Starting to stack wood for next winter

My Thursday morning began on this day at 7:40 a.m. by going to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then returned to my bedroom to take the sheets of my bed. After doing I then brought them to the laundry room. I then made my way back to the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit and fruit dip. After doing so, I had toasted myself a muffin to have with my bowl of cereal and banana. At 8:20 I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. After doing so, I then put clean sheets on my bed thus making it. At 8:44 I then began to stretch. After doing so I sat down to fill my empty pill containers for the week ahead. I had cut my workout short, knowing that I would be stacking wood later. At 9:23 I then went back to the laundry room to get the laundry in the washer, so as to hang it to dry. After doing so, I then started another load. I then made my way outside to start stacking wood. I did so until 10:30 until my leg on the side of my body that was affected by the stroke started to shake, thus giving me a hard time to support my bosy so as to stand. I then went inside to put the laundry away that was outside my bedroom door. I then a shower so as to relax my body. At 12:00 my mother had called from work, so as to let me know that she was going shopping after work. I then heated up a bowl of soup for lunch. As I was eating, I had watched the news. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth and was laying down by 12:10. I sure do miss the days when I could go all day without having to sleep in the middle of the day. I had slept until 3:25 before getting up. After checking my email, I then spoke to a friend on the phone for a bit before pulling up my blog on my laptop, so as to type in my daily entree fro the day.

Talking about the different types of visual loss during Brain Injury Education Group

My Wednesday morning began at5:15 a.m. by getting up out of bed to begin doing my weight exercises. Once I had completed my upper body workout, I then preceded to stretch. I then strapped my ankle weights on and began to work my legs. Once I had completed my workout, I had then shaved before taking my shower. At 6:15 I then made my way out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so I then had my breakfast. At 6:40 I then went to my bathroom to brush my teeth. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then brought my knapsack to the door. I then sat down to read a chapter in my book, "The Dusty Trail."After doing so, I had called my grandmother before United Wheelchair arrived. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 9:15 a.m. I had put my lunch and clothing into my locker before meeting with Maria. Today we continued to discuss, using breathing strategies when becoming nervous when in group therapy, or people in general. At 10:00 during my P.T. session with Matt, we first took a walk outside. At 10:25 we then went in the back yard at WestSide to work on my balance by throwing different types of balls and sizes, such as a small football, a softball, and a rubber ball. The goal was to step as I was throwing and not lose my balance. I then threw rings around a pole from a distance. Matt had first scattered the rings, I then had to find each ring, bend over to pick it up with out losing my balance, then throwing it toward the pole. I managed to get two rings around the pole out about fifteen try's. Although the key was not to lose my balance. At 11:00 I then went back insidie to the conference room for Brain Injury Education Group. Today we continued our topic oc brain injury and visual loss as we checked out glasses on line that help simulate the different types of vision loss, such as combination loss, central field loss, peripheral loss, overall blur, Hemifield, Hemiianopia, low contrast, and color. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. After doing so, I had gone to support group at 1:00 in the conference room. Once we had shared our thoughts of the week wit Deb and Maria, I then left for home. I had arrived home at 3:18, thus taking a shower and getting comfortable. After doing so, I had emptied the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. My mother had arrived home as I was doing so, At 4:00 once I had all the dish's put away, I had gone to my bedroom to to continue reading my book until 5:00. I then went into the kitchen to eat dinner. At 5:50 I had returned to my bedroom to enter my daily blog.

Riding the incombant bike in the parking lot during P.T.

My Wednesday morning began this morning at 5:00 a.m. by doing my upper weight exercises. Once I had stretched, I then strapped on my ankle weights and then began to work my legs. Once I had completed my workout, I then preceded to get ready for the day ahead. Once I had taken my shower, I had gone out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then had brushed my teeth before sitting to read the book I have been reading now for a couple of weeks titled, "The Dusty Trails" while waiting for United Wheelchair to arrive. Upon my arrival to Westside this morning for 9:00 a.m. I had gone to the conference room for Yoga Group. Michelle and Matt first had us follow a thirty minute chair yoga workout. Once we had finished moving and stretching we then did some sympathetic breathing. At 11:00 during my p.t. session with Alex, had me out in the back parking lot riding the incombant bike around cones. I had done it up and back six times. my legs were burning a little after this workout. We then went inside to download a Tai Chi app onto my I pad. At 11:00 I had made my way to the craft room for expressive arts. Today Michelle and Casey had us making flowers with with different art supply's like wired, as we shaped the flowers by bending the different colored wires. At 12:00 I then had gone to the kitchen to eat my lunch before taking a shower. I then met with Piper at 12:45 for case management. At 1:00 United then took me home. I had arrived home at 2:10 After sleeping the entire trip, I had gone strait to bed and slept three more hours. I then called gram before eating dinner. I then sat down to blog before calling it a day.

Dr's. appointment with my neurologist today.

