A B C' s of laughter

I began my Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up to do my weight exercises and stretching. After doing so, I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead while drinking my hot cocoa. I then went out into the kitchen to eat my fruit, cereal, and a toasted muffin for breakfast. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before sitting down to wait for United to arrive. My ride finally arrived at 9:45. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 11:00, I had put my lunch in my locker then went to the conference room for laughter therapy with Deb and Flourina, Today they had us first check in. As we did so, we had to say one positiv thing about our weekend flowed by a yah. We then sang happy birthday to Flourina. Once we had checked in we then watched Robert Reverse for laughter therapy. He first had us follow along with the A B C 's of laughter. After laughing along with Bob we then watched a take on Ellen with some of her comedy. We then each took a turn reading information on line about laughter. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00, I then had a rehab session with Deb. Today she and I discussed walking a 5k. It is the anurysm survivor walk and that I am an anurysm survivor. It happens on September 13. I have already walked a 5k in hiking group, so it should be no problem. At 2:00 United took me home. I had arrived home at 3:00 thus going straight to bed. I had slept until 5:45 before getting up to take a shower. I then ate dinner with my parents. After doing so, I sat down to blog.

I began my Sunday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up leaving camp to go home with my mother. We had arrived home at 6:30. We first unpacked the car, thus bringing my things to my bedroom. After doing so I then began to do my weight exercises. After doing so, I the preceded with my STRETCHING. " ALL I WANT TO DO IS BE ABLE TO RUN!!!" at 8:00 I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week. At 8:45 I then went into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. My mother had made me blueberry pancakes this morning as I was eating my fruit. At 8:50 I then returned to my bedroom brush my teeth and take my shower, thus getting ready to go to church. At 9:45 my mother and I left for church. Today was Father Tom's last day. There was to be a retirement party after mass. We then went to see my grandmother. While visiting my grandmother her friend Kathy was there. By "FRIEND" I mean that each person living at the Pierce house is assigned a friend to do things for them. Once my mother had given my grandmother communion we then went to Tranton's store in town to pick up some things to make dinner. We then took a ride to Starks before returning home. We had arrived home at 1:00. My mother had made me a huge salad for lunch, along with some homemade bread. Once I had finished eating I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 1:30-4:30. I then got and chatted with my mother briefly before sitting down to play a game of cribbage 'til 5:30. At 6:00 we then had shepherds pie for dinner. I then spoke to my grandmother once I had finished eating before sitting down to blog.

Taking a walk in the heat

I began my Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. by going into the camp from my bunkhouse. Once inside, I had got my hot cocoa and went out on the deck to sit and look at the lake with my mother as I drank. We then went back into the camp at 9:30 so as to eat some fruit. while my mother had cooked up some eggs. Once I had finished eating, I then went back out to the bunkhouse at 10:25 to make my bed. After doing so I had gone for a walk with my mother. We had walked for thirty minutes before finding it to hot to continue. We had returned to camp at 11:15. I then began to stretch.Once inside I the began to stretch. At 11:30 I the called my grandmother to chat for ten minutes. After doing so, I continued to stretch. At 11:45 I was feeling tired, so I ventured back out into the bunkhouse to rest. I had slept from11:45-3:00. I then went back into camp. My mother then made me a cucmber sandwhick for lunch. Once I had finished eating my mother and I played a game of cribbage. After doing so I had taken my shower at 4:00 before sittig out on the camp deck with my parents. At 4:50 I then sat down to blog.   

Last Cafe Meal for the summer.

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch and to do my weight exercsises. After doing so, I had taken my shower and got myself ready for the day ahead before going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. I then had a bowl of ceral and a muffin. At 6:30 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. I then grabbed my knapsack and lunch and met United Wheelchair in the driveway. I had arrived to westSide for 9:00 a.m. I had sat in the lobby for thirty minutes for walking to wellness group to leave for the River Walk to go walking with Michelle and Matt. My legs were strong to today, thus giving very good balance. Towards the end of our walk, my right foot started to drop a little causing me to trip a little. Overall it was a good walk. I did not even have a gate belt on today. YEH!!! We had returned to WestSide at 11:00. I had gone directly to the conference    room for stretching group with Courtney and Michelle. Picture stirring a big pot of soup with two hands. Or even bowling while sitting in a chair. Theses are two of the stretches we do. They are seated stretches, everyone of that we do. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area for the last Cafe Meal for the summer. Today we had Lobster rolls, chips, and a truffle for lunch. At 12:30 I then took a shower before going home. Dan from United took me home this afternoon. I had arrived home at 2:15. Upon doing so, I had packed some things, I then left for camp with my father. My mother left shortly afterward. We arrived to camp at 3:30. I then went stait to my shack to rest. I slept until 6:15 before getting up and going into the camp. I then sat down to blog before dinner. 

