Living Independently

My journey to independence began at the age of eleven with the help of wonderful doctors and physical therapists at Shriners Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky. I spent 2 weeks of my sixth grade year there learning how to transfer to and from the bed, toilet, and shower. Also during this time I learned how to fully dress myself. This made getting ready for school at 5 a.m. a whole lot easier for all involved. While I got dressed Mom or Dad could get breakfast ready which ensured plenty of time to eat before boarding the bus in the morning. At first, I had to have someone spot me during transfers to ensure that I did not fall. As time went on I was able to complete the transfers totally on my own.

A year after graduating from high school at age nineteen I made the decision to attend college 3 hours from home at MTSU in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. There was a lot of planning that was involved in making this decision a reality. I had to make sure that I would be staying in a dorm that was accessible and get help with transportation for errands I would need to run. Thankfully, the campus is relatively accessible to wheelchair users. My on campus apartment was a little on the small side, but I was able to manage and make everything work for my benefit. I had a caretaker come in twice a day. In the mornings they helped me get everything ready for the days classes and prepare breakfast, and in the evening they helped me prepare dinner and were there while I got settled in for the evening.

After living in Murfreesboro for nearly three years I moved back home. I stayed with family and a good friend for the first year after returning home and then in the summer of 2006 I moved into my own apartment. I still remember the excitement of being on my own and truly having my own place. It was a thrill! I lived in the apartment for three years before finally purchasing my first home in the summer of 2009.

I have lived in my home now for five years. It is a double-wide mobile home. I knew the moment I rolled into it I was going to buy it. Minimal modifications were needed to make it accessible, for that I am grateful!

Today, I want to share with you through brief descriptions; some of the equipment and appliances that have made living in my own home possible.

• Front load washer/dryer: This is self-explanatory. Using a front load washer is idea for those who are wheelchair users because the washer/dryer is sitting at our level and we can just toss the clothes in with ease! Laundry quickly became one of my least favorite household chores but I am thankful I am able to do it.
• Foreman Grill/Toaster Oven/Crock Pot: These three items made cooking meals possible for me. I am no longer just the queen of the microwave! I am now able to make items such as hamburgers, chicken, pizza, pintos..etc.
• Electric Recliner: This is my spot in the livingroom. Ninety percent of the time this is where I can be found cuddled up in a blanket watching TV or gaming. These recliners are true blessing for those who are disabled or elderly. It allows us to be able to change our seating position and relax without the worry of being stuck because we cannot push the recliner back down or because we cannot hold the recliner back in the reclined position.
• High-rise toilet/Hanging Shower Caddy: These two items have been a tremendous help in my independence as well as my shower seat. The high rise toilet seat makes transferring a whole lot easier because it is level with the height of my chair and also eliminates the need for seating over the toilet which allows more space. The shower caddy, well it is also self-explanatory. I have one on an extra shower rod inside my shower. This eliminates clutter on the edge of the bathtub and puts everything needed in reach!

I am very thankful to have been given the opportunity to learn how to live on my own and for the overwhelming support I have received and continue to receive. Living independently with Cerebral Palsy is one of my biggest accomplishments and having a positive go-getter attitude has helped me get where I am today. This journey is one that will continue for a lifetime. For I will always be learning to do new and different things!

Mail Call

"Welcome: You've Got Mail!" We all remember hearing those words after signing into AOL. When I was a teen those words made me happy as ever. They meant I had mail from friends and I couldn't wait to read it and send something back. Now, I do good to get any email worth reading. I have to admit, I miss email. I still think it is a great tool for communication - but as with all things technology has evolved into texting and social media networks.

Checking my mailbox at home is usually not even close to exciting. It's bills and junk mail. Who wants that? But, every time I order something offline via Amazon or something of the sort I get excited just like I did logging into AOL. 

This week I ordered a case for my phone. I have been looking for a case for some time because my poor phone is beginning to look kind of beat up from dropping it and this bugs me. After searching for what seemed like forever on Amazon I finally found something I liked. It's not an OtterBox [They don't make them for Samsung Galaxy Mini's]. Shame I know!

I paid $5.25 for this gem with free shipping and received it by weeks end. I love it. It seems like it is going to be very durable and it also makes the phone easier for me to hold. That's a plus! All the dings and bangs on my phone are covered so its like getting a brand new phone, at least to me it is!

