After yesturday I guess 1 daily workout will do

I began my Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. by making my way out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. At 9:25 I then made my way downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then folded laundry that was down stairs in the dryer. At 10:00 I then made my way back up to my bedroom to take my first air flo reading of the day. 480, 500, 490. I then made my way back out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. This morning my mother had made me dropped eggs on toast. Once I had finished eating, I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth. At 10:40 I then began to do my leg exercises. I then finished my workout with my stretching. Once I had finished my workout I then took a shower. I was then ready for the day ahead. I was feeling a little tired so I lied down at 12:15. I had slept until 3:05 before getting up. I then called my grandmother to talk briefly. After doing so my mother had made me a fruit smoothy with yogurt in it. Along with It I had cheeze and crackers. I then talked briefly to a friend before sitting down to play cribbage with my mother. I sat down to eat dinner at 5:00 before going to my bedroom to take an air flo reading. 500, 510, 510. I then sat down to do my daily blog entree.

Picking up my first refill for my inhaler

I began my Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. At 8:45 I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. While I was downstairs I started a load of laundry. I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises both upper and lower body. At 9:45 I then put clean sheets on my bed thus continuing to make it. At 10:00 I then began to do my stretching routine. At 10:30 I then hung the sheets out on the line to dry. At 10:30 my mother had called from work to let me knoe that she would be home at 1:20 to take me to Hannaford to pick up my refill for my inhaler. I then took a reading with my peak flo meter: 460, 500, 510. I then took my shower getting reading for the day ahead. At 11:30 I then began another load of laundry before cleaning the downstairs bathroom. I then went upstairs to make myself an avacado and tomato wrap for lunch along with a yogurt. At 11:55 I then brushed my teeth before washing the dish's in the sink, while listening to the news. At 12:15 I then took another air flo reading. 470,470,490. At 12:30 I then put the laundry away that was dry down stairs before hanging another load to dry. At 1:00 I then took in the sheets off from the clothing line. At 1:30 I then ordered my medication at hannaford. I then took a ride over to hannaford to pick up my medication and inhaler refill with my mother. While there I had picked up some cards too. On my way home I stopped to get a milk shake. I arrived home at 3:00, thus riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went to my bedroom to do my weight exercises and stretching. At 4:00 I then spoke to a friend on the telephone for thirty minutes, before taking a shower. I then took another air flo reading. 500, 510, 500. I then sat down to blog. At 5:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my dinner, before going to bed for the night.

working with the mood tracker during my time with Dr. Brian Ablitz

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by stretching and doing my upper weight exercises. At 7:00 I then went out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to do my leg exercises. After taking an air flo reading 470, 490, 460, at 7:50 I then took my shower getting ready for my day ahead. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then grabbed my lunch and my bag with my things in it along with my Ipad and went by the door to wait for my ride. Upon my arrivel to WestSide, I had meet with Dr. Brian Ablitz. We first talked about how my mood was, by looking at the results of the mood tracker. This is an app I use on my Ipad to rate my mood each day. Whether it be happy, down, depressed, anger, or other its purpose is to guage how I feel each day. after my stroke once I had returned to WestSide I have had a lot of anger, frustraion, saddness during the process of recovery. We then discussed how things are going in general. At 11:00 during my P.T. session with Dan he had me doing timed trials on the tredmill. My first time I had walked 12:17 and burned 48.2 calories. My resting blood pressure was 112 over 72. My working blood pressure was 120 over 70. Dan then strapped the gate belt around my waist and we walked twice around the lower level of WestSide. Dan then had me back in the gym in the parallel bars doing leg raises. Dan then had me doing side stepping. This is not easy believe me, especially when reliing on that right ankle. At 12:00 I then went into the dining area to eat my lunch. Today I sat with Greg and Ashly while eating. Once I had finished eating I then made my way up to the lobby at 1:00. Larry from United took my home. I arrived home at 2:30 immediatly riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then put laundry away while I was downstairs. There was not much there so I thought I would do it. Most of it was mine any way. My mother had arrived home at 3:30 about the time I was going to my bedroom to do my stretching. I stretched unitl 4:15 before taking my shower to get comfortable for the night. I then took an air flo reading 500, 490, 470 before sitting down to blog. Once i was done blogging I then ate dinner. Another busy day towards recovery.

What do you do when you need help? ASK

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by doing my stretching for an hour and a half. I then went to the kitchen at 7:30 to drink my hot cocoa. Once my mother had left for work, I then began a load of laundry at 8:00 before eating my breakfast. Once I had finished eating I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. Once I had taken my shower and was all ready for my day ahead I then hung the laundry to dry. At 9:30 United arrived to transport me to WestSide. There I began my day at 11:00 a.m. with P.T. Amanda first had me doing the Nu Step for fifteen minutes. I went .92 miles and burned 79 calories. Once I had regained my energy back, Amanda then strapped the gate belt around me. Amanda then had me lunging back an forth, then side stepping, crossing one foot behind the other. Amanda had to catch me more then a couple of times using the gate belt. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with Paul and other clients around. Once I had finished eating, I then went upstairs to the conference room to have support group. During group Bill, Tod, Denise, Dee Dee, and I first read the recovery card with Deb and Jen. Tod then volenteered to read the objectives. We then started this weeks topic. Week nine, "Asking for Assistance." Some of the questions we discussed were; How and when do you ask for help with your daily routine? I remember when I was in the hospital I had to have everything done for. If I as so much tried to get out of bed on my own the bed alarm would go off. But I could not walk so asking for help was the only thing I could do. We then ended the group with each of us giving a positive statement. At 2:00 I then left to go home. Upon my arrivel home at 3:30 I took an air flo reading, 450, 460, 480. I then began to do my stretching and weight exercises until 4:40. Once I had finished exercising I then took a shower to get comfortable for the night. At 4:40 I then played words with friends for thirty minutes before sitting down to blog. I then went out to eat my dinner. Once I had finished eating I then took another air flo reading 470, 460, 470. I then went to bed.