My Monday morning began on this twenty-seventh day of April at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I had then fixed myself a bowl of cereal and a toasted english muffin. Once I had finished eating breakfast I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. At 9:30 I then had made my bed before washing some dish's and picking up the kitchen. After doing so, I had gone to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. At 9:45 I had then returned to my bedroom to begin my workout. First I had done my weight exercises with my upper body. I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. At 10:00 I then went back to the laundry room so as to hang the laundry to dry before starting yet another load of laundry. At 10:15 I had returned to my bedroom to stretch before taking my shower, thus getting ready to go to my Doctors appointment in Scarborough to see my neurologist. Once I was ready, I had sat down to read some of the newspaper. At 12:00 I had left the house with my parents for Scarborough. We had finally arrived at the Doctor's office at 3:00 p.m. I had checked in, upon doing so, I had filled out some paper work. The nurse then took me in to take my blood pressure and go over some things. I then met with my neurologist. We had gone over my medications and I had told her about the recent headaches I had ben having within the past week. She the had asked me if I have had any seizure activity, thankfully I replied, "NO!" She then had prescribed me some medication to cover the headaches I had ben recently having for a brief period. After my appointment we had met my sister at the Portland Pie Company for dinner. Once we had finished eating we had left for home at 5:00. After a two hour drive we were in the door yard at 7:00. I then went inside to put on something comfortable before sitting down to blog.

Plans had changed

I had woke up this this Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. thinking that I'd be going down to Scarborough to spend the night with my sister with my parents today, so as to be there come time for my Doctor's appointment Monoday. As soon as I awoke, my parents had let me know that we'd be going to my appointment the same day and back home again. I then preceded to with my weight exercises, first upper then lower. At 8:15 I then continued my workout by stretching. If anything what I do each day, is keeping my in shape. It is not running, but it will have to do for now. At 8:35 after my workout was complete, I had shaved and showered thus getting ready to go to church. At 9:00 I then went into the kitchen to have some pancakes for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth. I then left for church with my mother. After mass at 11:46, we had gone to the grocery store to pick up some things. We then went to the Pierce House to visit my grandmother at 12:30. She had finished eating dinner by this time. My mother and I sat down to talk with my grandmother for a while, once my mother had given her communion. We then left for home. We had arrived home at 1:00. Once inside, I had put something comfortable on before having a bowl of soup. At 1:40 I had brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I had slept from 1:45-4:40 before getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat dinner. After doing so, I had called gram at 6:10 to see how the rest of her day went before sitting down to blog. I then called it a day.

Packing for the weekend to go to my sisters.

My Saturday morning began on this day at 8:45 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while eating some fruit with fruit dip. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to make my bed. At 9:03 I then had shaved before putting some clean laundry away that was left outside my bedroom door. At 9:20. I then began to pack to go to my sisters tomorrow so as to not have to travel first thing in the morning on Monday for my neurology appointment in Scarborough. At 9:45 I then went out into the kitchen to eat pancakes for breakfast, My mother had just made. Once I had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom at 10:00 to continue packing. I then sat down to to fill my pill containers for the week. At 10:50 I then began to stretch. I did so until 11:15 before grabbing my i pad to play word trick. At 11:30 I then called my grandmother. I had planned to go visit her today, but feeling as tired as I was, I thought it be best to stay home and rest. I then went to bed at 11:30 and slept for four hours before waking at 3:00. I knew I was tired. I then went out into the kitchen to have a bite to eat. After doing so I had then taken my shower, thus getting comfortable for the evening. I then called my grandmother to talk briefly before watching a movie. I then pulled up my blog at 5:30 before eating dinner.

Walking at Bates Track

My Friday morning began this day at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa while eating some fruit and fruit dip. After doing so, I had toasted my self a bagel to eat with my bowl of cereal and banana. Once I had finished eating my breakfast, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and make my bed. I then went to the laundry room at 8:35 to start a load of laundry. I then had returned to my bedroom to the clean laundry outside my bedroom door away. At 8:40 I then began my daily workout. First I had done my upper weight exercises. I then began to stretch. After doing so, I had then strapped my ankle weight before working my legs. Once my workout was complete, At 9:15 I then shaved before going into the kitchen to make some ice. I then made myself some ice water. At 9:25 I then hung laundry to dry. After doing so, I had taken a shower. At 10:30 I had gone out into the kitchen to make myself a turkey pastrami sandwich with the fixings. My mother had called from work, I then sat down to eat. Once I had brushed my teeth I sat down to wait for my ride at 11:00 As I was doing so, I had made my move in word trick, using my I pad. After doing so, I had read some of the paper before Larry arrived to take me to WestSide. I had arrived at 12:40, thus giving me twenty minutes to sit in the lobby to wait for Matt. At 1:00 Matt and I went to Bates College to walk around the track. It doing so, we had walked six laps, thus completing a mile and a half of walking. At 1:55 we then returned to WestSide. We then went out into the back yard to through the football, different sized balls and then I through some rings trying to get them around a pole from different distances. The dey was not to lose my balance as I was doing so. At 2.25 we then went back inside to the conference room to use the wii. We first did some bowling while standing on the erix pad, so as to challenge our balance. After two strings we then played wii tennis. At 3:00 United then took me home. I had arrived home at 4:15. Once having a snack I then took my shower before sitting down to blog at 5:00.

