Anticipation

It’s a good thing.

I’m anticipating two big events.

The first is two weeks in Guatemala at a Spanish immersion school over the Christmas holiday.  I was invited by a friend who attended the same school several years ago.  At first Bob and I went through the reasons why this may not be good idea such as:

What if you fall

What if 5 hours of class a day is too much for you

What if you get homesick after the first week? (Why not consider one week vs two)

How will you shower?

What if you get sick from drinking the water?

What are you going to do in this country the other 14 hours when you’re not in class?

Walking will be very difficult due to the cobblestone streets

The school was wonderful in addressing all my concerns.  For this reason and my mother-in-law, I am now going to Guatemala in December.  Fortunately for me, she is in a “Just say yes. mode and persuaded Bob that we should do the same. It has been a goal for as long as I can remember to speak Spanish fluently.   

The second event is a trip to Costa Rica in February An early 60^th birthday gift from my sister-in-law and her husband. The timing couldn’t be better as it will allow me to immediately reinforce the Spanish after the school

My family and friends are helping me fulfill my lifelong goals. They see the whys and aren’t intimidated by the why nots. It takes a village….

"No distance for a handicapper"

I try to write about how I feel living as a disabled person but it is difficult for me, since I am not a professional writer.  Every once in a while a professional does articulate how I feel.  A case in point, the October 5^th article in The New York Times titled “A Disabled Life is a Life worth Living.”

Ben Mattlin, the author, is correct in stating, “We seek fair treatment, rightful access to everything in society — jobs, and romantic prospects, and so on. Highlighting the downside of disabilities seems counterproductive and self-pitying”.

Mattlin comments that living with a disability is to understand the fragility of life. Most of my friends are as Mattlin goes on to say, “at the pinnacle of their careers, and I’m just getting by. I shouldn’t complain, I tell myself. Unemployment among disabled people is crushingly high”.   Today, my work, which used to define me, is limited to volunteer work.  The work is satisfying but not rewarding.

I continue to evaluate the bright side of a disability. I am a “problem solver’ as Mattlin points out. I have found devices to help me cook, which is my passion. I have Hope, which allows me to walk, unaided by a human. I can also write with my non-dominant hand. Transportation is no longer an issue thanks to Uber, Bob, and my assistant, Donna.  I problem-solved my way to get to Guatemala for Christmas to attend a Spanish immersion school

It is a hassle to devise alternative methods to complete simple activities of living, a “so called normal life”. But when I figure alternatives out, I am liberated.

Thanks for listening.

Read the article for more insight

"noting ventured nothing gained" chapter 2

To date I have participated in 3 East End Sunday Farmers Markets with minimal success.  Minimal because even though we sold out of cookies, we did not make a profit; we did break even.  We are using the market as a test lab and so far I have learned, tying it to the 4Ps of marketing

Price: We initially had three different quantities and price points and now we only   sell a $5 with 6 regular cookies or $5 for12 mini rookies testing has proved this to be an acceptable price point and simple.

Placement: Our pop-up booth is often located close to other popular booths; In fact we were fortunate in our placement two weeks ago when customer invited me to participate in the grand opening of his motorcycle and coffee shop the following week which we did also with minimal success.

·        Position:  The best chocolate chip cookie in the East End – I continue to test the credibility of this.

·        Promotion: our only promotion is my sign an Facebook page  Facebook was used to invite customers to the coffee shop grand opening and it was standing room only or 3 hours

·         

·        The test lab also provides

·        -approximate quantities I need to bake each week

·         

·        Packaging:  we adjusted after 2 market tests to 6 vs 5 regular cookies per bag,

·        customers like “mini” food; hence the packaging adjustment

·        Recipe test customers really like my spicy cookies  as we coined them  “cookies with a kick” 

·        having samples is essential to selling; customers want to try the product

I stated in my previous blog that this venture helps put me on the track  to return to a  busy and meaningful life  the past couple of months were wonderfully busy and allowed for “dusting off” my marketing skills 

"Nothing Ventured, Nothing gained"

About 3 months ago I was making cookies for a hostess gift for a friend and Bob commented:  “You make a good cookie, why don’t you have some fun with it and try selling them at our East End Farmers Market”. He said this in front of a close friend and she enthusiastically agreed.  I started working on a Marketing Plan to include the “4P’s of marketing (price, promotion, position and placement).   Part of my plan included a section on who I am? and why I am doing this.  Below is what I wrote in my plan:

In 2006, I suffered a massive stroke. This required me to retire at the age of 48 from a 20⁺ year career in computer product and Internet marketing.   I have been in rehabilitation and rediscovery mode ever since. I live through the ups and downs of being a stroke survivor.   This catastrophic event forced me to rethink my goals.  I do not want to be “defined” by the stroke. This venture is a path to reinvention and getting back to a busy and meaningful life.

