Walking the beach at Pine Point with my mother

I began my Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. by going into the kitchen to drink my hot cocao and eat some fruit. I then had breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had bushed my teeth before going back into the room I was staying in at my sisters to stretch. At 10:00 I then went for a walk along the Pine Point beach across the street from my sisters place with my mother. We had done so from 10:00-11:00 taking a couple rest breaks along the way. Upon our return we sat on the patio to drink a bottle of water. At 11:20 I the lied down to rest. I had slept for three hours before getting up to have a bowl of clam chowder. At 3:00 I then played a couple of games of cribbage with my mother. In between games I had called my grandmother to see how her day was shaping up to be. We then continued to play. My father then went down the street to buy a basket of clams for an odderve. When my father returned my mother and I sat on the deck to eat the clams. At 4:00 I then took my shower. After doing so, I the packed my knapsack so as to be ready to go home tomorrow. At 4:20 I then sat down to blog before dinner. 

Taking a walk along the beach with my mother

I beegan my Saturday morning at 9:00 a.m. I started my parents had gone for a walk along the beach, so I had started in with my stretching. After doing so I had called my grandmother. We had spoke briefly, I then continued to stretch. After doing so, I then went for a walk along the beach with  my mother. We had returned back at my sisters at 11:30. Once inside, I then sat down to chill out. As I was doing so I had played word trick on my I pad. At 121:15 my parents had left for a while so I had a left over lobster roll from last nights dinner for lunch. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before laying down tp rest. I had slept for three hours before getting up at 3:30. I then called my grandmother to see how her day was going. After doing so I had phoned a friend. At 3:45 I the sat down with my mother to play a couple of games of cribbage until 6:00.. I then took my shower, thus getting comfortable before eating dinner. 

Walking at Bates Pond

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to exercise. I did so for fourty minutes before taking a shower and get ready for the day ahead. At 6:15 I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and wash my bathroom down before grabbing my knapsack thus bringing ad lunch it to the door. I then grabbed my knap sack that I had packed with clothing in it for the weekend and put it in car before leaving for WestSide. United had arrived at 7:30 to bring me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for 9:00 a.m. I had put my things in my locker. After doing so I sat in the lobby to wait. At 9:30 Mat and Casey brught the clients  that were in the walking to wellness group the Bates College Pond. There were walked around the pond two to three times before heading back to WestSide. While walking I like to try not to use my cane, but is there for support if I need it. At 11:00 I then went to the conference room to stretch with stretching group. The hardest part of this group for me is not doing the actual stretch but to remember a type of stretch to do. Once we had all named about three or four stretches for the group to do I then went to lunch at 12:00. At 12:30  I then met with Tobie for Recreatioal therapy. Today with Tobie I posted a note on face book to let everyone know I was walking in the Kara walk to help support Auerysm survivor's. I then took a shower before finding a place to rest. I was exhausted. I had not stopped exercising since I got up this morning. At 2:00 my mother had arrived to pick me up from WestSide to bring me to my sisters for the weekend. Upon our arreval I was still tired, so I had gone straight to bed, More sleep? I had done so til 5:00, before getting up to blog. 

Packing to go to Pine Tree Camp

I began my Thursday morning at 7:50 by hanging a load of laundry outside to dry. After doing so I had started another load of laundry before heading out the door to go for a walk at 8:05. I had walked for thirty minutes before returning inside. I then hung another load of laundry to dry. After doing so I had put some laundry away. I am already tired and it is not even 9:00 a.m. At 9:15 my mother had called to let me know to pack for the weekend to go to my sisters in Scarborough. At 9:30 I finally sat down to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. I then had a bowl of cereal with a piece of toasted bread. Once I had finished eating, I then preceded to load the dish's into the dishwasher before making it run. At 9:55 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave before starting my workout. I first grabbed my upper weights.I then began to lift. After I had finished my reps, I then made my bed. At 10:12 I then continued my workout by stretching. I had done so for twenty minutes before hanging another load of laundry to dry. Two years ago I would never had ben able to climb stairs like I do today. It is still not that easy for me, but I can do it, One step at a time ever so slowly. Especially carrying a laundry basket filled with wet laundry. Once I had the laundry hung, I had returned to my bedroom to beging doing my leg exercises. At 12:00 I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the rest of my day. At 12:30 my grandmother had called. We spoke briefly, I then emptied the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. After doing so, I had taken in some dry laundry. I was then feeling tired so I had lied down to rest. I had slept for two hours before getting up at 3:15. I then went to the kitchen to have a bowl of soup for lunch. I then fixed things I would need to shower with for the weekend and Pine Tree Camp. I then spoke to a friend before sitting down to blog.

Finding out information about next weeks Pine Tree Camp trip.