Riding around with grandma

I began my Thursday morning at 7:45 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat my fruit and drink my hot cocoa. After doing so, I had fixed myself a bowl of cereal with a cut up banana and a half of a toasted english muffin. At 8:00 I then returned to my bedroom once I had pick up the kitchen, to brush my teeth and shave. After doing so, I had returned to the kitchen to start the dish washer. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to make my bed before starting in with my stretching. After going through my stretching routine, I then preceded with my weight exercises. First upper then lower. At 9:15, I then went outside to stack another row of wood, so that it could it dry. I had done so until 10:30. I then went inside to empty the dish washer, thus putting the dish's away. At 11:00 I spoke to my mother on the telephone from work. She had let me know that she would be picking me up at 1:15. At 11:45 I then made myself some lunch with left overs that were in the refrigerator. Once I had finished eating I had taken my shower before laying down to rest. I had slept for an hour before getting up at 12:30. I then had gone with my mother and grandmother who was already in the car waiting. At 1:40 we had stopped at Giffords Ice cream. We then took a ride to Wilton the next town over from the town I live. On our way back we stopped at Hannaford to pick up some groceries. While there I had picked up some prescriptions I had called in. At 3:15 we then brought my grandmother home. After doing so, we had arrived home at 3:40. Once all the groceries were in the house, I then got comfortable before sitting down to blog. What a day indeed.

Reviewing our presentation today in B.I.E. Group

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up to do my weight exercises both arm and leg. I then preceded to stretch. At 7:10 I then ended my morning workout. After taking my shower, I had gone out into the kitchen eat my breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then went to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. At 8:30 I then went to my bedroom to order my medication. At 8:35 I had called my grandmother on the phone before hanging laundry to dry. It was raining out. so I had hung in inside. United wheelchair had arrived shortly after doing so to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for I had gone straight to the conference room to join the Brain Injury Education Group. I was a little late on my arrival do to my transportation, but I made it just the same. Today the group reviewed how the presentation went yesterday at Franklin Memorial Hospital. We then spoke about changes that could be made to our personal stories we tell our audience. We also try to create a story for me. being new in the group, I am yet to have a personal story of my brain injury and the challenges that I face. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 I then returned to the conference room for support. I had spoke about my first presentation yesterday with the B.I.E. Group and how I had the class write there name in cursive on their knee while circling there foot. After doing so others had checked with Deb and Sam. At 2:00 I then had my P.T. session with Matt on the Gym. I first went on the elyptical. I had gone 1.12 miles in twenty minutes on level three. I then went into the parallel bars to do some balance exercises while standing on an erix cuission. At 3:00 United took me home. Upon my arrival for 4:00 I had taken a shower before sitting down to blog. I then ate my dinner.

My first Brain Injury Education Group Presentation

I began my Tuesday morning at 4:30 a.m. by getting up to stretch. Saving most of my energy for the day ahead, I had held back on my weight exercises. At 5:00 I then took my shower thus getting ready. As I was doing so, I had sipped my hot cocoa. At 5:20 I then went out into the kitchen to eat my fruit and a bowl of cereal, along with a muffin. At 5:50 I then brushed my teeth before sitting down to wait for United to arrive. They had arrived at 6:30. I had arrived at WestSide at 7:45. I then got right back in a car with Deb and Michelle and the other clients in the Brain Injury Education group to travel back to Farmington at Franklin Memorial Hospital to give a presentation on the effects of brain injury. We had arrived at 8:45. Upon doing so we went to the room we were to present in. the class was already waiting. I started by introducing the brain injury education group and who we are and what we do. I then introduced the first client. He then told his story. He then did an activity. Then another client told there story and did an activity and so on. After presenting to two groups, We were then on our way back to WestSide at 11:00. At 12:00 we arrived. I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. I then went to the conference room at 12:30 for a support session with Deb. We had gone over how the presentation went. At 1:00 I then met with my case manager Piper. We spoke about my goals and options I have for the future. United then took me home at 1:15. I had arrived home at 2:30. I then went to bed and slept two hours before getting up and speaking with my parents and sister. I then sat down to blog at 5:00 before eating dinner.

Having a hard time breathing during Hiking Group

I began my Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch and to do my weight exercises. After doing so I had taken my shower and get ready ready for the day ahead. At 6:30 I then went out into the kitchen to have a bowl of cereal and english muffin with jam. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth and then put some sunscreen on. I then brought my duffle bag and lunch to the door. United soon arrived to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for 9:00 a.m. I had put my lunch in the refrigerator before going to the lobby to wait We then went to the conference room to meet briefly. The hiking group then went with Carol and Matt to Pinland. Before leaving I had used my inhaler. Upon our arrival we went hiking on some trails. While doing so I was having trouble to breath. Mat had me rest periodically. I was gasping for breath so bad at times it was the best thing to do. At times I was som focussed on the hike, I would forget to breath. We had arrived back to WestSide at 11:00. Upon doing so, I made my way to the conference room for laughter therapy. Today Deb and Florina had us first read smile it could make you happier work sheet. Deb then had me bring up the poem I wrote for her a few years ago to read to the group on laughter. We then watched Robert Riverse laugh the alphabet song. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 During my rehab session with Deb, We worked with my I pad, and talking about interests I might have. I am getting anxious to start doing presentations again with the Brain Injury Education group at WestSide. At 2:00 Lou from United took me home. I had arrived home at 3:30. Upon doing so, I had gone straight to bed. I had slept for ninety minutes. I then got to have a spaghetti dinner with my parents. After doing so I had taken my shower before sitting down to blog.