Welcome Spring Party at WestSide

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. by stretching to losen up my muscles. At 6:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating I then went back to my room to get ready for my day ahead, and what a long day ahead indeed. At 8:30 United arrived to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrivel for my 10:00 a.m. appointment with Jennifer one of the neouropsych interns during finding meaning group. Doug started off by telling Jennifer and I how he was bit by a dog over the weekend. Jennifer then had Doug and I doing a life planning worksheet where he and I assessed the quality of our lives rating each situation 1 through 10. We then discussed it. At 11:00 I had a half hour break, so I went down to the dining area to eat part of my lunch. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. Sally first took my blood pressure which was 126 over 82 I then took an air flo reading while in there with her. 440, 450, 440. I then went to the kitchen to finish my lunch. At 12:30 I then went to aquasize group with John and Michelle. John has me wait to get into the pool at the half way point of the group. Once I was in I did some stretching then John then had float on the noodle. After todays group John will be taking me out of the group. He feels I could benefit my time elsewhere in theropy. Because since my stroke I can not tolerate the cold water and it causes me to stiffen. Therefore it not being beneficial to be in the group. Once I arrived back to WestSide from aquasize I got ready for the Special Event, "WELCOMING SPRING!" At 3:30 we first made bird feaders by using a pine cone pasting peanutbutter on it then rolling it around in birdseed hung by a piece of yarn. Tobie then passed out Develed eggs. At 4:00 we painted teracotta pots. When it was dry we planted a seed in them. Tobie then had us playing hang man; Greg, Arnie, Diana and I. Spring flowers was the theme. We then played Taboo. At 5:00 we all went downstairs to eat dinner. We had pasta salas, tuna and egg finger rolls. While we were eating John drew on the dry erase baord pictures which when sounding them out made a word or sentence. At 5:30 once we had finished eating they passed around butterscotch and chocolate haystacks with candy eggs in the middle for dessert. We then all went home at 6:00. I arrived home at 7:00 took my shower, sat down to blog I then called it a day at 8:00 p.m. Good Night!

A trip to L.L. Bean and Picking up not one but two new pair of glasses

Sunday 3/25/12

I began my Sunday morning At my sister Barbara's by doing my stretching. I then went out to the kitchen to eat breakfast with my parents and my sister. Once I had finished eating I then took my shower and got ready for my day ahead. At 10:30 My sister and I left for Freeport to go to the L.L. Bean outlet store. While there my sister had done some shopping. Once my sister had finished with her shopping We then went to the Muddy Rudder for lunch. MY TREAT! We each had a bowl of clam chowder. Once we had finished eating we then left for home at 12:45. Along the way we called our grandmother up to talk. At 1:00 we stopped at hannaford to pick up some milk. We arrived back at my sisters at 1:30. I was so tired I went straight to bed. I had slept from 1:30 until 4:30 before going downstairs to eat kale chips my sister had made while playing words with friends with her. At 5:30 I then got comfortable for the night. At 6:00 we then ate dinner. I then did some stretching before calling it a day.

Monday 3/25/12

I began my monday morning at my sisters at 5:30 a.m. by doing my stretching. At 6:20 I then took my shower before going out in to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had brushed my teeth, we then loaded things into the car, said good-bye to my sister, we were then soon on our way by 8:00 a.m. Once we had arrived in Lewiston we stopped off at Dr. Beal's so that I could pick up my two new pair of glasses. The first pair my regular glasses with buttons on the left side of each lens so that it helps with my preferal vision and normal daily use. My second pair is my first pair of reading glasses. These will help while on the computer, reading, and watching television. I have to say my computer/reading glasses are working quite well. At 10:30 my parent's then brought to WestSide Neourorehab for my daily theropy. Upon my arrivel I had my P.T. session with Dan. He first had me doing ten minutes on the Nu Step. I managed to go 1.05 miles and burn 90 calories on level three. Dan then took my blood pressure. It was 110 over 80. Dan then strapped the gate belt on and we walked two laps around the bottum level of WestSide. Dan then had me laying on the mat doing leg raises on my back, side, adn stomache. At 12:00 I then had a support session with Deb. She has been helping download an app today where it alows me to speak into my Ipad to record notes. At 12:30 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating, I then went back upstairs to meet with Piper for my fifteen minute case management session. She was telling about how my insurence allows me to receive P.T. as long as I need it and want, where as some other clients only allows them a certain amount of time. At 1:30 I then left for home. I arrived home at 2:30 thus going right to bed. I slept until 4:30 before getting to take a shower thus getting comfortable for the night. I then sat down to blog. At 6:00 I then went to the kitchento eat my mothers home made pizza for dinner. At 7:00 I then went to my bedroom to finished my blog, brush my teeth and go go bed.

