Sunday, September 30, 2012
2012: 30th: Anniversary of my Stroke
I spent the day with a good friend and her boyfriend in Eugene, OR. I had never been to Oregon. It is a great state to visit as my something new.
This is also trying something new; the famous Voodoo Doughnut....
Purses: for the women stroke survivors
Purses; I love my purses. I unfortunately; also know which once I can and can not use on a consist bases.
I love using all my purses but some of them are eaiser for me to use then others.
I need a daily, everyday use purse that allows the use of my touch sense to identify where the item is that I need.
I need to keep my keys in the top right zipper pocket of the purse. My wallet is one of the bigger items so it is ok to have in the body of the purse. My cell phone also goes with my keys.
My sunglasses and glasses are two different touches so I know which is which.
If I change purses it can be difficult. Therefore; I try to use the same purse for a long period of time to ensure I know where each item is in the purse.
Structure is important for my purses; as a daily use.
My purse also remains at the front of the condo; ready to go for the next day or next outing out of the house.
I love using all my purses but some of them are eaiser for me to use then others.
I need a daily, everyday use purse that allows the use of my touch sense to identify where the item is that I need.
I need to keep my keys in the top right zipper pocket of the purse. My wallet is one of the bigger items so it is ok to have in the body of the purse. My cell phone also goes with my keys.
My sunglasses and glasses are two different touches so I know which is which.
If I change purses it can be difficult. Therefore; I try to use the same purse for a long period of time to ensure I know where each item is in the purse.
Structure is important for my purses; as a daily use.
My purse also remains at the front of the condo; ready to go for the next day or next outing out of the house.
Stroke Resources
The best resource besides a support group;
Stroke Connection Magazine. This is one magazine I look forward to reading each time I get it in the mail.
There is always something new in the magazine that I did not know about why I do the things I do. It has helped me to understand the way I do things and to live my life with more understanding of who I am.
Stroke Connection Magazine. This is one magazine I look forward to reading each time I get it in the mail.
There is always something new in the magazine that I did not know about why I do the things I do. It has helped me to understand the way I do things and to live my life with more understanding of who I am.
Checking in and checking bags for flights
Southwest; I learned when I first started flight them; check in 24 hours early to get into thet A group. Most of the time this works;
Checking in my bags; I use skycab! They are nice and have people skills. I always provide a $2.00 tip per bag.
I believe it is worth to use the skycab;
1) the line is shorter
2) they are nicer workers
3) the process moves and I am a happy camper not unhappy based on customer service.
4) my bag has never been lost for good
5) you do not pay for bags
Other airlines; I have learned to check-in 24 hours early. These check-ins also provide you the opportunity to print a boarding pass.
Other airlines; I try to use the skycab; however, since on a budget and being at airports very early; I do not mind waiting in line at those airports inside to check my bags. Also; these airlines cost $20.00-$25.00 per bag to check them in. Therefore; I do not want to pay another fee as a tip too. However; this is the best option; one less item not to track while in the airport traveling from location to location.
Checking in my bags; I use skycab! They are nice and have people skills. I always provide a $2.00 tip per bag.
I believe it is worth to use the skycab;
1) the line is shorter
2) they are nicer workers
3) the process moves and I am a happy camper not unhappy based on customer service.
4) my bag has never been lost for good
5) you do not pay for bags
Other airlines; I have learned to check-in 24 hours early. These check-ins also provide you the opportunity to print a boarding pass.
Other airlines; I try to use the skycab; however, since on a budget and being at airports very early; I do not mind waiting in line at those airports inside to check my bags. Also; these airlines cost $20.00-$25.00 per bag to check them in. Therefore; I do not want to pay another fee as a tip too. However; this is the best option; one less item not to track while in the airport traveling from location to location.
Traveling: Flying: getting onto/exiting off the aircraft
What I do for this is routine every time....
Once I get to the gate; I put my proof of identification away.
Once they announce boarding will start in 5 minutes;
I get my purse organized from my carry-on bag organized.
The items that I need to use for the flight duration will all be placed in my purse. My purse is easier to open on the aircraft while en route to the destination than opening up my carry-on bag.
I tend to open up both bags; if I feel comfortable around the person sitting next to me or it is a family or friend sitting next to me.
I also check to ensure I have my boarding pass in my side pocket. I always check my flight seat; if not a Southwest Corporation. If it is a Southwest Corporation flight; I do not worry about my boarding pass as much.
My carry-on bag goes under the seat first and then my purse goes ontop of that. With seats now-a-days; my carry-on and purse all fit under the seat with room to spear for my legs to stretch during the flight.