Walking after church

I began my Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. by getting up at 7:00 a.m. My mother and left camp right off to go home and get ready to go church. My father had stayed behind to pick up. We had arrived home at 8:00 a.m. Upon doing so, we had unpacked the car. I then had my hot cocoa and some fruit. After doing, I then ate breakfast. At 8:15 I then began my weight workout. I then stretch until 9:15. After my workout, I then took my shower and got ready to go to church. At 10:00 My mother and I left for church. I had packed my knapsack before leaving with my workout clothing so as to go walking after church around town. Today during mass we had a visiting priest who was filling in while ours was gone. After mass we had visited grandma. I then put on my running shorts and t-shirt to do some walking in around town. I had done so for an hour arriving back to my grandmothers at12:30. I then called my mother to come pick me up. At 12:45 My mother had arrived to bring me home. Upon my arrival, I had a bite to eat before laying down. I had slept from 2:20-4:35. After taking a shower, I then sat down to blog before dinner.

A restful day at camp

I began my Saturday morning at camp by sleeping in until 9:30. Ahhhhh. I went into the camp from my bunk house. After drinking my hot cocoa and eating some fruit, I then had some breakfast. Once I had finished eating the traditional camp breakfast of bacon, eggs, and home fries, I then preceded at 10:15 to begin stretching. Afte doing so, I then played some words with friends for brief moment. I then went walking with my mother on a camp road near by. We done so for foury five miunutes before returning back to camp at 1:00. I then went to my bunk house to rest. I had slept from 1:15-3:50. Once I was up, I went into the camp with some cleanl clothing in my knapsack on my back so that I could take a shower. Afte doing so, I then sat down with I pad to blog. 

going to camp for the weekend

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to do my weight exercises. After doing so I then stretched. The entire workout took me an hour. After doing so, I then showered and got ready for the day ahead. I then went out into the kitchen to eat some fruit and drink my hot cocoa, while my mother had made me some french toast for breakfast. At 6:45 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. After cleaning my bathroom, I had grabbed my lunch and duffle bag and off to West Side I went. Upon my arrival walking to wellness group went to the river walk trail to do there walking this morning. Michelle and Mat then took us back to WestSide. I then went to the conference room for stretching group. We all took turns naming several stretches for and hour with Michelle and Courtney while listening to music from the lait Nineties. At 12:00 I then took my shower before buying a cafe meal. At 1:00 I then went home. Upon my arrival I blogged before laying down to rest. I then went to camp for the weekend.

Taking a ride to camp

I began my Thursday morning at 8:40 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my plate of fruit. After doing so, I then had a bowl of cereal with banana. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom at 8:10 to brush my teeth and shave before starting a load of laundry. I then returned to my bedroom to stretch. At 9:00 I then called my mother at work. She let me know that she would be picking me up after she gets out of work around 1:15. At 9:05 I then preceded to do my arm and legs exercises with weights. At 10:00 I then went outside to stack another pile of wood, so that it could dry. I had done so until 10:45 before then doing some walking in the yard. I had walked for thirty minutes. I then went inside to take a shower and get ready for the rest of my day. I then had some lunch while watching the news. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to fill my pill containers for the week. Ever since my concussion and stroke I have not been able to refill my daily medication without looking at another one that is full. I use to do it all by memory before. At 12:45 I then took in the laundry and put it away. Good drying day. At 1:15 I then sat in my recliner to rest. At 1:40 I then left with my mother and grandmother to go for a ride. Along our journey we stopped for and ice cream. We then went to camp to pick up some laundry to be washed. We had left camp at 2:30. We then brought my grandmother home. We then went to Hannaford to pick up a few things before going home. Upon our arrival home, I had brought in the groceries. Once in my bedroom, I had put some new shirts away my parents had picked up for me. I then played some words with friends before pulling up my blog.