Going out to eat

I began my Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m. by calling my mother at work. I had asked her to remind me on how to run the new toaster oven. After doing so I had toasted myself an english muffin while drinking my hot chocolate and eating some fruit with fruit dip. After doing so, I had fixed myself a bowl of cereal with banana. At 9:30 I then went back to my bedroom to brush my teeth before taking the sheets off my bed. I then started a load of laundry before going back to the kitchen to start the dishwasher. I then made my bed thus putting on clean sheets. At 10:00 I then began to do my upper body weight exercises. After doing so I then stretched. I then called my grandmother after my workout was done. At 10:55 I then hung the laundry to dry. I then had put some clean laundry away After doing so, I then continued to stretch by doing my hand and feet stretch's. After doing so, I had gone back into the kitchen at 12:00 to empty the dishwasher. I then made myself some lunch. Once I had finished eating some leftover beans and a hot dog with toast, I had brushed my teeth before laying down to rest. I had slept from 12:40-3:45. Once I had taken a shower, I then went out to eat with my parents and some friends at a restaurant in the next town over from where I live. Once we had finished our meal at of italian food. we then went back home. We had arrived home at 7:00. I then put on some comfy clothing before calling my grandmother. I then pulled up my blog.

A trip to the Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad Co. &Museum

My Wednesday morning began on this 22nd day of april at 5:30 a.m. I had laid low on the weight workout for today, so as to say enough energy for the outing I was to go on during therapy. At 5:54 I then shaved and showered before going out into the kitchen eat some fruit and two toasted blueberry muffins for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I then brushed my teeth. It felt different today as I walked out the door with nothing in either hand. No lunch or knapsack for that matter. United then had me at WestSide for 9:30 a.m. I had started my day by talking with Maria. During our counseling session We spoke about how nervous I get before going into my group therapy. Maria had suggested I try deep breathing before entering the room to relax myself. Well I am going to give it a try. At 10:00 I then gathered in the lobby with others. We then were divided up so as to be transported with therapists to Main Narrow Gauge Railroad company and museum in Portland. We had arrived at 11:43. Upon doing so, we had boarded the train for the scenic tour by the ocean. WOO WOO!!! After the train ride was finished, We had stopped so have, thus sitting down on some picnic tables near by. We had the option of either a turkey of ham italian. Once we had finished eating we had toured the museum before leaving to go back to WestSide. Upon our arrival back to WestSide, United then brought me home. I had arrived home at 4:30, Thus taking a shower before eating my dinner. I then returned to my computer to sit down to blog.

Marching while sitting on a t-stool

My Tuesday morning began this day at 5:00 a.m. by getting up and working out. I had first grabbed my weights and began to work my upper body. It is amazing as much as I have worked at recovery, I can still feel the muscle in my right arm not working as well as my left. At 5:12 I then began to stretch. After doing so, I then strapped my ankle weights on and then began to do my leg exercises standing up and laying down. Once I had completed my workout, I then preceded shaved and took my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. At 6:10 I then made my way out into the kitchen. I had a cup of hot cereal with banana and blueberries with a toasted muffing. I had finished eating at 6:30, thus going to my bathroom to brush my teeth. After doing so I had called the pharmacy to fill my script. I then grabbed my knapsack and lunch and out the door I went. United wheelchair had me at WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I had put my things in my locker and then made my way to the conference room for yoga group. Michelle and Matt had us following a yoga workout on line. As we stretched and worked on our balance and breathing made for quite the workout. At 10:00 I then met Alex in the gym for my P.T. session. He first had me side stepping on a 2by4. Back and fourth I went trying not to fall. Once I finished walking on the 2by4 Alex then had me sitting on a t-stool with my feel close together. I then looked from side to side up and down. I then did some marching while on the t-stool. Once I had completed my workout, Alex then had me do some meditation that I had learned in tai chi. During expressive arts group today we had met in the kitchen do to the art room was being used. Michelle and Casey had us playing scattagories to work our brain. At 12:00 I had stayed in the dining area to eat my lunch with others. I then took my shower before meeting with Piper for case management. On my way out I had wished Maria a "Happy Birthday" I had arrived home at 2:20. Upon doing so I had gone straight to bed, sleeping until 5:00. I then went out into the kitchen to eat my dinner. I then returned to my bedroom to call my grandmother before sitting down at my laptop to blog.

"DONE"

My Monday began on this day at 5:15 a.m. by getting up to do my upper weight exercises. Once I had completed to work out, I then began to stretch. After doing so, I then strapped my ankle weights on and then began to work my legs. Once I had completed my workout, I then preceded to get ready for the day ahead. Once I had taken my shower, I then went out into the kitchen to eat a toasted english muffin with a bowl of cereal. I then returned to my bedroom at 6:45 to brush my teeth. Once I was completely ready I had grabbed my knapsack and lunch thus bringing them to the door. I then returned to my bedroom to fill my pill containers for the week before leaving for WestSide. Upon my arrival to therapy, I had put my lunch in my locker, before going to the conference room for Academic Skills group. Today we continued discussing Kennedy and the white house years. Answering questions after watching brief clips of the time. At 10:00 I had stayed in the conference room for Tai Chi Group. Today Joe had showed us how to say, "DONE" once we had completed an exercise to make the activity complete. He advised us to use this method in what ever it is, we do. Joe then asked us to bring the hand out in next week that he had given each of us with Tai Chi exercises on it. At 11:00 I then went to the kitchens for Baking Basics Group. Today Casey and Nichole had us making a crumb topped chocolate Cake two of us in one kitchen and the other two in the other kitchen. We each took part in making the cake. Once it was made we then sat down to eat our lunch before having a piece. We then looked a meal to bake next week for lunch. After doing so I had taken a shower before meeting with Deb. During our rehab session today, I had e mailed Tim and Beth Thanking them for the idea for the program to change over with my computer, but for now I am comfortable with what it is I am using. At 2:00 I then grabbed my things and went home. Upon my arrival home, I had put on something comfortable before laying down to rest. I had slept from 3:20-5:10 before getting up to eat dinner. I then returned to my laptop to blog before calling it a day.