I began my Wednesday morning at camp 4:30 a.m. by getting up to and making my bed. I then grabbed my knapsack and I pad and put them in the car. My mother and I then left for home at 5:00. We had arrived home at 5:30. I then made my bed at home, thus putting my sheets on my new mattress and box spring. At 5:50 I then finished my stretching exercises before beginning my weight routine. At 6:30 I then went to the kitchen to eat three half english muffin's for breakfast. I had then returned to my bedroom at 7:00 to take my shower get ready for the day ahead. After doing so I then packed my knapsack to bring to therapy. At 8:00 I then brought my dirty laundry to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. As I was waiting for it to finish I worked my brain by playing word trick on my I pad. At 8:50 I then started another load before hanging the first. I then continued to play word trick. I then hunch the second load of laundry to dry. United had arrived arrived as I was doing. I then soon grabbed my lunch and knapsack and out the door I went. I had arrived at WestSide at 11:00 a.m. Upon doing so, I went straight to the conference room Brain Injury Education Group. Today we spent the group continuing to work on my personal story as a group. I had already written the story, we were just fine tuning it. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. I had so for and hour. At 1:00 I then went back to the conference room for support group with Casey and Maria. Today we all share how our week went before I spoke about my hiking trip in Farmington on Monday. We then spoke about areas of our lives in which we have controle of. At 2:00 I then went to the gym for my P.T. session with Mat. Mat had we walking on the treadmill for forty-five minute with working on my balance. With the treadmill at an incline and flat. At 3:30 Dan then met with myself and two other clients to talk about our trip to Pine Tree Camp next week. He also gave us a packing list. We also had to answer some questions about medication and such. At 4:00 Larry from United took me home. I had arrived home at 5:15. Once I had taken a shower, I then ate dinner before sitting down to blog.

Packing a box for Pine Tree Camp with wooden blocks to play janga

I began my Tuesday at 4:00a.m. by first maaking my bed in my bunk house at camp. This gave me more room so that I could begin my stretching. At 4:30 I then left camp to go home with my mother to go home and get ready to go to therapy. We had arrived home a 5:15. I then finish my stretching. I then started my weight workout. After doing so, I had packed my knpsack to take to rehab. At 6:00 I then took my shower before going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth. I then grabbed my lunch and duffle bag and United Wheelchair took me to WestSide. Upon my arrival I had put my lunch in my locker before going to the conference room for Yoga group. Michelle and Carol firsst had us watcha video on sa ta na ma meditation. We then did some yoga stretching to music. We then ended our therapy witih shavasana. At 10:00 I then made my way to the gym for my P.T. session with Courtney. She first had me tandum stepping in the hallway. We then went into the parking lot so that I could walk laps. At 10:20 I was then back inside the gym to take a short break. Courtney had me on the olyptical for fifteen minutes on level three. I had gone 0.84 miles before doing some lunges and  balance exercises using the bosu ball. At11:00 I then had case magement. Christine was filling in for Piper today and had asked me if I had anything to talk about concerning my therapy. Not this week, I replied. I then took a shower at 11:15 before meeting with Sally the nurse. We first called my mother to talke about my lab work to see if my doctor said anything about my ora's. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:30 during my support session with Deb, I had helped her box up some blocks to be used at Pine Tree Camp in a Janga game. At 1:00 United then took me home. I was so tired I had slept the entire way. I had arrived home at 2:15. Upon doing so, I had taken another shower to cool down. I then put some clean laundry away. At 3:00 I then left for camp with my mother. We had arrived at 3:20. Immediatly after putting my knapsack in my bunkhouse I went in the camp to sit in the recliner to sleep. Cooler in the camp. I had slept from 3:30-4:50 before getting up to blog before dinner.  

Hiking groups last hike of the season on trails in Farmington.

My monday moday morning began this day at 6:00 a.m. I had jumped out of bed to stretch. All though there is not much room in my bunkhouse, I was still able to get in the workout necessary to start my day. At 7:00 I then left camp to go home. I had arrived home with my father at 7:00. As I was taking my shower and getting ready for the day, my father had made me breakfast. Once I was ready, I then sat down to eat. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before sitting down to fill my empty pill containers. After doing so, I then call the pharmacy to order medication. After doing, I then continued to get ready for the big hke. I then called my grandmother before leaving. I then grabbed my lunch and knapsack. My gather then took me in town to Flint Woods . The rest of the hiking group arrived shortly afterwards. At 10:00 we  gathered to look at the trail map,  we then began to hike with Mat and Carol. We had walked around the wooded area on trails, over bridges, looking at bird houses hanging in the trees as we did so. When we were tired they even had wooden bench's made from trees cut  in half. THere was even a pond we had sat by, as we listened  to rustling of the leaves as squirrels scrambled through the woods.  We had hiked for fourty five minutes before leaving Flint Woods at 11:50. Our next stop was at 11:50 to use the facilities. After doing so we drove across the street to have lunch in Abbot Park at noon. We had sat on bench's taking in the view of the pond as enjoyed our meal. Once we had finished eating, we went back across the street to Gifford's Icecream to get an icecream cone. At 1:10 we made our way to our next hike in Bonney Woods. This wooded area is across the street from our morning hike in Flint woods. Although the area is not as big, the historty of the woods attracted everyones attention with its cemetary of the family who owned the woods . After reading names on the tomb stones, we had walked around. At this point of our hike I was crawling. My legs were extremly tired. I think I sat on every bench made that had put in Boney Woods for tourist to sit on. Our hike had ended at 1:15. We then loaded into the car. Mat and Carol had dropped me off at the Pierce House so that I could visit my grandmother. After doing so, I then called my mother to for a ride back to camp. My father then picked me up 2:30. We had arrived at camp at 3:00. I was so tired, I had gone staight to bed. I had slept until 5:00 before going into the camp to take a shower. I then sat down to blog before dinner. What a way to end hiking group for the season!                       

