What I've Been Doing

Just realized it has been a couple weeks since I have posted!

I'll try not to make this post too lengthy and get you up to speed at the same time.

We celebrated Michael's Dad's birthday at the beginning of the month with family and friends. It was a big surprise for him and a good time was had by all. :)

Last week I got to keep the girls (Haylee & Kylee) for three days. It had been a very long time since they had spent the night with us. We all had a really good time. We watched lots of cartoons, a movie, and colored together. On Valentine's Day we took them out to eat at Denny's. We all enjoyed that and even had dessert! They are a true joy in my life.

Thursday I had to go to the dentist *shudder*. I get extreme anxiety when I have to go to the dentist. I just went in for an exam. To my surprise it really wasn't that bad. I will have the work I need done soon and then I will me on my way to my beautiful smile again. After the work is done I plan to do something to straighten my teeth back out. I wish I would have wore my retainer correctly!

Friday, I visited Benchmark to have my wheelchair evaluation done. They have moved their office. It is a lot more open than the other one, and very bright. The physical therapist was very nice. Now all I have to do is wait for all the paperwork to go through and insurance to give the okay then it should be about 8 to 10 weeks before I have the new chair.
Michael also took me shopping for Valentine's Day. He got me a new outfit, pj's, earrings, and a phone cover for V-Day and I got him two new shirts, a necklace, and a pair of pants.

Now on to this week...

Yesterday was Fat Tuesday. The last day of Mardi Gras. So, we went to N'awlins as we do every year for their annual crawfish broil. It was good as always and I can say that I am glad I took the chance and tried crawfish a few years ago. Now I love them! The music was awesome! But, who knew.. I'm a sucker for live music! :)

There ya go, that's what's been going on in my little world! Enjoy!

Personal Correspondence

How do you keep in touch with others? Through social media, e-mail, phone calls, texts, visits?

Most of us today keep in touch through social media such as Facebook, and text messaging on our mobile phones. Its much faster than a hand written letter and in our fast paced way of life we don't make the time to do so. E-mail is the same way it seems. It's much easier for us to keep up with each other through a website and text than to take the time to write an email. I have actually been able to keep in touch with family members I wouldn't even really know if it were not for Facebook. That has really been a blessing!

I remember when we first got a computer. I was 13. AOL was the big thing then. I remember thinking how neat it was to instant message someone or send them an e-mail. I made a 'pen pal' on there. Of course, we have since lost touch. But, it was cool to be able to correspond with others without having to write a letter and wait for them to receive it in the mail; or if you wanted to talk for hours you didn't have to worry about your ear going numb or your arm tiring from holding the phone so long.

In recent years, e-mail seems to have nearly faded out as a source of keeping in touch with others on a personal level. Especially with the advent of text messaging on cell phones and numerous social networking sites.

I personally, wish that wasn't the case. I rarely check my email anymore because there is nothing to look forward to other than a bunch of forwards. I get actual emails on the occasion from a few people. I check email to make sure a payment went through or something of that sort, but even then I can do that from my phone. Don't get me wrong, I love having email at my finger tips when I am on the go and being able to respond quickly via a text, but it still is not as personal as an e-mail or even more so, a hand written letter.

When I moved to Murfreesboro, TN for school I of course kept in touch with family through phone calls, but some of us also e-mailed & Instant Messaged. Then, I wrote letters back and forth to my Great Aunt, Great Uncle, and one of my cousins. Writing those letters was a lot of fun and really meant a lot to me. I can remember always looking forward to checking my mailbox in the KUC to see if I had letters or packages. :) I still have a letter from each of them today that I kept, and I will keep them for many years to come.

Even though we live in such a fast paced world, we always need to make time to keep in touch with those that mean a lot to us. Family, friends, it doesn't matter who they are, and even though I miss email being popular it doesn't matter how you keep in touch as long as you do!

Four Wheels vs. Two Legs

vs.

What is the Difference?

• You walk. I roll.
• You run. I do the same with my hands using 2 wheels.
• You jump. I pop wheelies to get over bumps and uneven surfaces.
• You can stand up or lay down if you get tired of sitting. I am either sitting down or laying down.
• Anywhere is accessible. If there are no ramps and proper accommodations certain public places are not accessible to persons in wheelchairs. Restrooms being what I notice most.
• You can move through a crowd with ease. I have to say excuse me and hope people are polite enough to move.

