Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
San Diego Brain Injury Foundation: Friendraiser; 9/28
We attended the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation; Friendraiser held at the Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego. We had a great time helping out with the auction and being a runner around helping out on various projects!
Photo that Raquel took!
Raquel and I have been asked three separate times at two different events if we are sisters or related!
Photo taken by my friend on the left, Raquel!
San Diego 2013 Heart Walk: 9/28
I had a great time at the walk at Petco Park in Downtown San Diego. Downtown also had the opening of the new Library the same day.... It was quite awesome to see that opening. The time to get into a parking spot and get back onto the freeway was great. I had good phone reception to find a friend to walk with, another stroke survivor! I believe this made the walk great. I walked with the team for a 5K! It was great exercise and before the heat went up in San Diego. Here are some photos from the day to see! We also entered the T-shirt to the contest but it lost.... Purple is for Stroke! Let's find the cure!
Photo from my friend, Marcy, another stroke survivor with her company; Brain Potential!
Happy Heart World Day; 9/29/2013!
Bealla and I will be walking 5 miles once the heat goes down to celebrate the day and stay heart healthy!
Friday, September 27, 2013
September 28, 2013: Heart Walk!
Working on the end piece to the T-shirt for Tomorrow's Heart Walk in San Diego! Here is a link if you would like to attend or donate!
As some of you are aware; I have been participating in this walk for the San Diego Division since 2006. I... love my spot light time and in 2006, I was the Heart Walk Survivor and featured on KUSI with the Chair of the Walk! In 2009, I was the Survivor route lead and it hit harder because some of you are aware that a heart attack hit my immediate family a few months prior! The walk usually is the weekend before or after my birthday; which also happens to be my stroke anniversary due to it being in-utero! This year it is 11 days out from my birthday/anniversary and I can celebrate in another way! With all the amazing people that I have met through the organization to overcome and live life to the fullest everyday!
This walk is something that always gets the emotions of me because it means more than just a walk. This walk to me represents my anniversary and my ability of where I am Today! I do not let my stroke define me. However; I am also aware of the affects of my stroke and make sure that I accommodate myself in any situation to live life!
Most importantly; get out and live life, walk a 5K for the Heart Walk, and embrace who you are!
Excited to celebrate with all the Strutters Tomorrow!
http://www.sdheartwalk.org/
As some of you are aware; I have been participating in this walk for the San Diego Division since 2006. I... love my spot light time and in 2006, I was the Heart Walk Survivor and featured on KUSI with the Chair of the Walk! In 2009, I was the Survivor route lead and it hit harder because some of you are aware that a heart attack hit my immediate family a few months prior! The walk usually is the weekend before or after my birthday; which also happens to be my stroke anniversary due to it being in-utero! This year it is 11 days out from my birthday/anniversary and I can celebrate in another way! With all the amazing people that I have met through the organization to overcome and live life to the fullest everyday!
This walk is something that always gets the emotions of me because it means more than just a walk. This walk to me represents my anniversary and my ability of where I am Today! I do not let my stroke define me. However; I am also aware of the affects of my stroke and make sure that I accommodate myself in any situation to live life!
Most importantly; get out and live life, walk a 5K for the Heart Walk, and embrace who you are!
Excited to celebrate with all the Strutters Tomorrow!
http://www.sdheartwalk.org/
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
9/24/13 Walk: Chicarita Creek
The first part of the hill that has a stair like area because it has a second part to the hill. This leds one section of the walk into the other (business side trail to the creek side of the trail). I go down this slow but not to slow just enough to keep my balance.
The second part of the hill that is in a turn around section like stairs for a home. I go down this at a slow pace but not to slow just enough to keep my balance.
This is the highest hill on the path. To go uphill is no problem but to go downhill I go to the right and take my time. I do not want to lose my balance.
The ducks are out......
Bealla in the Bunny section. They tend to come out at night and she gets very excited!
Professional Photos: September 2013
Look for these photos in the future with the blog/foundation and other items of my current photos for professional items.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
ADHD Awareness Day: September 24
Happy ADHD Awareness Day! I have ADHD (ADD) as a result of my stroke. I am happy to see an awareness day for the cause!
3,000 Views to the blog!! Thank you! Thank YOU!
Foundation Purpose;
The Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation has been created by an in-utero stroke survivor to support a worldwide effort of resources, advocacy and assistance.