Once I get to the gate; I put my proof of identification away.
Once they announce boarding will start in 5 minutes;
I get my purse organized from my carry-on bag organized.
The items that I need to use for the flight duration will all be placed in my purse. My purse is easier to open on the aircraft while en route to the destination than opening up my carry-on bag.
I tend to open up both bags; if I feel comfortable around the person sitting next to me or it is a family or friend sitting next to me.
I also check to ensure I have my boarding pass in my side pocket. I always check my flight seat; if not a Southwest Corporation. If it is a Southwest Corporation flight; I do not worry about my boarding pass as much.
My carry-on bag goes under the seat first and then my purse goes ontop of that. With seats now-a-days; my carry-on and purse all fit under the seat with room to spear for my legs to stretch during the flight.
Flying: Traveling
This has been my en route for most of 2012.
I have this process down packed.
It is best to check a bag;
1) one less thing to look at/for
2) one less piece of luggage to bring around the airport with you.
3) to make life a little eaiser by reducing what you need to check. Having too many multiple items to deal with is too much.
4) Always make sure you do not have anything distracting you too much; i.e. talking on your phone. Call that person once you get to your gate.
Going through security; read articles to understand which lanes to go into; I always listen to the WallSteet Journal. I always get in a line with the most well traveled or business; not in the priority lane.
Always have your proof of id in your pocket with the boarding tickets/ always have your liquid bag on the top of your opened purse to take out without a problem.
Once you get your boarding ticket approved; get in the line you see fits best with your needs;
get in line,
open your (carry-on extra) bag. This is the other one not your purse.
If you have your laptop with you; make sure it is easy to take out or take it out during the line to get a bucket for security.
If you have socks on; undo-your shoes or get them ready to take them off.
If you have a hard time with taking off the extra layer of clothing; i.e. a jacket/coat/blazer-take it off before you go through the check point of them checking your proof of identification and boarding pass. you can also take it off or get ready to have them take it off once you get to the line to put your stuff into the bin.
Once you get a bin; get three
1) shoes/purse/ liquid bag
2) carry-on bag/ jacket/coat/extra layer of clothing that will need to come off
3) laptop
Once you go through the security clearence and your bags come through the conveyer belt;
pick up the first bin; take your laptop out and place on the end with the rest of the bins then pick up your carry-on bag, place it on your shoulder, as well as your jacket/coat/blazer then pick up your purse-also put it on your shoulder and put the liquid bag in the purse- the purse should be open to do this quickly/hold onto your shoes then place both of the other bins in the bin holder.
Walk over to the sit down stations to re organize yourself.
This always takes a few minutes to sit down/ put on your shoes-put the laptop back in the carry-on bag, as well as identifying the gate to head too.
I have this process down packed.
It is best to check a bag;
1) one less thing to look at/for
2) one less piece of luggage to bring around the airport with you.
3) to make life a little eaiser by reducing what you need to check. Having too many multiple items to deal with is too much.
4) Always make sure you do not have anything distracting you too much; i.e. talking on your phone. Call that person once you get to your gate.
Going through security; read articles to understand which lanes to go into; I always listen to the WallSteet Journal. I always get in a line with the most well traveled or business; not in the priority lane.
Always have your proof of id in your pocket with the boarding tickets/ always have your liquid bag on the top of your opened purse to take out without a problem.
Once you get your boarding ticket approved; get in the line you see fits best with your needs;
get in line,
open your (carry-on extra) bag. This is the other one not your purse.
If you have your laptop with you; make sure it is easy to take out or take it out during the line to get a bucket for security.
If you have socks on; undo-your shoes or get them ready to take them off.
If you have a hard time with taking off the extra layer of clothing; i.e. a jacket/coat/blazer-take it off before you go through the check point of them checking your proof of identification and boarding pass. you can also take it off or get ready to have them take it off once you get to the line to put your stuff into the bin.
Once you get a bin; get three
1) shoes/purse/ liquid bag
2) carry-on bag/ jacket/coat/extra layer of clothing that will need to come off
3) laptop
Once you go through the security clearence and your bags come through the conveyer belt;
pick up the first bin; take your laptop out and place on the end with the rest of the bins then pick up your carry-on bag, place it on your shoulder, as well as your jacket/coat/blazer then pick up your purse-also put it on your shoulder and put the liquid bag in the purse- the purse should be open to do this quickly/hold onto your shoes then place both of the other bins in the bin holder.
Walk over to the sit down stations to re organize yourself.
