I used to tell people that the world is not stutter friendly.
I guess I wanted an environment where stuttering is acceptable and stuttering is okay.
But it is hard to create an environment which allows for stuttering, anywhere.
Basically stuttering is not good and undesirable. No body really wants to stutter. If there is a pink pill that can make stuttering go away forever and ever, every person who stutters will take it.
There is no cure for stuttering, a stutterer once said that stuttering will be cured when the society is cured.
Friday, January 09, 2004
Thursday, January 08, 2004
Where are the WMD?
Where are the WMD?
Looks like Bush is going to win, that's too bad. 4 more years of Bush.
From today's fortune cookie: "With ambition and hard work, one can reach any goal."
My comment: true quote, with hard work, one can reach almost any goal. Note that I said almost any goal.
Tonight was a busy night. So I made it to Sac today. I almost gave up today, but the Sac NSA meeting only met once a month. Sac is really too far, but I am glad that I made it to the Sac NSA meeting. I remember my first Sac NSA meeting was July 2002, that was during the summer. I don't know when I will be back to the Sac meeting again. Maybe in a few month. Good to see some old friends and new people, older people who stutter that gave me SUPPORT in the past. There were 5 people at the meeting. The meeting ran from 7 to 9 PM. It was interesting that even people who don't have very severe stutters say that they FEAR the phone. They AVOID talking on the phone. I think almost all stutterers have some FEAR of the phone, including me of course. I had several silent blocks tonight, but that is just the way I talk. That is just the way I talk. i don't feel too bad.
Driving to Sac was not as fun as I thought it would be, becasue I was tired. I listened to my new (old) CD that I just bought, that was helpful because it was a long drive. I had MacDonald happy meals for dinner. I did drive through and was able to communicate using my voice that I wanted a cheeseburger happy meal. I don't think ordering through fast food drive is a feared situation anymore. It wasn't that bad in the past, so I just need to NOT AVOID. Avoidance is the root of stuttering, at least that is the case for me.
Looks like Bush is going to win, that's too bad. 4 more years of Bush.
From today's fortune cookie: "With ambition and hard work, one can reach any goal."
My comment: true quote, with hard work, one can reach almost any goal. Note that I said almost any goal.
Tonight was a busy night. So I made it to Sac today. I almost gave up today, but the Sac NSA meeting only met once a month. Sac is really too far, but I am glad that I made it to the Sac NSA meeting. I remember my first Sac NSA meeting was July 2002, that was during the summer. I don't know when I will be back to the Sac meeting again. Maybe in a few month. Good to see some old friends and new people, older people who stutter that gave me SUPPORT in the past. There were 5 people at the meeting. The meeting ran from 7 to 9 PM. It was interesting that even people who don't have very severe stutters say that they FEAR the phone. They AVOID talking on the phone. I think almost all stutterers have some FEAR of the phone, including me of course. I had several silent blocks tonight, but that is just the way I talk. That is just the way I talk. i don't feel too bad.
Driving to Sac was not as fun as I thought it would be, becasue I was tired. I listened to my new (old) CD that I just bought, that was helpful because it was a long drive. I had MacDonald happy meals for dinner. I did drive through and was able to communicate using my voice that I wanted a cheeseburger happy meal. I don't think ordering through fast food drive is a feared situation anymore. It wasn't that bad in the past, so I just need to NOT AVOID. Avoidance is the root of stuttering, at least that is the case for me.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
I liked her because she was nice to me
I think I know why I liked her. This is the truth: I wanted to talk to her because I thought she was good looking, but I liked her (and wanted to get to know her) because she was nice and always polite. I hope one day I can tell her that I liked her not just because she was good looking, but that she was nice to me. I thought maybe that she cared about me a little bit.
Sure, I s-s-s-stutter, what are you good at?
Sure, I s-s-s-stutter, what are you good at?
What are you good at?
I am good at stuttering, I have a great memory. I am good at remembering people's names. I am good at emailing people. When I talk, I have something good to say. I am a really good listener when I want to be a good listener. I would like and believe that I am better than the average person.
What are you good at?