My Story:
My name is Bridget Winandy. I am a 31 year-old living in San Diego, California, originally from Northbrook, IL (right outside of Chicago). I have lived my life in both cities for 15 years. I also studied in Birmingham, England (United Kingdom) for four months. I had a stroke (in-utero) before I was born on September 17, 1982. My stroke was discovered after 6 months of testing at the age of 10 mont...hs old. I started physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy ASAP. I have continued all forms of therapy for years.
My childhood was bittersweet. The good side of growing up: I did have a fair amount of good friends and family friends. I had a great family that always made sure I participated in normal activities (softball, running track, church activities, band, basketball, Girl Scouts, summer library reading programs, dancing, drama, and the choir). I also participated in neighborhood kid activities (Cops & Robbers, kickball, rollerblading, biking, and neighborhood block parties). I went five summers to horseback riding camp.
To the bittersweet items; my childhood was not easy at times being a stroke survivor. My town was small enough where everyone knew my story and judged and perceived me in a certain negative way. Children that I grew-up teased me and bullied me into silence. I was even asked in 7th Grade “if I spoke”. In 12th Grade I was up for most talkative, so that is false. The underlining problem; research and statistics were not accurate when I was growing up for pediatric stroke. The internet did not exist like it now exists and support groups did not exist.
The Disabilities Act of 1990 was introduced when I was a first grader. I started off with Preschool (2 years), Junior Kindergarten, Kingergartern-8th Grade (Northbrook, IL) and 9th Grade-12th Grade (in San Diego (Poway, CA)). I grew-up having IEP Goals (Individualized Educational Plans) for each year school year (2nd Grade-12th Grade). I took the SAT’s in a normal non-accommodated setting. The second SAT try was enough to get me into San Diego State University (SDSU). In 2001, I got into SDSU with admission through the Disabled Student Services Program! In 2006 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Management with Emphasis in Events, Conventions, and Attractions Management from San Diego State University. In the Fall of 2004; I studied abroad in Birmingham, England. I studied at The College of Food, Tourism, and Creative Studies. I had accommodations through the Disabled Student Services in England too. I graduated with my MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2011 from the University of Phoenix (UOP). While attending, UOP; I also used the Disabled Student Services Program.
I got my first job official job in 1998; when I turned 16! I worked at a local restaurant as a hostess for 9 months. I have now been working for 15 years. I started babysitting in elementary school after I got the babysitting certification. I have had business cards since elementary school. I had five internships in college, a handful of summer jobs and two other jobs throughout high school. After graduating with my undergrad; I worked in fundraising for 7.5 years.
I started the foundation and blog because I had experienced a lack of support, resources, and advocacy as a child growing up as a stroke survivor. Today, I still see and have experienced a lack of that support and resourceful information. I want to make the world a better place by using my experience and information to close that lack gap.
Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation
P.O. Box 500092
San Diego, CA 92150-0092
email: winandy.bridget@gmail.com
Cell: 858-335-0839
My childhood was bittersweet. The good side of growing up: I did have a fair amount of good friends and family friends. I had a great family that always made sure I participated in normal activities (softball, running track, church activities, band, basketball, Girl Scouts, summer library reading programs, dancing, drama, and the choir). I also participated in neighborhood kid activities (Cops & Robbers, kickball, rollerblading, biking, and neighborhood block parties). I went five summers to horseback riding camp.
To the bittersweet items; my childhood was not easy at times being a stroke survivor. My town was small enough where everyone knew my story and judged and perceived me in a certain negative way. Children that I grew-up teased me and bullied me into silence. I was even asked in 7th Grade “if I spoke”. In 12th Grade I was up for most talkative, so that is false. The underlining problem; research and statistics were not accurate when I was growing up for pediatric stroke. The internet did not exist like it now exists and support groups did not exist.
The Disabilities Act of 1990 was introduced when I was a first grader. I started off with Preschool (2 years), Junior Kindergarten, Kingergartern-8th Grade (Northbrook, IL) and 9th Grade-12th Grade (in San Diego (Poway, CA)). I grew-up having IEP Goals (Individualized Educational Plans) for each year school year (2nd Grade-12th Grade). I took the SAT’s in a normal non-accommodated setting. The second SAT try was enough to get me into San Diego State University (SDSU). In 2001, I got into SDSU with admission through the Disabled Student Services Program! In 2006 I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Arts and Sciences Hospitality and Tourism Management with Emphasis in Events, Conventions, and Attractions Management from San Diego State University. In the Fall of 2004; I studied abroad in Birmingham, England. I studied at The College of Food, Tourism, and Creative Studies. I had accommodations through the Disabled Student Services in England too. I graduated with my MBA (Master of Business Administration) in 2011 from the University of Phoenix (UOP). While attending, UOP; I also used the Disabled Student Services Program.