Going to Portland for the Weekend

I begann my Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight routine. I then went to the kitchen to eat my my breakfast. At 10:00 I was then back in my bedroom brushing my teeth and doing my leg exercises. At 10:20 I then packed to go to Portland to stay at my sisters for the weekend. At 10:40 I then called United to cancel my pick up for Monday. My parents will be dropping me off on the way home. I then continued to pack. At 11:45 I then loaded things into the car. Once things were in the car I sat down to blog before leaving for the weekend with my parents.

my daily challange walking up the stairs with my hands full one step at a time

I began my Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. by eating homemade biscuits with molasses. At 8:10 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth before taking the sheets off my bed. I then took my sheets down to the washroom to start a load of laundry. I then went back upstairs to wash what dish's were in the the sink. At 9:15 I then hung the laundry to dry outside on the clothing line. It sure is a challenge for me to bring the laundry upstairs, but some how I manage one step at a time. At 9:30 I started another load. Once I had the first load hung on the line, I then went to my bedroom to begin doing my stretching. At 10:15 I then hung the second load to dry. It was mainly my sheets. At 10:40 I then went to my bedroom to do my leg exercises with weights. At 11:30 I then rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. Once I had finished riding I then made myself a toasted peanutbutter and honey sandwhich. I then ate lunch while I watched the news. At 12:30 I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 3:15 before getting up. I then did my weight exercises and stretching. I then spoke to my grandmother before taking my shower at 4:45. At 5:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents. At 6:30 I then went back to my bedroom to do my daily blog. It was then time to call it a day.

A walk in the parking lot at WestSide during P.T.

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by stretching. At 6:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After eating two pieces of toasted bananna nut bread I then went back to my bedroom to continue to stretch and do my weight exercises. At 7:30 I then took my shower and continued to get ready for my day ahead. United soon arrived at 9:00 a.m. to transport me to WestSide Neouro rehab. Upon my arrivel for my 10:30 appointment with Dr. ablitz, we first checked the mood tracker app on my Ipad. We then talked about how my week went and how I was doing. He said it is nice to see me smiling again. It is the Troy we know and are use to seeing. At 11:00 I then had my P.T. session with Amanda. Amanda and I took a walk in the parking lot today at WestSide. It is the most uneven ground I have ever been on. Once outside she first strapped the gate belt on me and she never let go. Without my AFO on and the use of my cane I think I did quite well. We first took two laps around WestSide in the parking lot. We then went inside to the gym to rest. Once I was rested We then went back outside to do two more laps around. The entire walk averaged out to be 2,000 feet. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating, United then took me home. I arrived home at 2:30 immediatly unloading the dishwasher once I was inside. I then took in laundry off from the clothing line. Once my mother arrived home from work she had helped me to put it away. At 3:15 I began to do my stretching and weight exercises until 4:00. I then made out a sympothy card to mail to Shirly Labonte's family. She is a cousin of mine who had recently passed on. She had visited me last year while I was doing my rehab at d'youville, so that we could play cribbage. After taking a shower I then sat down at my computer to begin blogging. At 5:20 I then took a break from my blog to go out to the kitchen to eat dinner. I was then back in my bedroom at 6:20 to finish my blog. I then called it a day.

Who do you use as a support system?

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by going out to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then went back to my bedroom to do my stretching and weight exercises from 6:30 to 7:30. I then stayed in my bedroom to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. It was so warm today I did not bother to put on my wind suit. I just put on my shorts and t-shirt. Ahhhhh, summer here at last. In March? weird. At 8:45 I then gathered my lunch, and my bag with my things in it and went by the door to wait for United WheelChair to arrive. Upon my arrivel to WestSide at 11:00 I went right to the gym for my P.T. appointment with Dan. Dan first had me walking on the tredmill. My first trial I walked for 9:16 before needing a break. My second trial I walked 10:01 before stopping. At 11:35 Dan strapped the gate belt around my waist and we took off walking on the bottom level of WestSide. I made it four times around before heading back into the gym to sit down and take a break. Dan then had me side stepping. At noon I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch. At 1:00 I made my way to the conference room for support group with Deb. Today Dee Dee, Denise, Tod, and I began week 8. "Support Systems." Each one of us took a turn to mention who we use for a support system. Some of the responses were: Friends, Family, Facebook to name a few. Dee Dee mentioned how she had her fourth brain surgery. I mentioned how I felt about regaining back my strength. Tod was telling us how he is working on getting a job. After support group I then left for home. I arrived home at 3:30. Once inside I drank a smoothy while doing my stretching and weight workout. At 5:00 I then sat down to blog while waiting for my sister to arrive.

What is your purpose in life?

