31st Stroke Anniversary Approaching=10 days!

As my 31st birthday approaches; many things, similar to a New Year's Resolution or what you give thanks to for Thanksgiving occurs. This year; is a big year for me. I have been making things start to happen with the foundation, blog and my commitment to start a foundation, in progress of writing my memoir of life as a survivor and strive to live my life to the fullest.

 

Living life to the fullest would for me; be going to see The Big Bang Theory taping. However; it is all sold out including the standby. I love to laugh and all the actors involved with the show it has gotten me to laugh and think of that as opposed to what I am doing.

 

So; with the time approaching fast, I am; as I have stated; "If you want that happy meal, then you go get that happy meal if that is what is going to make you happy". In this; it expresses that it is important to go do something if you believe it is the right thing to do to make your life. In that statement; that is what is my thought process of what life holds and what can occur.

 

In the past few months; many things have come across my path that make you realize what you want to approach and do in life. These are the items in life of illness or a family teaming up to make a change for another family member (i.e. Grandma falling and breaking her hip).  This makes you realize that money does not matter, but you need it, that your good friends and family are there because they love you and that can never be judged, and that you need to get up and do what is on your bucket list and live life to the fullest; if not daily or weekly, but a plan for that time to live life.

 

As I approach this year's anniversary of my stroke that is what I am focusing on; going to Disneyland to use my Annual Membership and being in a place that innovates to help you create your dream. If I am not going to laugh at the great comedians/actors for The Big Bang Theory; I am going to be in Disneyland with Goofy and Cinderella where all my dreams come true!

 

Volunteer Efforts: This helps (i.e. a support network)

I volunteer a lot. I enjoy it. At this point; after the amount of years and positions held as a volunteer I do consider it apart of my circle of friends and commitment to make someone else's life a lot better.

I understand that I had a stroke. I have many disabilities due to it but my spirit of what I can accomplish in life is not limited. I have seen more of the world, crossed-off numerous bucket List items such as running a marathon,  have achieved educationally. I understand life is short and due to my obstacles to achieve what most people can do easily; it takes me time and those around me to have patience!

It creates such a humble thought of life when I volunteer each time and the involvement that my time to a charity or organization provides. Like; everything else; I always put in 100% to my volunteer efforts; i.e. today; I volunteered for 5 hours in the heat sun of 90 plus degrees in San Diego. I did it for the cause I believe in to be the one who will support the difference I want to see (lead by example).

This helps because it is a support network of not necessarily always a stroke or heart or TBI/Brain Injury but of something else that someone found a need to support the community with. It is important to support other groups and people that need support. It also teaches you and broadens your horizon's of research, advocacy, legislation and what makes the biggest impact for their life to be lived with joy and happiness! It is Important to understand that we all sit in the same boat and are looking for the same reason to help someone somewhere that a life needs your 100% commitment during a volunteer effort and meeting others.  I always have an active listening ear on and learn a lot from these volunteer efforts!

Pace of Walking: Gait

I love to go walking but the biggest joy is seeing my dog, Bealla (pronounced Bay-a) get so excited as she knows the second I get my running shoes out. It is the joy of seeing what you do impact another to have a great time with exercise. As most of you know; I lost my Ipod and I love to run/walk. Since, my Ipod went missing; I bought the I shuffle and am working to sync my MacBook to my new IShuffle. Truth be told; I do better with an I Shuffle compared to the Ipod.

I walk with Bealla, at a location called Miramar Lake in Scripps Ranch (San Diego). The distance of the lake is 5 miles; yes, 5 miles. I have lately; since August been doing 5 to 10 miles daily. I have run marathons and long distances. Therefore; I have learned the time of the years on when and how to push my body to get what I want accomplished.

Bealla and I have been walking at least 5 miles; every few days each week. I also bring my Sister's Dog as well or my Parent's Dog. They all three love the lake and it is great exercise for all three.

The best part of Lake Miramar is the sunset and the view ontop of mile; depending on which side you come from it could be mile .5-.75 or 4.25 to 4.50. Bealla's favorite part of this is the wind tunnel. Bealla stands and takes the breeze in as well as now; sitting and then laying down to enjoy the big hill wind tunnel.

I enjoy taking Bealla to the lake. The best part for her is the exercise and social interaction or how to act around other dogs. She tends to get a lot of attention too and we have learned of other breeds similar to her through their owners.

I have after walking this lake a few times a week, starting in March that I do and have always walked a tad bit slower due to the gait (not fully a drop foot) due to my in-utero stroke. I have always noticed, as well as others reminding me that my limp does show when I walk with high heels. I have learned to wear shoes for comfort and supporting my gait to live life not for show anymore.

To the point; it is ok that you have a gait (limp) and will walk a little slower (my pace) then those passing you or your party on a walk. The most important thing; I always remind myself of this; I am doing it! You are doing it. It does not matter how or why it will take you longer, as long as you are in the game and doing it! You make a difference for yourself and you are making the headway that improvement will be created!

"Like" Bealla on the Facebook Page for the San Diego, 2013 Heart Walk to support the American Heart Association!

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.

 

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..

San Diego Bubble Run, Saturday, September 7, 2013! San Diego Division of American Heart Association-American Stroke Association to benefit for your volunteering time!

I am volunteering Tomorrow at the San Diego Bubble Run, yes, a Bubble run to support the American Heart Association-American Stroke Association, San Diego Division. If you are interested in volunteering follow the link! AHA/ASA will benefit for your time!! Here is the link. Excited to support Heart and Stroke in SD!


http://www.bubblerun.com/

Sunday, September 28th, 2013: Heart Walk: Winandy In-Utero Stroke Foundation

http://www.sdheartwalk.org/

I am finishing the design for the tshirt for the walk and will send an update of the tshirt for the walk.

If you live in Chicago; check out my friend's Team! Support Stroke & TBI Recovery via the Willis "Sears" Tower

http://ric.convio.net/site/TR/SkyRise/General?team_id=4470&pg=team&fr_id=1070