I got my first job official job in 1998; when I turned 16! I worked at a local restaurant as a hostess for 9 months. I have now been working for 15 years. I started babysitting in elementary school after I got the babysitting certification. I have had business cards since elementary school. I had five internships in college, a handful of summer jobs and two other jobs throughout high school. After graduating with my undergrad; I worked in fundraising for 7.5 years.
I started the foundation and blog because I had experienced a lack of support, resources, and advocacy as a child growing up as a stroke survivor. Today, I still see and have experienced a lack of that support and resourceful information. I want to make the world a better place by using my experience and information to close that lack gap.
Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation
P.O. Box 500092
San Diego, CA 92150-0092
email: winandy.bridget@gmail.com
Cell: 858-335-0839
Monday, September 23, 2013
Facebook Page
Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/WinandyInUteriStrokeFoundation?ref=hl
Above is the link to check out what is happening with the Facebook Page too as well as resourceful information.
https://www.facebook.com/WinandyInUteriStrokeFoundation?ref=hl
Above is the link to check out what is happening with the Facebook Page too as well as resourceful information.
Miramar Lake: 9/23/13: 5 mile walk
I have been going consistently to Miramar Lake for a period of time now. I have been walking it since at least 2008. It is a great path; at first it can appear a little daunting based on the distance and the shape of the path for walking/running in my case. However; in some cases, within the past two months I have been doing 10 miles a day. I go earlier in the day and run one time around and then come back later in the day for Bealla and I to do 5 miles. We have done it four days in a row right now for a total of 20 miles! Bealla is in shape and healthy too!
It really is a great place to go with pretty level or one of the most level places without cars always coming next to you.
Below are some of the photos from our walk. It is such a beautiful walk especially as the sun starts to go down. It is a location of water and mountains with beautiful trees and flowers with wildlife...!
Path Location:
http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/reservoirs/miramar.shtml
It really is a great place to go with pretty level or one of the most level places without cars always coming next to you.
Below are some of the photos from our walk. It is such a beautiful walk especially as the sun starts to go down. It is a location of water and mountains with beautiful trees and flowers with wildlife...!
Path Location:
http://www.sandiego.gov/water/recreation/reservoirs/miramar.shtml
31st Stroke Anniversary (Birthday) at Disneyland/California Adventure
The lines were great, I tried to use single rider passes as often as I could as well as getting fast passes in both parks. It really worked. I did not get on one ride but got on the rest! or at least of those that I wanted too. I spent a total of 9 hours in both parks and accomplished so much. It was an awesome time!
One lady was so kind; working at Disney and gave me a fast pass because it was my birthday. I used that to ride Space Mountain for the second time.
I got to eat at my favorite place in the park; Pinocchio's Restaurant. I love the theme of the restaurant and it is not expensive; plus the membership discount does factor in too!
I got pictures of the pumpkins and of course; my favorite, Goofy. They did not have Cinderella or it would be a very hard toss up of what is the most important to me.
Going to Disneyland also makes you realize how many people have the same birthday as you too... What better place to be; a place that caters to making all your dreams come true!
Gardening
This is a photo of a Black Rose that I only started with one branch. Within a year; this is what it looks like. I know have added to the amount of flowers that I grow. Our patio is now arranged with other flowers that I am working on having them grow.
This is a great tool for structure, repeat and a project for a person to work on. It is also a therapy to ensure that I use my time to ensure it reduces stress and anciety with a dose of good health.
Blue Sky: Hiking on the main trail
The level of the main trail is quite good. There is one section that I have to go slowly down due to the hill and my balance not aligning. I have to position the dogs in a certain way to ensure I do not fall and to keep my balance.
August 17, 2013: Day at the Races!
Always a great day to support a cause that touches my heart! The San Diego Brain Injury Foundation has provided resources for me since 2008! I am so happy my family, friends and I have found support through the organization!
