doing tai chi with Tobie

I began my last day of March at 5:00 a.m. in my bedroom by non other then stretching for thirty minutes then doing my weight exercises for another thirty minutes. Once I had finished my hour long workout, I then preceded to shower and get ready for the rest of my day, while drinking my hot cocoa. I then went out into the kitchen to have some bacon and an egg sandwich for breakfast with some fruit. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before cleaning my bathroom. I then grabbed my lunch and my knapsack and sat down to wait for United to arrive. Sam from United then soon pulled into the door yard. He and my father like to chat a bit before leaving. I was then soon on my way. Upon my arrival to WestSide, I had put my lunch in the refrigerator. I then changed into my sneakers before going into the gym for my P.T. session with Lydia. Lydia first had me riding the Nu Step for twenty-five minutes. After doing so, I had gone 1.57 miles. Lydia then had me on a mat stretching my ham strings. We then went out into the hall way to do some heel to toe walking. Which is very hard to do. Especially when your balance is off. Lydia then had me walking backwards. She then had me doing toe raises until i tired my foot out completely. After my P.T. session I then went to the conference room for tai chi group. Today the Tai Chi instructor Joe had another appointment, so Tobie led the group for an hour. In doing so she had each of us try to recall and exercise thus working on our cognitive skills as well as our mobility and balance. As I was doing so, Lora had a hold of my gate belt to help me with my balance. Carol then lead us in a meditation to end the group. At 11:00 I then preceded to stay in the conference room for the next hour for laughter therapy group. While the rest of the group was working on the laughter game we are making with Deb and Florina, I sat in front of the computer typing out the rules of the game. Once the hour was up, I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with others before going home at 1:00. I had arrived home at 2:10, thus sleeping all the way. I had gone inside to take a shower and went strait to bed. I had slept another 2.5 hours before getting up. I then went into the kitchen at 5:00 to eat dinner. After doing so, I had gone strait to my lap top to blog.

working on the ever note app with my sister, thus putting my poems into.

I began my Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. by packing my suitcase to go home. After doing so I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day. My sister Barbara then made us bacon and eggs with toast for breakfast. At 9:00 while waiting for my parents to arrive, my sister and I worked on downloading my poems into ever note folder. At 10:00 I had left for home with my parents. After a few stops along the way, we finally arrived home at 1:00 p.m. I then put on some comfy clothing and then had some soup for lunch. I then brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I had slept from 1:15-3:15. I then got up, preceding to unpack my suitcase. After doing so I then went into the kitchen to eat dinner. My mother had made homemade Pizza tonight. Once I had finished eating I then sat down to blog.

The day with my sister Barbara

I began my Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. at my sisters by first taking my shower to wake up. I had brought my stretching exercises with me, but there was no time to do so. Once I had showered my sister and I were out the door in no time at all. We had gone to a place called Egg & I for breakfast. I had an apple pancake with granola in it, something I had never tried before. Once we had finished eating we had left the restaurant at 10:30. We then went to Hannaford to pick up some water. We had arrived home at 11:00. I was then on line briefly before leaving the house to go for a walk with my sister. We had walked for thirty minutes before returning home at 12:30. I then was feeling tired, so I had lied down to rest and I had slept for four hours before getting up at 4:30. What else is new. Any little bit of exercise and it wipes me right out. My sister and I then left the house at 5:00 to go to Dave's B.B.Q. for dinner. Once we had finished eating our ribs we then went home. After a short walk, I then took a shower before sitting down to blog.

Going to my sisters for the weekend

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. bright and early as usual by getting up to losen my muscles. After doing so I the preceded to do my weight exercsises, which I had found out later in the day I probably should not have to save enough energy to do my walking at the Auburn Mall with a group from West Side. At 6:00 I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead before going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing so, I then had a bowl of hot cereal and english muffin. Once I had finished eating I continued to get ready. United soon arrived, so I had grabbed my things and out the door I went. I had arrived at WestSide at 9:00 a.m. This gave me a half an hour to put my lunch in the refrigerator and relax before going to the Auburn mall to do some walking with the walking group before the stores in the mall even open. Once at the mall I had walked around the mall four times with Casey. I had taken a couple of rest breaks along the way. I had lost my balance several times. My P.T. Lydia at West Side had mentioned to Casey, putting a gate belt around me, startin next week while I walk. We then returned to WestSide for 11:00. I then went to the gym for stretching group. We all sat in a circle naming stretches for the rest of the group to do. After an hours worth of stretching, which could not fall at a perfect time after walking group, I had gone to the kitchen to eat my lunch. I then waited for my parents to pick me up. They had arrived at WestSide at 1:30. We then went to scarborough. They had dropped me off at my sister so that I could spend some time with her while they were with some friends for the weekend. Once we had arrived I had sid good-bye and then I went straight to bed. I had slept from 2:10-3:45. About the time my sister had arrived home from work, I had woke up. We then went out for dinner. Once we had arrived home, I got comfortable, before sitting down to blog.

