Many people know that leap years exist but may not know the statistics around it or why. So, why is 2020 a leap year? This year happens to follow the rules of leap years, in which I explain later. According to almanac.com, leap years keep our calendars accurate. It basically adds one extra day, February 29, to our calendar almost every four years.
More specifically, adding an extra day every four years keeps our calendar aligned correctly with the astronomical seasons. Since a year according to the Gregorian calendar (first adopted in 1532) is 365 days, and a year according to Earth’s orbit around the sun is 365.25 days, are not the exact same amount of time. Our calendar and the seasons would gradually get out of sync, without adding this extra day.
Generally, a leap year occurs every four years which is easy to keep track of, although there are a few rules of leap years. A year may be a leap year if it’s divisible by 4. Years that are divisible by 100, for example century years, cannot be leap years unless they are divisible by 400. For this reason, the years 1700, 1800, and 1900 were not leap years but 1600 and 2000 were. As I said, the year 2020 does follow these rules making it a leap year.
People born on leap day, usually celebrate their birthday either February 28 or March 1. They are known as leapers, leapings, or leapsters. However, many countries have laws defining which date a person born on February 29 comes to age in legal terms. Another fact is that according to an old Irish legend, women are allowed to propose to men. Also, in some places it is known as “bachelors’ day” for the same reason. Now you have it, why we have leap year along with some interesting facts about it.
Jenni
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Getting outside
 |
| Brody soaking up the sun! |
Even though it’s just the end of February, the weather is starting to warm up already (over 30°F). I was able to go outside this past weekend and am planning on going out later today. Although this week it’s supposed to get colder and then warm up again after that. I’m hoping that we don’t have too many more days where it’s cold because one of my favorite things to do is go outside and enjoy nature.
Jenni
Saturday, February 22, 2020
Think about It "Re-Post"
I’m re-posting a post that I made over 10 years ago that created a lot of buzz in the comment area. I think it’s one of my most controversial posts because of the extensive questions I asked. It was a way to get people thinking, and I did ask to comment on it with thoughts or reactions. I also shared a couple of the most interesting comments people wrote to me along with a comment I made.
I called this post “Think about It” because I'm going to ask a bunch of real-life questions and I just want people to ponder for a moment. Something that I wonder is what you would do if you were in my situation. Everyone deals with situations and handles things differently. For those of you who have not gone through this ordeal, how would you react to all of the sudden waking up and finding out you were paralyzed? What sort of things would go through your mind? How would you handle it? I know it's hard to imagine unless you are actually in that situation, although try to put yourself there.
For those of you who have gone through a situation like mine, I ask some similar questions. This time they would be in the form of how you felt when you learned you were paralyzed. What were your reactions? How did you handle it since first hearing of what happened?
Now I want you to imagine a different scenario. What if you knew you were going to become paralyzed before it happened? Again, how would you handle the news? More interestingly how would you prepare? What things would you do before it happened? I asked these questions because I knew someone who had a tumor on his spinal cord. In order to remove it, it would paralyze him.
It is a very different situation. In my case I just woke up and found out. I didn't get a chance to prepare or figure out what things I would do beforehand. Then again, I don't know which would be better. It's a lot to think about and imagine.
Anonymous said...
It really is an impossible thing to imagine. I can't even begin to comprehend all the little things I take for granted that being paralyzed would prevent. As an example, I have a bad lower back. Every once in a while, I'll tweak it in such a way that it's not just painful but it literally limits my ability to do simple things, like stand up normally, pick something up, walk (without a slow hobble) etc. It goes away in maybe a week, gradually getting better after a few days. But every now and then while it's hurt, I'll kind of forget that it's hurt and go to do something "normal" and ARGH!?! At that point I realize something I've taken for granted.
Matt said…
I think we can think as long and hard about this as we like, but we won't know how it would affect us unless it actually happens. Personally, having a spinal cord injury has not exactly been one of my greatest fears, as it probably won't happen and has never happened to anyone I know, but it has been one of the things I imagined would distress me the most; besides the loss of independence (assuming it was as at as high a level as yours).
I would certainly be making preparations, such as adapting my home or looking for a suitable alternative; if I could afford to, I'd be making sure I did things I wanted to do and went places I wanted to go while I still could, and meeting old friends and family that I hadn't seen in a while. I do love walking in the hills, and I would make sure I did plenty of that, and not just looking at them from the car window!
Below I posted my response to these comments…
Definitely true about people taking for granted what they have. That's one reason I did this post. If it hadn't happened to me, I don't think I could imagine what it would be like or how I would deal with it. I had a hard enough time figuring that out when it happened. I'd love to read more comments on what people's thoughts are again. Please feel free to leave a comment.
Jenni
I called this post “Think about It” because I'm going to ask a bunch of real-life questions and I just want people to ponder for a moment. Something that I wonder is what you would do if you were in my situation. Everyone deals with situations and handles things differently. For those of you who have not gone through this ordeal, how would you react to all of the sudden waking up and finding out you were paralyzed? What sort of things would go through your mind? How would you handle it? I know it's hard to imagine unless you are actually in that situation, although try to put yourself there.
For those of you who have gone through a situation like mine, I ask some similar questions. This time they would be in the form of how you felt when you learned you were paralyzed. What were your reactions? How did you handle it since first hearing of what happened?
Now I want you to imagine a different scenario. What if you knew you were going to become paralyzed before it happened? Again, how would you handle the news? More interestingly how would you prepare? What things would you do before it happened? I asked these questions because I knew someone who had a tumor on his spinal cord. In order to remove it, it would paralyze him.
