Polo Game Fashion Show: Go Red for Women Movement; American Heart Association and American Stroke Association time!

I am so excited for the Fashion Show Tomorrow at the Polo Game in San Diego. I am ready to rock my RED in support of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association! Photos to follow! Have a great weekend!

Bean Bag Toss

Depending on where you live you call it Bean Bag Toss or Cornhole. They have a set at my Grandma's Assisted Living location. I got the opportunity to play there. I also got the opportunity to play in a tournament. I was on the winning team! It was a lot of fun. I believe that the game is a good one for survivors to enjoy and have fun. It reminds me a lot of going bowling but throwing the ball. Another good example of playing this game is a lot like a pitcher in softball.


Advice;
This is a great game to play! I had a lot of fun and so can you. I ended up putting my affected hand/arm on my side to avoid my left hand going into a tight fist or a hook hand. I also put my non affected leg forward as I threw the bag. This helped keep my throw at a good angle. I would practice and find your rhythm similar to what I found to ensure you have a great time playing with friends and family.

Zip Lock Bags VS Easy Slide Zipper Bags

I have learned over the years that the easiest bags for me to purchase are the Easy Slide Zipper as opposed to the zip lock bags.  I will buy certain bags over each other not always based on brand but based on the way that it will accommodate my ability to open and close a zip lock bag.

Advice;
I think that the East Slide Zipper Bags work the easiest for me to open and close the bag in hand. I believe that it is a lot harder to use the Zip Lock Bag. My main items for purchase are for salad; walnuts, dried cherries/raspberries and lettuce. I also love cheese and will choice an easy slide zipper bag over anything else. I also use a bag for my dogs treats when we go on our walks. I use a zip lock bag right now. It is very hard for me to get a grip and then open and close. I would suggest figuring out what works best for you to ensure it will be easier to open and close as well as getting a grip on the bag.

International Stroke Conference is coming to San Diego in 2014

Here is the link for anyone interested in attending or looking at the resources available!

http://my.americanheart.org/professional/Sessions/InternationalStrokeConference/International-Stroke-Conference_UCM_316901_SubHomePage.jsp

Running too much; affecting the affected side

Recently; I have been working on a big goal of running/walking 10 miles a day. You will see me at Lake Miramar working on this goal. However; one thing I forgot after getting new running shoes and getting a workout in was the new shoe blisters. The next is the balance between my left and right side. I have run marathons/half marathons/ other distance runs but never training my body in such a manner. I believe my left leg (affected side) does not have the same strength as my right side. Right now; I am experiencing the pain of the weakness of my affected side because of the amount of exercise I have put on it. I am now limping and it is very painful to walk up stairs or uneven locations. I am in pain but I am still working towards my goal. On my off days; meaning my non-work out days-I do 5 walking miles. I believe because I think I am as normal as anyone else that I forget that I do have a weakness. I just thought I could do it. Well, my body reacted differently.

Advice;
This is something to keep in mind when taking on a goal. I just forgot about my weakness and that my left side (affected side) is not as built as my right. Therefore; I am experiencing difficulties. I would take my mistake and use that as your example of what goal you want to set for yourself. I love to run and sometimes do not stop until I am done. It is great but besides your muscles being a tad bit sore you will have the balance difference of the two sides. Go out and get running/walking! As Forrest Gump; just start something and finish when you are done.

Keys (losing them, misplacing them, or getting locked out)

This happens to me more often then I would like. Does it stress me out and cause anxiety? Of Course. However, throughout the years I have learned how to deal with my stress or anxiety that is created by losing, misplacing or getting locked out. As a child, I always could not open the lock to our back door-the one we used most often. I always needed to go across the street to our neighbors to get a key or ask for help. Our neighbor always helped. When I traveled throughout and lived in Europe; I had the hardest time with most if not all doors. I even took a picture. I always misplaced, lost or got locked out and could not figure out how to open the door. I remember in Paris, France, the hotel key being one of the hardest. The next hardest would be the flat I lived in England. I loved the flat but the doors were very impossible to open.

