LeAnn Cayer, otherwise known as DeafEskie on the net.
Welcome to the NEW GoSection8 Blog! I am sure many of you are pondering what this is all about. I will get to that, however, today, I want to introduce y’all to me—just WHO am I? Before I share about myself, I wanted to let you know that we at GoSection8 decided to establish this blog as a means of a safe online environment that is free of spam and all that stuff. In the beginning I will cover various topics that are of relevance to Section 8, renting, first time ownership under the program, and so on. It is my desire to help others to be more informed of what their options are. I plan to talk a bit about what your rights are as a Section 8 tenant, as well as many other topics. I also will sometimes invite readers to contact me with various questions, which I will then answer here on the blog. Enough of that…I think you are all dying to know just WHO I am, right?
My name is LeAnn Cayer, otherwise known as DeafEskie on the net. How I got the handle “DeafEskie” is rather special. I was born deaf-blind due to CRS (Congenital Rubella Syndrome), which means my mother was sick with the German measles, or Rubella, while she was pregnant with me. This is where the “Deaf” part is from. I was raised orally, which means I did not know any sign language, until I was 17. I was educated under the mainstreamed education method, attending public schools. The “Eskie” is Miss Blossie, my 14-year-old Hearing Dog. Right now I reside in Oklahoma City, OK, but soon will be moving to Houston, Texas, because I need to be closer to my Mom, as I have developed many health issues over the last few years. These health issues, which include a sleep disorder, heart condition and several autoimmune disorders, are serious. I deal with chronic pain issues daily, and need a lot more help than I did in the past. Despite the ongoing challenges that I face, I always strive to maintain a positive outlook on life and that is what keeps me going. It also helps to have my friends and Mom’s support.. Since Mom, Spidey and many of my friends do not reside in Oklahoma City, it’s time for me to return home to my native Houston. I have been receiving Section 8 assistance for 5 years.
My hobbies and interests include, but are not limited to, enjoying shows on HGTV or Animal Planet, and sometimes Food Network. Just about the only other T.V. for me, is ER, for I am a die-hard ER fan. All my life I have been an avid animal lover. While I like cats and all other animals, my absolute favorite is dogs—especially American Eskimo Dogs, or Eskies, as they are affectionately by their owners. So it is no surprise that I have been doing volunteer work for Heart Bandits American Eskimo Dog Rescue for the past 7 years. I am their nationwide railroad coordinator. You may have learned about Heart Bandits and our rescue/transport work on Animal Planet’s “Pet Story: Eskie Railroad”. Among rescue circles I have been affectionately called “The Eskie Railroad Lady”. I also am an avid bookworm—am always reading books, magazines, stuff on the net, etc. You name it—I am probably reading it.
Professionally, I am an alumnus of the University of Central Oklahoma, with a B.A. in Political Science/Public Administration. My AAS is in Public Service Organization. Due to the multiple health issues I mentioned above, I receive disability benefits, and operate part-time as an independent contractor. My company is called “The Cayer Package.” The majority of my work consists of working with non-profit or government organizations. I primarily do advocacy and referral work, providing professional writing and research services (such as resumes, cover letters, presentations, and I also write grants.
My family consists of myself, my companion, Tim “Spidey” Sherrie, his two cats, Boo & Bailey, and, of course, my two girls, Blossie, my Hearing Dog, and little Meriko, a deaf-blind Eskie mix that we call “Babee”. The only other family I have is my Mom, and she and I are very close. I suppose, when Daddy was killed in an auto accident 10 ½ years ago, it helped us to grow even closer. She does not realize it—but Mom really, truly is one of the greatest Moms in the world! One more “family” member that I cannot ignore—is Andy, my best friend of 20 years, who is the brother I never had. This move is going to be a difficult one, because Andy is moving to Nashville, while I am moving to Houston. Don’t have much of a choice—Andy needs his family’s help right now, just as I need mine. Perhaps in a year or two he will move southbound to be closer to me again. It is always hard when your closest friends decide to relocate. I am thankful for the internet, my wireless device, and most of all, the videophones for the deaf, which will enable Andy and I to remain in touch daily. It will help, but still isn’t going to be the same.
Well, I think that just about wraps this up. Watch for my next entry in a couple of days…I am going to be out of town this week to Sioux Falls, SD, therefore I may be a bit slow.