Going to church with my sister

My Sunday morning began on this nineteenth day of April at 7:20 a.m. by getting up to do my upper weight exercises. After doing so, I then began to do my stretching. At 7:47 I then strapped on my ankle weights and then began to work my legs. lifting forward, backward, up and down. I then completed my leg workout with some marching and some leg bends. Once I had completed my workout, I had taken my shower thus getting ready to go to church. At 9:20 while waiting for my sister, I had gone to the laundry room to fold some laundry that had been hung to dry. After doing so, My sister and left for church at 9:45. After mass my sister had taken me home. I had then lied down to rest at 11:35 while my sister went back to the Pierce House to visit my grandmother. I was so tiered, I had slept until 3:00 before getting up. A friend had called and woke me. We then talked 'til 4:15. My mother then called to speak to my sister and I. At 4:34 I then made my lunch for tomorrow to bring to WestSide. At 5:00 I then washed some dish's that were in the sink. My sister and I then sat down to eat dinner. After doing so, I had put some laundry away that I had folded earlier before taking my shower. At 6:20 I then sat down to blog.

A visit from my sister

My Saturday morning began on this day at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit with fruit dip. After doing so, I had eaten my breakfast before returning to my bathroom to brush my teeth and shave. After doing so, at 9:42 I had made my bed and put my clean laundry away before starting my workout. At 9:55 I began with my upper body weight exercises. Once I had gone through the routine once, I then began to stretch. At 10:05 I then walked out to the mailbox to get the newspaper. Once I was back inside at 10:15 I had gone on my I pad to make my move in word trick. I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. After doing so, I then had called my grandmother to see how her morning was going. AT 11:00 I then lied down to rest. I did so for an hour before returning to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry before starting another load. At 1:18 I then lied back down to rest. I had slept until 4:00, upon my sisters arrival. She and I then talked for thirty minutes, I then took a shower before playing a game of cards with my sister, while she cooked us dinner. At 5:30 we then sat down to eat. Once we had finished I had returned to my bedroom at 6:00 to blog.

Playing three games on ongoing cribbage with Alex

My Friday morning started at 7:50 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to heat up a cup of hot cocoa and to eat my plate of fruit. After doing so, I then toasted myself two muffins. Once I had finished eating my breakfast, I had picked up the kitchen wiping things down. Once I had the dish washer going, I then preceded to go to my bedroom at 8:20 to brush my teeth. After doing so, I had made my way to the laundry room at 8:30 to start a load of wash. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to make my bed. After doing so at 8:30 I had shaved before starting in with my upper weight exercises. I then preceded to stretch before hanging the laundry to dry at 9:08. I then returned to my bedroom to put some clean laundry away. After doing so, I had strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. until 9:34. Once I had completed my workout, I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I had returned to the laundry room to start another wash. At 10:15 I had gone out into the garage to sweep the sand. At 10:30 I then had returned to the kitchen to empty the dishwasher, thus putting the dish's away. After doing so, I had then made myself a bologna and cheese sandwich with lettuce and tomato for lunch. Once I had finished eating lunch, I had brushed my teeth before hanging the next load of laundry to dry. At this point you would think I would be totally exhausted, but to my surprise, I was not. Larry from United Wheelchair had arrived at 11:30 so I had grabbed my knapsack and out the door I went. I had arrived at WestSide at at 1:00 p.m. Upon doing so, Alex and I first went outside in the parking lot so that I could ride the incombant bike. Alex had set up some cones for me to go around. I did so for an hour before going back inside to do something cognitive. Alex and I then went to the conference room to play cribbage. We had played three games of ongoing cribbage. At 3:00 Rocky then brought me home. No time to sleep, Rocky had kept me in conversation the entire ride. He told me stories of when he use to be employed at Hanaford, before he retired and started to drive for United Wheelchair. I had arrived home at 4:10, still full of energy at this point in the day. UNBELIEVABLE!!! Once I had taken my shower, I then sat down to blog before dinner. My sister will be arriving later on, looking forward to her visit.

Sweeping sand from the garage

My Thursday morning began at 7:50 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 returned to the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit with fruit dip. After doing so, I had toasted myself an english muffin and make myself a bowl of hot cereal. Once I had finished eating my breakfast, I had washed some dish's that were in the sink and picked up the kitchen. At 8:21 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. At 8:40 I then folded some laundry that had dried before hanging another load. I then started another wash. Once I had done so, I had put the laundry away in its proper place. At 9:30 I then began to stretch. I did so for thirty-five minutes before receiving a phone call from my mother. I then continued to stretch once off the phone. At 9:44 I then hung another load of laundry before sweeping the sand in the garage. At 10:05 I then sat down to give my grandmother a call. We spoke until 10:15, I then continued to stretch until 10:30 I then began to do my upper weight exercises. After doing so, I then sat down to fill my empty pill containers. At 11:00 I then strapped my ankle weights on and began to work my legs. After doing so, I then fixed myself a bowl of soup for lunch. Once I had finished eating, I had brushed my teeth before taking my shower. After doing so, I then lied down to rest at 12:30 and I slept until 3:20 before getting up to play a game of cribbage with my mother. After doing so I had spoke to a friend on the phone before going to my bedroom to enter my daily blog entree before eating dinner.