My first day of Brain Injury Education Group

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:30a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then preceded to have a bowl of cereal with banana and a toasted english muffin with jam. I had finished with my breakfast at 7:00 a.m. Thus going back to my bedroom to get ready for the day ahead. After shaving and brushing my teeth, I preceded to do my weight exercises. At 7:45 I then continued with my workout by stretching. I did ao until 8:00 a.m. After washing some dish's and picking up the kitchen, I took my shower and got ready for the day. At 8:45 I had folded some laundry and put it away. After doing so, I had gathered my lunch and knapsack and brought it to the door. I then called my grandmother. We spoke briefly before I had to go. I had arrived to WestSide At 11::00 a.m. this Wednesday. My first day back into the Brain Injury Education Group. This is the group I was involved with pryer to having my stroke, as I was going to WestSide to help with independent living. Now since my stroke it is more along the lines of physical activity. During my first day of B.I.E Group The group members showed me the new trifold they had completed, with information about Brain injury such as concussion. automobile accidents. and stroke, to name a few. They showed me the new brochure. We then practiced some of the activities they have when they do presentations. There next presentation is at the University of Maine In Farmington, Next Tuesday. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 I then went to the conference room for support group. Once the group had finished sharing and talking about there week I then met Mat in the gym for my P.T. session. Today we went to the Bates College Track. I had walked 1.5 miles before heading back to WestSide. At 3:00 Roger from United Wheelchair took me home. I had arrived home at 4:10. Once in my bedroom I had taken my shower before sitting down to blog.

Meeting a friend fome the past at WestSide

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. at my sisters by going downstairs to for breakfast. Once I had my coca, o.j. and a bagel with peanut butter and honey, I preceded to to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. I then packed up my things to go. I then brought my belongings downstairs and out to the car. I kept my duffle bag out, for I would be needing that to go bring to WestSide. United had soon arrived to bring me from my sisters in Scarborough to Lewiston. We had picked up another client along the way. We had arrived at WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I first had Yoga group with Michelle and Carol. Today they had us first breathing before following a seated yoga workout. As we were sitting in our chairs we practice our breathing as we exercise. This is the hardest part of my day in anything I do, TO BREATH!!! After my stroke my throat area was affected pretty heavily. At 10:00 I then made my way down to the gym for my P.T. session with Courtney. During this time we first rode the Nu Step. I had gone 1.14 miles in 20.06 minutes. Courtney then strapped the gate belt around my waist and we then went outside walking in the parking lot. After walking 1000 feet, I then went inside to do some tandem stepping. First time I did nine steps. The second time I was able to do 21 steps. But out of all the steps I had taken, I was only able to take three in a row without loss of balance. At 11:00 I then had a counseling session with Samantha. Once I had finished discussing interests I might have, I then had my Nursing session with Sally at 11:30. Sally spoke to me about my next botox shot with Dr. Lin. Since I had such a low dose with my last shot, Sally is going to speek to Dr. lin about giving me another before I am actually do for my next one. We then spoke about any head pain I am having, if any at all. Sally then took my blood pressure. 112 over 68. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. After doing so, I had had time to take my shower before meeting with Deb. At 12:30 Deb had helped me put the dates in my I pad for Cycling with Maine Adaptive sports. At 1:00 I then had my case management session with Piper. She had me signing about ten release forms so as to give Her permission to speak to doctors and family members. Before going home today I saw a friend that is returning to WestSide after a number of years for some extra help. She was there with her sister and mother. It is nice for those of us who can support from family. At 1:15 Larry from United took me home. I had arrived home at 2:30. Upon doing so I had gone strait to bed. After sleeping two hours, I had got up and went out into the kitchen to eat my dinner. Before sitting down to blog, I had given my grandmother a call.

planning a hike for next week

I began my Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. Being at my sisters, I was unable to do my weight exercises. At 5:30 I then took my shower before going downstairs to eat my breakfast. After doing so, I had grabbed my lunch and knapsack and out the door I went. It was a good thing United wheelchair was early picking me up today, For once we were in Auburn the dispatch had called my driver to back track to Gray to pick up a client. We then made it to WestSide on time at 9:00. I then with the rest of the hiking group to plan a hike for next week, we then went to walk on the David Rand Court Trail in Auburn. Once we returned at 11:00 I had gone to the conference room for laughter therapy. We watched Robert Riverse and laughed along with John and Florina. We then watched flicks from americas funniest home videas. At 11:30 we then watched kids say the darndest things with Cos and the kids. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:30 I then had a rehab session with Casey. She and I went on line to research the UMF fitness center. I was looking to join. United then took me back to my sisters. I had arrived there at 3:00 thus going straight to bed. I had slept til 5:00 before getting up to blog before spending time with my sister and mother. 

Happy Fathers Day

I began my Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. by going downstairs at my sisters to drtink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so my sister mother and I had called my father to wish him a happy Father's Day, who was spending time with his sister visisting some cousins they have not seen in a while. At 9:00 I had eaten my breakfast before calling United to check on my transportation for tomorrow. After taking my shower, my mother and I went to church. After mass we had stopped at shop n save to pick up a few things.  Upon our arrival home I had called my grandmother. At 12:00 I then had a bite to eat. I then started the dishwasher. My sister and mother were out shopping. I then had layed down to rest and slept from 12:30-3:30. I then got up and spoke to a friend for a bit before going with my sister to pick up some Lobster and clams for dinner. Why not, we are at the coast. Once I had flinished eating I then took my shower before sitting down to blog.