Here are the awesome seats at Old Del Mar...... (Del Mar Throughbred Club)
Horse Therapy
One of my favorite activities to do is to go Horse Back Riding. I have been riding since I was 2! I attended Horseback Riding summer camp in WI for 5 summers. It was something that I always worked up to and enjoyed every year... This is what all my babysitting money went towards. Horses are like dogs for me.... The can read me and understand when to help me release stress and anxiety. For anyone interested in being around horses for therapy: It works, go try it!
Photo of me in 2009: Maui, HI
My first time on a horse at the age of 2; My Mom was leading the horse!
American Heart Association, San Diego Division: Heart Walk, Saturday, September 28, 2013!
We formed a team-
Here is the link to join our team (along with all logistics for the event):
http://www.sdheartwalk.org/
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Location: Petco Park (San Diego Padres Location)
Time: 7am
Distance of Walk: 5K=3.3 miles
Here is the link to join our team (along with all logistics for the event):
http://www.sdheartwalk.org/
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Location: Petco Park (San Diego Padres Location)
Time: 7am
Distance of Walk: 5K=3.3 miles
World Stroke Day; October 29, 2013
Here is the path link to World Stroke Day!
http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/2012/About/Pages/WorldStrokeDay2013.aspx
http://www.worldstrokecampaign.org/2012/About/Pages/WorldStrokeDay2013.aspx
Friday, September 20, 2013
Abilities of life and being happy!
Since; I was 23, 2005; I learned that it is ok to be who I am and to speak of my trails and times of a survivor. I learned that I should let people know up front, on many different levels of relationships so they understand this is who I am and I am great with who I am as a survivor living life to the fullest!
To that extent; many people I have learned over the years try to compare themselves to each other or compete. I have learned through everything I have had in my life to sit back, let everyone go before me and then go at my own pace escaping the group of comparing each other. It is very similar to running a marathon, in my opinion.
The reasoning of showing the similarities is to understand that this is how I learned how NOT to compare my abilities to anyone else. I learned in training with Training to End Stroke to run marathons; that the day of the marathon, wait for everyone to go past you and go at the end because you are not timed with that but you are timed by the chip attached to your shoe. This way you do not lose your energy and you do not get into a heard of people. I think that this is what has helped me to realize; I am NOT comparable to others and I should for most of all my abilities do it at my pace and not others. I do not go with the crowd and let them pass. I have a lot of patience; to some many too much but it is the best thing for me. In essence; I have learned who I am fully and trust myself and have for many years. It is very hard at times; but this is when I really started living and making sure it was for me too!
For example; when you walk into a room and certain people put on a front to ensure that they are perfect; realize you are who you are and not to get involved with comparison. It is hard. I know. I lived it too. However; your ability to walk into a room the same way you leave a room of comfort of who you are is the most important. Trust Yourself; be your best friend and make decisions that support who you are not someone you are trying to compare your life too.
I have learned what my true passion and it shines through in everything that I do. My confidence of conversation and ability to be truly living life without bragging is a goal to a HGP. People will try to cut you down and make you a small human being because of their insecurities because they see you happy, confident and content without bragging. I believe that this was one of the good quotes on the feed for the facebook page. I felt the need to write and inform people of this information from how my life has been from learning to accept myself and not compare and I am happy in life!
To that extent; many people I have learned over the years try to compare themselves to each other or compete. I have learned through everything I have had in my life to sit back, let everyone go before me and then go at my own pace escaping the group of comparing each other. It is very similar to running a marathon, in my opinion.
The reasoning of showing the similarities is to understand that this is how I learned how NOT to compare my abilities to anyone else. I learned in training with Training to End Stroke to run marathons; that the day of the marathon, wait for everyone to go past you and go at the end because you are not timed with that but you are timed by the chip attached to your shoe. This way you do not lose your energy and you do not get into a heard of people. I think that this is what has helped me to realize; I am NOT comparable to others and I should for most of all my abilities do it at my pace and not others. I do not go with the crowd and let them pass. I have a lot of patience; to some many too much but it is the best thing for me. In essence; I have learned who I am fully and trust myself and have for many years. It is very hard at times; but this is when I really started living and making sure it was for me too!
For example; when you walk into a room and certain people put on a front to ensure that they are perfect; realize you are who you are and not to get involved with comparison. It is hard. I know. I lived it too. However; your ability to walk into a room the same way you leave a room of comfort of who you are is the most important. Trust Yourself; be your best friend and make decisions that support who you are not someone you are trying to compare your life too.