I am good at stuttering, I have a great memory. I am good at remembering people's names. I am good at emailing people. When I talk, I have something good to say. I am a really good listener when I want to be a good listener. I would like and believe that I am better than the average person.
Thomas Jefferson quotes
Fact: Stuttering is bad, fluency is good.
It would be nice if more famous people admit that they stutter or discuss their stuttering past. For example, Bruce Willis stutterered during his teenage years, and he turned to acting because acting on the stage helped him become more fluent. It takes a stutterer to know one. I know how bad stuttering can be because I am a stutterer. Stuttering needs to be talked about in the general public, that's the only way stuttering will be more acceptable. For example, some people would not have such a negative attitude towards stuttering if they knew that Marilyn Monroe had a mild stutter and that Bruce Willis stuttered.
The stuttering foundation of America likes to publish a list of famous stutterers (e.g. Winston Churchhill). Some people thought that Thomas Jefferson had a mild stutter. Maybe that can serve some inspiration to young people who stutter that you can do anything you want, even be the President of the United States. I guess stutterers can tell people that Thomas Jefferson stuttered. Stuttering is not who you are, it is something you do. On the other hand, stuttering can sometimes be a serious handicap. For some people, stuttering is a minor problem, for some, stuttering can be so bad and can control their life. Anyway, here are Jefferson's quotes:
1. Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
2. Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
3. One man with courage is a majority.
Nothing special today. Sure, I stuttered but I stutter everyday. I had peking spareribs and rice for dinner. Took a walk around Shattuck. Watched some tv on the chinese channel at night. I thought about my imaginery friend and how that friend is doing.
I believe I am getting over my cold pretty soon. Plan to go to Sacramento tomorrow night for NSA meeting. Hope to make it, but won't feel too bad if the traffic is too bad and have to give up. Sometimes, I think about cheating by driving in the carpool lane, but I don't want to get caught. I guess another new year's resolution for me is to attend more NSA meetings because they are beneficial.
I have observed that people who stutter really likes to talk given the opportunity. It takes a stutterer to know another stutterer. I know why people who stutter like to talk, but they are often so afraid that they hold back when interacting with normal speakers. Given the opportunity to talk, a stutterer will talk, talk, and talk. At NSA meetings, the severity of stuttering does make a difference. I always felt that those with mild stuttering talk the most, and that those with severe stuttering problem don't talk or don't show up at all (because they don't get to talk at the meetings anyway). That's too bad, because the purpose of NSA meetings is so that everyone can talk and participate regardless of the severity of their stuttering.
It is hard for people to imagine, but even the most severe stutterer can be understood if you are just a little patient. Seriously, I never had problem communicating with 99% of all stutterers I have met and I know some real severe stutterers. I know it is kind of funny for me to comment about other severe stutterers because sometimes my stuttering can be so severe that I am unable to say the word (It was terribly embarrassing at the time, but that's life). Anyway, I never had any problems understanding another stutterer, except one time when I had some real difficulty understanding a guy from New York. But of course, I was nice and tried to pretend that I understood everything he said. That was more than a year ago. I have a good memory.
It would be nice if more famous people admit that they stutter or discuss their stuttering past. For example, Bruce Willis stutterered during his teenage years, and he turned to acting because acting on the stage helped him become more fluent. It takes a stutterer to know one. I know how bad stuttering can be because I am a stutterer. Stuttering needs to be talked about in the general public, that's the only way stuttering will be more acceptable. For example, some people would not have such a negative attitude towards stuttering if they knew that Marilyn Monroe had a mild stutter and that Bruce Willis stuttered.
The stuttering foundation of America likes to publish a list of famous stutterers (e.g. Winston Churchhill). Some people thought that Thomas Jefferson had a mild stutter. Maybe that can serve some inspiration to young people who stutter that you can do anything you want, even be the President of the United States. I guess stutterers can tell people that Thomas Jefferson stuttered. Stuttering is not who you are, it is something you do. On the other hand, stuttering can sometimes be a serious handicap. For some people, stuttering is a minor problem, for some, stuttering can be so bad and can control their life. Anyway, here are Jefferson's quotes:
1. Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
2. Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.