Going out on Jim's boat

I began my Sunday at 7:00 a.m. by leaving camp with my father. We had gone straight to the shop so that he could give me a haircut. As we were doing so my cousin Jim stopped by to say hi. We had soon left for home stopping to pick breadfast up along the way. We had arrived home 8:25. Once inside, my father had made me a cup of hot cocoa as I poored myself a glass of orange juice. I then sat down to eat. Once I had finished eating, I then stretched before brushing my teeth and taking my shower. My father and I were then on our way back to camp. We had arrived back at camp at 10:15. I then went to sit on the deck to read the Sunday paper. As I was doing so, boats were wizing buy. It was such a beautiful day to do just that. At 11:00, our friends Jim and Sandra arrived. Upon doing so, Jim and I broke out the cribbage board and started to play. My luck, I won the first game of the day. We then sat and talked. At 11:45 my mother had made me peanutbutter and jelly sandwich. It was a goog things, I was fading fast. Once I had finished eating, Jim took us for a ride on his boat.Jim, Sandra, may parents and I returned inland at 1:00. I then went staight to my bunk house to rest. I had slept three hours before getting up at 5:00. It still amazes me how any little extra acitivity wipes me right out. I then went back out on the deck to play more cribbage with Jim. It was not my day. Jim skunked me the first game then beat me the next. At 5:00 we then had dinner. I then went to the back side of the camp to sit on the picnic table to blog. 

Spending some time at camp with grandma

My Saturday began this day at 8:30 a.m. getting up to stretch. Once I was all limber, I went out on the deck at camp to drink my hot cocoa. After doing so I then went inside camp to eat toasted zuccina bread. After doing so, I then brushed my teeth. I then chatted on face book with a friend. At 9:55 we left camp to go pick my grandmother up with my mother. Once we arrived home. I took my shower before leaving the house. At 11:05 we had stopped to by corn before stopping at the Pierce House to pick up my grandmother. We were then back out at camp at 11:30. I then took the corn out on the deck with my grandmother to peel. After doing so I played a game or two of cribbage with my grandmother. At 12:45 I played a game of skip-bo with my mother and grandmother. After doing so we then sat down to eat chicken, corn on the cob, and zuccinni.  I then said good-bye to my grandmother at 2:30 before laying down to rest. I had slept until 5:00 before waking up. I then lied there for thirty minutes before going out on the camp deck to type my blog. 

Back Yard B B Q today at Therapy

I began my Friday morning at6:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my plate of fruit and drink my hot cocoa. After doing so my mother had made me a nutella and bananna sandwich. Once I finished eating I had returned to my bedroom at 7:00 to brush my teeth. After changing my bed, I then began to do my upper weight exercises. At 8:00 I then brought my laundry to the laundry to start a load of laundry. After doing so I then went back to my bedroom to fill my pill containers for the week. It is amazing, I still can't remember how to fill my pills by memory. At 8:10 I then packed my knapsack to go to camp later on after I get out of WestSide. After doing so I took my shower thus getting ready the day. At 9:30 I then was on my way to WestSide. Upon my arrival I had gone to the conference room for stretching group. Once we had gone a two or three times around the room naming of different stretch's Courtney and Mat sent us on our way to the special event. Backyard B.B.Q. and Band. At 12:00 we first had B.B.Q. chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, corn bread. Once we had finished eating. Once I had finished eating, I then sat in the lobby with my friend Tim to chat. After doing so I went back outside at 2:00. It was so hot I then went inside the dining area to watch the dunk tank festivities. Clients each took a turn taking shots to dunk the therapist sitting. At 2:40 I was offered a popcycle as I was sitting inside cooling off. At 3:00 I then went to the lobby to wait to go home. Our ride left at 3:30. I had arrived home at 5:10 and went strait to camp with my parents for the weekend. 

Feeling a little more tired then usual

I began my Thursday morning at 8:00. I had gone out into the kitchen to eat my fruit and drink my hot cocoa. After doing so I then had a bowl of cereal and I toasted an english muffin. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth before stating a load of laundry. I then did a little exercise. I did not go all out today, for I was feeling a bit tired. I do not, but I think it was from the ora's I have ben having, something did not feel right. After doing so, I had put the laundry in the dryer. At 9:55 I then put some laundry of mine away. I then called Stacie to let her know today would not be a good day to get together, do to the way I was feeling. At 11:35 I then took my shower. After doing so, I had made myself a sandwich. While sitting down to eat, I had turned on the news. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth before giving my grandmother a call. I then lied down to rest. I had slept from 12:30-4:00 before getting up. I then spoke to a friend before calling my grandmother again to see how her afternoon went. We spoke briefly, I then pulled up my blog on my lap top before eating dinner.