Packing for the weekend

My Thursday morning started off slowly. I had no where to go today, being my day off from therapy. Once I had made my way into the kitchen, I had heated my hot cocoa before sitting down to drink it and read the news paper. After eating some fruit, I then had some left over crepes for breakfast. At 8:25 I had returned to my bedroom to take the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. After doing so I had jumped on the bike to ride for thirty minutes while the wash was going. At 9:00 I had returned to my bedroom to make my bed with clean sheets. At 9:20 I had returned to the kitchen to start the dishwasher. I then went back to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry. I still do not get around as well as I would like. I am a little off balance, but I do o.k. during the course of the day. I do not fall much, because there is always a wall to lean on. HA! HA! at 9:45 I then went back to my bathroom to fill my pill containers for the week. At 10:00 I then preceded to do my stretching and weight exercises for an hour. I then put some clean laundry away. At 11:00 I then packed a suitcase to take to my sisters this weekend. My parents will be picking my up tomorrow after my therapy at West Side. We then will continue onward to Portland. At 11:20 I had spoke to my grandmother on the telephone before I had emptied the dishwasher. After doing so I had made myself a bean sandwich for lunch. I then had brushed my teeth before taking a shower. At 12:30 I then lied down to rest. I had slept for three hours before getting up. I had then called my grandmother one more time before dinner. I then returned to my bedroom after eating to sit down to blog. Looks like a possible rain, sleet, snow storm tomorrow. I guess we will just have to wait and see.

Making gains in P.T. every week.

I began my Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to have a bowl of cereal with banana with an english muffin. Once I had finished eating I had made my bed and brushed my teeth before riding for thirty minutes. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises before wrapping up my workout by stretching. At 9:30 I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead. At 10:00 I then went to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then had returned to my bedroom to put clean laundry away. I then packed my knapsack before going back out into the kitchen to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry. United soon arrived shortly after I had finished eating. I had arrived to West Side at 12:30. I then went downstairs to the kitchen to chat with others while they were eating lunch. I then went to the conference room for support group. Once we had finished sharing our thoughts for the week, I then went to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. He first had me on the Nu Step for twenty minutes. Once my legs were good and tired, Dan then had me in the parallel bars doing some balance exercises. As I was doing them, he then had me look to the left then to the right. At 3:00 I then met with Deb for an hour rehab session. together we took my poems and put them into ever note folders on I Pad and Lap Top. Dick from United then took me home. He was the United driver who spent time at d'youville receiving rehab while I was there. I had arrived home at 5:10. I then took my shower before eating dinner. I then went to my computer to blog.

16 laps in 8 minutes and 52 seconds, WOW !!!

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:15 a.m. by jumping out of to begin doing my weight exercises. First upper then lower. After doing so, i Had pulled out my stretching exercises. I then spent thirty minutes stretching before taking my shower and getting ready for the rest of the day. I then grabbed my lunch and my knapsack and went to the door to wait for my ride. Larry had brought Don and I in this morning. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 9:00 I had brought my lunch to the kitchen to put in the refrigerator before heading to the conference for Yoga group with Michelle and Carol. Today Don, Dave, and I first did some standing exercises, working on our balance, while listening to soothing music. We the spent the last ten minutes of the group laying on a mat relaxing. At 10:00 I then made my way downstairs to the gym for my P.T. session with Amanda. Amanda first had me on the Nu Step for twenty minutes on Level four. I had gone 1.38 miles which equals 125 steps. Amanda then had me walking around the perimeter on the downstairs. I had gone 16 laps in 8 minutes and 52 seconds. This equaled .5 miles. Amanda then brought me several glasses of water before going to the nurses office to meet with Sally the nurse. I had first showed Sally the new medications my neurologist put me on for headaches and seizures. Sally the took my blood pressure. 118 over 82. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with other clients. At 12:30 I then went back upstairs to meet with Deb for a support session. She and I worked on my I pad. I then met with Piper my case manager at 1:00. She had mentioned to me thinking about my next step in my therapy. We also spoke about the idea of an a.f.o helping to run. I then left to go home. I fall a sleep on the way home. I am so tired from therapy. Thank goodness the driver takes me home first before taking Donald home. I was home and in bed by 2:30. I had slept until 4:40 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to eat a plate of spaghetti for dinner, before returning to omy bedroom to blog.

Make those days count

I began my Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. I then did my weight exercises. At 5:40 I then took my shower and got ready for the day before going out into the kitchen to eat my fruit and drink my hot cocoa. I then had a bowl of cream of wheat and english muffin. I then returned to my bedroom to finish getting ready. I then grabbed my knapsack and my lunch and out the door I went. United had brought me to West Side for 9:00 a.m. Upon my arrival, I had gone straight to the gym for my P.T. session with Lydia. Today Lydia and I went over to Thorn Craig to do some snow shoeing on the trails in the woods. Once we had returned to West Side I had changed into my gym shorts and T-Shirt before going to Tai Chi group. We first exercised with Joe the instructor. We then did a tropical visualization. At 11:00 I then went to Laughter therapy group. Today Deb and Florina had us working on the laughter game we are making to share with other people, letting them know the benefits of laughter. I typed out the laughter song on the computer while others worked on the game itself. I then then typed out the rules of the game while others in the group made a spinner to use. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 Donald and I went home. I was so tired I had slept all the way home. I had arrived home at 2:45, thus going straight to bed. I had slept an extra two more hours before getting up at 4:45. I then went out into the kitchen to some soup for dinner before taking a shower. I then spoke to my grandmother before sitting down to blog. Just a note on my Progress. I was told by Lydia today my P.T. that I will be discharged from P.T. soon. The therapist at West Side know how hard I am working but they are having a hard time justifying a need for any more P.T. at this point. But if some where down the road I start to decline I will be able to pick up P.T. once again. But I do not see that happening any time soon. Keep your fingers crossed.