Life is an adventure

I began my Wednesday morning at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to to drink my hot cocoa while stretching. After doing I strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. Once I had finished working my legs, I then began to work my upper body. Once I had finished my workout, I then took my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. Once I had taken my shower, I then went out into the kitchen at 6:30 to have two toasted muffins for breakfast with jelly. At 7:00 I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth, I then grabbed my lunch and my knapsack and out the door I went. Upon my arrival to WestSide for 9:00 a.m. I had made my way to the conference for focus group. This group is once every six months to allowing us to write down goals we would like to work on and what therapy's we would like to be in to work on those goals. At 9:30 I then met with Maria for my counseling session. At 10:00 during my P.t. session with Matt we had gone out in the back yard at WestSide so as to work on my balance. In doing so I was throwing a frizbee, football, and a ball using my affected arm from the stroke. As I was throwing so as to work on my balance, I would step to make things more realistic. I then tossed some rings and tried to get them around a pole too. I did not do all that bad either, I must say. At 11:00 I then went back inside to the conference room for Brain Injury Education Group. Today A client shared some information on a visual simulation project she had found on line with the rest of the group. Then Deb let us know that the teacher from the Cascade Brook Middle School that we had presented at had called Deb to let her know that the write up and picture taken of us with the children that day with be going in the paper soon. We then spoke of another presentation coming up in Farmington with the scrub club which we do once per year at Franklin Memorial Hospital. We then focussed more on what it is like to have a brain injury and loss of vision. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. After doing so I had taken my shower before going to support group. During support group today we discussed the quote "Adventure is good" with Deb and Maria. My adventure was how I was able to throw the ball and friz bee this morning with Matt for the first time since my stroke. At 2:00 Larry then brought me home. Upon my arrival home I had put on something comfortable before calling my grandmother. I then spoke to a friend before pulling up my blog.

rolling sheets of newspaper so as to make a coaster during expressive arts

My Tuesday morning began on this day at 5:00 a.m. by getting up to stretch. After doing so I then shaved before taking my shower. After doing so, I then went out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. I then brushed my teeth before grabbing my knapsack and lunch, out the door I went, United wheelchair had me there right on time for yoga group. Once I had put my lunch in my locker, I then made my way to the conference room yoga group. Today Michelle and Matt had us following a Love Your Brain Yoga work out. Brain injury survivors doing yoga. We then followed energizing chair yoga. At 10:00 I then met Alex in the gym for my p.t. session. He first had me sitting on the t-stool working on my balance by putting my feet close together then apart. He then had me marching on the t-stool. Alex then ha me sitting on therapy ball working on my balance. Alex then had me out in the hallway walking through an obstacle course, tapping cones and standing on boards along the way. At 11:00 I then went to the craft room for expressive arts. Today Michelle and Casey had us starting a new project where we were rolling sheets of newspaper so to make a coaster. At 12:00 I then had taken a shower before eating my lunch. I then met with Piper for my case management session. At 1:00 I then grabbed my things and went home. Upon my arrival home at 2:00 I had put on something more comfortable before laying to rest. I had slept from until 4:50 before getting and going out in the kitchen for a plate of spaghetti. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom to organize my knapsack for tomorrow. I then called grandma before sitting down to enter my daily blog enter.

Receiving a compliment on improving my balance

My Monday morning began on this thirteenth day of April at 5:30 a.m. by getting out of bed to stretch. After doing so I had begun to do my weight exercises, first working my legs then my arms. At 6:00 I had completed my workout thus taking my shower and getting ready for the day ahead. Once I was ready, I had gone out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. Once I had done so, I then had a bowl of cereal with a muffin. Once I had brushed my teeth, I then grabbed my knapsack and lunch and out the door I went. United Wheelchair had brought me to therapy for 9:00 a.m. Upon my arrival, I had put my things into my locker before making my way to the conference room. Today I was the client in Academic Skills Group. Alex and I began to watch clips on the kennedy half century but soon started to play cribbage seems I was the only client in the group working on something cognitively would be better to past the time. At 10:00 I had stayed in the conference room for tai chi group. One of my goal while during my therapy at WestSide is to improve my balance. In doing so at the end of Tai Chi today Tobie approached me saying, "Troy your balance has improved greatly in the past six months, as she seen me doing Tai Chi. At 11:00 I then made my way to the kitchen for baking basics group.. Today Nichole and Casey had us making a sweet potato spinach bake. My task was to slice the potato's and put the spinach mixture over them. While it was baking we looked for a desert to make for next week, we then all had a piece. At 1:00 Deb had me create notes on how to use my printer at home. We then wrote down e mail helpful hints. She then is getting me to use safari icon instead of google. At 2:00 during my break I had eaten my lunch before taking my shower. At 3:00 during social group today Alex and Joyce first had us playing hang man. We then played pass word. United Wheelchair then took me home. I had arrived home at 5:30 slipping into something comfortable before sitting down to blog. I then ate dinner before calling it a night.

sleeping the afternoon away

My Sunday morning began on this twelfth day of April at 8:oo a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing I had a couple of apple sauce muffins my mother had just made for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, I had returned to my bedroom at 8:25 to shave and brush my teeth before starting in with my morning workout. I had first stretched before doing my upper weight exercises. At 9:00 I then took my shower, thus getting ready to go to church. At 9:45 I had left the house with my mother for church at 10:30. Once mass was done we had gone to the Pierce House so as to visit my grandmother and to give her communion. At 12:00 my mother and I had met my father at the shop so that he could give us both a haircut. Once I had my ears lowered we then left for home, picking lunch up along the way. We had arrived home at 1:00. Once inside, I had put some comfortable clothing before sitting down to eat my lunch. After doing so, I had brushed my teeth then lied down to rest. I had slept from 1:10-4:40 before getting up to blog before dinner.