3. One man with courage is a majority.
Nothing special today. Sure, I stuttered but I stutter everyday. I had peking spareribs and rice for dinner. Took a walk around Shattuck. Watched some tv on the chinese channel at night. I thought about my imaginery friend and how that friend is doing.
I believe I am getting over my cold pretty soon. Plan to go to Sacramento tomorrow night for NSA meeting. Hope to make it, but won't feel too bad if the traffic is too bad and have to give up. Sometimes, I think about cheating by driving in the carpool lane, but I don't want to get caught. I guess another new year's resolution for me is to attend more NSA meetings because they are beneficial.
I have observed that people who stutter really likes to talk given the opportunity. It takes a stutterer to know another stutterer. I know why people who stutter like to talk, but they are often so afraid that they hold back when interacting with normal speakers. Given the opportunity to talk, a stutterer will talk, talk, and talk. At NSA meetings, the severity of stuttering does make a difference. I always felt that those with mild stuttering talk the most, and that those with severe stuttering problem don't talk or don't show up at all (because they don't get to talk at the meetings anyway). That's too bad, because the purpose of NSA meetings is so that everyone can talk and participate regardless of the severity of their stuttering.
It is hard for people to imagine, but even the most severe stutterer can be understood if you are just a little patient. Seriously, I never had problem communicating with 99% of all stutterers I have met and I know some real severe stutterers. I know it is kind of funny for me to comment about other severe stutterers because sometimes my stuttering can be so severe that I am unable to say the word (It was terribly embarrassing at the time, but that's life). Anyway, I never had any problems understanding another stutterer, except one time when I had some real difficulty understanding a guy from New York. But of course, I was nice and tried to pretend that I understood everything he said. That was more than a year ago. I have a good memory.
Sunday, January 04, 2004
2004 is going to be terrific because I have amnesia and I don't remember the past
All new babies are born good, some grow up and become bad. But a bad person does not have to be bad forever, he can change and be good again.
Here is my once a day quote and my comments. I hope to do this every time I post. Please share your favorite quotes with me.
"The only way you can tell stutterers from non-stutterers is when they open their mouths to speak."
-- Joseph G. Sheehan, Ph.D.
Comment: I agree, I would add that you can only tell whether or not a person is a stutterer if you ask them. Why? Because everyone stutters once in a while. Unless the stuttering is very severe and constant at first, you can't really tell. I have met people who are perfectly fluent 99% of the time, but they say stuttering is a problem for them, especially when talking on the phone.
Here is my once a day quote and my comments. I hope to do this every time I post. Please share your favorite quotes with me.
"The only way you can tell stutterers from non-stutterers is when they open their mouths to speak."
-- Joseph G. Sheehan, Ph.D.
Comment: I agree, I would add that you can only tell whether or not a person is a stutterer if you ask them. Why? Because everyone stutters once in a while. Unless the stuttering is very severe and constant at first, you can't really tell. I have met people who are perfectly fluent 99% of the time, but they say stuttering is a problem for them, especially when talking on the phone.
Forget the past and focus on the present
Today was a sunny and beautiful day. It is freezing right now, but during the day, the temperature was warm and the sun was out. I watched some football games today, fell asleep, listened to some new and old music, and watched TV. I watched some video (Harold Starbuck Therapy in action) on stuttering. I think I will sleep late tomorrow morning. Tomorrow is another beautiful day.
Looking ahead to the 2004 election, I hope Bush lose. I don't vote, but Bush is bad luck for the economy. Bush loves oil, he tried to dig up some oil in Texas but failed. He tried to run a sports franchise and failed. He is a failure as a President. History sometimes repeats itself. I see a lot of similarity between big Bush and small Bush.
I was able to wake up this morning. I was afraid that I would oversleep because it is a Saturday. I made it to TM on time this morning. I had a chance for public speaking again. It was short, only two minutes, but it was very worthwhile for me. Sure I stuttered, but I am proud of myself for not letting stuttering (fear and avoidance) rule my life. My table topic was: what do I think that should be done with the homeless problem in this nation. I said, housing, job, counseling, and money. Everything cost money, we simply need to allocate more money towards helping the homeless people.