I began my Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by stretching in my bedroom, before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating my cereal and toasted english muffin I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. After I had brushed my teeth, I continued to do my weight exercises. At 7:30 I then took an air flo reading. 440, 420, 420. After taking my shower I then gathered my bags to bring to the door. I then went back up to my bedroom to clean my bathroom. United soon arrived to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrivel for my 10:00 a.m. theropy appointment, Jennifer came to the lobby to get Doug and I so that we could me with her in her office for Finding Meaning Group. Doug was showing Jennifer and I the hat he had made. He has taken up quilting to pass the time away when he is taking care of his daughter while his wife is at work. Doug is a survivor who has had brain cancer. We then talked about Purpose and meaning of doing something. What is its purpose and what is its meaning. At 11:00 I then went to the dining area to have my snack, during my half an hour break. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. She first took my blood pressure. We then discussed medical issues. Sally then called my Primary care doctor and my neourologist to see who ordered the blood pressure readings. At 12:00 I then went back down to the kitchen/dining area to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating I grabbed my swim bag and my lunch bag and went up to the lobby to go to aquasize with John and Michelle. John always has me wait until the group is finished with the stretching before I get into the pool so as not to get tired to soon. Once I was in the pool I did some stretching of my own. John then had me walking in the pool. Once aquasize was done we all then went back to WestSide so as to catch our rides. Once I was home at 4:15 I took a nice warm shower before sitting down to blog. I then went to eat dinner before soon going to bed.

Hmmm, where is my ride?

I began my Monday morning at 6:30 a.m. by non other then stretching, of course. At 7:00 I then shaved before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. This morning I had a bowl of hot cereal and toast. At 7:30 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth before doing my weight exercises, both leg and arm. After taking my shower, I then took my first air flo reading of the day. 460, 460, 480. My ride arrived at 9:30, I was soon then on my way. I had arrived at WestSide for my 11:00 a.m. P.T. appointment a little late this morning because my ride had showed up a little late. But better late then never. I had P.T. today with my O.T. Nancy who was filling in for Amanda. Nancy first had me do four laps around the downstairs level at WestSide. which averages out to be 665 feet. I then went on the NuStep for twenty minutes. I was able to pedal 1.21 miles. After my P.T. session with Nancy I then meet with Deb. She had helped me with my IPad to check out appts. At 12:30 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch before leaving to go home. At 1:00, Al from United took me home. I arrived home at 2:15, immediatly riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 2:45 I then went to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. At 3:10 I then ended my workout with my stretching. At 3:30 I then took my shower before sitting down at 4:00 to blog. First I took an air flo reading; 450, 440, 470. I then took it easy for the rest of the night.

SNAP

I began my Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight exercises until 9:00 a.m. Once I had finished my workout I then took an air flo reading. 440, 460, 490. Once I had taken my reading, I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then went back to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready to go to church. Once I was ready I left for church at 10:00 with my mother. After church my mother and I payed our weekly visit to my grandmother at the Pierce House. We stayed for thirty minutes up until it was time for my grandmother to go eat dinner. We then went to Hannaford at noon to do some grocery shopping. We arrived home at 12:30. Once inside with the groceries, I had a little bite to eat before brushing my teeth and taking an air flo reading. 430, 450, 490. I then lied down to rest at 1:00 and I slept until 3:00. Once I was up I rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes before going to my bedroom to do my stretching and weight routine until 4:30. After my shower I then took another air flo reading. 430, 450, 490. At 5:45 I then sat down to eat dinner with my parents. Once I had finished eating I then went to my bedroom at 5:15 to blog.

Happy St. Patricks Day

I began my Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. by doing my stretching routine, while drinking my hot cocoa. At 9:45 I then took a reading with my air flo meter. 460, 450, 470. At 9:50 I then went to the kitchen to eat a french toasted bananna and jelly sandwhich. Once I had finished eating I then went downstairs at 10:00 to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. While I was downstairs I then folded some laundry thus putting it away. Once in my bedroom at 10:45 I continued to do my stretching and weight routine both leg and arm until 11:20 my mother helped me to put clean sheets on my bed thus continuing to make it. I then dusted my bedroom until 12:30. At 1:00 I then went to the kitchen to have leftover pizza for lunch. At 1:15 I then lied down to rest.I had slept from 1:15 until 3:50. Once I was awake I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. Once I had finished riding I then went to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. Both leg and arm. I then did my stretching routine. At 5:05 I took my shower, before going to the kitchen to have creamed turkey on toast. I then went to my bedroom to take another air flo reading. 450, 450, 460. I then sat down to blog at 6:25. I then called it a day and went to bed.

It is finally fixed, now I can blog

Wednesday 3/14/12

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight routine. At 7:30 I then ate my breakfast. Once I had taken my shower I had cleaned my bathroom before starting a wash. At 8:50 I then took an air flo reading; 450, 450, 430. At 9:00 I then went downstairs to fold laundry so that I could then put it away. At 9:20 I hung another load to dry. At 9:45 I left on United to go to WestSide. I arrived there at 11:00. Just in time for my P.T. session with Amanda. Amanda first had me doing leg exercises in the parallel bars. Amanda then strapped a gate belt around me and we took off walking. The first trial I was able to walk four times around the lower level at WestSide, before taking a break. The second trial was the same four laps but I was pushing it towards the end of the fourth lap before I took a break. Then the third trial. I had only made three laps aroung, and it was rough. My legs were beat. Time to put the brace back on and go tp the dining area to eat lunch. Once I had finished eating I then made my way up to the conference room for suppurt group. During week seven "Getting back to work" Dee Dee, Denise, Tod,Bill and I along with Deb and Nancy the facilitators of the group.We first read out recovery card as a group, We then checked in to see how everybody's week went.Dee Dee had spent some time volenteering in the office at the school in her home town. Bill mentioned how he was interested in candy making. He also would like to volenteer. At 2:00 United Wheel Chair then took me home. I arrived home at 3:30. Once inside i immediatly went to mybedroom to begin stretching and doing my weight exercises. Once I had eaten and taken my shower I then sat down to call my friend Stacie. She and talked for an hour, before I then hung up and called it a night.