Overall; I have learned how to stay calm and realize; it will all work out; if I sit there and take some time to strategize how to move forward.


Advice;
It took me several years of losing my keys to getting locked out to misplacing my keys. One of the best things for the misplaced keys is retracing my steps to the core. The other week; it took over an hour for me to find the keys but I was determined and found them. This is a key opportunity for any survivor like myself; keep your determination going. Determination to get the door open to losing the keys to misplacing may be the inconvenience but it will all work out with determination.  I learned the best result; learn how you and strategize like I did on how to stay calm, relax and get that determination going.

To dream the impossible dream and live in it!

I am a big dreamer. I am happy that I am a dreamer and a goal setter. I do things at my own pace but do them. I believe that is part to living whatever dream it is that you may dream. Some dreams or goals will take almost a lifetime to complete. However; in that respect, it becomes also about the journey and who sees you through it. I believe that sometimes your dreams will become a reality when something hits. You will eventually refer to your bucket list or your dream, goal list. For example) I had a family item happen in 2009 and I realized that if I wanted to go back to school; then was that time. I did and eventually got my MBA! Another example) I ran a marathon in 2006 and I never envisioned 8 years later that it would still be my passion-to run, like that. I do not run fast, but I do it and accomplish it!  These are some of the proudest moments up to this part of my life that I am fully proud of. It is hard to realize that at certain points; your dreams will start to become a reality or you will start to work on them. It is amazing to see what your drive becomes in dreaming the impossible dream!

Find your impossible dream and start figuring out when, how, what or the bucket list items you want to accomplish. It will create a moment of joy!

Advice;
If you dream it, go for it.

Getting your Undergrad and Masters

I did them both. It was a great experience. I am happy that I proved to myself and no one else that I can do anything I set my mind too. It was difficult at times for me but I made it through and succeeded in something I wanted to obtain!

I spent countless hours trying to ensure that my dreams would become a reality. My life in college was spent trying to achieve that!

I went to the school libraries and studied and primarily did not move for hours. I would play the same music over and over and continue to work on my team projects, individual projects, study for tests, and achieve the ability to succeed in school. It was hard work but the motion of the background noise, specifically the music that is the sound to my ability to concentrate was the perfect ingredient towards my success that everyone knew about, accepted and promoted my way to do things.

I had to do everything in a structure manner and do everything in order. I had to do everything my way, in my own space, and in a supportive environment of what I needed. It helped me achieve. I had tutors, extra time on tests, extra time on turning in papers, and working on written projects with a tutor over a month period before the final paper was ready to be turned in. I even was on the front cover of a brochure for my tutoring with writing out my papers. I still to date write anything needed in the sections such as I was trained to do for my undergrad.

Advice;

If you dream for it; go get it. I did it and have my MBA; you can do it too!

Getting Lost while driving & learning how to stay calm

In Today's world, we all use GPS Finders to direct us to our location we enter within the device. If it does not work; we connect to the internet via our phone to identify where we are and then have that direct us to where we need to go. We have also depended upon the Google Maps and Yahoo Maps; however; this is not used as much via paper but now an internet connect.

Sometimes; we will not have the internet available and the Thomas Guides (paper maps non-technology based) is not used as it used to be. Therefore; at times you will get lost. It is not the most fun.

This type of stress is not good for the survivor. It does happen and the ability to learn how to deal with it is the best way to find a good common ground. What I do; as I have gotten older, is pull over, call the person I am meeting and figure out with them where I am going. If that does not work; I will bring in my patience and go to the direction the device or internet was giving me prior to the disconnect or wrong turn provided.