Feeling Frustated

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up and getting dressed. My father then took me to the hospital to have my blood drawn. My Neurologist had ordered the blood test so as to see why I have been having the aura's. While there it took two tries to get any blood out of my vaines. After I was poked a couple of times blood was finally drawn. I had arrived back home at 7:15. I then sat down at the kitchen table to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. I then had my breakfast. At 7:50 I then started a load of laundry. Both of my parents had gone to work, and so my day began. At 8:15 I then put on my workout clothing and began to stretch. I then preceded to do my weight workout. After doing so, I then took my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead. After doing so I had hung the load of laundry to dry. At 9:30 I then called my grandmother before leaving to go to WestSide. Upon my arrival, I had put my lunch in my locker then went to the conference room for Brain Injury Education Group. Today the group talked over with Deb and Michelle looking at school websites in the Lewiston/Auburn area, so we could start booking presentations. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat lunch. At 1:00 the last thing I felt like doing was going to support group to share. I was not having a good day today. I had sat in the lobby briefly before stepping up to the plate and going into the support group. After checking in , I then shared how I was feeling. LOWSY, other clients then shared with Deb and Maria. At 2:00 during my P.T. session Matt had taken me to the Bates college pond to do some walking. After making four laps around the pond on the tarred walkway, we then went back to WestSide. At 3:00 I then had my counseling session with Maria. Thirty minutes was not enough time to unload all that I had on my mind today. But it had to do. I was feeling ever so frustrated, I am not where I would like to be in my recovery. RRRRRRR!!! It is was it is, I will just have to work through it. After meeting with Maria, I then took a shower before going home. I am so glad I did. I was able to sleep all the way home. I was so tired. I had arrived home at 4:45, thus going strait to my bedroom to get comfortable before sitting down to blog before dinner.

Calling my neurologist during my nursing session

My Tuesday morning morning began early as usual, 5:00 a.m. by stretching my muscles. After doing so, I then preceded to do my weight exercises. As time consuming as it may be, I also use my workouts as a stress relever. At 5:50 I then Took my shower thus getting ready for the days events. I then went to the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had brushed my teeth, I then grabbed my things before heading out the door. United WheelChair then brought me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for 9:00 a.m. I had put my lunch into my locker before going to the conference room for Yoga group. Michelle and Carol had us doing poses while listening to guitar music. We then did som some standing, thus working on balance. At 11:00 I had an ora, my second one within two months. It was a quick sick taste in my stomach up to my throat. Once it had past, I then had my P.T. session with Courtney. Courtney first had me tandum stepping in the hall way, thus working on my balance for fifteen minutes. After doing so we then went outside to do some speed walking. I then went back into the gym to get on the olyptical for fifteen minutes on level three. Courtney then strapped three pound weights around my ankles. I then went into the parallel bars to do some leg exercises and lunges. At 11:00 I then had my case management session with Piper. We spoke a bit about what I will be doing once hiking group is done. I then spoke to Piper about my ora. At 11:15 I then had a fifteen minute break. I like to take a shower during this time after working out, to get ready for the rest of my therapy. At 11:30 I had my nursing session with sally. I spoke to her about the ora I just had and She then had me stand on the scale. We then called my neurologist to let her know of the ora's I have been having. She then let us know she wants be to go to the lab at Franklin Memorial Hospital to have blood work. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. After doing so, I then met with Deb for a thirty minute support session. Today we worked on putting addresses into my I pad. At 1:00 as I went into the lobby I had spoke to a client there who is blind. He and I became friends before my stroke while at WestSide. I then went home. I had arrived home at 2:10 thus going straight to bed. I had slept until 5:10, and that is after sleeping for an hour on the way home. I then went to the kitchen to eat my dinner. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom at 5:30 to call my grandmother. We spoke briefly, I then typed up my blog.

Walking through Thorn Crag

I began my Monday morning bright and early as usual, 5:00 a.m. to be exact. I had began to work out by woking my upper body. I then continued by stretching. At 5:30, I then filled my pill containers for the week. It is amazing After this last stroke I had, I can not for the life of me remember how to fill my daily pill container without looking at another and before I use to do it all by memory. At 5:37 I then finished my workout with my leg exercises. After doing so, I had taken my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. At 6:15 I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth and I was on my way. United Wheelchair had brought me to WestSide for 8:45 a.m. Just in time to put my lunch in my locker before going with Mat and Courtney and the hiking group. Today we went to Thorn Crag. While there we hiked on the trails ninety minutes. We then went back to WestSide. At 11:00 I then went to the conference room for laughter therapy. Once we each had said a positive thing about our week followed by a, yah!!! Deb and Florina had us laughing along today with Rich Little and Archie Bunker. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 1:00 I then had I pad with Deb. Today Deb had me putting in contacts into my address area. At 2:00 I then left for home. I had arrived home at 3:30, thus going straight to bed. I had slept until 5:05 before getting up to take a shower, thus getting confortable. I then sat down to blog before dinner.

Another enjoyable day at camp

My Sunday morning began at 9:00. After making my bed, I had gone into the camp from my bunk house. I had sat down to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit before going to my shack to shave and pack up to go home. Walking on the grounds from my bunk house to the camp is a little uneven, but I seem to manage. At 9:40 I went back into the camp to eat breakfast. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth before sitting down with Jim to play cribbage. After three games my parents, Jim, Sandra, and I went out on the deck to talk as we enjoyed the view of the water. At 11:55 I started to get tired, so I went to my bunk house to rest. I had slept for three hours before going back into the camp at 3:00. I do not know if I will ever be able to go a day with out a rest. This stroke has really done a number on me, in every way imaginable. I then sat to enjoy some chicken wings and shrimp with my parents and Jim and Sandra. At 4:30 we all then packed up and went home. We had arrived home at 5:15. Once inside I had unpacked my things before working out. I first started with my upper weight routine. I then stretched before strapping on my ankle weights. At 6:20 I then took my shower before going into the kitchen to have a bowl of soup for dinner. I then went to my room to blog. Ahhhhhh what an enjoyable weekend.