What's My Point?

While I view myself as no different than the next person; these are a few of the big differences that I've noticed. They are really not a big deal to me, but when you take time to think about them and consider what I've said, you may see where I am coming from. 

Walking/Rolling: To me these are one in the same. My wheels are just like the two legs God gave you to walk on.

Running: I do the very same thing when I am 'going fast' in my wheelchair. Let me tell you, its a workout and tiring! :)

Jumping/Wheelies: While you jump for fun or exercise.. I pop those cool wheelies to get over humps and bumps. But ideally in my mind I'm jumping too! :)

Changing of Position: When you get tired of being one way or another you have the freedom to move around and get comfortable. I/we can do this too but it isn't as easily done. As stated it mainly consists of sitting up or laying down which at times can be a bit boring!

All access/Restricted or No Access: Most of the time you can go anywhere without restrictions of any kind. The same can be said for those of us in wheelchairs most of the time as well with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. But, there are still some kinks and I have come to find that as I have grown into adulthood. Not all restrooms are accessible to those of us in wheelchairs even though they say they are. If a wheelchair cannot fit in the stall it is NOT accessible! Not all buildings are fully accessible. And furthermore, more places should have automatic entrances so those of us who want to shop there can come and go on our own. (i.e. convenience stores and restaurants).

Crowds: While you can maneuver through a crowd being heard saying 'Excuse me'.. some of us are hoping we are heard saying that just so we can get through. Or we're trampled on because people just don't want to move. I'm not saying this happens all the time. But it does and has happened to me. When ya see a wheelchair  coming through; slide over just a bit if your able. We would appreciate it. :)

Often times, people think it is "cool" to use a wheelchair, while it is a neat thing its not always cool to those of us who use them on a daily basis. I am saying that I don't enjoy my life? No. I'm saying like some other things in life; it's not all its cracked up to be. Sitting in a wheelchair for the majority of the day becomes uncomfortable and tiring. And, if there are seat belts and numerous other restraints on the chair one can begin to feel confined. Sure its neat to be able to roll where you want to go, but just as walking is tiring; pushing a wheelchair is just as tiring for us if not more so.

People have asked me numerous times throughout my life if I would like to be able to walk. For a time; I wanted to. Now, I don't. Why? I wouldn't be who I am. It's that simple.

People also assume that when someone is in a wheelchair that they are paralyzed and cannot move or feel their legs. I understand people make assumptions because they don't know or think they do. I'm guilty of us. But the answer is No, not everyone who is in a wheelchair is paralyzed. Many of us were born with a condition such as Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy, etc. Or something happened later on in life like MS.

I am not sure if this made any sense whatsoever.. and if it didn't oh well. I'm no different than you. Your no different than me. We are all human! :)

2012

It's a new year. 2012. What does that mean for me? It means a new beginning. A clean slate. I am not one for making resolutions because I do not keep them; but there are a few things I would like to do this year if I am able.

• Attend a concert, it's been several years.
• Go back to South Carolina. :)
• Travel to Texas or Louisiana to see some of Michael's family.
• Keep in better touch with family members not close by; both mine and Michael's.

Those are just the things I can think of right off the top of my head. I am sure more will come along as the year progresses.

My 2012 has started off great. I was able to be with my bestie this year to bring in the new year, as well as another good friend of mine and Michael's. I have a feeling that it is going to be a great year for all of us.

As for the whole 12/21/12 thing: I will admit that it use to freak me out. It took me a long time to get over that. I still don't like to talk about it too much; but I am comfortable.  Just like in '00 when the computers were suppose to blow up; that didn't happen. People have tried to predict the end of the world since before I was born! They haven't hit it yet so I don't think 12/21/12 will be the end of time unless God wills it so. Only He knows when it will end.

I am blessed that I can rest in this:
"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in Heaven, nor the Son, only the Father." Mark 13:32 (NIV).

What are your plans for the new year?

So what are your plans for 2012?

Inspirational People

I wanted to take a moment and share with you some of the people that inspire me; or have made an impact on my life.