Taring down the walls

Sunday, I say, "YEH!" At least that is what I thought I would say. Now that I have your attention, Guess what? The most excitement I had today was in my opening statement in todays blog entree. HA HA HA !!! Well anyway I began my morning this morning not as active as I usually am. Although I did stretch, that is all I did, no weight exercises or cycling. After a thirty minute stretching workout, I then preceded to put some laundry away. After doing so, I had taken the time to take my shower and get myself ready to go to church before going out into the kitchen. Once I was at the kitchen table I had drank my hot cocoa while eating some fruit. I then had my breakfast. I then returned to my bedroom at 9:00 to brush my teeth and continue getting ready to go to church. I then sat in my bedroom while waiting for my parents. We had left for church at 10:00, giving us enough time before the start of mass at 10:30. Today during mass the priest asked us to fucus on for the week, to take down the walls and let others into your life. Even people you have held a grudge over through the years. After mass my parents and I went to visit my grandmother at the Pierce House. After doing so we had arrived home at noon. I then had a brief bite to eat before laying down to rest. I had slept for three hours before getting up at 3:30. I then called My Fair Point to fix my internet connection. At 4:45 I then had a bowl of soup before sitting down to blog.

crepes for breakfast, YUMMIE!!!

I began my Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. feeling a little extra tired, I had slept in a little. This did not seem to help matters any later on the day. Once I was in the kitchen I had some fruit and dip along with my hot cocoa. Once I had finished, my mother had made me some crepes for breakfast. I just, "LOVE" crepes. I had finished eating at 10:30. I then went back into my bedroom to take the sheets of my bed. before pOlishing my teeth, HA! HA! I then went the family room to ride the swin air dine for thirty minut. At 11:15 I then called my grandmother to see how things were going with her at the Pierce House. We spoke for five minutes. I then went to my bedroom to stretch. I then dusted my bedroom. after doing so I had gone to the laundry room to hang laundry to dry. I then started another load before laying down to rest. I had slept from 1:00-4:00. I then got up to make myself a half of sandwich. I was a little hungry, but did no want to eat to much before dinner. At 4:20 I had spoke to a friend on the telephone briefly before taking my shower. I then went out into the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents. Oh, and I am still tired.

First day of walking to wellness

My Friday morning began this morning at 6:00 a.m. Wow!!! I slept in an extra hour or so. I had gone out into the kitchen eat my breakfast first thing. Once I had drinken my hot cocoa and had some fruit, I then had a bowl of cream of wheat with a toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before making the bed so as to put my work out schedule on. You'd think I would know the entire workout by heart, but I don"t. I first stretched which seems to be the most importent these days do to all of the exercising I do at therapy. This prepares my body to do so. I then had time to do my upper weight exercises. At 7:00 I then put some clean laundry away before getting ready for the day ahead. Once I had showered and I was set to go, I grabbed my things and out the door I went. We then went to pick up Donald before making our way to WestSide. Upon my arrival Michelle and Casey took a group of us over to the mall to do some walking in walking to wellness group. This was my first time doing so in therapy without doing it with P.T. After making a number of laps around the mall, and a few rest breaks on different benches, We then went back to WestSide. While walking today I saw a United driver there walking too. Once back to WestSide, at 10:55 I then went to the gym for stretching group. A group of clients and I then stretched with Courtney and Casey. By doing so we each named a stretch for the group to do. We had gone around the group several times before ending. At 12:00 Larry from United took me home. I had arrived home at 1:30. I had just enough energy to eat the sandwich in the refrigerator my mother had mad for me before she had left for work this morning. I then went to bed. I don't know but somehow today's therapy made me a little extra tired. It was not P.T. but I was still using my legs and allot of my mind cognitive energy too. I had slept from 1:30-4:30 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to eat my dinner. After doing so I was back into my bedroom to blog before calling it a day.

Another foot of snow ?