This venture provides for:

-         practicing right-hand- only skills

-        testing my stamina by standing up for 4 hours at a time

-        social interaction

-        putting marketing skills to test

-        Working towards a financial return and contributing to our household income, which is a longshot. As of this blog entry, I participated in one Sunday Farmer’s Market and I sold out of cookies in the first 1.5 hours. I have a long way to go to consider this a successful venture but I’ll quote Ben Franklin:  “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Come by Sundays between 10:00AM and 2:00 PM and purchase a cookie or two.  at East End Farmer’s Market at the Esplanade on  Navigation, 200 Navigation.

My year of turning 60

am so fortunate to have amazing family and friends.  It is best exemplified by their treatment on my recent birthday.  My 5 sisters, brother and father surprised me by hosting a beautiful lunch complete with fresh flowers and a homemade cake.  It was a complete surprise.  A couple of weeks later several of my friends from Austin drove down for the actual birthday weekend and treated me to a movie, a spa afternoon, happy hour and dinner. My second family and Bob spoiled me all day complete with calls, texts, songs and gifts.  I find myself wondering w how I can reciprocate this generosity. I’m also wondering how I should spend my year of turning 60.  My ideas will be in my next blog. the theme being:reinvention.

I love a chalebge but . . . really?

I just returned from a 5 day Colorado vacation and concluded all the therapy the world (both cognitive and physical) couldn’t prepare me for my travel experience. during this trip.  Please let me explain 

I was visiting a friend in Durango and travel required a stop and plane change in Denver. Also, I travelled with my walker, Hope.  I thought it was essential to increase my mobility on the trip.   All was going very smooth in

Denver when I boarded my plane for Durango. I had plenty of time to board so I plugged in my phone charger.  The flight was delayed from a 6:00 departure to 7:30.  The wheelchairs in this airport are not self-propelled so I have to wait for an attendant go to the bathroom. The attendant came very late so I almost missed my flight and we had to remove the connection to the charger.  I pulled the plug but needed the USB part so they had to bend down on all fours to get it.  All is well and we are halfway to Durango when the captain say says we are turning around and going back to Denver due to a mechanical error. 

Dealing with Hope adds a layer if complexity and I have to keep track of my carry on and Hope and remember to gate check her each time.  We had to deplane in Denver and wait for them to fix the plane.  There was as shortage of bag handlers so Hope was delayed the reason I can’t leave the gate area is the wheelchairs are not self-propelled and I have to watch hope While searching for my boarding pass in my carry-on I noticed all my pills fell out of the container.  Also I lost my boarding pass.

I think its worth repeating that all the therapy cannot prepare or substitute from doing.   The challenges occurred throughout my trip including challenging terrain and stairs during a train ride to Silverton and an outdoor concert, and walking the streets of downtown Durango.  There is no substitute for getting out and doing.  Challenges and all I had a wonderful time and appreciative of my friends for putting up with me.

lab vs. real world

 My current occupational therapist, Danny, read my last blog about my inability to open heavy doors at the movie theatre.   During my next session with her, she immediately led me to doors that generally require assistance.  We practiced for 30 minutes until I got it right.

 

I love going out to breakfast so I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to apply my practice in the “real world.” over the weekend. I took Uber to IHOP because it’s close.  Entering inside was fairly easy but leaving was a different experience.  I opened the door to the outside and stepped outside with my walker; the walker started rolling down the sidewalk and I now have nothing to hang on to and  in real trouble. Fortunately a man in a car driving by sees this as its happening and hops out of his car to help me.  What did I learn?  Always, always, apply the brake no matter where you are.

 

I’m continuing to practice on opening and going through doors. the IHOP example demonstrates that while therapy in a clinical environment is important, it is no substitute for the real thing.  Danny is the only therapist I’ve had in 10 years who problem solves my issues this way.  She is unique in her approach with me, she understands what I need and how to help me gain more independence and I feel extraordinarily grateful to be working with her.