This always takes a few minutes to sit down/ put on your shoes-put the laptop back in the carry-on bag, as well as identifying the gate to head too.
driving: traveling
Traveling with a friend;
I get all my stuff together and packed the day before or morning of. I try to do last minute items; if needed before I leave. What is ready to go goes by the front door. This is a signal to me that it is complete and ready to go with me on my trip!
I either pick up a friend or a friend picks me up. We drive and have a great time.
Traveling by myself & with my dog:
I try to make sure everything is packed the night before. Reasoning; the day off; if traveling by myself I need to make sure I have time for all the things I forgot about.
Dog items to pack; I get all this organized the day before except for the food and drink bowls. This way; if I forget, I can always use that extra time to pack it the day of the travel.
Suggestions;
My memory is what makes me think of the things I need that I forgot about.
A list helps to an extent but is not the keeper for me. However; I have noticed that it does help to have a check off pad for traveling does help too.
I get all my stuff together and packed the day before or morning of. I try to do last minute items; if needed before I leave. What is ready to go goes by the front door. This is a signal to me that it is complete and ready to go with me on my trip!
I either pick up a friend or a friend picks me up. We drive and have a great time.
Traveling by myself & with my dog:
I try to make sure everything is packed the night before. Reasoning; the day off; if traveling by myself I need to make sure I have time for all the things I forgot about.
Dog items to pack; I get all this organized the day before except for the food and drink bowls. This way; if I forget, I can always use that extra time to pack it the day of the travel.
Suggestions;
My memory is what makes me think of the things I need that I forgot about.
A list helps to an extent but is not the keeper for me. However; I have noticed that it does help to have a check off pad for traveling does help too.
Traveling: Process
I travel by myself quite a bit. 2012; I will go on seven trips to different places via plane. I will also have gone on one driving trip by myself. I also have been on one driving trip with a friend.
Therefore; I do get out and see the world with my own two eyes and enjoy seeing friends, family and new places.
The best advice for a survivor; get everything organized before you travel.
Therefore; I do get out and see the world with my own two eyes and enjoy seeing friends, family and new places.
The best advice for a survivor; get everything organized before you travel.
multi-tasking
Only 2.5 % of people that say that they are multi-taskers are. The rest just do one item extremely fast and move onto the next. The WallStreet Journal's article is
I am not a great muti-tasker. I am a great task completer with the movement from one project to the next or from one project half way done to the next project and then go back to the first project.
Therefore; for most; I am at a normal pace personally with household cleaning needs or
Therefore; professionally, I am at a normal spot too. Projects are always completed within a reasonable time and completed with excellance.
This provides information to a reader as a survivor; it is ok to do one project and at time. The project always will be done at a top notch within a reasonable amount of time. This is what you want; the ability to know you can do it and do it well!
I am not a great muti-tasker. I am a great task completer with the movement from one project to the next or from one project half way done to the next project and then go back to the first project.
Therefore; for most; I am at a normal pace personally with household cleaning needs or
Therefore; professionally, I am at a normal spot too. Projects are always completed within a reasonable time and completed with excellance.
This provides information to a reader as a survivor; it is ok to do one project and at time. The project always will be done at a top notch within a reasonable amount of time. This is what you want; the ability to know you can do it and do it well!
Steep: up hill and paved hiking
Diamond Head on Oahu:
If you are completing a paved/up hill path; make sure you know your ability to do so. I am a marathoner and was able to complete the journey in my day shoes in HI. However; the shoes that I wear to run would have been more appropiate based on the extent of steep incline. The steep incline was a little more steep than a regular walk on a normal day.
If you are completing a paved/up hill path; make sure you know your ability to do so. I am a marathoner and was able to complete the journey in my day shoes in HI. However; the shoes that I wear to run would have been more appropiate based on the extent of steep incline. The steep incline was a little more steep than a regular walk on a normal day.
Unpaved Walking for the survivor
If you are walking on an unpaved street for exercise, an adventure and or activity: Make sure that you are prepared with proper gear. If not; the uneven balance is not easy for the already troubled balance you already have.
Pictures are below of the path for an uneven pavement
Pictures are below of the path for an uneven pavement
Hiking in Oahu, HI
I was hiking on one of the three points in Oahu. I only did one. I also only did it half-way. This is a hike for prepared hikers; not necessarily a trained marathoner.
I could only go half way because my left side; the affected side of my stroke; can physically only do so much without the help of other items. Other items include, ropes, people, traction and professional hiking gear to support the lack of strength on my left side.