A visit with my sister Barbara

I began my Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. As I was doing so, my mother had made some french toast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to begin my morning workout. First with my weight exercises then my stretching. After doing, I had taken the sheets off my bed at 9:30 before starting a load of laundry. I then returned to my bedroom to make my bed. At 10:00 my father came home from work to take me to the shop  to give me a haircut. He then took me home. At 11:10 I then took a shower. After doing so , I then packed the car.  My mother and I then left for my sisters in Scarborough. Along the way we had made stops to pick up some lunch and get some gas. We had arrived at my sisters at 3:00 p.m. After unpacking the car, I then brushed my teeth and drank a bottle of water. My mother and I then went to church for 4:00 p.m. mass. We had got of church at 4:50. We then went to shop-n-save to pick up a few things before returning to my sisters. I then got comfortable before sitting down to blog. 

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY," MOM.

I began my Friday morning on this 13th day of June, 2014 at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to do my weight exercises with my upper body. After doing so I then preceded to stretch. I then went out into the kitchen drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit before having a bowl of cereal and toasted bread. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth and shaved before finishing up my stretching routine. At 6:05 I then preceded to to do my leg exercises once my ankle weights were strapped on. At 6:25 I then packed my knapsack before taking my shower. Once I was ready, I then sat down to wait for United Wheel Chair. At 7:30 Butch from United had picked me up. We then went to pick up another client along the way. Upon my arrival to WestSide this morning, I had put my knapsack in my locker before returning to the lobby to meet with the other clients for walking to wellness group. Casey, Mat, and Laura had brought us to the mall to do some walking today. While there, I walked with Mat on the outside perimeter of the mall. It was getting to hot inside, so that is what we did. While Casey and Laura walked inside with the others. We returned back to West Side at 11:00. I then went to the conference room for stretching group. Today we took turns naming stretch's for the group to do, while listening to 80's mix with Courtney and Laura. At 12:00 I then took my shower before buying my lunch from the Friday Cafe. Today they were serving chicken fingers, salad, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Once I had finished eating, I then left for home. I had arrived home at 2:00. Upon doing so, I had called my grandmother on the phone. I then lie down to rest. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up to eat my dinner. After doing so, I had gone to my bedroom to blog.

A trip to the dentist

I began my Thursday morning  at 7:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot and eat some fruit. After doing so, I the had my bowl of cereal with a blueberry muffin. Once I had finished eating I then picked up the kitchen before returning to my bedroom. Once I had brushed my teeth, I the took the sheets of my bed, so as to bring to the laundry room to start a wash. I then returned to my bedroom at 9:00 a.m. I the preceded to weight exercises. At 9:20 I then shaved before beginning to stretch. At 10:00 I then began to pack to go spend the weekend at my sister with my mother. After doing so, I then hung the laundry to dry. I then had made myself a peanutbutter sandwhich. Once I had finished a quick lunch I had brushed my teeth thus getting ready to go to the dentist. My mother had picked me up at 1:15. Our appintment was for 2:00. I had all good numbers on my gums. allot of ones and some twos. Once my teeth were cleaned my mother and I left for home. Along the way home we stopped at Hanaford to pick up a few things. We had arrived home at 3:45. I then spoke to a friend before sitting down to blog.   

walking on uneven surfaces in the back yard at WestSide

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing so, I then had a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. At 8:00 I then went outside to stack some wood for an hour. I then went back inside to my bedroom to stretch. I had used stacking wood as my weight workout. After I had finished stretching, I then took my shower and got ready for the day ahead. At 9:40 I then began a load of laundry. I then vacuumed my bedroom, After doing I had brought my knapsack and lunch to the door. At 10:30 I then sat down to eat my lunch. Once I had finished eating, I began a load of laundry at 10:35 before talking to my grandmother. I then hung the laundry to dry. After doing so United Wheelchair had arrived shortly after to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrival I had gone to the conference room for suppor group. During support we spoke about camping, How I walked three miles in hiking group last Monday, And planting garden was brought up. At 2:00 I then had my P.T. session with Mat. Mat first started me off on the exercise bike. for twenty minutes. We then went outside to walk on the sidewalk to the bank and back. We then went in the back yard at WestSide to walk on the lawn. Uneven surface made it hard with my balance. Mat used a gate belt to prevent me from falling. At 3:00 I then left for home. I had arrived home at 4:15, thus taking my shower before sitting down to blog.