After TM, I went to the bank. I stuttered a lot and I felt bad at the time. I don't feel bad anymore. I realize that I am going to have bad days and good days. The important thing is that I was able to communicate, although with some trouble and tension. This is all I want, to be able to say what I really want to say. Looking back, I should have slowed my rate of speech down. Better yet, I should have told them that I have a stuttering problem and tell them to bear with me. Advertising my stuttering is helpful and good for desensitizing myself
I ordered ONION RINGS at Carl's Jr. today during lunch. It was good, I told the fast food lady that I wanted the fish sandwich combo, and that I wanted onion rings instead of fries. I felt great (highlight of my day) I was able to say what I want to say. Success begets success.
In the past, I had told people that I am really nervous when speaking. When I was stuttering (blocking), people would ask me if I was nervous. Trying to hide the fact that I am a stutterer, I told them that I was nervous. I would like to be honest with people. I like to tell them that I am not a severe stutterer, but I do have a stuttering problem that makes talking difficult for me sometimes. I tell them that English is my second language but I also stutter when speaking Mandarin Chinese. I have difficulty speaking because I am ESL and/or I stutter.
Here is something I can tell people when I am stuttering and they ask me if I am nervous. This would be true and an honest assessment of my stuttering and why I appear really nervous. I can say: "I look really nervous when I speak because I have a stuttering problem (I am a stutterer and I am really embarrassed about it), I am not stuttering just because because I am nervous. Normal speakers stutter when they are nervous, but the difference is that I am nervous because I am afraid of stuttering. Wouldn't you be nervous if you fear speaking and making a fool of yourself in front of everybody?
Looking ahead to the 2004 election, I hope Bush lose. I don't vote, but Bush is bad luck for the economy. Bush loves oil, he tried to dig up some oil in Texas but failed. He tried to run a sports franchise and failed. He is a failure as a President. History sometimes repeats itself. I see a lot of similarity between big Bush and small Bush.
I was able to wake up this morning. I was afraid that I would oversleep because it is a Saturday. I made it to TM on time this morning. I had a chance for public speaking again. It was short, only two minutes, but it was very worthwhile for me. Sure I stuttered, but I am proud of myself for not letting stuttering (fear and avoidance) rule my life. My table topic was: what do I think that should be done with the homeless problem in this nation. I said, housing, job, counseling, and money. Everything cost money, we simply need to allocate more money towards helping the homeless people.
After TM, I went to the bank. I stuttered a lot and I felt bad at the time. I don't feel bad anymore. I realize that I am going to have bad days and good days. The important thing is that I was able to communicate, although with some trouble and tension. This is all I want, to be able to say what I really want to say. Looking back, I should have slowed my rate of speech down. Better yet, I should have told them that I have a stuttering problem and tell them to bear with me. Advertising my stuttering is helpful and good for desensitizing myself
I ordered ONION RINGS at Carl's Jr. today during lunch. It was good, I told the fast food lady that I wanted the fish sandwich combo, and that I wanted onion rings instead of fries. I felt great (highlight of my day) I was able to say what I want to say. Success begets success.
In the past, I had told people that I am really nervous when speaking. When I was stuttering (blocking), people would ask me if I was nervous. Trying to hide the fact that I am a stutterer, I told them that I was nervous. I would like to be honest with people. I like to tell them that I am not a severe stutterer, but I do have a stuttering problem that makes talking difficult for me sometimes. I tell them that English is my second language but I also stutter when speaking Mandarin Chinese. I have difficulty speaking because I am ESL and/or I stutter.
Here is something I can tell people when I am stuttering and they ask me if I am nervous. This would be true and an honest assessment of my stuttering and why I appear really nervous. I can say: "I look really nervous when I speak because I have a stuttering problem (I am a stutterer and I am really embarrassed about it), I am not stuttering just because because I am nervous. Normal speakers stutter when they are nervous, but the difference is that I am nervous because I am afraid of stuttering. Wouldn't you be nervous if you fear speaking and making a fool of yourself in front of everybody?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)