays to all, regardless of religion! I know it's been a while since I last blogged, sorry. I have been extremely busy with everything going on with school and my internship, and nothing has particularly inspired me to write. However, today I just thought I would talk about a few issues that are on my mind.
1. I love what the yankees are doing, they are going out there and getting Substantial help. (sorry, this is an inside joke, when I say substantial help I really mean no help) All of these new free agents are great players, I will grant you that. We are fortunate to pay a zillion for each one. At the same time, I am pretty sure that we should have learned from the past, you can't necessarily win a championship by paying for a virtual all star team. Baseball is a TEAM sport, putting together a bunch of great playeers from different teams does not really guarantee you anything. I personally value a team with solid playeers, who know how to do the basic things like bunting, fielding, and pitching, and who have a good sense of chemistry.
2. So you might not know this, but I am blind. Great, get over it! I am tired of people judging me or thinking less of me because of my disability. Do you know how hard it is to make new friends or meet someone new when people can't
"see" past the fact that I have no vision? Another thing: I am frustrated because when I travel I am constantly getting bombarded by people who: bump into me without looking, grab me by the arm and push me onto the subway or accross the street, or ask me questions like "if you are blind, how do you cross the street/dress yourself/go to school?" I only answer these questions because by not answering them I would only allow them to continue using their misconceptions.
3. Is it me, or are people not as excited about the holidays this year as normal? I know we are in the middle of a recession, but come on! Money might be short but let's try to stay positive. Just keep in mind: in 1933, during the height of the great depression, 15 million Americans were unemployed. This is far from our current 5.6% unemployment rate, although people with disabilities face 70% unemployment as it is so we have to work on that.
Life is an adventure, money is great and I love it, but life is about more than that. I wish everyone happiness, and I hope that America stays positive even if the stock market does not. Dan

Please read this: I feel like I am talking to myself!

Free Counter
I understand that I don't blog very often, I do have a life after all. I think that blogging is great, but in my opinion it shouldn't be used to replace regular every day face-to-face communication. However, I have been feeling lately like I am having a conversation with myself (a really interesting, humorous, and inspiring one). I would appreciate your comments on the topics that I speak about. Otherwise, why am I having this monologue? To blog, or not to blog, someone answer that question! If the internet is a super highway, then this must be 2:30 AM in the middle of nowhere because I hear and see no one out here. On a totally unrelated note, rumor has it that the Yankees will have a pitching staff next year consisting of: old men who are past their prime, and young guys who can't get a win if their life counted on it (I'm talking to you, Hues and Kennedy). I personally think that it is time for a change, how about you? Why is it that the Yankees like to acquire pitchers who are at the end of their career, while at the same time continually betting on these young pitchers as if they were pocket aces? I don't know, but I am fed up with it. Alright, that is it for now. Sorry if I sound frustrated today, but I'd rather get it out now and see if anyone else feels the same way that I do. Take care. Dan

Good bye Yankee stadium, good-bye... Yankees!

Hey everyone, ok so here is the deal regarding the Yankees: even though they are not mathematically eliminated, I have accepted the harsh reality that their season is over. October will be a dark time in New York, and I am definitely not alone in that. The only positive aspect of this whole situation is that the Mets look like they might not make it either! (I know, that was wrong to say, but I feel that I have to look at the bright side in this situation) I don't hate the mets, but I would be jealous if their fans still had games to play next month while we won't. On a sad note, the beloved Yankee stadium will be gone soon, replaced but not forgotten. I had had so many good times there, I have been going there since I was a kid and it has been a big part of my life. During a class last semester about America's recreational habits, my professor described my feelings about Yankee stadium as "an emotional attachment". I suppose she was correct. The new stadium will cost Millions and Millions of dollars to build, and it can not truly replace it's predecessor.
Yankee Stadium: I will miss you.

So, what is life like after baseball? Well, I don't know. I don't feel particularly attached to any other of the New York sports teams, maybe I should see what else is on TV. Oops, I forgot, there is Nothing on TV. So many channels, so few quality shows. And don't get me started on reality shows, I like reality as it is just fine. Maybe I will read a book, I do enjoy listening to books on mp3, but that's a topic for another blog.

Until next time, take care. Yankee stadium: RIP. Dan

my frustration after listening to Yankees' loss

Hey everyone, it's Dan again. I hope you are all having a great weekend. It’s been a while since I last blogged, so today I wanted to check in with you and communicate my frustration at this time with the team we call:
THE NEW YORK YANKEES!
Actually, at this point in time, they don’t deserve that exclamation mark.
But first, let me give you some background: I have been a Yankees fan as far back as I can remember, possibly since I was five years old. I have cheered them on through good times, and particularly in the ‘80’s, some bad ones. We have been on a bad streak since our glorious defeat of the Mets in 2000. There was 2001, against the diamondbacks, and I dare not mention 2004 against the dreaded Boston red sox, and now in 2008 we are choking in an extreme way.
I would like to take a moment of your time, however, to talk about Yankee pride. I am very proud to be a New York Yankees fan. It is a big part of my life, and of who I am. I try to not take defeat personally, but that feels difficult sometimes. I am a true New Yorker, and I take my enthusiasm for the Yankees very seriously.
Getting back to my point, I have devoted a major part of my life this season to watching each game. Normally I watch part of the game, flip around the channels of the television to find out what else is on, and am somewhat upset after each loss. Last night was the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back. I was extremely frustrated after our recent loss; I even surprised myself by the level of my irritation with the Yankees. Yes, I could go on and blame certain players, but today I will not. No, do you know who I will blame? I blame everyone: from Mariano who blew the save and who took the loss, to Justin Christian who was picked off in the bottom of the ninth, to our lack of offense after leaving so many runners on base.
Now there might be someone out there saying: “he’s blind, how does he watch TV?” Good question, thanks for asking: I listen to the TV, or I listen to the radio. When I am with my friends, I will listen to the game that they are watching on TV. In general, I try to use my other senses to make up for my lack of vision. Furthermore, in my opinion, my four other senses do as much as your five. One misconception that I would like to clear up is the notion that my senses are “magically heightened.” That would be awesome, but I must use years of experience in order to maximize the use of my senses. Getting back to the baseball issue, however, it is granted that the radio announcers give better description because they understand that listeners are not currently watching the game.

Thanks for hearing me out, I appreciate all of your support. I will be in touch soon with another scintillating rant on the adventure known as life. Until then, take care.
Dan

my very first post

Hello, my name is Daniel Aronoff and this is my very first post on my very first blog! Today I would like to talk about my disability: I am blind, but I am just like you (the person who is reading this): I cross the street by myself, I take the subway and bus, I even use a computer and created this blog with absolutely no assistance. I welcome any and all questions from anyone who is curious. I feel that the greatest barrier for someone with a disability is the discrimination from people who believe certain misconceptions or stereotypes about people with disabilities. Please ask before you judge.

Well, I feel better now that I got that off of my chest. In the future, I'll keep you up to date with music, sports, technology, and other fascinating stories and facts. Stay tuned!

Take care
Daniel