Playing cribbage with grandmoa

I began my Saturday morning on this eleventh day of April at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fuit. After doing so, I then ate my breakfast before returning to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. At 9:40 I then made my bed before starting my daily workout. At 9:45 I then began to stretch. After doing so, I began my weight workout. Once I had completed my workout I then put clean laundry away that was outside my bedroom door. At 10:30 I then sat down to make my move in some word trick puzzles. At 10:40 I then had taken my shower and got ready for the day, while my mother went to pick my grandmother up at the Pierce House. At 11:20 My grandmother had arrived with my mother. Once they were inside, I then sat down with my grandmother to play cribbage. While we were doing so, my mother had made a homemade pizza. At 12:30 We then began to eat lunch. My mother started us off with some corn on the cob. We then had a piece of my mothers homemade pizza. At 1:00 my mother had taken my grandmother home. Once they had left, I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 4:30. I then got up and went out into the kitchen, my mother and I then played a couple of games of cribbage before having a bowl of clam chowder. Once I had finished my bowl of chowder I then had a dessert. I then brushed my teeth before sitting down to enter my daily blog enter.

Happy sibling day

My Friday morning began on this day at 7:45 a.m. by getting up and going out into the kitchen to eat some fruit and to drink my hot cocoa. I then had a bowl of cereal and some toast. Once I had finished eating my breakfast, I had returned to my bedroom to make my bed. At 8:30 I had made my way to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then had returned to my bedroom at 8:33 to stretch. I had done so until 9:00 a.m. Once I had shaved, I then grabbed my weights and began to workout. At 9:20 I then returned to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry. At 9:30 I was then back in my bedroom strapping my ankle weights on to work my legs. After doing so, I then had made my move in word trick. At 9:50 I then gave my grandmother a call. We spoke for ten minutes, I then returned to my bedroom to work on my book. It is becoming fun the more I write. The downfall of doing so, is reliving some of the recovery stages, I soon just forget. I have to admit todays chapter had put a smile on my face. It was a chapter having to do with laughter, and its benefits after having a stroke. At 10:20 Kelly from WestSide had called to see if I had my schedule for next week. I then continued to work on my chapter about laughter. At 11:30 I then wrote out some thank you notes. At 12:00 I then went out into the kitchen to make myself a sandwich. I then sat down to eat my lunch while watching the news. After I had washed some dish's and brushed my teeth, I then lied down to rest. I then slept from 12:30-3:30 before awaking from the sounds of my mother coming home from work. I then continued to write out some thank you notes. At 3:30 I then spoke to my sister on the telephone as she was letting me know how she had posted a picture taken of she and I last summer at an aneurysm walk in portland. Once of the phone, I had taken a shower before eating dinner. I then retuned to my bedroom to blog before calling it a day.

Going to the Olive Garden for Birthday Dinner

I began my Thursday morning on this ninth day of April by going out into the kitchen to drink my cup of hot cocoa and eat my plate of fruit. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to take the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a wash. At 8:10 I then returned to my bedroom to put clean sheets on my bed, thus making it. At 8:30 I then went back out into the kitchen to fix myself a bowl of cereal and a piece of toast. After doing so, I had folded some laundry that was dry. At 9:00 I had gone outside to shovel the deck. After doing so I had returned to my bedroom to fill my pill containers fro the week. At 9:22 I then had shaved before shoveling the other deck. At 9:40 my friend Jim called to wish me a Happy Birthday. I then went back out on the deck to shovel. At 9:52 my grandmother had called to wish me a happy birthday. I then continued to shovel. Once I had finished, I then went inside at 10:00 to fold some laundry. After doing so, I then hung more to dry. At 1d0:18 I then put laundry away before doing my stretching exercises. I then spoke to my father on the telephone before laying down to rest. I had slept from 10:47-11:47. I then got up to empty the dishwasher. At 12:00 I then took my shower, thus getting ready to go out to eat with my parents at the Olive Garden. At 1:30 we then left. Upon our arrival we enjoyed a nice meal before returning home. We had arrived home at 4:30. Upon doing I had slipped into something comfortable before opening some cards and gifts with my parents. I then went to my lap top to blog.