Advice;
Learn how you stress out and have anxiety created. I have learned to take my time. If I am late; I am late. If I have not been somewhere before; I leave earlier and ensure that I now have a certain amount of time to get lost and stay calm because I will now still arrive on time or close to 5 minutes late. If people cannot understand this; it is time to inform those friends and family etc.. that this is something that you need their help on. Allow for some time. Also; in 2009, I made it a News Year's Resolution to ensure that I learn how to get places on time. This helped me to organize myself to ensure I arrive to places on time. Everyone has seen a huge improvement and this allows those friends and family members to see that I am trying to ensure that me getting lost with stress and anxiety will happen prior to the meet time. People see my effort and support helping me!

The motion of having background noise

 The motion of something needs to be in the background.

The closest item to this for basic every day therapy is a service dog. I need the dog to calm down with stress and anxiety of what is going on at anything or to help the most important thing to concentrate. The next best thing is the motion of background noise. The background noise consists of music; specifically Celine Dion. After Celine Dion it would be a movie or my favorite show on my computer or TV. I also enjoy having an audio book to listen too. 

Advice;

I would find the musical artists that have the most influence on the way that you can concentrate and make those artists and the songs that you tend to repeat the ones that you listen to consistently. This is when you know you found something to help you out and inspire thought, concentration and most importantly do the task at hand. In college; I listened to the same song over and over for at times; eight hours straight. I eventually got headphones and my own space to ensure that I could complete the task at hand. For example) In studying for my MBA; working to achieve a higher degree is just work by itself. Therefore; the time and energy alone is a lot. I actually had to put in much more effort than a lot of people to be at the same level. However; I did it. I did it because of my motion of background noise to enable my spirit of thought, inspiration and the ability to make it a reality that I would accomplish the mission I created of a goal to get my Masters.

Swollen ankle (affected side)

About 2 and a half weeks ago, my left ankle (affected side) was the size of a melon.  I was so excited to go running and be active. I unfortunately; was running with two now to be considered after thinking about it; an old pair of running shoes that I should of upgraded awhile ago. I love running. Also; what girl does not love shopping for shoes? I started looking now; as I realized that might be the issue. I believe that the reason it affected my left ankle more is because of the gait and limp with my affected side. My right ankle was not affected. My left shoes had worn down and a tear was starting in the left shoe too.  It took from a Monday to a Friday to go down in swelling. It did not hurt but it looked bad. I finally bought a new pair of shoes. 

Advice;
When you need new shoes; get new shoes. Do not wait like I did. This is the last time I do that. It took 5 days for my swollen ankle to go down and be normal again. 

Putting away dishes from dishwasher

This is one of the things that I do a lot. I enjoy putting away dishes. I do the bottom dishes first; mostly; the easier dishes first. I will then go to the top rack. The top rack has many dishes that I prefer to air dry as opposed to wiping off from any water that stayed with the dishwasher cycle.

Advice;

This is done on a normal basis. This is a good repeat process to make sure you do the same thing around the house. 

Doing the dishes

 I enjoy doing the dishes. I sometimes enjoy doing the dishes over doing the cooking or preparing of items. I will wait for everyone to get out of the kitchen or a good handful of people to get out of the kitchen. I then prepare the sink to wash dishes. This may take anywhere from 5 minutes-30 minutes. It could take longer during the holidays. I enjoy doing this in silence and in a certain process and structure of how I do this. It is ok to do it like this. I do it and do it well. This is the most important thing about doing the dishes.

Advice;

 I would wait to get your space for doing the dishes. It is ok; if, like me, you cannot lift the dish you are washing; use the side of the sink to hold up your item to clean and clean it that way. You; like myself may not be able to hold it because the motor skills in the hand may not be the same. It is ok. You can do it just like me. You may do it differently but it is ok it is the way that you need to do it and it is ok to do it as such. It is also ok to ensure that you follow a certain process or structure to ensure that you get the dishes done. I do it; so can you. 

The curl of the foot while being nervous (affected side)

It is different to see that these types of things still affect the way that I live my life. It is very hard to understand why at certain points. I have started to notice that it happens while I am out and about. I will pick up something to eat or drink and then I have a hard time bring the cup or food to my mouth via the cup or the utensil via the food. I actually need to concentrate while eating or drinking. I have noticed that as this happens; I have removed myself from the situation and then come back to it because maybe that will help. It does help. It makes me happy.