I began my Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen. Being my day off of from therapy, I still got up and began my day as usual at the same time. But this morning I had woken to yet another foot of snow on the ground. I first drank my hot cocoa thus eating some fruit with dip. I then had bowl of cereal with a toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I had picked up the kitchen before starting the dish washer. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before starting in with my stretching, and that is all I did. I knew I had one heck of a work out ahead of me once I stepped out onto the deck to begin shoveling. At 9:15 I then finished stretching. I then got dressed and went out on the deck to shovel a foot of snow. As I was doing so I would use my legs bending my knees up and down to help my arms pick up the snow. This I was associating it with the wall squats I do in P.T. I then through the snow over the deck. This was my upper weight workout for the day. At 9:50 the phone had rang, so I took a break to go in and answer it. It was my grandmother. We spoke briefly, I then went outside to continue shoveling. I had done so from 9:50 until 12:00 noon. It took me close to three hours to shoveling the entire deck, with a couple of rest breaks in between. Once I was done shoveling, I then filled the bird feeders before going in to eat my lunch. After eating a ham spread sandwich, I then had just enough energy to empty the dish washer, thus putting the clean dish's away. I then washed some dish's from lunch and then put those away. After doing so, I had just enough energy to take a shower before laying down to rest. I had slept from 1:10-4:30. I don't know the reason, but I seem to be a little more tired then usual lately. I then went out into the kitchen to have salad before eating dinner. I then returned to my bedroom to blog.

Being rocked with the theraband during P.T.

My Wednesday morning began at 7:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to have a cup of hot cocoa and my plate of cut up fruit. After doing so, I then ate the two left over Pop overs with maple syrup fro breakfast. Once I had finished lapping my plate, HA! HA! I then picked up the kitchen. At 8:15 I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and make my bed before starting in with my exercises. First at 8:25 I then rode the bike for thirty minutes. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to do my leg exercises with my ankle weight strapped on. At 9:10 I then did my arm exercises with my weights. Once I had finished with all my stretching, I then put my clean laundry away. I then organized my knapsack. At 10:00 I then preceded to get ready for the rest of my day. After taking my shower I had brought my things to the door. I then sat down to call my grandmother before my ride arrived. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 1:00 p.m. I had made my way into the conference room for support group. Once we had checked in and shared our thoughts and ideas about the week I then went downstairs to the gym at 2:00 for my P.T. session with Dan. Dan first had me on the Nu Step for twenty minutes. Once I had finished riding, Dan then got me some water before moving on to the parallel bars. While in the parallel bars I stook on the boso ball trying to maintain my balance. Dan then put a theraband around my waist pulling me in every direction trying to make me lose my balance, rocking me from side to side. I did not do all that bad. Matter of fact I did excellant! At 3:00 I then had a rehab session with Deb to work on my I pad and lap top. Today we worked on the Ever Note App and its use. Roger from United then took me home 4:00. Upon my arrival home I had taken my shower before sitting down to have a meat loaf meal. I then went to my laptop to blog.

Keeping your body aligned to help with good posture

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. I did so for thirty minutes, accumulated all of the stretching I have learned along the journey towards recovery. I then turned to my weight exercises at 5:30 before getting ready for the day ahead. I have been doing everything lately from my workout to getting myself ready for my day ahead before leaving my bedroom to save myself some steps. I now have time to focus and recognize small things such as what to do to make things easier for myself now that my strength is some what where I want it to be and my exercises are in tact. At 6:00 I had gone out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing so, I then had a bowl of hot cereal and half of a toasted english muffin. I then brushed my teeth before sitting down to wait for Larry. How do I know Larry is picking me up, you ask. He always picks me up Tuesday morning. Once I was in the van we then went to pick up another client along the way. After doing so we had arrived had WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I then made my way into the conference room for Yoga group. Today Michelle and Carol had us doing different exercises to improve our posture. Fun Fact, crossing your legs while sitting is not good for posture, because your body is not alined. We then spoke about breathing and why we sometimes hold our breath when doing things. Ever since my stroke that is what I tend to do all the time. We then did corps pose to end the group. At 10:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session wit Amanda. She first had me ride the Nu Step for twenty-five minutes on level four. I then walked around the lower level of WestSide eight times in four minutes and twelve seconds. this was one-fourth mile. I then did five thirty second holding wall squats with Amanda. After P.T. I had a thirty minute break so I had taken a shower thus getting ready for the rest of my day. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session wit Cec who was filling in for Sally. I had reviewed new medications with Cec then showed her paper on how to take them. She then took my blood pressure 120 over 78 on right arm. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with others. At 12:30 I then met with Deb. Deb helped me download the app ever note onto my lap top and I pad. At 1:00 I then met with my case manager Piper for a fifteen minute session. Dick from United then took me home. I had arrived home at 2:30. Upon doing so I had gone straight to bed. and I slept until 5:00. I then went into the kitchen to eat dinner before sitting down at my computer to blog. WHAT A DAY!!!

Standing on a bosu ball during P.T.