Playing cribbage with my friend Jim at camp

I began my Saturday moring at camp at 8:00 a.m. I had stretched before heading into the camp at 8:30. Once we had finished munching on fruit and drinking our choice of hot beverage, Jim had made us all egg sandwhich's. At 10:10 once we had finished eating, Jim and I then sat down to play a couple of games of cribbage. At 11:30 I then connected Jim up to my network so that he could get on line with his I Pad. At 12:00 I then went back out to my bunk house to rest. I had done so for three hours before going into the camp to make myself a sandwhich. Once I had finished eating, I had washed some dish's before taking a shower. Ahhhhh now I feel refreshed. I then went out on the camp deck to type my blog at 4:15.

Comming up with ideas to work on with Tobie during rec therapy

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to do my upper weight exercises. After doing so, I then preceded to stretch. Once I had worked out my legs, I then preceded to take my shower and get ready for the day ahead. At 6:15 I then went into the kitchen to drink my hot coca and eat some fruit. I then had a bowl of cereal with a toasted english muffin. Once I had brushed my teeth, I had grabbed my lunch and duffle and out the door I went. I had arrived for 9:30 a.m. Once I had put my lunch and knapsack in my locker, I then went to the lobby to meet up with the rest of the walking group. Mat, Casey, and Michelle then took us to Bates Pond to do some walking. Which to me is quite challenging on the uneven tourane. We had returned to WestSide at 11f:00 a.m. I then went to the conference for stretchiing group with Courtney and Michelle. We had spent an hour doing so before I had gone to the dining area for lunch. At 12:30 I then had my Rec Therapy session with Tobie at 12:30 We first spoke about my Rec eval a month ago, then we first spoke about working on transportation issues to help me get around town so that I can do some walking. I then mentioned how seeing her reminds me of running the Beach to Becon an running in general, because I use to with Tobie before my stroke. We also spoke about setting up skype on my I pad so that I can communicate with friends. At 1:00 Larry took me me home. I had arrived home at 2:15 thus getting ready to go to camp. I then lied down to rest. I had slept til 5:00 before leaving for camp with my parents. We had arrived at 5:15. I then settled in my bunk house. I then relaxed before pulling up my bog.

Spending time at camp with Stacie

I have to say it was a very productive day, on this thursday. I began my morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat my fruit while drinking my hot cocoa. After doing so, I toasted myself a bagel. At 8:25 I had brushed my teeth and shaved before putting a load of laundry in the dryer. before staring another wash. The weather was overcast, so it was best that I not hang the laundry out to dry. At 8:45 I then had put clean laundry away in my bedroom, before making my bed with clean sheets. At 9:00 I then began to do my weight exercises. Once I had finished with my stretching, I then vacuumed my bedroom. After doing so, I then dusted my bedroom. At 10:20 I then sat down to fill my empty pill containers. At 10:30 I then put a load of laundry in the dryer, after doing so, I had folded some laundry and put it away. Stacie then called to let me know that she would be arriving at my house at 12:00. My mother then called at 11:15, I then sat to wait for Stacie. Upon Stacie's arrival, we had left for camp. Along the way, we had stopped off at a market to get some lunch to eat at camp. We had arrived at camp at 12:30. Upon doing so we had gone out on the deck to eat lunch. After doing so we sat in the chairs by the fire pit, enjoying the view of the water. We then moved to the deck at 1:00 to sit and enjoy a different view. At 1:25 we then went into the camp and played mad gab. At 2:15 we then left for king field. This being ten minutes up the road, took us no time at all to get there. While in King Field we walked around town before leaving at 2:45. We had arrived in Farmington at 3:00. We then went to Reny's to shop around. We then went to Hannaford so that I could pick up some medication. We then went back to my house. We had arrived home at 4:00. Stacie then left for home. I then lied down to rest. I had slept for an hour before getting up to take a shower and eat dinner. After doing so I then went to my lap top to blog.

Working on my personal story during Brain Injury Education Group

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my fruit. After doing so, I then toasted two pieces of strawberry bread. Once I had finished with my breakfast, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth, I then began my morning workout. First my weight routine, I then stretched. At 8:15 I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the days events. At 8:45 I then spoke to my grandmother. At 9:30 I then grabbed my knapsack and lunch and out the door I went. United Wheelchair had brought me to Westside for a 11:00 a.m. therapy. Brain Injury Education Group. Once in the conference room Deb and Michelle had brought my personal story about my life living with this stroke I had and what have been going through since during my recovery. We the group, then started to revise it. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 I then went back to the conference room for support group. Once we had checked in making sure everyone "STAY'S POSITIVE, we then shared our weekly happenings. At 2:00 I then met Matt in the gym for my P.T. session. I first walked thirty minutes on the treadmill, as I was doing so Mat had adjusted the incline, so as to make it go up and down. He also adjusted the speed fast and slow. Mat then had me balancing on the erix cuisson. As I was doing so, he had me looking in every direction possible. At 3:00 I had my counseling session with Maria. I first showed Maria the goals I had come up with to work on, and they are Coping, Acceptance, where I am in my recovery at that point, and to increase social independents. At 3:30 Larry from United then took me home. I had arrived home at 5:00, thus going straight to my bedroom to take my shower then to sit down and blog before dinner.