Advice;
Follow your instincts like I do. If you feel uncomfortable; stop for awhile or remove yourself to compose yourself. If this does not help; get your food to go. You can eat it at home where you will feel comfortable enough to eat it. If you do not enjoy the food or drinks etc.... don't worry and do not take it home. Cook what you want when you get home.

Getting new equipment and learning to use it takes time

I do love getting new devices that help improve life or change the way I can do things. It however; takes me double to triple the time to get this accomplished as a person without the need for repeating the process. For example) I also got a rice cooker for Christmas. I tried to use it one time but it is difficult for me to do it. I am waiting to test it out with a friend who can show me how to use it as she has one. I also got a Belkin connector for my Ipod to connect with my car. This took through October of that year; 10 months for me to feel comfortable to try to attempt to hook it up in my car. I love it now and use it all the time in the car. However; the initial start to use it took some time and it makes it very hard for me to feel comfortable. 

Advice;

Do as I do; take your time and ensure that you feel comfortable using the newly purchased product. It takes time. It will take a lot longer than you think. It will be ok. You will get it eventually.  I have always waited to have someone else provide the example of how to do it. It is very hard for me to do certain things and feel comfortable within that process. An example of watching others do things is the best way for me to do things. I also need a team around me to complete and feel comfortable using the product and that those around will not judge or make fun of me. 

Go Karting!

This was one of the best activities I did as a child. We went Go Karting every year; one night of the week with a dinner out to Pizza Hut at our cabin week. I think the ability to handle the kart will always be a slight difficulty for me. I have learned that it is pretty difficult for me to control the wheel because it does not move as easily as a car wheel. 

Advice;

Try it out. First do bumper cars. This will ease the experience of GO Karting. It is hard to do these two things; i.e. getting in and out of the kart as well as speed and ability to handle these karts. You need to take your time getting in and out as well as getting the Helmet on. Ask; if you need help getting organized to get in and out or the helmet on or off. As a kid; you are not driving; this is the closest at this point you might get to feel like what a driving experience feels like. 

Fishing

This is a sporting event. Growing up; this was an activity we did with cousins. I learned how to use a fishing poll the same as everyone else. I was able to cast the fishing poll the same as everyone else. I was able to bait the hook of the fish like everyone else. If my hook got stuck or fell off; I did the same as the cousins and had my Dad or Uncles or Grandpa fix it. I never touched the poll like everyone else. I caught all the same fish. I did it. I felt a little behind and a little uneasy at most times till I could get it down right. It is just who I am. I learn slowly and it takes an amount of time to get it done. However; with time, I get it. I do it well too. I have caught all size fish and as a child; the best was catching a fish that would go into a bucket full of water to show the whole family of the accomplishment for the day!

Advice;

As a kid through my early adulthood; I was apart of the cousins group and learned how to fish. I think this was always a good example of cognitive and reactive response to ensure that my stroke side and my ability to identify what I was doing was there. It was also good that I was just like my sisters and cousins and the whole family with the opportunity to fish with a regular fishing poll and bait hooks. It is the best feeling to feel apart of doing the same thing. As a kid; it is not easy to understand that you are not like the others and need more time to get things done. As an adult it is ok. Everyone’s maturity level differs and the space you get is great to do your own pace without feeling rushed.

Tubing: Water Sport

This is something that I truly enjoy. I have always enjoyed it. I sometimes take some time to organize my thoughts on this and then I realize that I will find what my childhood life within it.

As a child; I grew up going to lakes during the summer. I had two uncles and one set of grandparents that had boats. I loved going boating, helping to clean the boats but the most important event; tubing. I did it too! I always used both hands. However; my right hand always compensates and uses it strength to hold onto the tube for my left hand at certain point will not be able too based on the waves, the speed and turns that occur while out in the speed zone.