I began my Monday morning at bright and early at 4:30 a.m. by getting up to stretch. I did so for an hour before turning to my weight exercises. I have learned so many different stretches in the past few years while at WestSide Neurorehab that it takes me longer and longer to do my workout. I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead. I then preceded to go out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had drinken my hot cocoa and ate some fruit, I had a bowl of hot cereal with an english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I then finished getting ready before grabbing my duffle bag and lunch. United wheelchair arrived shortly after. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 9:00 a.m. for my P.T. session with Lydia. Lydia first had me walking on the treadmill for twenty minutes at2.3 miles per hour at 5% incline. After walking .75miles, Lydia then had me jogging lightly on the trampoline fir thirty seconds four times. Lydia then had me standing on a bosu ball. Of course I had the good old gate belt on. I had stood on the bosu ball for thirty seconds three times. She then had me doing squats. At 10:00 I then went to the conference room room for tai chi group. Today Ethan had helped me with my balance as I did the form and other tai chi exercises. We then did some standing meditation and other meditation exercises. At 11:00 I then had laughter therapy. We first introduced ourselves saying one positive thing about our week. We then went around stating the benefits of laughing. We then talked about the laughter game we are making as a group. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 United took Donald and I home. I had arrived home at 2:00. Upon doing so, I had gone straight to bed thus sleeping until 5:00. Mondays therapy is always a killer. Once I was up, I had gone out into the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents before going to my computer to blog.

Staying home from church do to a migrane

I began my Sunday morning at 7:20 a.m. by getting up to do my stretching and weight exercises until 8:00 a.m.I then took my shower and got ready for the day ahead, before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. My mother had made pop overs for breakfast this morning. After drinking my hot cocoa and eating some fruit, I then had two pop overs with butter and and maple syrup. At 8:45 I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before sitting down to fill up my pill containers for the week. As I was getting ready to leave to go to church with my parents, I started to feel sick. The effects from to concussion that I had was giving me a migrane which in turn was making me feel like vomiting again. Oh I hate this feeling. It has ben happening quite often lately. So as my parents were leaving, I was getting ready to lay back down. I then lied down at 10:00 and I slept until 1:30 before getting up. Once I was up my mother had made me a fruit smoothy. I then had some lunch. Once I had finished eating I had spoke to my grandmother at 2:15 for twenty minutes. I then sat down to play a game of cribbage with my mother. At that point my headache level was a two on a scale of 1-10. At 5:00 I then wrote a thank you poem to my physical therapist I had skied with this past winter. At 5:10 I then went out into the kitchen to eat dinner with my parents. At 6:00 I then went to my computer to blog.

REST UP

After my day skiing yesterday, which happened to be the most time I had spent on my skies, thus making the most runs in the course of a day I had slept all night last night. My eyes did not open this morning until 10:00 a.m. That is where we begin. I had first gone out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. being Saturday my mother was home, so she had made me steak and eggs for breakfast along with a toasted english muffin. I had spent a good half an hour eating before heading back into my bedroom to brush my teeth. I then went to the family room to ride for thirty minutes. Once I had finished cycling, I then went back to my bedroom to put my clean laundry away. As I was doing so a friend had called. We had spoke briefly. At 11:20 I then preceded to begin my leg exercises with my ankle weights. I then preceded to workout with my upper body. After doing so I then did my stretching before putting some clean laundry away my mother had left outside my bedroom door. At 12:30 I then grabbed the shovel and went out on my deck to shovel. It is a small deck, so it took me all of five minutes to do. I then lied down to rest at 12:40. still tiered from skiing yesterday, I had slept unitl 4:40 before getting up. I then had taken a shower before going out into the kitchen to have a plate of spaghetti for dinner. I then returned to my bedroom to blog, before calling it a day.

My last day on on the slopes for the season

I began my Friday morning at 7:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing being Friday, my day of skiing I had made myself some hot cereal along with an english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I then preceded to go back to my bedroom at 8:10 and make my bed. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before going to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then rode the swin air dine from 8:20-8:50. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to stretch. After putting some laundry away my mother had left outside my bedroom door, I then preceded to hang the load I had started. At 9:40 I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day. At 10:10 I then started another load of laundry. before going to my bedroom to fill my pill containers for the week. After doing so, I had sat down to eat an egg sandwich my mother had left in the refrigerator for me. At 10:35 I then brushed my teeth before getting my ski clothing on. So sad, it is my last day of the ski season. I then went to the laundry room to hang another load of laundry to dry. At 11:10 I then called my grandmother to chat before leaving. Larry from United had arrived at 11:30 to take me to Lost Valley ski area to ski with my P.T. Lydia. I had arrived at Lost Valley at 12:50. After getting my skis out of the van, I then grabbed my ski bag and went into the lodge to get ready. After I had my ski gear on, Lydia then took our ski bags to the locker room. We then made nine runs down the mountain in one hour and forty-five minutes with one five minute break. We then went into the lodge to to get out of our ski boots and pack up to go home. I only fell once today as I was turning onto to my right side towards the end of the day. It was getting week, the side that was effected by the stroke. United then picked me up and took me home. I had arrived home at 4:45. My father was there waiting by the door to take my skis and ski bag out of the van for me. Thank you, Dad!!! I then went inside to take my shower and blog before dinner.