I have learned what my true passion and it shines through in everything that I do. My confidence of conversation and ability to be truly living life without bragging is a goal to a HGP. People will try to cut you down and make you a small human being because of their insecurities because they see you happy, confident and content without bragging. I believe that this was one of the good quotes on the feed for the facebook page. I felt the need to write and inform people of this information from how my life has been from learning to accept myself and not compare and I am happy in life!
"Like" Bealla on the American Heart Association-San Diego Division, Facebook Page!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506963459389027.1073741849.181927575225952&type=1
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
I have been walking with the San Diego Heart Walk 5K for the past 7 years and this year will be my 8th! I cannot believe I have been an active volunteer for 9 years throughout Southern California. What volunteering does to you can never be replaced; it provides a humble voice in the mind of happiness..
Thursday, September 19, 2013
"Like" Bealla on the American Heart Association-San Diego Division, Facebook Page!
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506963459389027.1073741849.181927575225952&type=1
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
I have been walking with the San Diego Heart Walk 5K for the past 7 years and this year will be my 8th! I cannot believe I have been an active volunteer for 9 years throughout Southern California. What volunteering does to you can never be replaced; it provides a humble voice in the mind of happiness..
My anniversary/birthday perspective on living life to the fullest!
I enjoy looking at quotes of what people around the world have posted through their Facebook as well as lasting quotes by world renowned notions.
With my birthday and my stroke anniversary this week; it is something I keep in mind to live my life to the fullest. I am also very philosophical at times and the Facebook Page provides that reasoning of proof as I share the ones that empower survivors to move forward.
One of my favorite quotes; is about I am the way I am because of the things that I have gone through. I do believe; a few of these can be looked at in a negative light. However; that is not the case in this situation. I believe that relate to who I have become of my disability and the way that I have to do things in order to live my life to the fullest with happiness.
My most favorite is;
Don't Judge me because you do not realize what I have gone through and that is the reason I do things the way I do them and it makes me who I am. It relates; similar to that song, my favorite my Senior Year in High School by Jessica Andrews.
The truth is; that I have lived most of my life doing things a certain way in order to do them and be able to be apart of a life that works the best for me. It is hard when people judge you and perceive you as weak and state that, that you are too dependent on structure or the way that I follow a process to achieve or get things done. I have done this all my life and will continue for the rest of my life. It is important during this time of the year; my anniversary to recognize the importance of what I have achieved due to that and how my life is going after my dreams and living it to the fullest and not feeling sorry for myself because I have never felt my left side nor will I.
Another favorite is;
Morgan Freeman's quote about the lowest type of power is using it against someone who has a disability.
Another favorite is;
It is not that the person with a disability has an issue it is that society has an issue to accept those with disabilities (or differences).
With my birthday and my stroke anniversary this week; it is something I keep in mind to live my life to the fullest. I am also very philosophical at times and the Facebook Page provides that reasoning of proof as I share the ones that empower survivors to move forward.
One of my favorite quotes; is about I am the way I am because of the things that I have gone through. I do believe; a few of these can be looked at in a negative light. However; that is not the case in this situation. I believe that relate to who I have become of my disability and the way that I have to do things in order to live my life to the fullest with happiness.
My most favorite is;
Don't Judge me because you do not realize what I have gone through and that is the reason I do things the way I do them and it makes me who I am. It relates; similar to that song, my favorite my Senior Year in High School by Jessica Andrews.
The truth is; that I have lived most of my life doing things a certain way in order to do them and be able to be apart of a life that works the best for me. It is hard when people judge you and perceive you as weak and state that, that you are too dependent on structure or the way that I follow a process to achieve or get things done. I have done this all my life and will continue for the rest of my life. It is important during this time of the year; my anniversary to recognize the importance of what I have achieved due to that and how my life is going after my dreams and living it to the fullest and not feeling sorry for myself because I have never felt my left side nor will I.
Another favorite is;
Morgan Freeman's quote about the lowest type of power is using it against someone who has a disability.
Another favorite is;
It is not that the person with a disability has an issue it is that society has an issue to accept those with disabilities (or differences).
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
It has been one (1) Year!
Today is my 31st Stroke Anniversary (also my birthday); since my stroke happened before birth! It is also the first anniversary of starting the foundation/blog. To celebrate; I am off to Disneyland. All my dreams are coming true to provide ...resources, support and information of my trials and success in life with Stroke! Thanks for following, liking, and helping me strive to live to help others move forward with Stroke. Have a great day; I am very happy to be apart of the stroke community creating awareness. I am going to go live life; right now at Disney!