Thursday 3/15/12

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by stretching. I then went to the kitchen at 6:30 to eat my breakfast. This morning I had toast to dunk in my cocoa. At 7:00 I then went to my bedroom to shave before doing my arm and leg weight exercises. At 7:30 I then took a shower thus getting ready for my day ahead. Once I was ready I then started a load of laundry. I then put laundry away that was dry. Once I had washed some dish's, At 8:45 I then hung laundry to dry. At 9:00 United arrived to take me to WestSide. I arrived a little late so I had missed my counceling session with Dr. Brian Ablitz. I then went right to my P.T. session with Dan. Today Dan had mefirst doing timed rials on the tredmill. the first trial I walked 12:40 before needing a brake. The second timed trial I walkded 15:07 before I needed a break. It average out to being .96 miles. I then went to the parallel bars to do leg raises. I had a two pound weight on my right side which was the leg effected by the stroke and a three pound weight on my left. We then did some walking before ending the session. At 12:00 I then went to the dinning area to eat my lunch. At 1:00 United took Donald and I home. Donald is another client at WestSide that too lives in the Farmington area. Upon my arrivel home at2:30 I hopped right on the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 3:00 I then folded laundry and put it away. At 3:00 my mother arrived home. I had helped take in the groceries the best I could. At 3:20 I then called Tech support at Fair Point to try my best to get myself back on line. At 3:30 I then began to do my weight exercises. At 4:00 I then began to stretch. I then took my showerbefore going to the kitchen at 5:30 to eat my dinner. I then brushed my teeth and was in bed by 6:00.

Friday 3/16/12

I began my Friday morning at 7:30 a.m. by eating my breakfast. Once I had finished eating I then started the dishwasher. Once I had brushed my teeth, I then cleaned my bathroom. At 8:50 I then started a load of laundry before riding the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 9:20 I then went to my bedroom to do my stretching exercises. At 9:50 I then hung laundry to dry before continue with my weight workout. At 10:00 I then took my shower getting myself ready for the day. At 11:00 my father picked me up to take me to my grandmothers for dinner. While there I had the boiled dinner my grandmother had the salmon. At 1:00 we went back up to her room. While up there I rested while waiting for my mother. My mother arrived at 1:30. She took my grandmother and I to Wal-Mart. We arrived back home at 3:00. Once at my computer I finished connecting myself back onto the internet. At 3:10 I then did my stretching and weight routine. At 4:30 I then took a shower. At 5:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. At 6:00 I then took an air flo reading. 450, 480, 470. I then sat down to blog. Once I had finished typing I then took another air flo reading 450, 460, 470. It was then 7:00 P.M. A perfect time to go to bed. I am tired.

Getting my body ready to RUN!!!!!!!!!!

I began my Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by doing my stretching. At 6:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating at 7:00, I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight exercises. I then took my shower continuing to get ready for my day ahead. United soon arrived to bring me to WestSide at 7:40. Upon my arrivel for my 9:00 a.m. appointment, I had finding meaning group with Jennifer who is an intern at WestSide. During group today Doug talked about how he has been knitting at home while he watches his daughter while his wife is at work. During group I felt anger towards the situation that I am in, not towards Doug. I am finally starting to feal what it is really like to live with this problem and getting more frustrated by the day. I know there are some who have it worse off then I, but as one doctor of mine said I am not just visually impaired, I am not just brain injured and live with a short term memory loss, I am not just physically disabled, I have to deal with all of these things on a daily bases. Jennifer then gave Doug and I a paragraph to read and to think about over the week.
"Meaning" and Purpose" have different connotation. "Meaning" refers to sense, or coherence. It is a geral term for what is intended to be expressed by something. A search for meaning implies a search for coherence. "Purpose" refers to intention, aim, function. When we inquire about the purpose of something, we are asking about its role of function: What does it do? To what end? After a half an hour break I then had a nursing session with Sally, theWestSides Nurse. Sally first took my blood pressure, we then used my inhaler. Once that was done we then talked about doctors appointments. At 12:00 I then went to the dinning area to eat my lunch with some of the other clients that were there today. At 12:30 I then went to the ywca with John and Michelle and other clients for aquasize. Today John had me using a noodle kicking my feet forward and backward so as to get use to the motion so when I am able to run again the legs will know what to do. John also had us walking side to side, crossing our legs behind and forward as we went. I arrived back to WestSide after aquasize at 2:50 getting right into the United van from John's vehicle. I was soon on my way home. I arrived home at 4:15 thus sitting right down to blog. What a busy day.