Getting my workout in by shoveling the deck

I began my day this morning at 8:45 a.m. by looking out the window of my bedroom. As I was doing so, I new I had a job ahead of me, shoveling the deck. I then went out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. No fruit dip this week. In church this past Sunday we were given the assignment by the priest of not eating any sugar for the week until next Sunday. So far I am not doing all that ba, although I am missing the nightly snack once in a while. I then had a piece of toasted homemade bread with peanut butter. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom at 9:10 to brush my teeth, I then took the sheets off my bed to be washed. At 9:30 I then put my boots and coat on to go outside to shovel the deck. It took me until 10:45 as I had shoveled by layers of snow. I then went inside to to take my shower before laying down to rest. I had slept from 11:10-3:00, before getting up to have a snack of pretzels dipped in egg salad with a glass of ice tea. At 1:05 I had called United Wheelchair to confirm my pick up time tomorrow to transport me to Lost Valley to ski with my P.T. I then spoke to a friend for a brief period before eating dinner. I then went to my bedroom to blog before going to bed. I am still tired, believe it or not.

IT IS SNOWING AGAIN

My Snowy Wednesday began here in the great state of Maine at 7:30 a.m. I had gone out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. As I looked out the window snow flakes were flying everywhere. I then had my breakfast while continuing to watch the flakes fly. They had done so all day. Once I had picked the kitchen up, I then started the dish washer. I then went downstairs to ride for thirty minutes. As I was doing so the dispatcher from United had called to let me know he would not be sending a van to come get me today do the snow we wer geting. Once I was off the phone with Kevin, I then made my bed and brushed my teeth before beginning my weight exercises. I can remember right after my stroke I would go to brush my teeth with my right arm and hand and the only direction I could get the arm to move was in an up and down. I could not get it to go from side to side. Once I had worked out with my upper body. I then made my bed. I then preceded to stretched for thirty minutes. At 10:00 my mother had called to let me know what was in the refrigerator for lunch. My vision is not all that great nor is my memory do to the strokes I have had. So by telling me, at least I will have some idea what I am looking for. I then continued to stretch until 10:45. I then went out into the kitchen to empty the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. I then spoke to my grandmother briefly before doing my leg exercises at 11:05. At 11:45 I then went out into the kitchen to my lunch. At this point it was still snowing out, and coming down at a good clip. Once I had finished eating, I had once again brushed my teeth up and down or from side to side which ever way my arm decides to go. I then slept from 12:00 until 3:30. I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the night. I then spoke briefly with a friend, before eating dinner. I then returned to my bedroom to blog.

An appointment with my neurologist Dr. Selveteli

My day started at 6:00 a.m. out int the kitchen drinking my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. I then had a bowl of hot cereal and half of a toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready to go see my neurologist. Once I was ready I had spoke to my mother on the telephone from her work at 8:15. I then called my grandmother before leaving. At 8:30 I was on the road with my dad to Portland. Once we were in the big City we had stopped off at Dick's sporting goods to kill some time. I had picked up some ankle weights to use to strap around my ankles while doing my leg exercises. At 10:50 we then left for the doctors office. Upon our arrival for 11:30 I was geven forms to fill on medication ect. You know the drill. I then waited to see Dr. Selviteli. At 12:00 I then was brought into a room where the nures took my blood pressure and my weight. I then met with the Doctor. She had ask me the normal questions, do you drink or smoke. I replied, no. She then said, have you ever, I then again replied, no. I then showed her the notes on my I Pad of keeping track of my head aches. She then wrote me out two prescription. At 12:00 my father and I then went to Sebego restaurant in Portland for lunch. After a bowl of fish chowder and half of a Ruban sandwich, We had left the restaurant for home. Once in Farmington I had stopped off at the pharmacy to pick up my prescriptions. We had arrived home at 3:40. I then did my weight exercises then stretched. At 5:00 I then took my shower before having a bowl of soup. At 5:40 I then called my grandmother to let her know how my day went. I sat down to blog.

Meeting with my new P.C.P. Dr. Emery

My morning began at 7:30 a.m. by taking my shower and getting ready for my Doctors appointment. I then went out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit while glancing over the news paper. I then had a piece of my mother home made maple bread with peanut butter. After doing so, I then continued to get ready for my Doctors appointment. At 10:00 my father then took me to the Doctors. We had arrived at 10:00. I had to fill out some forms updating my medication chart. I then met with the doctor. Doctor Emery had mentioned that my Carbatrol levels were low. That explains why I have been so tired lately. Dr. Emery then called my neurologist in Portland who I with be going to see tomorrow in Portland. The reason she was calling her to see about getting an early start on my med change, but she was unable to reach her. At 11:30 I then left my appointment. We had arrived home at 12:00 noon. I then had a bite to eat before exercising. I first rode the exercise bike for thirty minutes. As I was doing so a friend had called. We had spoke for fifteen minutes, I then continued to ride until 1:00. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom at 1:00 to fill my pill containers for the week. At 1:10 I then began to stretch. I had done so for fifty minutes. I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 2:00-4:30. I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat my dinner with my parents. I then sat down to blog before calling it a day.