Saturday, September 14, 2013
A day after getting back to my full running with my Therapy: Music
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2418384/The-X-Factors-Simon-Cowell-won-disabled-13-year-old-Rion-Paige-season-premi-re.html
Music does wonders for the world; it is even how those that do not speak the same language communicate. I know I listen to artists songs in different languages. I may not fully get every word but with a translation; I understand it!
To a survivor; like myself, music is therapy and my way to count on how to get things done; cleaning, work, driving, getting ready, and doing homework and/or papers. This is nothing new and the way that I have always done things. Everyone who has spent time with me knows that I NEED not want but I do want to have Celine Dion Music playing. It is one of my wonders of the world.
To my surprise and excitement of joy; I woke up this morning to see posts of a link of Rion Paige on the X Factor who is making her dreams come true with music. This is a day after I got my music going on my Shuffle to go for a RUN! Timing has its way of letting you know what is important in life.
It lifts my spirits to see what she has accomplished; and only at the age of 13! She is living her life to the fullest and more importantly; doing what she has passion and love for. It shines right through. I was amazed at how she spoke of her condition. I got to this point at the age of 22 and with my 31st Anniversary/Birthday approaching; it actually means more. This is when you live life and are comfortable and break down barriers!
Go Rion Paige! We will be voting for you! Life Life to the fullest!
Path Link to watch:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2418384/The-X-Factors-Simon-Cowell-won-disabled-13-year-old-Rion-Paige-season-premi-re.html
Music does wonders for the world; it is even how those that do not speak the same language communicate. I know I listen to artists songs in different languages. I may not fully get every word but with a translation; I understand it!
To a survivor; like myself, music is therapy and my way to count on how to get things done; cleaning, work, driving, getting ready, and doing homework and/or papers. This is nothing new and the way that I have always done things. Everyone who has spent time with me knows that I NEED not want but I do want to have Celine Dion Music playing. It is one of my wonders of the world.
To my surprise and excitement of joy; I woke up this morning to see posts of a link of Rion Paige on the X Factor who is making her dreams come true with music. This is a day after I got my music going on my Shuffle to go for a RUN! Timing has its way of letting you know what is important in life.
It lifts my spirits to see what she has accomplished; and only at the age of 13! She is living her life to the fullest and more importantly; doing what she has passion and love for. It shines right through. I was amazed at how she spoke of her condition. I got to this point at the age of 22 and with my 31st Anniversary/Birthday approaching; it actually means more. This is when you live life and are comfortable and break down barriers!
Go Rion Paige! We will be voting for you! Life Life to the fullest!
Path Link to watch:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2418384/The-X-Factors-Simon-Cowell-won-disabled-13-year-old-Rion-Paige-season-premi-re.html
Running with my Shuffle!
Crossing the Finish Line!It has been 7.5 months since I have run with music. I lost my IPod and I got a Shuffle. I tend to run better with a Shuffle as opposed to an IPod. The IPod has many features; great, but it makes it more complicated and takes longer for me to get to the point I want to be at with my music. When I first started training for my marathons in July of 2005; I got a Shuffle for my birthday in September. I found the shuffle to be the easiest for me to operate with less confusion. It can take me several times to repeat items to understand something; therefore, I am glad to have a Shuffle back. I found while having the IPod; it was too much for me. I guess; it is true, things really do happen for a reason and you see it when it happens.
Anyhow; to the point, in most cases, my friends and family are aware of how my mind operates, but it is also the ADHD in me that I go from one item to the next like this. Yesterday; it was one of the greatest feelings to be out on a run with music. Music cures anything for me to think more clearly (i.e. meditation), relieve stress, calm down, release of anxiety, and a positive thought process. My dog, Bealla and I went running and I realized that I did start to run too fast for her at first but it was just the happiness and overwhelming of joy I experienced. Find your therapy; if it leaves for awhile, like me, and it arrives back-it will be like an old-good friend: It is like they never left.
I also want to Thank the Apple Store in Escondido-The Genius Bar and Team for getting my computer and Shuffle to operate with each other and make my life a little better. I appreciate the efforts; after 4 appointments with updating everything! Patience is a gift to get things done and make it happen like this!