Getting my glasses fix

My Wednesday morning began on this eighth day of April at 5:00 a.m. by getting out of bed to stretch. I did so for until 5:40. After doing so, I then preceded to work my upper body with weights. After doing so, I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. Once I had finished with my workout, I then preceded to take my shower and to get ready for the day ahead. At 6:20 I then had made my way out into the kitchen to to my breakfast. Once I had finished eating a banana sandwich with peanut butter on one side and nutella on the other, I then returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. Once I had cleaned my bathroom, I then gone out to the garage to sweep the sand back outside. After doing so I had folded some laundry that was dry. At 8:00 United had arrived to take my to WestSide. Upon my arrival for a 9:30 counseling appointment, I had showed Maria the chapter I had written during this past week. We then spoke about aother things. At 10:00 I then made my way to the gym for my p.t. session with Matt. Today Matt first had me walking on the treadmill for fifteen minutes. We then went to the conference room to so as to use the wii to work on my balance. We had first used the tennis game as I hit the ball back and fourth not only worked on my balance but my visual scanning too. We then bowled a string while standing on as erix pad. It was a close game 177 to 178. At 11:00 I had stayed in the conference room for Brain Injury Education group. Today we first read the Thank You note from the cascade Brook Middle school thanking us for the presentation we had done a while ago. Then one of the clients had brought up hoe they had contacted the Iris Network so as to supply glasses to use as a simulation to show people how vision is affected after a brain injury. Deb and Michelle then had us finishing up the vision instructions At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch. After doing so, I had taken my shower. I then returned to the conference room for support group at 1:00. Today the group started by singing me "Happy Birthday" We then discussed today's quote, "A vocabulary that eliminates "don't and can't" will be free to see surprising numbers of "Do" and "can" We then spoke about the benefits of having an I pad. At 2:00 my mother then picked me up at WestSide so as to bring me to the eye doctor to get my glasses fixed. We then left for home. On the way I had stopped to get a Mocha milk shake. Once in Farmington we had stopped at Shop-N-Save to pick up a few things. We then went home. Upon my arrival I had slipped into something comfortable being sitting down to type my blog. Ah the day is done.

Finishing up my mosaic apple during Espressive Arts

My Tuesday morning began on this day at 5:30 a.m. by getting up to stretch. After doing so, I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. After doing so I had shaved and taken my shower thus getting ready for the day ahead. Once I was ready, I had gone out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. At 7:00 I had returned to my bathroom to brush my teeth. I then grabbed my knapsack and lunch, United soon arrived to bring me to therapy. Upon my arrival to WestSide, I had gone to my locker to put my lunch and clothing in. I then grabbed my Ipad and went to the conference room for Yoga Group. Today Michelle and Matt had us following a mindfulness meditation workout on line. At 10:00 I then had met Alex in the gym for my P.T. session. Alex first had me sitting on a t-stool. While doing so, Alex had me close my eyes with my feet close together as he held onto the gate belt wrapped around my waist. After fifteen minutes balancing on a t-stool, I then went into the parallel bars. Alex had set up an obstacle cours having me walking over and on matts, cones sideways forward and back. He then took me out into the hall to work on my balance as well. At 11:00 I then went to the craft room fro expressive arts. Today I had finished gluing red strips of cut out magazine pieces so as to cover the apple. I then was able to take home my mosaic. At 12:00 I had taken a shower before sitting down to eat my lunch. At 12:30 I then had to meet with Piper for case management. We had spoke for tenn minutes I then went back to the dining area to finish eating my lunch. At 1:00 I then went to the lobby with my things. United then took me home. I had slept all the way home. Upon my arrival home at 2:00 I had gone strait to bed I was still tired. I had slept until 5:00 before getting up to eat dinner. I then called grandma before turning on my laptop to enter my daily blog entree.

Making Boston Cream Pie in baking basics

My Monday morning began on this sixth day of April at 5:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and to eat some fruit. As  I was doing so, my father had made me and my sister an egg muffin with cheese for breakfast. Once we had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. After doing so, I then had made my bed. At 5:55 I then began to work my upper body using weights. After doing so I then began to stretch. At 6:22 I had taken my shower thus getting ready for the rest of my day. I had finally had arrived to WestSide for 9:00 a.m. During Academic Skills Group today Alex had us watching the assassanation of J.F.K. We then answered questions.  I was able to get everyone right today without taking notes. At 10:00 I then met Joe in the conference room for tai chi group We first washed the organs. Joe then had us working on our balance and breathing while exercisimg. At 11:00 I then went to thekitchen for baking basics group. Today Casey  and Nichole had us making Boston Cream Pie. My Job was to mix eggs flower and vanilla. Once it was made our group each had a piec. At 12:30 I then had lunch before meeting with Deb at 1:00. Today Deb and I continued to work on organising my email  into folders. At 2:00 I then took a shower before sitting down to blog in the kitchen. I then had social group before going home. 

Happy Easter

My Easter morning began this Sunday at 7:30 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then had some eggs on english muffin for breakfast with my sister and parents. Once we had finished eating I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave. At 7:54 I then sat down to fill my pill containers for the week ahead. After doing so I then began to stretch. At 8:20 I had strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. After doing so, I had put my laundry away before taking my shower and getting ready to go church. At 9:15 I then left for church with my mother. After mass, my mother and I we to the Pierce House to pick my grandmother up to bring to our house for Easter dinner. We had arrived home at 12:00. Once inside, my sister showed me how work my new printer she had bought me for my birthday. At 12:30 Barbara and I had split some wish bones she had been saving. After doing so I had spoke to my Aunt Joan on the telephone on this Easter Day. Once we had finished with our conversation I then spoke to my friend Greg for ten minutes. At 1:20 I had sat down in the formal living room to talk with my grandmother and sister. I then fell a sleep in the chair in the formal living room for a couple of ours before before waking to talk to my mother and sister. At 3:40 I then had taken a shower At 4:15 we then sat down to eat Easter dinner. I then went to my laptop to blog at 5:00 before calling it a day.