This made me feel really upset and weak. However; I am not. The realistic item for a survivor; you have limits and need to know them. I tried and saw how far it would take me. It took me far and I did it. However; I could not do the whole thing. This was hard, but I am proud of myself for doing it!
Below are photos to view of the hike and why I could no longer go forward with my physcial strength of only one side.
I could only go half way because my left side; the affected side of my stroke; can physically only do so much without the help of other items. Other items include, ropes, people, traction and professional hiking gear to support the lack of strength on my left side.
This made me feel really upset and weak. However; I am not. The realistic item for a survivor; you have limits and need to know them. I tried and saw how far it would take me. It took me far and I did it. However; I could not do the whole thing. This was hard, but I am proud of myself for doing it!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Pouring drinks at out to eat places
This has always been a challenge for me.
When I go to places to eat-wheather it is coffee to pop to water; it is always something that I need to concentrate on and not have other items to complete.
What is the best advice; keep the rest of your hands free so that way it is eaiser to reach the ice for the pop machines or pouring coffee from a mug.
Always take your time; but beware of others and let them get in to use other items that you are not. This will speed up there process and allow you to do things at your own pace.
Always slant your pop cup for the pop machine. Always place your coffee mug on the counter. These tactics give you less room for something to go wrong or spill.
Carry any item with two hands if it gets to be too much too.
Remember take your time and do it on your time not others to get your pop or coffee.
When I go to places to eat-wheather it is coffee to pop to water; it is always something that I need to concentrate on and not have other items to complete.
What is the best advice; keep the rest of your hands free so that way it is eaiser to reach the ice for the pop machines or pouring coffee from a mug.
Always take your time; but beware of others and let them get in to use other items that you are not. This will speed up there process and allow you to do things at your own pace.
Always slant your pop cup for the pop machine. Always place your coffee mug on the counter. These tactics give you less room for something to go wrong or spill.
Carry any item with two hands if it gets to be too much too.
Remember take your time and do it on your time not others to get your pop or coffee.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Today is the day!
please check Linkedin and Facebook.... the pages are up and running on the site to start on my 30th anniversary of my stroke!
Have a great day! Live Life!
Have a great day! Live Life!
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Friday, September 7, 2012
importance of my left-hand pointer finger
This is the most important finger for my left-hand/side. My left-hand; in my stroke case does not have any to little motor skills.
Therefore; my left-hand pointer finger has the most of all of the fingers motor skills.
Keyboard:
I use the pointer finger; guided by right-hand to go to one key only. The finger does have the ability ; if placed correctly; to hold down keys and apply the needed pressure for the keyboard key to work.
Car: windows-channel changing-volume:
I use the pointer finger of my left-hand to apply pressure on the the key needed to apply the information needed; i.e. changing the channel to volume to opening up a car door window for air.
Therefore; my left-hand pointer finger has the most of all of the fingers motor skills.
Keyboard:
I use the pointer finger; guided by right-hand to go to one key only. The finger does have the ability ; if placed correctly; to hold down keys and apply the needed pressure for the keyboard key to work.
Car: windows-channel changing-volume:
I use the pointer finger of my left-hand to apply pressure on the the key needed to apply the information needed; i.e. changing the channel to volume to opening up a car door window for air.
Going out to eat: Fast Food: Filling your drink at the Fountain
This is a challenge and something that you think will not be a challenge but it is.
What I do is hold my cup with my left hand that needs to be filled at the fountain. When the weight of the fountain drink cup fills up; I change hands and use my hand hand to hold the drink. I then use my left pointer finger to push the drink of choice.
I then only carry the full fountain drink in my right-hand. The weight is too heavy for my left.
What I do is hold my cup with my left hand that needs to be filled at the fountain. When the weight of the fountain drink cup fills up; I change hands and use my hand hand to hold the drink. I then use my left pointer finger to push the drink of choice.
I then only carry the full fountain drink in my right-hand. The weight is too heavy for my left.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Speaking in groups
It does not matter if it is professional or personal; I do not speak that much in a group setting. I am better speaking one-on-one or in a small group of friends or team members.
It is sometimes hard to get the words that I need to get out of my mouth. Therefore; it is best to speak around those I trust or can communicate with. I often forget what I was about to say, and half the time I cannot remember what I was trying to say. I also sometimes cannot structure the communicate correct and stop myself from speaking. This presents less confusion.
I do however sometimes speak and it comes out all wrong. The response/question/comment is not structured towards the conversation and it makes it hard to feel "in" the group conversation.
I email/write things down quite often to ensure my communication makes sense or is understood.