talking about taking an allergy test with Piper

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:30 a.m. by getting up to stretch. After doing so I then began to do my weight exercises. At 6:15 I then went to the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. I then had a peanut butter and honey sandwich. Once I had finished eating I then returned to my room to get ready for the day ahead. I then grabbed my lunch and my knapsack, United then took me to Westside. Upon my arrival for 9:00 a.m. I had put my lunch in my locker before going to the conference room for Yoga. Today Matt and Carol had us doing Chair Yoga. I was so focussed on the exercises I was doing, I was forgetting to breath gasping for breath every time I turn around. At 10:00 I then met Courtney in the gym for my P.T. session. I first did ten minutes on the eliptycal. Ater doing so, I had gone out into the parking lot After walking 1000 feet I then returned inside. Courtney then had me tandem stepping in the hall way. First time I tried I was able to take three steps, second time seven steps, third time eleven steps, and the final and last try I was able to take eight tandem steps. At 12:00 I then spoke with during a counseling session. Thinking of things to keep my mind of things that bother me, like my recovery. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Sally. We spoke about my botocks shots. We then spoke about debrox I am using for my ears. I don't really need it any more. Sally then took my blood pressure.126 over 22. At 12:00 I then went down to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 12:30 I then met with Deb for a support session. During this time we made calls to see about some transportation options that I could use to get me to and from downtown. At 1:00 I then met with Piper for my case management session. We spoke about getting an allergy test. Piper was letting me know that they put dots on your back. Then they put liquid drops on each dot. The therapists at West Side were talking and they thought it would be a good idea. Butch from United then brought me home. I had arrived home at 3:00 after dropping some other clients off. I had gone inside and gone straight to bed. I had slept until 4:30 before getting up eat dinner. I then went to my lap top to blog at 5:30. I then called it a day.

Walking on the Witman Spring road during hiking group

I began my Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to arm and leg weight exercises. After doing so, I then began to stretch. I had done so Until 5:50 before taking my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. After doing so, I had gone out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I had returned to my bedroom at 6:30 to brush my teeth. I then gathered my knapsack and my lunch. United Wheelchair had arrived shortly afterward. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 9:00 a.m. myself and some other clients had gone with Matt and Carol hiking on the Whitman Spring Road near Lake Auburn. I had walked 3.5 miles practicing my breathing strategies while doing so. I had stop to rest twice, relying on my cane only towards the end of the walk. We had returned to WestSide for 11:00 a.m. I had gone straight to the conference for laughter therapy. Today Deb and Flourina had us watching Robert Reverse laughing along to a silly laugh. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 I then had a rehab session with Deb. We spoke about me joining the gym thus getting involved in my community. We then worked with my I Pad. After doing so United took me home. I had bought some fresh eggs off from Donald when we dropped him off. His family has chickens. I then arrived home at 4:00. Upon doing so, I had gone inside to take my shower before sitting down to blog.

Walking on the Witman Spring Road during hiking group

I began my Monday at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to to do my weight exercises. First legs then my arms. At 5:20 I then began to stretch. I did so until 5:50 before taking my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. After doing so, I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After a bowl of cereal and some toasted bread, I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. After doing so, I then gathered my knapsack and lunch. United then brought me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for 9:00 a.m. Matt and Carol took a group of us to Auburn lake to go walking on Witman Spring Road. It is a dirt road by the lake. An easier version of hiking to start for our first day. I walked 3.5 miles practicing my breathing strategies while doing so. There were a couple of hills, but for the most part it was flat. I had stop to rest a couple of times, relying on my cane towards the end of the hike. We had returned to WestSide for 11:00. I then went strait to the conference room for laughter therapy group with Deb and Flourina. Today during group we first said one positive thing we had done during the cours of the past week followed by a yah!!! We then watched Robert Reverse, Laughing along and breathing with his instruction. After doing so I had gone to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 1:00, I then had an hour rehab session with Deb. I had worked with my I pad and we also spoke about me joining the gym in my town. On my way home we had brought Donald home first. His family has chicken. So I had bought a dozen eggs from him. I then arrived home at 4:00. Once inside I had taken my shower and got comfortable before sitting down to blog.

gathering things for tomorrows hiking group at WestSide

My Sunday morning began this day at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to sit down to drink my hot cocoa while eating some cantalope. Once I had done so, I then had a banana sandwich for breakfast. Once I nourished my body, I then returned to my bedroom at 8:30 to brush my teeth and shave before starting in with my weight workout. After doing so I then stretched. After doing my exercises, I then had put some clean laundry away before taking my shower. I then gathered some things I will need for the hiking group I involved in at WestSide this summer. Like a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, ect. At 10:00 I then went to church with my mother. After mass we went to visit my grandmother at the Pierce House. At 11:45 We had left so that my grandmother could go to lunch. Along the way home I had picked some lunch up myself. We then went to Hannaford so as tho do some shopping. I had eaten my lunch before going in the store. My mother and I had arrived home at 12:45. Upon doing so I helped my mother unpacked groceries before laying down to rest. I had slept from 1:00-4:00 before getting up. I then read some of the Sunday paper before sitting down to blog before dinner. After a day like today, I can tell summer is not that far away.