Confidence

For the most part, confidence is good. However, recently it almost got me into trouble.  I’m so enamored with my new walker, that I took it on a trip to the movies on my own.  I was dropped off early by a friend to start getting the tickets. I made it to the ticket counter fine and on my way to my movie, I stopped in the bathroom. I go to open the door and have my hand on the handle when something pulls me very hard.  It was a man on the other side trying to open the door.  I was grateful to have the door opened because it was heavy but he almost pulled my arm out of its socket.  Once inside, I had to get through yet another heavy door.  I could not open it so I headed back to the main door and remembered this one was heavy too.  So here I am 15 minutes before the movie starts and I can’t get through either door to get to the movie location. I weigh my options:  wait or call my friend.  I elected to wait and someone eventually helped me open the doors.  My confidence lets me know there are many things I can do, but I need to know my limitations and have a plan B. 

freedom part 2 -from guest blogger, Bobby Bacon's perspective

Annie named her new three wheeled Invacare walker “Junior”. It isn’t a complete replacement for “Velvet”, her larger walking support device, but an addition for short hauls. I had looked at these lighter weight devices over the years but had concerns about providing enough support if she lost her balance. Velvet is too heavy and large for most Uber vehicles and certainly too heavy for frailer companions to pick up. Enter Junior.

We decided in a “what the heck” moment to pick up one of these. They’re about 1/10 the cost of a Velvet and 1/3 the weight. Three wheels versus four was the decision as Annie has to control everything with just one hand. You get the picture…

We always like a “so what?” moment. In the last couple weeks of getting used to this Annie has broadened her horizons three fold. She is taking Uber (please don’t leave Houston) to shop, to get nails done, to pick up small items at the store, to meet with friends and is able to actually walk on her own to restaurants in the area. This is a huge boost to confidence, independence, ease to hang out with her friends (who might “postpone” due to the challenges of supporting Annie) and in one additional word FREEDOM! It’s freedom for both of us. Annie can do what she wants.

Of course I still cringe at the thought of her crossing a busy street or plowing forth on the train or bus. But we’ll get there. Annie wants her independence as much as I want it for her. Personal pride and a less grumpy pal (who me? Yeah, Houston traffic…) make for powerful medicine. Now Annie is just a text or phone call away from a meet up.

So the “so what” is a wider range of activity. It’s fewer responses of “no’ when she says “Can I come?” It’s a sense of owning her own space and commanding her own time. That's progress. I suggested we might call Junior “Hope”. It seems to be sticking.

Freedom

They say “any job can be accomplished with the right tools” I’m on path to prove this. First, a little background last month my tools for walking included my 4-prong cane for short trips and my 4-wheel walker with a built-in seat and off-road tires for longer trips. Even though the cane gave me mobility, I was still often holding Bob or my caregiver’s hand upon leaving the car.  My balance and confidence was low.  Also, the bigger walker was an issue when going go our gallery because the size was so inconvenient and obtrusive. So Bob suggested I look into smaller walkers which I did and now have a 3-wheel, 8 pound, collapsible walker.  In two short weeks, this “tool” has been the biggest confidence builder since I started being able to walk 8 years ago. It is difficult to express the emotional benefits.  Prior to having this walker, I could go anywhere in a cab, Uber, etc. but once I get there, I need help with walking so my activities were limited.  Now I can go anywhere.  For example, today, I took Uber on my own to the drug store and to get a manicure.  I’ve never done this on my own bore and the freedom it affords me is so huge .I love to go to the movies, restaurants, shop, etc. independently but until now did not have the confidence. The new walker is giving m hope to look beyond my current routine and activities such as travelling. Tithe bottom line is I now feel I can go anywhere without having to plan