Homemade Pizza tonight

I began my Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. by taking my shower and getting ready for my day ahead. Some reason I had over slept so my morning workout was cut a little short. Once I was ready I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then went back to my bedroom to do stretching for about ten to fifteen minutes before United arrived to take me to WestSide. Upon my arrivel to theropy today I began at 9:00 a.m. With a P.T. session with my Speech instructor Diana who fills in Occasionally for Amanda on Mondays so she can see other clients. Today with Diana I first walked on the tredmill for fifteen minutes non stop. I averaged out a distance of 0.546. Once my work out on the tredmill was complete I then went to the parrallel bars to do some leg raises, squats, toe raises, and leg extention's, ect. At 10:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my snack. A yogurt, bananna, and milk. At 10:30 I then had a support session with Deb. Today Deb had showed me an apt to put on my Ipad so that I can just talk and it will dictate for me what I had just said. I also talked to deb about another trip with the National Camps For The Blind. She had help me plan my last one that I just happen to go on last year two and one-half months before my stroke. At 11:00 I then meet with Piper my Casemanager for fifteen minutes. We talked about the trip I might be planning with Deb and doing things to help oneself enjoy life. United then took me home. I arrived home at 12:30. Once I had eaten my lunch, I then lied down to rest at 12:40. I had slept until 3:40 before getting up to do my stretching. At 4:00 I then took a shower before giving my grandmother a call. Once I had finished talking to my grandmohter I then sat down to watch the news. At 5:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. My mother had made a homemade pizza. Yummie! Once I had finished eating I then went to my bedroom to blog.

Telephone conversation with Scott Suy

I began my Suday morning at 7:00 a.m. by doing my stretching exercises. At 7:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat an omlet for breakfast. At 8:00 I then went downstairs to ride for thirty minutes. Once I had finished riding I then went back to my bedroom to do my weight routine; both arm and leg. At 8:55 I then took my first air flo reading of the day. 460, 440, 422. Once I had brushed my teeth I then took my shower. At 9:30 I then watched the news for thirty minutes before leaving to go to church. Once church had let out at 11:30 I then went to get a haircut. I arrived home at 12:00 noon. Just before laying down to rest, Scott Suy my camp councelor I had at last years blind camp in Michigan had called. We talked about how things are going and about this summers, summer camps. Scott is from Tennesee. He was telling me about Indian Creek a summer camp in Tenessee held June 20-24. Tenessee bike camp held June 20-24. Summer camp in Michigan held August 7-12. Once off the telephone with Scott I then lied down to rest and I slept until 3:00. Once I got up I went to the kitchen to eat a couple of muffins my mother had made to hold me over until dinner. At 3:48 I then began to stretch and do my weight exercises until 5:00. I then took my shower before sitting down to read the newspaper. At 6:00 I then went to my computer to blog.

Dinner with Dad at the Olive Garden.

I began my Saturday Morning at 7:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating I then went downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went back up to my bedroom at 8:00 to brush my teeth and take my first air flo reading of the day. 430, 440, 460. I then stayed in my bedroom to do my weight exercises and then my stretching. At 9:30 I then went downstairs to fold laundry, thus putting it away. At 10:00 I then took my shower, geting ready for the day ahead. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then went downstairs to start a load of laundry. While I was downstairs I decided to vacuum and pick up a little. At 11:30 I then hung the laundry to dry. At 11:45 I then went back to my bedroom to make my bed. Once I had my bed made I then lied down to rest at 12:00. I slept until 1:15 before my father arrived home. Together he and I Went to the Olive Garden for lunch in Agusta. Once we had finished eating, we then took a ride over to Dick's Sporting Goods. While there we looked around at Tredmills and weights. At 3:05 we left Dick's and took a ride over to Home Depot. We soon back on the road to Farmington at 3:45. We arrived home at 4:45. I then took a reading with my air flo meter. 370, 470, 470. I then began to do my stretching and weight exercises. After taking my shower I then Sat down to blog at 6:15. Once I had finished blogging I then took it easy the rest of the night.

Frday's Forever

I began my Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. by getting up to eat my breakfast. Once I had brushed my teeth I then took an air flo reading. 450, 450, 490. At 9:10 I then went back to my bedroom to do my arm and leg weight exercises. At 9:40 I then went back out into the kitchen to wash the dish's that were in the sink. I then went back to my bedroom to do my streching before going downstairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. After taking my shower I then talked to a friend who had called, briefly on the telephone. At 11:05 I then began a load of laundry, before speaking to my mother on the telephone while she was at work. At 11:45 I then made myself some lunch. Once I had finished eating I hung the laundry to dry while listening to the news. At 12:30 I lied down to rest, but first I had taken another air flo reading. 450, 400, 490. I had slept until 3:10 before getting up to go ride the swin air dine for another thirty minutes. I then went to my bedroom to do my stretching. While I was stretching my dad had arrived home. I then took my shower before going to the kitchen to eat dinner. My mother had taken my grandmother to Scarborough to spend the weekend with my sister. Once I had finished eating I then sat down to blog. I then soon called it a day.

Mood Tracker Apt, what it is it?

I began my Thursday morning at 6:00 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight routine while I drank my hot cocoa in my bedroom. At 6:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat toasted blueberry muffins for breakfast. At 7:00 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth and take an air flo reading. 420, 460, 480. At 7:30 I then took my shower thus getting ready for my day ahead. Once I was ready I then put my laundry away. Upon my arrivel to WestSide at 10:30 I meet with DR. Brian Ablitz. Today we talked about the mood tracker apt he had down loaded onto my I pad for me. We then talked about what went well for me during the week. I think my outlook towards things are becoming some what more on the positive side. The more progress I make, My days seem much brighter. At 11:00 I then p.t. with Dan. Today Dan had me do two trials on the tredmill. The 1st trial I went 0.2 miles in 6:05. My second timed trial I continued and I ended up at time 9:18 before I had to quit. Dan then strapped the gate belt around me and we took off walking around the bottum level at WestSide. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 1:00 I then left for home on United. Upon my arrivel home at 2:40 p.m. I immediatly the swin air dine until 3:10. I then folded laundry before going to my bedroom to beging doing my stretching and weight routine. At 4:00 I then took an air flo reading: 410, 450, 450. After my shower I then sat down to blog before going out to the kitchen to eat my dinner.