Lunch at the Harvest House

My Saturday morning began on this seventh day of June at 8:15 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat some fruit and drink my hot cocoa, sounds exciting, does it not? After doing so my mother had made me an egg sandwich. At 8:45 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. after doing so, I then Went to the laundry room to get some laundry that had dried and brought it into the bedrooms to put away. At 9:00 I then made my bed. After doing so, I then starred in with my weight exercises. first lower then upper. Once I had finished with my weight exercises, I then preceded to stretch. My toes are my main thing to stretch these days while I am receiving the botox injections. At 9:50 I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. at 10:45 I had gone with my mother. We had picked my grandmother up at 11:00, we then went out shopping. At Wal-Mart and other area stores. At 12:30 we then left Wal-Mart to go the tractor supply so that I could pick up a gift card for fathers day. After doing so we then went to the Harvest House for lunch. Once we had finished eating we then took my grandmother home. We had arrived home at 1:50. After taking in the laundry from the clothing line, I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 2:00-4:40 before getting up. I then played a game of cribbage with my mother before sitting down to blog.

Walking around then pond at Bates College

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. I then preceded to do my weight exercises both upper and lower. At 5:45 I then went out into the kitchen to have a bowl of cereal and a piece of toasted blueberry bread. At 6:00 I then returned to my bedroom to take my shower and get ready for my day ahead. At 6:40 I then started a load of laundry. After doing so, I then folded some laundry that was dry. After putting it away, I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week. I then gathered my things. United had arrived shortly. I had arrived to WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I had waited in the lobby until it was time to go with walking group. We had left Westside with Michelle and Casey to go walking at the Bates Pond. While walking with Mat we saw the ducks and even turtles in the Pond. Casey had to bring it to my attention so as to be able to see the turtle. They bled in so well with the wild life, it was hard to find. We had returned to West Side at 11:00. I had gone to the conference room for stretching group today. Courtney and Michelle thought it would be less distracting then being in the gym with things going on. Once we had gone around four times, each giving the group a different stretch to do, it was then time for lunch. First I had taken a shower before getting my Cafe meal. Today Cafe group was cooking up a B.B.Q. Hamburgers. hotdogs, macaroni salad, and a homemade chocolate chip cookie. Once I had finished eating, Larry took me home. I had arrived home at 2:00. Upon doing so, I had started a load of laundry. I then went strait to bed. I had slept until 4:00 before getting up to hang a load of laundry to dry. I then folded some laundry and put it away before calling my grandmother. After doing so I sat down to blog.

Stacking wood to dry

My Thursday morning began this day at 7:50 a.m. by taking the sheets off my bed. After doing so, I had brought them to the laundry room to wash them. Once I had started the washer, I then went to the kitchen to drink my cocoa and eat some fruit. At 8:10 I then had a bowl of cereal with a piece of cinnamon toast. Once I had finished eating I had called my grandmother. We had spoke briefly, I then made my bed. At 8:35 I then began to stretch. At 8:45 I had started the dish washer before continuing with my stretching. At 9:10 I then hung the laundry to dry before starting another wash. At 9:30 I then went outside to stack some wood to help it dry for next winter. At 11:30 I then returned to my bedroom to do my upper weight exercises. At 12:00 I then had my lunch. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I had slept from 12:30-3:30. Once I was up, A friend had called so we talked for a bit. At 4:30 I then sat down at my laptop to blog before dinner.

Surprise Deb !!! I am joining the Brain Injury Education Group!

I began my Wednesday morning at 7:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then toasted two slices of my mothers homemade bread. Once slice of the blueberry and one of the banana. I then made myself and banana sandwich. Once I had picked up the kitchen, I then returned to my bedroom at 8:15 to brush my teeth and shave. My day then began. I first began to stretch at 8:30. I did so until 8:50. After doing so, I had preceded to to do my weight exercises. At 9:20 I then hung a load of laundry to dry. At 9:40 I then took my shower before starting another load of laundry. After doing so, I had called my grandmother to see how she was doing. We spoke briefly, I then went to my I pad to play some work trick while waiting for the laundry to finish. I then hung it out to dry. At 10:55 I then sat down to eat my lunch. My mother had made me a sandwich and left it in the refrigerator for my lunch. Once I had finished eating, I then once again brushed my teeth thus getting ready to go to WestSide. United had arrived shortly afterward. Upon my arrival for 1:00 a.m. I had gone straight to the conference room for support group We had all checked in with Deb and Samantha talking about our week. We now sit in a close nit circle instead of at a big table, It works. At 2:00 I then had my P.T. session with Matt. I first walked twenty-six minutes on the treadmill. I had walked a mile before doing some tandem stepping out in the hall way. At 4:00 I then met with Deb. During my rehab session we with my I pad. She first was shocked to find out in a work e mail that I had spoke to my case manager Piper to let her know that I would be interested in joining the Brain Injury Education Group. A group I was involved in before my stroke. This group is made up of clients who go out into the community to tell people how they got there Brain Injury. They then present activities to simulate what it is like to be visually impaired, hearing impaired, to live after having a stroke or any other type of brain injury. At 4:00 a driver from United Wheel chair brought me home. I had arrived home at 5:15. After taking my shower and eating my dinner, I then sat down to blog.