out to eat with family and friends

I began my morning this morning at 8:00 am. I did not exercise that much other then stretching which took me all of thirty minutes. I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat an egg with home made bread for breakfast. It is always in the back of my mind would my body improve any more if I had done my weight exercises and ride for thirty minutes. I do not know. At 9:30 I then brushed my teeth before leaving to go to church with my mother. before leaving church today the priest had asked us to have no sugar this week. Cakes, pies desserts, ect. At 11:30 my mother and I then went to visit my grandmother as the Pierce House. While there my mother had given my grandmother communion, we then sat to visit briefly before she went to lunch. At 12:00 we then went home. Sandra and Jim some friends of ours had arrived shortly after. We then went to Augusta to the Olive Garden for lunch. While there we enjoyed great conversation with friends. After a nice meal we left for home. I had arrived home at 5:00. I then sat down to blog once inside.

feeling a little under the weather

My started this morning at 10:00 a.m. I was feeling o.k. at this point so I went out into the kitchen to eat my fruit and fruit dip while drinking my hot cocoa. My mother then made me a dropped egg on toast with home fries. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth then went to the exercise bike to ride for thirty minutes. After doing so I then folded some laundry I had washed yesterday that I had hung to dry. At 11:55 I then preceded to do my leg and arm exercises. After I had finished stretching, I had gone to bed at 12:15 and I slept until 4:15. Once I was up I had gone out into the kitchen to eat some clam chowder. I then wrote a note in my I pad about today's pain level and such. At 5:00 I had taken my shower before sitting down to blog.

another mix up

I began my Friday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to have a bowl of cream of wheat with english muffin for breakfast. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to begin stretching. After doing so I then took my shower and got ready for the day ahead. Little did I know I would be spending the day right at home. At 8:00 I then called my grandmother to talk briefly before leaving. At 8:15 I then called United Wheel Chair because it was getting a little late. My was not scheduled. Just my luck. So now that I was staying home, I began to exercise. At 9:45 I had rode the bike for thirty minutes. First I had started the dish washer. As I was riding Dr. Emery's office had called to remind me of my appointment next week. At 9:20 I was in the kitchen and as I was walking into the formal living room, I saw three deer crossing in our front yard. At 9:30 I then went back to my bedroom to do my leg exercises. I then did my arms until 9:45. At 10:00 I then started a load of laundry. I then spoke to a friend on the phone. At 11:00 I was feeling hungry. so I had made myself a grill cheese. I then hung a load to dry. At 11:10 I then emptied the dishwasher thus putting the dish's away. I had to pass the time some how. At 11:40 I then took my shower after exercising. At 12:00 my mother called to see if I wanted to go out again today with she and my grandmother. I said no. I then went to bed. I had slept for three hours before getting up. I then made myself a salad. before speaking to a friend on the telephone. I then went to my room to blog.

Around town

It really feels good the days I have off from WestSide therapy, that being today, When I can get out into my community to see what else is going on in this world. A side from the days I am working my tail to the bone, help strengthen my body, I really do not allow time for lets say extra activity in my life during the week. I spent the morning doing non other then the usual like changing the sheets on my bed, doing a load of laundry. That had kept me busy for the better half of the morning. Once I had eaten my breakfast I had continued my busy schedule. At 9:15 I then began to exercise. riding the bike for thirty minutes, doing my weight exercise, and stretching. This took me all of an hour before speaking to my mother on the telephone. She had called to see if I wanted to get out this afternoon. I said yes. At 11:30 I then got ready for the rest of my day. After my shower, I then started another load of laundry. It is amazing the way I can get around the house these days. Although I have my mishaps, things work out quite well. My mother had picked me up at 1:00 and off we went. To the drug store, to get gas for the car in the Wilton the next town over from where I live, to Wal-Mart, then to Hannaford before stopping off at the Pierce House to visit my grandmother. We finally arrived home at 4:00. As I am out riding around I often times wished I could drive. It frustrates me, but what can I do. It sure would be convenient to have a drivers licence, but they do not issue people with visual impairments that priilege to do so. I had arrived home at 4:00. After dinner I then sat down to blog. WOW! What a busy day!!!

Learning about the I tuned app and its use

I began my Wednesday morning at 8:00 a.m. by getting up to go out into the kitchen as usual to drink my hot cocoa and my plate of fruit before eating my breakfast. After doing so I then preceded to pick up the kitchen before started the dishwasher. Once the dish washer was on a role, I then went to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. while I was downstairs I had rode the exercises bike for thirty minutes. After doing I then hung the laundry to dry. At 9:30 I then returned to my bedroom to do my weight exercises, both arm and leg. I then stretched. At 10:15 I then preceded to take my shower and get ready to go to WestSide. At 10:45 I then emptied the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. I then made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. Being ash Wednesday I could not eat any meat. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth before grabbing my knapsack and cane to bring to the door. United soon arrived. I was then at therapy for 1:00 p.m. I had first gone to the conference room for support group. there was allot of frustration being spoke today in group with outcome of peoples strokes, including my own. At 2:00 I then went to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. Today Dan first had me on the Nu Step for twenty minutes on level four. Dan then had me doing forward weight shifting then side weight shifting on the bo sue ball. Dan then had me side stepping on a two by four, as I tried to keep my balance. At 3:00 I then had a rehab session with Deb. Deb had helped me with my I pad with the I tunes app. Showing me some things and understanding its use a little better. At 4:00 Roger from United took me home. I had arrived home at 5:00 thus taking my shower before sitting down to eat my dinner. I then went to my bedroom to blog.