Advice; Do what I did and go do it and have fun. I loved this sport and still do. It is one of the great water sports as a child. I enjoyed being apart of what all my cousins and siblings were doing and everyone made sure I was no different from the other. I think this is good to ensure that I have the ability to not be different from my peers. I can do it so can you. If you try it and cannot hold on; look for alternatives to ensure that you can. I  have literally no strength on my left due to the motor skills, but I have done it throughout the years; so can you. The tubes that the shops now offer are very widespread with several options. You will have options to choose tubes that fit an ability to ensure you enjoy this water sport with Joy. The one thing that really helped was my left hand grip and curl. This helped my left hand to hold on tighter and for a longer period of time. I believe this will help any other survivor to do the same! 

Congrats to the ADA Act: It’s 23rd Birthday! July 26, 2013

The ADA Act celebrated the anniversary of it’s 23^rd birthday. This act came up when I was in first grade headed to second grade. Therefore; for several years; 8 years to be exact when the law was first put into place. It changed a few things right away that were installed for me to get my elementary school education.

Brita: Water holders

I love to drink water. I work out and always need water in order for me to ensure that I have enough fluids in me.  I drink my water and fill it up with a Brita containment.

I find that this needs to be in the fridge a certain way to ensure that I can grab it efficiently out of the fridge. It  cannot be in a side door or in a position that would make it hard for my non affected hand to grab because my affected hand could grab it with no problem.

Advice; the best way to place your Brita in your fridge is on the bottom shelve that has the size to ensure that level of the Britia fits in that shelve. I would grab or turn around the Brita to grab the handle to ensure that the Brita with the weight of the water is able to grab and ensure that it is ok to grab. I also fill it up when it is at least half way empty. The Brita can be a little too heavy at times for my motor skills ability on the left side. If you pick it up with the affected side; make sure that your other hand is there to help as a back-up if needed. I do this all the time. 

Eating Sushi

I love going out to eat Sushi! Finally; as some of my friends would state. It is healthy and it is filling. It also provides great entertainment i.e. Love Boat on the weekends! 

Eating Sushi with the coordination can be difficult with chop sticks. It is a little difficult to coordinate things and this is an example of trying to coordinate the chop sticks in the proper way. I will try to do it for a time or if someone requests but it is hard for me and I want to go out and enjoy my time not always make it a science project. 

Advice; 

Eat your Sushi like I do the way you need to for the enjoyment of the food. I continue to use my hands to eat the Sushi. I tend to use one chop stick to pick up Ginger if I want to add it to the Sushi and Sauce. I would consider trying to figure out what works best for you to enjoy the Sushi as I do. With Miso Soup; I use the spoon provided. I enjoy the soup and finish it. The spoon helps to ensure I enjoy the food. 

The curl of the hand/hook/motor skills while being (affected side)

This is where the most of the problem comes from if anything. It is very hard once my hand grips up and curls and then the hook presents itself. I have recently; been at certain events for family and family friends where I have not finished my meal or drink because of the curl occurring. Does it stink? Yes, but I figure out a way to ensure that it does not disturb my life too much. 

Example) I was at a friend’s party and we were having cake. I got so nervous that my hands were not functioning to the best of it’s ability. I threw away the rest of the cake as it was ice cream and made a joke out of not finishing that being surrounded by those I did not know. This provided protection for myself from those that I fear would not understand or just met me.  I had noticed this for some time with miso soup. I love Sushi and getting this as a starter. The price is normally right too! 

Advice; Keep doing what you are doing. However; realize that not everything is going to be perfect with the curl of the affected hand. Take your time to ensure you can eat or drink what you have in front of you.  I would suggest, like myself, to put your item down and wait a few minutes to calm down, leave the anxiety and stress. If it does not stop or to get comfortable; I would suggest have it to go or be done with what you are drinking or eating. I need to concentrate on the item to eat or drink; ensure you focus turns to that. Then, take your time and eat or drink the item.