What does P O N D E R mean

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then went back to my bedroom at 8:00 to first brush my teeth, then to begin my stretching. Once I had finished with my stretching I then went to the washroom to begin a load of laundry. I then went back to my bedroom to do my arm exercises with weights. At 8:45 I then went to the kitchen to wash dish's. I then took an air flo reading before taking my shower. the reading ended up being 450, 450, 450. Maybe I should go buy a lottery ticket. At 9:15 I then hung the laundry to dry. I then gathered my lunch and my bag to bring by the door. United arrived at 9:40, I then was well on my way once again to WestSide for my daily theropy. Upon my arrivel I had my P.T. session with Amanda from 11:00 to 12:00. Today she first had me riding the Nu Step for fifteen minutes. In that time I went 1.10 miles. Amanda then strapped the gate belt around my waist and we took off walking around the lower floor at WestSide. My first time walking I was able to make four laps around. The second time I was only able to make two laps before needing a break. My foot was getting tired. The third time I tried I was only able to make two laps around the bottum floor before needing a break. That ended up being the last time. I then sat down taking a break while Amanda went to get me some water. I then put my brace back on to walk to the kitchen to eat lunch. While eating luch I talked with other clients who were in there eating too. At 1:00 I then grabbed my things from the locker that I keep them in and went upstairs to the conference room for support group, from 1:00-2:00. Today Bill, Tod, Denise, Dee Dee and I talked about how we are unable to live up to our expectations with Nancy and Deb. Nancy also had me explain the ponder mether. P- identify the problem. O- look at all of your options. N- do you have everything you need. D- deside. E- exicute. R- review. We then ended the group with each of us giving a possitive statement. At 2:00 I then left to go home. I arrived home at 3:10. Once inside I continued to fill forms. At 4:00 I then went to my bedroom to do my stretching and weight exercises. At 4:30 I then put my laundry away before eating my dinner. I then took an air flo reading before getting comfortable for the night. 400, 450, 460. I then sat down to blog at 6:00.

Discussing job possibilities with Jennifer in Finding meaning group

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. by stretching in my bedroom and doing my weight exercises in my bedroom. At 6:50 I then made my way to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. This morning I had a bowl of oatmeal and toasted bread. At 7:00 I then went to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. at 7:30 I then took an air flo reading. 440, 420, 490. At 7:45 I then completed the medication sheet the westSide Nursing staff likes to have completed every six months. Just so as to keep their records up to date on what each client is taking for medication. I then gathered my bags to bring down to the door so as to wait for United Wheelchair to pick my up. Upon my arrivel to WestSide for 10:00 a.m. I began my theropy with Finding Meaning Group with Jennifer who is a neouropsychologist intern. Today we talked a little on death and anxiety. We also talked about employment and or jobs we are interested in doing. Doug had mentioned about being a clown. Along the lines of entertianer. Jennifer would like him to research this week to bring back to the group information about his idea. My assignment is to draw a diagram on my interests. From 11:00-11:30 I had a break. I first went out into the lobby to sign up for this months event on Tuesday March 20th from 3-6 p.m. The title of the event is Think Spring. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. We first checked my blood pressure. We then discussed setting up an appointment at Dartmouth with the stroke doctor. At 12:00 I then went to the dinning area to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating I then went to the lobby to wait to go to the YWCA for aquasize. I rode over with John. Once we were there John and Michelle had us change into our swim suits. I then used my inhaler. Once in the pool area John had me sit down on the bench for the first half of group so not to spend to much time on my feet. Hopfully to prevent any of the breathing episodes. Once I was in the pool I first did some stretching with John, Michelle and the other clients: leg raises, extensions, and leg kicks.John then had me floating on a noodle so as to keep me from putting any pressure on my legs. After Aquasize we went back to WestSide. United then took me home. I arrived home at 4:15. I immediatly put my night clothing on. I then took an air flo reading. 460, 500, 490. I then started to type my blog. At 5:10 I went to the kitchen to eat dinner. Tonight my parents had cooked a pork roast, mm mm. Once I had finished eating I then went to my bedroom to finish typing my blog. before I posted it I took another air flo reading. 450, 500, 460.