My Parents.  Where do I even start? These are two amazing people and I am so thankful that I was chosen to be their daughter. They have been through a lot with me concerning my Cerebral Palsy; but we have chugged right on through together. They show me love daily. They helped me push through the tough times when I would buck up and fight. They really taught me how to be strong and to never give up. To always go for what I wanted and not let anything stop me. I think I have done this well. Thank you for teaching me to 'Roll with It'. I love you both!

My Sister. This girl is the best friend God knew I couldn't live without. She has always accepted me and never treated me any different than anyone else. We have so many good memories I couldn't even begin to write them here. She is a very strong and beautiful woman. She stands up for what she believes in and doesn't back down. Throughout our lives, I have looked up to her a lot. It always felt like she should be the older sister, lol. She has always been willing to help in a time of need even from a young age. I'm so glad that she is in my life and that I have been blessed to call her my Sister. She also gave me the best gift anyone could ever ask for; my niece Kaylee Isabella!

Michael. I'm so thankful that we came into each others lives when we did. He is the love of my life and I'm so glad I get to share that with him. We have been through a lot in 5 years but we have stuck it out through good and bad. He accepts me and loves me, and I give the same in return. To this day he can still give me butterflies and melt my heart. I love his smile, his personality, and his caring gentle soul more so now than the day I met him. It is my prayer that our love continues to grow and conquer what ever life may toss our way. He is a true blessing in my life.

Jade. She is my bestie!!! I met her through Michael and I am so glad I did. She is so much fun to be around and has really helped me grow a lot in my personal self over the last 4 years. She has taught me; along with many others that it is okay to speak up. [I am still working on it, but getting better.] She is a very strong, bright woman who faces whatever life throws at her with immense courage and faith. She's been there for me through a lot, and I have done the same for her. That's what besties are for! My life definitely would not be the same without her! :)

George.  I met George in August of 2005. He was my physical therapist in Dayton where my Granny too me for therapy. I quickly took a liking to George for the compassion he had for his job and patients. He is a genuine person. Definitely a one of a kind. In the Spring of 2006 I moved to Cleveland and was estatic to learn that he was at the Cleveland BenchMark PT. I always looked forward to working with him. He makes therapy as fun an enjoyable as possible for his patients. George and I have developed a friendship over the last 6 years that I hope lasts the rest of our lives. Not only is he one of my favorite PT's; he is also an awesome friend and mentor. He has seen me in good times and bad; and has always been there to listen and offer his support and guidance if needed. His compassion for others carries over into his family as well. He loves his wife, and all their children greatly without question. I am so thankful to know this family and I appreciate them allowing me to be a part of their lives.

Many of my other friends and family members have also been an inspiration to me throughout this journey called life. If not for their love, and support I don't know where I would be today.

Who inspires you?

Thanksgiving

I know this post is long overdue. . .

Thanksgiving was great this year. Mom cooked dinner and we all went down to have a feast. The dressing and sweet potato casserole, and cherry cheescake are always my favorites and my Mommy always does a good job. I was thankful that we were all able to be together and be there for mom. All being myself, Michael, Emily and her family, my cousin Jodi and her family and a good friend of my sisters'. I know that it was tough for my Mom this year. It was for me as well in a sense. It was different. But I am so thankful that we have each other and share the love that we do. I know my grandparents were definitely there with us in spirit.

Since this is my Thanksgiving post. I suppose I should say what I am thankful for. Here goes:

• My family and the love that we share.
• Michael, my love and our relationship. I'm thankful he came into my life.
• Seeing my sister get married. She's all grown up now!
• My home.
• My pup Bruno, he keeps me good company.
• My many friends who are always blessings to me.
• The beauty God creates daily.

Christmas is getting closer and I know it is going to be tough for us as well. If you're reading, please keep my family in your thoughts and prayers. <3

11/11/11

November 11, 2011. Not only is this Veteran's Day but also the day my sister said "I Do" to the love of her life. The wedding was lakeside on my Granny's property and was just absolutely breathtaking. I was honored to be the Maid of Honor and be at my sister's side on her big day. Everyone looked great! Kaylee (her daughter) made a beautiful flower girl, and Kevin of course was a handsome groom. 

I am so happy for my sister and hope that the 3 of them have a wonderful life together!