Thank you Barbara for the new printer

I began my Saturday morning at on this fourth day of April at 9:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to eat some fruit with fruit dip and to drink my hot cocoa. After doing so I then had french toast for breakfast. Once I had finished eating, At 10:00 I had brushed my teeth and shaved. After doing so, I then went downstairs to fold the laundry that was dry from yesterdays wash I had done. After doing so, I had cleaned the bathroom downstairs. At 10:30 I then started a load of laundry, I then continued to fold laundry. At 10:50 I had gone back to my bedroom to make my bed. After doing so, I then began to stretch. At 11:30 I then began to work my upper body with weights. At 11:47 I then hung the laundry to dry. My sister had arrived at 12:07. Once she was inside the house she had me opened her birthday gift to me. A new high tech printer.Thank you Barbara. At 12:35 Barbara then hooked the printer up to my laptop and I pad. At 1:30 I then lied down to rest. I had slept until 4:30 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen. Barbara then opened her birthday gifts. Our birthdays are both in April, Can you tell? At 5:15 I then took a shower before sitting down to eat dinner with my family. I then went to my bedroom to blog.

Walking at Bates College today with Matt

My Friday morning began on this day at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to drink my hot cocoa and eat some fruit. After doing so, I then had a bowl of cereal and a toasted muffin. Once I had finished eating I had picked up the kitchen before starting the dishwasher. At 8:22 I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth and shave before making my bed. I then began my workout. I first worked my upper body using my weights. At 8:45 I then began to stretch. Once I had finished the routine, I had then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. At 9:15 I had gone to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. I then went back to my bedroom to put my clean laundry away that my father had put outside my bedroom door this morning. After doing so, I had taken my shower, thus getting ready for the day ahead. At 10:10 I then made myself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch. It was only 10:10, but I was hungry. Once I had finished eating I had brushed my teeth. At 10:00 I had then typed the cookie recipe into the book I am trying to write about my Journey towards recovery after having this stroke. At 11:30 United had arrived to take me to WestSide. Upon my arrival, Matt and I went to Bates college to do some walking around the pound and the track. Upon my arrival home today, my fit bit showed that I had walked 7.62 miles in the course of the day. That would include my morning workout and what walking I had done prior to the walk at Bates College. We then went back to WestSide at 2:30. I had just enough time to take a shower before going home. I had arrived home at 4:30, thus going strait to my laptop to enter my daily blog entry.

Following a daily routine

My Thursday morning began on the second day of April at 8:00 a.m. by going out into the kitchen to heat up my cocoa. After doing so, I then sat down to eat some fruit and drink my cocoa. Once I had done so I had returned to my bedroom at 8:10 to take the sheets off my bed. I then brought them to the laundry room to start a load of laundry. After doing so, I had cleaned the bathroom next to the laundry room. At 8:22 I had returned to the kitchen to toast half a muffin to go with my bowl of cereal. I then sat down to eat. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. At 8:50 I then put clean sheets on my bed, thus making it. At 9:00 I had returned to the laundry room to hang the laundry to dry. I then started another load of laundry before returning to my bedroom to stretch. At 9:35 I then began to do my upper weight exercises. After doing so, I then strapped on my ankle weights and began to work my legs. At 10:00 I had then grabbed my I pad and played my turn with word trick. After doing so I had shaved before vacuuming my bedroom. After doing so, I then sat down to fill out a survey. At 10:50 I then hung another load of laundry. I then had taken my shower. After doing so, I had gone out into the kitchen to make myself a sandwich. I then sat down to eat my lunch. At 12:46 I had washed some dish's in the kitchen sink, before laying down to rest at 1:00. I had slept until 3:30 before getting up. I then went out into the kitchen to make a salad to eat before dinner. I then sat down to eat. I then returned to my bedroom at 5:00 to pull up my blog before calling it a day.

April Fools

My Wednesday morning began on this April fools day at 5:30 a.m. by getting out of bed to stretch. Once I had done so, I then preceded to do my weight exercises. I had completed my workout by 6:00 a.m. Once I done so, I has shaved then taken my shower before then going out into the kitchen to eat my breakfast. Once I had my fill, I had returned to my bedroom to brush my teeth. I then grabbed my lunch and knapsack, United Wheelchair then brought me to WestSide. Upon my arrival for 9:30 a.m. I had put my things into my locker before going to my counseling session with Maria. Today we had focussed on ways I could relieve frustration. Before my having this last stroke, I use to go fo run, and that obviously did the trick. Today finding ways to do so, had become a little difficult. Not only to think of things but to do them as well. At 10:00 I then met Matt in the conference room where he and I used the wii to work on improving my balance. In doing so we had bowled a couple of strings as we stood on the erix pad. First game with two legs on and the second with one on and one off tandum style. We then tried the tennis and the baseball to work on my balance as well. At 11:00 I then stayed in the conference room for Brain Injury Education Group. We started the group off by taking down the sign in the lobby for Brain Injury awareness Month. March is over. We then continued to focus on vision with Michelle and Maria. Did you know that half of all Brain Injury's Result in having some sort of vision loss. At 12:00 I then went to the dining area to eat my lunch with others. After doing so I had taken a shower before going back to the conference room for support group. Maria and Jill had us discussing what we thought of the quote, "The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything." Once we had finished our discussion, I had grabbed my knapsack and United then took me home. Upon my arrival home at 3:00 I had spoke to a friend while eating party mix and drinking water. At 4:30 I then went out to the kitchen to eat corn chowder for dinner. After doing so, I had returned to my bedroom at 5:00 to blog.