What has been one of your favorite online purchases? Do you miss communicating with people via e-mail?

Just Roll With It - JoJo

I was reading through some comments on Facebook a while ago - yes, I know that it is after 4 a.m. but I had to write! Anyway, I was reading through some comments and my dear friend Jo Jo said "I love how you just roll with the punches." That reminded me of this song by Steve Winwood. It has long been a favorite of mine, thanks to my Mom. It is kind of my life motto. I just roll with it and make the best of everything that comes my way.

I messaged Jo Jo a few days ago cause I was just having one of those days as we all do sometimes. He didn't reply. I didn't think anything of it because I know he has been really busy getting ready for some things. Tonight, I messaged him again and simply said, ignore the last message, all is well now. He replied and said he didn't respond to the previous message because he knew that I would push through it. Which brings me to this... Have you ever had someone not respond to you when you really wanted them to? Times when hearing from them would make you feel better? Sometimes, there is a reason for the silence just like in this situation. Silence really is golden in more ways than the normal "having peace and quiet". It can give you the push you need to pick yourself up, do what you need to do, and continue to roll with it!

Has there been a time in your life when someone's silence has helped you?

What is your life motto?

Picnic in Reliance

Last Tuesday, the family loaded up and we headed to Reliance to have a picnic, hang out, and let Kaylee and her friend play in the water. It was a whole lot of fun. We enjoyed a picnic lunch of sandwiches and chips before letting the girls play in the water. The water was really cold, but they loved it. I sat by the water in my chair until it started coming in. Boy was that an adventure - getting me back up on the sidewalk before the water came in too far, haha! 

After the water came in the girls enjoyed tubing down the river just a little with the current. Dad and Sis endured the water and caught them.

Later in the afternoon just before we left, a man came down to the river with his dog. He had a tennis ball with him and the dog would catch it if you threw it in the water. It was really fun to watch and the kids loved it. Every kid there got a chance to throw the ball for the dog.

Can't wait to go again! Here are a few pictures:

 

What activities have you done this summer?

These Wheels Were Made for Dancin'

"These wheels were made for dancin', and that's just what they'll do..."

Yep, that's right; adapted straight from a country song! As you already know and have read, I have a huge love for music. Live local shows are one of my favorite weekend activities when the opportunity arises. Not only do I enjoy the loud music, I also love dancing! I get out on the dance floor just like everyone else and just enjoy scootin' around and having a great time. When I am dancing I don't worry about anything. All the worries in my world fade away and I truly truly enjoy myself. It is freeing just like the music is. 

What do you do to free your mind and/or de-stress?

Pampering Should be Relaxing

Let's face it, most all females like to be pampered once in a while. This usually consists of some shopping and most likely a manicure and/or pedicure. I am one of those girls. I do not have painted nails often because it is not something I do well on my own. [Trust me I've tried] So, ever great once in a while I have girl time with my sister and a friend and have my nails painted.

I am always satisfied with the way my nails turn out and it makes me feel girly as it should.

However, the process of having my nails done has never been a truly relaxing experience for me. You may be thinking, "Well, why not? I love going to have my nails done!"

This is why:

• I cannot roll completely under the manicure table.
• The manicurist usually seems frustrated with me because I cannot completely relax my hand.
• I have to lean way over the table which causes my back to hurt.

If I were able to roll completely under the table I think my experience in such a salon would be different. I would be able to sit more comfortably and not have to lean way over, nor would they have to pull at my arm all the time. And the manicurist would not seem as frustrated.

Thoughts ladies?

A Peaceful Sunday

Yesterday was a very peaceful day for me. It was quiet and relaxing. I spent a lot of time outside. I enjoy the outdoors when the sun is shining bright! My lilies finally bloomed. I love it when they do!

Later in the afternoon I enjoyed a Nestle Drumstick on the porch. The first ice cream I've had this summer. It was delicious! :) 

I also prepared dinner last night, it's the least I can do for my sister and all the hard work she does. I am so glad we have been blessed with an awesome relationship. I made BBQ Chicken in my crock pot!

I ended the night with my favorite little person my sunshine. I love having her around! :)