Working on my breathing in Yoga Group

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. bright and early. As I was doing my weight exercises and stretching, I thought to myself, Hmmm, How life would be if I did not have this stroke. It is amazing how productive my time has been during my recovery, but yet I feel that so much time has been waisted doing things to help myself get stronger in every aspect instead living life the way I had hoped to live. But yet I am so great full for the things I do have. I then am also thank full the insight I hold close to my heart and not giving up. Although there are days the path I am on towards recovery look gloomy, I focus on what I can do now that I could not three years ago. ie walk, eat, swallow, even breathing has geven me a problem. Oh, then there is the bathing issue, That I once was unable to do. And the list goes on and on. I AM GREAT FULL!!! Now I have that off my chest, My day over all went quite well. Especially now that I am back being transported by United Wheel Chair, After last weeks crazy fiasco. Once I was as WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I had gone to the conference room for Yoga group. Michelle and Carol first had us relaxing working on our breathing. We then did some chair flow yoga. At 10:00 I then met Courtney in the gym my P.T. session. I first got on the olyptical. I had gone 0.87 miles on level 1 at 2.3mph for twelve minutes. I then went to level three at 3.1 mph for eight minutes. After doing so, Courtney had me out in the hallway tandum stepping at 11:30. I then went back into the gym. Once I had three pound weights strapped around each ankle I then stood on an erix cuission thus working on my balance. I then stretched. At 11:00 I then met with Piper my case manager. She had me sign some papers for Pine Tree Camp, I was then on my way. During my fifteen minute break, I had taken a shower before meeting with Sally the nurse. We discussed health issues, I was then on my way. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:30 I then met with Deb. We spoke about liesure involvement. She and Tobie will be working on this with me in the up coming months. At 1:00 United then took me home. Taling about transportation. Two of my friends at WestSide were not so lucky to get back with United. I had arrived home at 2:10 thus going straight to bed. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up. I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. before sitting down to blog.

Planning a trip to go hiking in Farmington

I began my Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. by jumping out of bed to start exercising. I first grabbed my weights, and started my reps with my upper body. I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to do my leg exercises. Once I had then stretched, I had preceded to drink my hot cocoa as I showered and got ready. At 6:10, I then went out into the kitchen. My father had made me an omlet this morning with a toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth before gathering my things, I then sat down to wait for my ride. As It pulled into the dooryard, a sigh of relief, United Wheelchair was back picking me up again. After a week from the underground with transportation, things were back to normal. I had arrived to WestSide at 9:00 a.m. Upon doing so, I had put my lunch in my locher before going to the conference room to meet with hiking group. Today we planned two hikes with Mat and Carol. First a hike Through Thorn Creg . This will be taking place next week. The following week Is our big hike of the summer. A trip to my home town Farmington to go hiking in Flint woods, village woods, and Bonnie woods. A day of hiking in Farmington. Our plan then is to have lunch at Abbot Park and an ice cream at Giffords. Once the planning was finished, we then went for a short walk on a trail near by. Once we were back to WestSide, I then went to the conference room for 11:00 for laughter therapy. We started by saying one positive thing about our weekend followed by a yah!! We then laughed along with Robert Riverse. We first thought of ways to raise some money to cover the cost of having Robert Riverse visit our WestSide to give a guest appearance and do some laughter therapy in person. Some of the ideas were a car wash, Bake sale, and laugh-a-thon. Abottle drive even came to ming. We then watched a humorous keynote with Robert. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. At 1:00 during I pad group, I showed another client my note taking system. I then left for home at 2:00. I had arrived home at 3:20. Upon doing so, I had gone straight to bed. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up to take a shower. I then went to the kitchen to eat dinner. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to blog. What a productive day.

Out at camp to spend a relaxing afternoon

I began my Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then had an egg samdwitch fpr breakfast. Once I had finshed eating I then took my shower thus getting ready to go to church. I had left the house at 10:00 with my mother. We arrived shortly afterwards for the 10:30 mass. Once church had let out we had then gone to visit my grandmother at the Pierce House. Once my mother had given my grandmother communion, we stayed to visit briefly before leaving. We had arrived home at 12:00. I then sat down to eat some lunch before leaving to go to camp with my mother. Upon our arrival, I had goe stait to my bumk house to rest. I had slept from 1:00-3:30. Once I was up, I had gone into the camp, I then went out on the deck to sit with my parents to talk as we looked at the water. At 6:00 we then went inside to eat. After doing so we locked things up and left for home at 6:45. We had arrived home twenty minutes later. Once inside I had gone to my bedroom to blog. What a beautiful day. 

Oops, I tripped.

I began my Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then preceded to have half of a bagel and a bowl of cereal. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave before making my bed. At 9:20 I then began my workout. first my upper weight exercises. I then stretched. At 9:45 I then began a wash before speaking to my grandmother on the telephone. I then gathered all the dirty dish's and loaded the dish washer before starting it. At 10:00 I then went for a walk in the front yard. I had walked for an hour. At 11:00 I then went to the laundry room to gather the washed laundry to hang to dry. I then returned to my bedroom to do my leg exercises. Oh, during my walk today, oops, I had fallen. very frustrating. Although my knee started to bleed, I still continued to walk. I had ended my walk in the yard at 11:00, thus going inside to hang yet another load of laundry. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to do my leg exercises. Once I had my ankle weights strapped on, away I went. After I had completed my daily workout, I had taken my shower. Once I was ready, I then started another load of laundry. At 12:40 I then preceded to empty the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. At 1:00 I had made myself a sandwich. Once I had finished eating, I then hung another load of laundry to dry at 1:30. After doing, I had brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I think my body deserves it, after a morning like this. I had a hard time to sleep today, so I lied there on my bed for two hours resting. At 4:00 I then took in the laundry. My mother had arrived home at 4:10. Once she was settled, we sat down to play cribbage. After a game, I then took in the laundry, while my mother tended to dinner. we then sat down to play another game. My counting still is not the best since my stroke. But it sur has improved since that first game. At 6:00 we then had dinner. I then took my shower before sitting down to blog.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!!"