I can hear !!!

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. After a thirty minute stretching session I then began to do my upper and lower weight workout. At 5:40 I then put the ear drops in my ear before shaving. I go see the doctor today, hopefully I will be able to hear again this afternoon. Once I had taken my shower, I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After eating some toasted homemade breads with jam I then brushed my teeth before cleaning my bathroom. Once I had put my clean laundry away, I then preceded to pack my knapsack. I then grabbed my lunch and went to the door to wait for my ride. United soon arrived and had taken me to WestSide. Upon my arrival I had put my lunch in my locker. I then made my way to the conference room for Yoga group with Michelle and Carol. Today we Michelle and Carol first had us Twist. We then sat down in a chair and did some seated stretching. We then did downword dog. We then ended the group with shavasana or otherwise known as corps pose. This is a relaxation. At 10:00 I then had my P.T. session with Courtney. We first did some walking outside on the grass/ uneven surface. After walking 722 feet, I then went back inside to the gym to use the eliptical. A knew machine to the WestSide gym. At level three I had gone 10:49 at 3.1 m.p.h. Courtney then had me in the hallway doing some tandum stepping. While doing so, I was working on using my abdominal muscles to stand up straight and not my shoulders. At 11:00 I then met with Sam for counseling. We spoke about things durin my week and the frustrations I am going through with my recovery. At 11:30 I then had my nursing session with Cec who was filling in for Sally. Cec was telling me how one of the side effects of one of the medications I am on is headaches. Right then and there I thought, that is just what I need, more head Pain. At 12:00 I then went to the kitchen to eat my lunch. After doing so, I had met with Deb for my support session. Today Deb helped me fill out my form to participate with Maine Adaptive this summer. At 1:00 I then met with my case manager Piper. Once I had finished discussing how things were going with Piper, United then took me home. Upon my arrival home at 3:00 My mother took me directly to my doctors appointment to have my ear flushed out. Once I had met with my doctor, yea I can hear again. On our way home we stopped to pick a few things up. We finally arrived home at 4:45. After taking my shower I then sat down to blog before eating dinner.

seeing Dr. Lyn for my first botox injection ever

I began my Monday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. After doing so, I then pulled out my weights and began to build those muscles. Once I had finished my workout, I then had my mother put ear drops in my ear. I can't wait to hear again and get rid of this ringing in my right ear. Once I had shaved, I then took my shower. At 7:00 I then went to the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. Afte doing so I had an egg sandwich. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth. I then left for Lewiston with my father for my appointment with Dr. Lyn for my botox shot at the Trolly Building. This is the same building I had gone to last summer for my stem cell therapy on my throat. Along the way we had made a couple of stops. I had arrived at the Trolly Building at 9:30. Once inside, I had checked in, thus giving the receptionist my paper work. I then had to fill out a few more forms. After doing so, I had met with the nurse who in turn took my weight and height, ect. I then met with Dr. Lyn. We had spoke again briefly before he made the injection. I immidiatly felt my toes relax, as they straightened. Dr. Lyn then said he would be calling Sally the nurse at Westside to schedule my next appointment. At 10:40 we had left Dr. Lyn's office. After stopping for gas, we then stopped at a hot dog stand on the way home by lake Auburn to buy lunch. We then continued home. We had arrived home at 12:00 noon. Upon doing so, I had brushed my teeth I then watched the news before hanging out a load of laundry. I then started another load. At 1:30 I then filled my weekly pill containers. At 1:45 I then hung the other load to dry. At 2:00 I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up. I started to fell my toes curl again as I walked out into the kitchen. The botox dose was extremely low. So the Doctor said. That is probably why. After eating dinner I then called my grandmother before sitting down to blog.

Making a friend in church

I began my Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. While doing so, my mother was making french toast for breakfast. Once I had eaten my french toast I had returned to my bedroom at 9:00 to shave and brush my teeth. At 9:00 I then made my bed before preceding to stretch. After doing so, I had taken my shower, thus getting ready to go church. At 10:00 I then left for church with my mother. During mass today, instead of giving a homely, the priest gave us several questions to use as a guide to create a conversation with someone next to us. My mother and I spoke with a couple from Kingfield, Maine, about twenty-four miles up the road from the center of town. I spoke to the husband my mother spoke with the wife. After mass, my mother and I went to the Pierce House to visit grandma. We then returned home at 12:00. Once I had lunch I then spoke to a friend on the phone for a bit before laying down to rest at 2:00. I had slept until 5:10 before getting up. Once I was awake, I called my grandmother on the telephone. At 6:00 I then sat down to eat some B B Q chicken for dinner. At 6:40 my mother had put ear drops in my ear before I had taken a shower. I can not wait until this ear unplugs so I can hear again. It is at the point where it pugs and unplugs, but it still has a slight ringing to it. But it is on the mend. I see my doctor tomorrow. I then sat down to blog at 7:00.