I always double check emails after I send to double check my personal/professional communication to another. Sometimes this is my easiest way to communicate with others.
Best suggestion; learn your communication method and learn when the confusing/misunderstood times are. Look to others to identify the communication method that best fits your opportunity to inform others of the response/comment/question to the topic.
It is sometimes hard to get the words that I need to get out of my mouth. Therefore; it is best to speak around those I trust or can communicate with. I often forget what I was about to say, and half the time I cannot remember what I was trying to say. I also sometimes cannot structure the communicate correct and stop myself from speaking. This presents less confusion.
I do however sometimes speak and it comes out all wrong. The response/question/comment is not structured towards the conversation and it makes it hard to feel "in" the group conversation.
I email/write things down quite often to ensure my communication makes sense or is understood.
I always double check emails after I send to double check my personal/professional communication to another. Sometimes this is my easiest way to communicate with others.
Best suggestion; learn your communication method and learn when the confusing/misunderstood times are. Look to others to identify the communication method that best fits your opportunity to inform others of the response/comment/question to the topic.
pumping gas
This is always a difficult process, but something I get done weekly or every nine days. I use my right-hand to get the pump organized and move my left-hand to hold up the pump.
My left-hand cannot hold the pump soly by itself. My left-hand waits for the right-hand to put the
My left-hand cannot hold the pump soly by itself. My left-hand waits for the right-hand to put the
Facebook webpage
The page is in the process of being created. I will post the link by September 13th, 2012.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Cooking: Picking up an appliance full of food
I enjoy getting ready to eat the food I create.
However; each time I cook it does not get easier in dealing with reality.
When I cook in an appliance and need to pick it up to distribute the food onto a plate or another appliance.
The reasoning: My left wrist/arm/hand does not have the strength or the motor skills to hold it up. My right hand compensates for it and I use my right hand for to change inbetween holding the appliance up to distributing the food onto the plate/appliance. I understand my body well enough to understand when the left hand can no longer help out. The timeframe between changing my right hand to use it changes more rapidly at that point.
However; each time I cook it does not get easier in dealing with reality.
When I cook in an appliance and need to pick it up to distribute the food onto a plate or another appliance.
The reasoning: My left wrist/arm/hand does not have the strength or the motor skills to hold it up. My right hand compensates for it and I use my right hand for to change inbetween holding the appliance up to distributing the food onto the plate/appliance. I understand my body well enough to understand when the left hand can no longer help out. The timeframe between changing my right hand to use it changes more rapidly at that point.
Cooking: Chopping
I enjoy cooking. However; the process is a bit of the reason I cook simple food creations.
Chopping is hard to place my left hand so my right hand can do the cutting.
I have created my own way to cut any item that needs to be cooked with my food.
This is a challenge. I am aware that they have a one-hand cutting board to make life easier. However; I have not found it.
Chopping is hard to place my left hand so my right hand can do the cutting.
I have created my own way to cut any item that needs to be cooked with my food.
This is a challenge. I am aware that they have a one-hand cutting board to make life easier. However; I have not found it.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
16 and driving
This was one of the hardest challenges for me.
Taking Driver's Ed went well. The time to take the test was long enough and quiet enough for me to take the test.
Three Driving Lessons:
This was difficult. The driver instructed did not know about my situation and was a little rough around the edgs.
Therefore; I do suggest to have patience and work on practice makes perfect.
Taking the written test at the DMV. I passed after the second time.
However; I failed my driving test three times and had to re-take the written test. In total; I failed my driver's test four times.
I finally got my driver's in May of 1999. This was on my fifth attempt and also at a new location, in Escondido not Poway, California.
Keep in mind; It will take you twice the time as an individual without having a stroke to accomplish the same goals.
Stay Determined... You can do it... It took me; 5 times in over a six month period to accomplish the goal.
Taking Driver's Ed went well. The time to take the test was long enough and quiet enough for me to take the test.
Three Driving Lessons:
This was difficult. The driver instructed did not know about my situation and was a little rough around the edgs.
Therefore; I do suggest to have patience and work on practice makes perfect.
Taking the written test at the DMV. I passed after the second time.
However; I failed my driving test three times and had to re-take the written test. In total; I failed my driver's test four times.
I finally got my driver's in May of 1999. This was on my fifth attempt and also at a new location, in Escondido not Poway, California.
Keep in mind; It will take you twice the time as an individual without having a stroke to accomplish the same goals.
Stay Determined... You can do it... It took me; 5 times in over a six month period to accomplish the goal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)