I began my Friday morning at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat my plate of assorted fruit. After doing so, I had made myself a peanut butter and banana sandwich on toasted swirl bread. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth before starting my workout. At 8:45 I first did my upper weight exercises. I then stretched. After doing so I had strapped on my ankle weights and then began to workout my legs. At 9:45 i then took my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. At 10:20 I then left the house with my sister Barbara to go to my mothers place of employment to pick up a card she had with credit on it of mine to use towards watch repair. My sister and I then went to Wal-mart to buy a new band. While there it was just as cheap to buy a new watch, so I did. After doing so we then went to the Pierce House for my grandmothers birthday. Once we were there my mother, sister, aunt, and our cousin Cindy sat out on the porch at the Pierce House to eat lunch and celebrate my grandmothers birthday. For lunch they had lobster rolls, corn on the cob, and lemon marang pie. My grandmothers choice. Once we had finished eating my sister had taken me home. I had arrived home at 1:30. Upon doing so, I had gone straight to bed. I had slept from 2:00-5:00. I then got up to play a couple of games of cribbage with my mother before eating dinner. I then went to my lap top to blog.

A good conversation with my family

I began my Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m. by taking the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then went to the kitchen to to eat my fruit and drink my hot cocoa. I then toasted a muffin. Once I had finished eating, I then set out for a walk at 8:20. Once I had returned home, I had folded some laundry that was in the dryer. I then put the load in the washer in the dryer. before staring another wash. At 9:30 I had made my bed, thus putting on clean sheets. At 9:35 I had started to do my upper weight exercises. After doing so, I had gone outside to pick my last batch of blueberries. At 10:00 I then put the laundry away that I had folded, before doing my leg exercises. At 10:30 I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week. It amases me how I still can not remember how to fill them by memory. I always use to before my stroke with different medications of course. At 10:45 I then began to stretch. I did so until 11:15 before taking my shower. Once I had cleaned my bathroom I then went back to the laundry room to start another load of laundry. first I had put a load in the dryer. At 12:00 I then had turned on the news while making myself some gran crackers with peanut butter for lunch. Once I had finished eating I then hung my sheets out to dry. At 12:45 I then went to bed. I had slept until 3:45 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to talk with my parents and sister. At 5:10 we then made our way onto the deck until 6:00 before going back inside to eat dinner.I then sat down to blog.

Walk around the Bates Pond with Matt during P.T.

I began my Wednesday morning at 6:00 a.m. by getting up to do my upper weight then lower weight exercises. After doing so I then stretched. At 6:45 I then took my shower and got myself ready. At 7:00 I then made my way into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then brushed my teeth before grabbing my bags. I then went to WestSide. Upon my arrival fro 11:00 a.m. I went to the conference room for Brain Injury Education Group. We spoke about presentations being done at schools and working on my personal story with Michelle and Deb. We then looked at an activity we do. At 12:00 I then ate lunch. At 1:00 I then went to support group. Another client and I shared our weekly events then spoke about Things you see in yourself that have stayed the same since your brain injury. At 2:00 I then went with Mat to the Bates Pond to walk for my P.T. session. After making several laps around we then returned to WestSide. I then took a shower before going to the lobby to blog before going home.

Showing people the letter

I began my Tuesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to begin my workout. I first worked out with my upper body, weight lifting and stretching, I then strapped on the ankle weights and began to work my legs. After doing so, I then began to stretch my toes and and ankle area.Once I had finished my workout, I continued to get ready for the day ahead. After taking my shower and drinking my hot cocoa, Then I sat down to put my notes about yesterdays "EXPERIENCE!!!" with transportation together. Once I was through it turned into a three page essay. WestSide is doing all they can do to get the other client I ride in with back with United but they won't listen. At 7:20 I then ate my breakfast. After doing so I had brushed my teeth. I then grabbed my things and out the door I went. I had arrived to WestSide at 9:00 a.m. I had gone straight to the conference room for Yoga Group. Today Michelle and Carol had us doing a non stop Floor Yoga workout. for forty minutes. At 10:00 I then met Courtney in the gym for my P.T. session. Courtney first had me on the olyptical for twelve minutes on level three. I had gone 0.65 miles before doing some balance workout using the bosu ball. I then did some balance on the errix cuission. Courtney the had me doing some range of motion with my leg that was affected from the stoke using three pound weights. At 10:45 I then went out in the hallway to do some tandum stepping. At 11:00 I then met with Maria for a counselling session. We spoke about setting goals. Over the week she would like for me to think of goals I would like to work on. At 11:30 I then met with Sally for a nursing session. I had first showed sally the paper I had written about the transportation issue the other day. We then went over my headache notes for the week. At 12:00 I then wen to the kitchen to eat my lunch. After doing so, I then met with Deb for a support session. Deb had helped me come up with some goals to work on. 1. Acceptance, 2. Accepting where I am in recovery, 3. Coping, 4. Increase social independence. At 1:00 I then had a case management session with Piper. I had showed her the letter I had written and spoke about my what happened yesterday. I then left for home. This time I made sure I was going straight home before entering the vehicle. Upon my arrival home I had taken a shower before laying down to rest. I had slept from 2:30-5:00 before getting up to eat dinner. I then spoke to my grandmother before going to my bedroom to blog.