Advice from Piper to help with my breathing

I began my Monday morning at 5:30 a.m. by doing my stretching and weight exercises. At 6:30 I then thought I would save myself some steps and take my shower before going out into the kitchen. At 7:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat hot cereal and toasted english muffin for breakfast. I then went back to my bedroom at 7:00 to take and air flo reading. 440, 4430, 450. At 7:00 I then brought my bags to the door. I then sat to weight for United to arrive. United soon arrived. Sam from United Wheel Chair dropped me off at 9:00 a.m. just in time for my P.T. session with Diana who was filling in for Amanda. During my p.t. session I did two trials on the tredmill. First trial my distance was 0.377 time 10:22. Second trial my distance was 0.580 time 15:59. Once I had finished my two trials I then went to the parallel bars to do some stretching exercises. Leg raises, Squats, ect. At 10:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my snack. At 10:30 I then had my case management time with Piper. She had mentioned to me about a cool mist humidifier to help with my breathing during the late fall and the winter. Sam then brought me home. Upon my arrivel home at 12:00 noon I immediatly started the dishwasher. I then rode the swin air dine for thirty minutes. At 12:30 I then started a load of laundry before taking a shower. At 1:10 I then folded and put away laundry that was hanging on the clothing rack. At 1:25 I then hung a load to dry. I then picked up the downstairs a little before going up stairs. At 2:00 I washed dish's that were in the sink. I then had some lunch. At 2:15 I then went out onto the deck to shovel. What, NO REST. At 2:50 my mother had me sit down to fill some paper work until 4:30 I then order my medication before eating soup and a grilled cheeze for dinner. At 5:30 I then sat down to blog. I then was so tired I went right to bed 6:30. First I took a peak flo reading 450, 470, 460.

Breath Troy Breath

I began my Sunday morning at 7:30 a.m. by stretching and doing my weight exercises as I also drank my hot cocoa. At 8:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I started off with some fruit and fruit dip. I then toasted some waffles before sitting down to eat. At 9:10 I then went back to my bedroom to take my shower and continue to get ready to go to church. At 9:30 I then took my first reading with my peak flo meter. 450, 440, 420. At 10:00 I then left to go to church with my mother. Once church was let at 11:30 my mother and I then went to visit my grandmother at the Pierce House. We stayed for about twenty minutes right up until it was time for her to go eat dinner. We arrived home at 12:00 p.m. Once inside My mother had made me a salmon wrap for lunch. Once I had finished eating I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 12:45 until 3:00 before getting up. I then put my winter coat on, hat and gloves and went out back to do some snow shoing for fourty-five minutes. While outside I had no difficulty at all, but once I made my way back in my face turned pale and I proceeded to have breathing problems. Forgetting to use my inhaler before going out I suppose did not help matters any. So I immediatly used my inhaler to help out the situation. And so it did. Once things were calm my mother had made me a fruit smoothy. While drinking it I spoke to my sister on the telephone. I then sat and continued to talk with my parents before eating dinner. At 6:40 I then took another peak flo reading. 430, 430, 460. I then sat down to eat chichen rice and broccoli for dinner. Once I had finished eating I used my inhaler once again because I was having difficulty breathing once again. My father was telling that my doctor is a little concerned. He said I should not be still having the breathing problems. He would like for me to go to my doctor in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center to the stroke specialist to figure out what is going on. So he will be setting up an appointment for me. I then sat down to watch the news in my bedroom at 6:00 before going to my computer to blog. Few I am glad this day is over. HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH, BREATH!

Shoveling yet, "MORE SNOW!"

I began my Saturday morning at 9:00 by taking a reading with my peak flo meter before going out into the kitchen. 430, 480, 480. For breakfast this morning I had scrambled eggs and toasted muffins. At 9:25 I went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth. I then began to do my stretching. Once I had finished stretching at 10:00 I then continued with my weight exercises. At 10:30 I then put on my winter coat, boots, gloves, and my hat to go outside and shovel the deck. Once I had finished shoveling the deck I went inside to ride the swin air dine. After a thirty minute ride I took my shower then went out to the kitchen to eat lunch. I had a chicken fahitta. At 12:40 I then called my grandmother to talk briefly before laying down to rest. I had slept from 12:45 until 3:00 before getting up. Shortly after I was up my friend Dee Dee had called to talk. At 4:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat soup for dinner. I then went to my bedroom to watch the movie Jack Frost. At 6:00 I then changed it to the news before taking an air flo reading. 470, 430, 430. I then sat down to blog before calling it a day.

continued

Once I had finished my lunch I then lied down at 12:30. I had slept until 5:30 before getting up to go to the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents. Once I had finished eating I then went to my bedroom to sit down to blog. I then played words with friends on my Ipad before goingto sleep.

I began my Friday morning at 7:30 by going out to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. At 8:10 I then went back into my bedroom to change the sheets on my bed. Once I had my bed all made I then brought the sheets down stairs to wash. Once I had a load of laundry going I then road the shwin air dine for thirty minutes. I hung the laundry to dry before going back upstairs. I then went up to my bedroom to start cleaning and picking it up. At 11:30 I began to do my stretching and weight routine. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch while I watched the news.

SNOW SNOW SNOW !!!!!!!!!!!

I began my Thursday morning on this snowy first day of March at 9:00 a.m. by eating fruit-n-dip while my mother made strawberry muffins. Once I had finished eating I then went down stairs to ride the swin air dine for thirty minutes. I then went back up to my bedroom to do my stretching and weight exercises. At 11:10 I put my laundry away before going outside to shovel the deck. At 12:30 I then went inside to eat lunch. At 1:00 I lied down to rest. I slept until 4:00 before getting up to stretch. I then took a shower. I then called my friend Tim, who if you remember also lives with a visual impaired. We talked for thirty minutes. I then went and had soup for dinner. What better to have on a cold snowy day. Once I had finished eating, I then retired to my bedroom for the night so that I could blog and relax.