Gentle floor yoga

I began my Tuesday morning at 4:30 a.m. by getting to stretch. After doing so which took me all of forty-five minutes, I then pulled out my weights. I first strapped the ankle weights on and began to do my leg raises and other leg exercises. I then grabbed my arm weight and began to lift. At 6:00 I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so my mother had made me a banana sandwich with peanut butter. I then brushed my teeth before grabbing my things, out the door I went. I had arrived at WestSide for 9:00 a.m. Upon doing so, I had made my way to the conference room for Yoga. Today David, Gail, and I first focussed on our breathing with Carol. We then followed a video on gentle floor yoga. At 10:00 I then went to the gym for my P.T. session with Dan. He first me on the nu step for twenty minutes. I then did squats while standing on a ramp. He then had me walking on and over ramps and a trampoline. At 11:00 I then had a thirty minute break. Just enough time to take a shower and rest. At 11:30 I then met with Sally the nurse. We spoke about my two upcoming doctors appointments next week and other medical issues. At 12:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 I then met with Deb. Today she and I went over some notes I have on how to use my I pad. We then edited some of todays therapy do to changes in my schedule. At 1:00 I then met with Piper for my case management session. At 1:15 Richard from United took me home. He is the driver who was in D' Youville acute rehab the same time I was. I had arrived home at 2:30. Upon doing so, I had gone straight to bed and slept until 5:00. I then ate dinner before going to my computer to blog.

Making the best of my day

I began my Monday morning as early as usual, 4:30 a.m. by getting up to first do my stretching while watching the news. I had done so for forty-five minutes before turning to my weight exercises. After doing so I had taken my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then gather my things, thus bringing them to the door. I then sat and waited for my ride. Upon my arrival to WestSide today for 9:00 a.m. I had put my lunch in the refrigerator, I then preceded to go to the gym for my P.T. session with the P.T. student Seth. He first had me walking on the treadmill for thirty minutes. He then had me standing on a cushion. As I was doing so, I then stepped up alternating legs. After P.t. I then made my way to the conference room for Tai Chi group. Today we worked on a lot of breathing and relaxing as we exercised. I was also working on my balance with that gate belt strapped around my waist. At 11:00 I had stayed in the conference room for laughter therapy. Today Deb and Florina had us watching Robert Fiverse participating in breathing exercises, then letting out a chuckle. We also said what we did over the weekend followed by a yah. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 United took Donald and I home. After sleeping for an hour on the way home, Once I was inside the house, I had gone strait to my bedroom to sleep three hours more until 5:00. Monday mornings are always a killer for me. Once I was up, I had gone out into the kitchen to eat my dinner before sitting down to blog at 6:00. Ah, time for bed. unbelievably, I am still tired.

Going to church with my parents

I began my Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while some fruit with fruit dip. I then had my breakfast. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom at 8:45 to take my shower and get ready to go to church with my parents. Once I was ready, I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week ahead. At 10:00 my mother, father and I had left for church. Upon our arrival, we went into the church. Once we were in the pew, the priest had come up to me and asked who do we have with us today. I then introduced my father to the priest. Once the mass was over, my father had dropped my mother off at the Pierce House so that she could go in and give my grandmother communion. While she was doing so, My father took me to the shop to give me a haircut. After doing so, We had picked my mother up at noon. We then went home. We had arrived home at 12:15. I then had a bowl of soup before laying down to rest. I had slept from 12:40-3:20. I then put on my workout clothing and began to exercises. I first rode the exercise bike for thirty minutes. I then returned to my bedroom at 3:55 to first do my leg exercises with my ankle weights. I then worked out with my upper body. At 4:15 I then took a break and had some of the innereds from the turkey we were having for dinner. At 4:20 I then stretched until 5:00. I then spoke to my sister on the telephone. After doing so, I had taken a shower before eating dinner. At 6:40 I then took out my I pad and caught up on my notes for my headaches. I was a few days behind. I then sat down to blog.

a visit from grandma

I began my Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing so, I then had some scrambled eggs before going back to my bedroom to stretch, while my mother went to the Pierce House to pick up my grandmother to bring her to the house for a visit. Once I had finished stretching, I then set up a game we have called tock which my grandmother likes to play. My grandmother and mother arrived at 11:00. We sat right down to start playing tock. It is a game for up to four people where you try to get your marbles around the board by using a deck of cards for points. The first one to do so wins. We had played two games before sitting down to some pork pie and a blueberry pie for dessert which my mother had made. Once we had finished eating we had played skip-bo. At 1:30 I then said good-bye to my grandmother before laying down to rest. I had slept for three hours before getting up to out into the kitchen to talk with my parents. At 5:30 I then took a shower before sitting down to blog before dinner.