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR TRANSPORTATION !!!!

I began my Monday as Usual bright and early at 5:00 a.m. By doing my upper weight exercises. I then began to stretch. I did so for about twenty-five minutes. After doing so, I then strapped my ankle weights on and began to do my leg exercises. The day started off o.k. little did I know latter on I would have some complication's. After taking my shower and getting ready, I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. At 6:45 I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week. I then waited for my ride. Thinking that United would be picking me up, who pulls into the drive way but MR. J's Taxi. We then went to get another client before arriving to WestSide. The trouble is yet to start. I had put my lunch in my locker before going to the conference room. We then took off with Matt and Carol to New Auburn to walk the Barker Mill Trail. This sure was a challenge as I walked on planks so as to get across water. Mat had the gate belt held tight as we both made our way across several sets of planks along our hike. We then took the rode back to the car. We had arrived back to WestSide at 11:00 I then went to the conference room for laughter therapy group. We first began the group by stating one positive thing about week followed by a yah!!! Deb then reported The laughter therapy instructor Robert Reverse responded to our e-mail with a phone call saying he is willing to come visit our day program and do a laughter therapy session with us. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. At 12:45 I then went to the lobby to wait for my next therapy. At 1:00 I had I pad group with Deb. Myself and another client worked on some things using the I pad. At 2:00 I then went home. What a screwed up ride it was with Mr. J's Cab. My ride had a flat tire upon arrival, so her son who was there ended up taking me home. Along the way his company had us making more then enough stops along the way, going to towns like Oxford, Norway, Waterford, Lock mills At 5:00 we were in West Paris. At 5:40 we then passed the Hannaford in Jay. We then finally reached the Wind mill in Wilton at 6:03. I finally arrived home at 6:40. four and one-half hours on the road. I was so mad, and it takes a lot to make me mad. I finally arrived home at 6:40. After taking a shower I sat down to eat and cool down before going to my bedroom to blog. What a day.

Picking blueberries in our blueberry patch

I began my Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. by getting up to do my weight exercises first my arm and then my legs. After doing so, I then started to stretch. Oh my ankle, I wish would get strong. The botox seems to be helping my toes. I stretch those every day too. At 8:40 I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then returned to my bathroom at 9:00 to take my shower and get myself ready to go to church. At 10:00 my mother and I then left for church. Today was our new pries first day in our parish. After mass, my mother and went to visit my grandmother. After doing so, My mother and I then went to rite aid to look for a birthday card for my grandmother and a gift card. We then went to Wal-Mart to get another gift card. We then arrived home at 12:30. Once inside I then filled out the card getting ready to mail. I then lied down to rest at 12:30. I had slept until 3:00 before getting up. I then went right outside to pick blueberries in our blueberry patch we have in our yard. I did so for an hour before returning inside at 4:30 to take a shower. After doing so, I then sat down to blog before dinner.

Taking it easy today, enjoying a movie while doing so.

I began my Saturday morning at 8:45 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. While I was doing so, My mother had made me some french toast and fried up some spam. Once I had finished eating, I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave, I then began my morning workout. Once I had completed my weight workout, I then preceded to stretch. After spending an hour working out at 10:45 I then spoke to a friend on the phone until noon. Feeling a little tired at that point, I then lied down to rest from 12:00-3:00. I then got up to play word trick while drinking a chocolate flavored smoothy. At 4:30 I then started to watch a movie. I did so until 5:30. I then went to the kitchen to eat my dinner. After doing so, I had taken my shower before sitting down to blog. 

Groomimg the trails

I began my Friday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to do my leg exrecises with my ankle waits on. After doing, I had forgot that I had the day off do the hours of therapy I had already this week My days therapyt for today had to be cancelled. At 5:20 I then went back to bed. I had slept until 8:00 before getting back up. I then went 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 toasted english muffin. At 8:30 I then brushed my teeth before hanging the laundry out to dry. At 9:00 I then stretched. After doing so, I then started the dish washer. At 9:40 I then did my upper weight exercises. At 10:00 my mother had called me from work to let me know that she will be picking me up after 1:00.I then took my shower. Once I had cleaned my bathroom I then started a load of laundry. I then sat down to play word trick until 11:30. At 11:40 I then hung the laundry to dry. After doing so, I then emptyied the dishwasher. At 12:20 I then had some lunch. My mother then picked me up at 12:50 to take me in town so that I could walk the trails in Flint woods and Boney Woods so as to familurize myself with the terain, so that I am prepared for our trip with the hiking group from therapy. At 2:40 I then went to my grandmothers, so as to contact my mother for a ride home. We had arrived home at 3:10. I then took in the groceries for my mother. After doing so I had taken a shower. At 3:45 I then played some word trick. I then went to the kitchen to eat at 4:30. After doing so, I sat down to blog.