September 9-15: Invisible Diease Awareness Week
Invisible Disabilities like mine are not VISIBLE to the normal person. If someone is informing you that they have an invisible not VISBLE condition; please understand that they are informing you for a reason. It takes a lot of courage to inform others of a non-normal life; such as living with an in-utero stroke.
If someone tells you the condition; i.e. I had a stroke and you may not see it; please respect that and do not turn around and act like you did not hear the statement.
Path Link to understand what; invisible disabilities are;
http://invisibleillnessweek.com/
If someone tells you the condition; i.e. I had a stroke and you may not see it; please respect that and do not turn around and act like you did not hear the statement.
Path Link to understand what; invisible disabilities are;
http://invisibleillnessweek.com/
Friday, September 13, 2013
News from the Brain Injury Association of MA!; 0-14 Ages; 500,000 are admitted to the ER with TBI!
TBI=Traumatic Brain Injury
"Like" Bealla's Photo with the link below for the Dog Heart Walk Contest for San Diego's American Heart Association Division
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.506963459389027.1073741849.181927575225952&type=1
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
Bealla is in a competition to get the most Facebook "Likes" by September 20th to the link above for the photo below. This is her at the 2010 Heart Walk in San Diego to support the American Heart Association.
I have been walking with the San Diego Heart Walk 5K for the past 7 years and this year will be my 8th! I cannot believe I have been an active volunteer for 9 years throughout Southern California. What volunteering does to you can never be replaced; it provides a humble voice in the mind of happiness..
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Strike out Stroke in Chicago, IL! White Sox vs Indians! Sunday, September 15, 2013!
My favorite team in baseball is hosting Strike Out Stroke in Chicago, IL to be held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at 1pm against the Cleveland Indians at Us Cellular Field. If you are back home in Chicago and you are a White Sox Fan!!
Web Link:
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/cws/ticketing/groups/gsg/gsg.jsp?loc=strikeoutstroke
Web Link:
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/cws/ticketing/groups/gsg/gsg.jsp?loc=strikeoutstroke
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Support Groups: Stroke and the benefit they provide
A support group has become a rewarding aspect for my life and the need to move forward with my life in many forms since 2005. It was then; that I discovered the need once I started to receive it that I would be ok in life. I was 22 going on 23; therefore most of my life I have not had the support from others besides close friends and family that did not think children, outside of the norm, could have a stroke. It was not acceptable and still our communities do not know how to full accept a survivor of a condition outside the norm of the stereotype. However; now in life; I have found others and networks through associations, organizations, networks, and internet sources of support groups that help me understand that I am doing great and I should not change who I am. It is almost 30-31 years later; that I can recognize this and hope to be a change in this world by making a difference.
In stating that; I encourage all survivors or caregivers to find the network of support with others going through the same thing that will help you and the group in your circle to live life to the fullest. It amazes me but I learn more and more about what I used to do thinking I was not supposed to; by community standards to do something but it really was an affect of my stroke. A newly discovered item that aligns with PSA is the emotional lability . I learned this from a internet support group I belong too. What amazes me is that I have never heard of this but it is something that I wish I had known about. I have a slight case of this.
In stating that; I encourage all survivors or caregivers to find the network of support with others going through the same thing that will help you and the group in your circle to live life to the fullest. It amazes me but I learn more and more about what I used to do thinking I was not supposed to; by community standards to do something but it really was an affect of my stroke. A newly discovered item that aligns with PSA is the emotional lability . I learned this from a internet support group I belong too. What amazes me is that I have never heard of this but it is something that I wish I had known about. I have a slight case of this.
Dogs and the therapy of creating a non-stress enviornment
Here is a picture of me, my Mom and my Cousin's dog at a lake on a boat we visited. As you can tell; my face lights up having a dog around.
I have grown up around boats all my life because two of my uncles and my grandparents own/have owned them. I love going out on Lake on a boar. Sometimes; it is great to have a dog with me; as I realized that my stress and anxiety is not when I am on the water. It is a peaceful location. Therefore; my cousin's dog on the boat was just great comfort to have along because I love dogs.
I have grown up around boats all my life because two of my uncles and my grandparents own/have owned them. I love going out on Lake on a boar. Sometimes; it is great to have a dog with me; as I realized that my stress and anxiety is not when I am on the water. It is a peaceful location. Therefore; my cousin's dog on the boat was just great comfort to have along because I love dogs.
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