Strokelife, liberty and the pursuit of aging happily

When I exercise on my indoor bike I routinely watch one of two shows, either Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Fallon. On a recent show, Cameron Diaz was pitching her second book, “Longevity, the Science of Aging.” She writes:  “Aging is a privilege and we should feel lucky to be able to age.” At this point one might question my judgment in referencing Cameron Diaz in a stroke blog. However her four pillars for successful aging resonated with me because I often wonder as I feel the effects of aging is it age or stroke related?  It’s probably both. I fight daily to make sure the effects of stroke don’t hasten my aging.  Her four pillars of aging successfully are:  “nutrition, rest, exercise, and laughter.” I give myself an average grade of C minus or lower on adapting these pillars.   I exercise and laugh every day and my nutrition is decent. It is rest that lowers my grade.  I suffer from insomnia and don’t really sleep without some nightly aid.  I also would add a fifth pillar, which would be meaningful work.  If I had meaningful work, I believe rest would be manageable.  I am envious of my brother-in-law, Tom who has meaningful work-- the relentless goal of improving Houston Parks and park access.  He inspires me to find my own meaningful work as the fifth pillar on my own aging quest. Again, what does Cameron Diaz know about aging and science?  Probably not a lot, but she gave me material for my blog.

Mix it up

My daily routine consists of morning coffee, breakfast, newspapers, email, errands, therapy, exercise, cooking, volunteer work, etc.  When I have an opportunity “to step out” of my comfort zone, I immediately jump on it. This was the case recently when I tagged along with Bob to drive to Austin to accompany him on a few appointments. We delivered a piece of furniture contracted by one of my friends.   It also was one of my best friend’s birthdays and we were able to go to lunch. I believe it is important to mix up my routine. The plan required that I get up early, shower, sit for an extended period in a car, walk in unfamiliar territory more than I do when at home, socialize (which I think is always important) and maintain my close friendships in Austin.   As I was leaving, my friend said to me:  “Thanks for making the effort.”  That said it all and meant the world to me.  My new mantra:   Mix it up and often!

Full Circle

Recently I was referred to an Occupational Therapist by my vision doctor.  My vision doctor prescribed prism glasses that are designed to help me overcome my left side - peripheral vision deficit. She thought I could use some additional training with an OT so she asked her OT to contact me.

I had my first appointment with the OT, Danny, this week.  Coincidentally, Danny was my OT at TIRR in 2007. When I left the hospital in Houston, I first stayed with Tom and Laura and Danny came over one night to help Bob get me to stand. At that time I was 95% needing support and wheelchair bound. The doctor warned Bob how difficult it would be to take care of me once I left the hospital but we had no idea. We solicited help from Danny. We wanted to work with her more, possibly fulltime and even get her to consider an Austin move but she had just taken a job at Methodist.

So imagine my surprise when she contacted me for this appointment – back in my life in such a positive way. Danny is wonderful evidence of the top treatment available in Houston and facilitating my ongoing effort to improve.

My first session with her was 2 hours we spent a lot of time discussing my goals and how I was doing since 2007. A lot of her questions were about my mental state.  Basically she was assessing my treatment needs going forward.  She’s trying to get to the reason my walking is where it is today.  An early theory is my “mid -line” or in other words, “my center” is off so my walking is skewed.  I was so encouraged by her thorough exam and so looking forward to y treatment.  My first session is next week.  Stay tuned. 

stop the Madness

When I was working I had an ongoing philosophy pounded into me by supervisors: For every project you are working on set goals and realistic ways to measure these goals.  We would say, “If you can’t measure it you shouldn’t do it.”  My ongoing projects today include:  taking Spanish lessons, marketing volunteer work for the East End Foundation and my ongoing rehab. Here are some examples of goal setting and measurements

For Spanish I set goals with my instructor and we agreed after our next 20 sessions that I will take an exam, if I don’t pass the exam, she will comp me the next 5 lessons. If I do pass, I will continue to purchase lessons from the school

For my volunteer work, I wrote the marketing plan for an upcoming open house for the district. I need to get at least 10 partners to sign up to participate in the open house. I need to at least two articlespublished in local papers promoting the event.

For my rehab, Donna and I will finalize this week but they will include:

1.       Walking from her car to the store without using her arm or a shopping cart

2.      Walking from Donna’s car into our Gallery and once in the gallery, walking to the bathroom on my own.  (I currently rely on Bob because of all the materials around and my fear of falling.

3.      Pick any restaurant that I currently have trouble with and walk to and from unassisted.

4.      Walk from my condo to Hermann Park, using my walker.

There is a timeframe associated with each of the goals.

Over the past year, my walking has regressed. I want to stop this madness and practice, which  is the only way I know how to tackle. There is no rehab lab setting that can substitute for doing in my opinion, particularly when many of my issues are mental.   I haven’t bogged lately.  My goal is try and make sure these are relevant current and useful.  Hope this fits.