It is a very different situation. In my case I just woke up and found out. I didn't get a chance to prepare or figure out what things I would do beforehand. Then again, I don't know which would be better. It's a lot to think about and imagine.
Anonymous said...
It really is an impossible thing to imagine. I can't even begin to comprehend all the little things I take for granted that being paralyzed would prevent. As an example, I have a bad lower back. Every once in a while, I'll tweak it in such a way that it's not just painful but it literally limits my ability to do simple things, like stand up normally, pick something up, walk (without a slow hobble) etc. It goes away in maybe a week, gradually getting better after a few days. But every now and then while it's hurt, I'll kind of forget that it's hurt and go to do something "normal" and ARGH!?! At that point I realize something I've taken for granted.
Matt said…
I think we can think as long and hard about this as we like, but we won't know how it would affect us unless it actually happens. Personally, having a spinal cord injury has not exactly been one of my greatest fears, as it probably won't happen and has never happened to anyone I know, but it has been one of the things I imagined would distress me the most; besides the loss of independence (assuming it was as at as high a level as yours).
I would certainly be making preparations, such as adapting my home or looking for a suitable alternative; if I could afford to, I'd be making sure I did things I wanted to do and went places I wanted to go while I still could, and meeting old friends and family that I hadn't seen in a while. I do love walking in the hills, and I would make sure I did plenty of that, and not just looking at them from the car window!
Below I posted my response to these comments…
Definitely true about people taking for granted what they have. That's one reason I did this post. If it hadn't happened to me, I don't think I could imagine what it would be like or how I would deal with it. I had a hard enough time figuring that out when it happened. I'd love to read more comments on what people's thoughts are again. Please feel free to leave a comment.
Jenni
Wednesday, February 19, 2020
Happiness and Joy
It’s a fact that we all want to be happy. Although happiness is a spectrum-not an absolute. While some factors that affect happiness are out of our control (genetics being one of them), there are always actions we can take to amp up our good vibes. There is a science behind our happiness levels, why they fluctuate and what we can do to boost them.
Below I’ve created a list of some things I love along with enjoy doing that help bring joy and happiness to my life:
1. Volunteering- I really enjoy helping others and by doing so I also help myself feel better.
2. Shopping- even if I don’t necessarily need anything, allowing myself to indulge in even the smallest of purchases is a good way to destress and enhance my mood.
3. Creating something artistic- whether it’s painting or making cards, I enjoy bringing out my creative side and then showcasing my work afterwards.
4. Writing- this is a way for me to let my mind go and my thoughts flow freely.
5. Trying something new- I feel more likely to maintain positive memories than negative by participating in new activities. I also end up collecting unique experiences.
6. Spending time with my dog-this is a foolproof way to boost my happiness, alleviate loneliness and bring me joy.
7. Going outside- I am happiest in nature and there’s plenty of it where I live. Whether it’s taking my dog for a walk or just sitting in the sun on my patio.
8. Laugh- they say laughter is the best medicine, and in many ways that’s true. It’s something I incorporate in my life on a day-to-day basis.
9. Take a power nap- every day I take time to take a 30-minute nap. I feel it helps boost my happiness and gives me more energy throughout the day.
10. I’m very optimistic- I believe having a positive outlook on life makes me happier and healthier.
11. Spend time with friends and family- having people around me and spending time with them gives me comfort and joy. It can also make me happier when needed.
12. Listen to music-throwing on some tunes like my favorite songs or some smooth jazz really puts me in a good mood.
13. Meditate- this helps me rewire my brain while calming down my environment.
14. Go on my computer- I use a speech recognition software which allows me to be independent. This is how I write, browse the Internet, and communicate with others.
Of course, this list is not complete. It's only just a few of the things that I enjoy doing and bring happiness and joy to my life.
Jenni
Check out my other blog post: Happiness with an SCI
Below I’ve created a list of some things I love along with enjoy doing that help bring joy and happiness to my life:
1. Volunteering- I really enjoy helping others and by doing so I also help myself feel better.
2. Shopping- even if I don’t necessarily need anything, allowing myself to indulge in even the smallest of purchases is a good way to destress and enhance my mood.
3. Creating something artistic- whether it’s painting or making cards, I enjoy bringing out my creative side and then showcasing my work afterwards.
4. Writing- this is a way for me to let my mind go and my thoughts flow freely.
5. Trying something new- I feel more likely to maintain positive memories than negative by participating in new activities. I also end up collecting unique experiences.
6. Spending time with my dog-this is a foolproof way to boost my happiness, alleviate loneliness and bring me joy.
7. Going outside- I am happiest in nature and there’s plenty of it where I live. Whether it’s taking my dog for a walk or just sitting in the sun on my patio.
8. Laugh- they say laughter is the best medicine, and in many ways that’s true. It’s something I incorporate in my life on a day-to-day basis.
9. Take a power nap- every day I take time to take a 30-minute nap. I feel it helps boost my happiness and gives me more energy throughout the day.
10. I’m very optimistic- I believe having a positive outlook on life makes me happier and healthier.
11. Spend time with friends and family- having people around me and spending time with them gives me comfort and joy. It can also make me happier when needed.
12. Listen to music-throwing on some tunes like my favorite songs or some smooth jazz really puts me in a good mood.
13. Meditate- this helps me rewire my brain while calming down my environment.
14. Go on my computer- I use a speech recognition software which allows me to be independent. This is how I write, browse the Internet, and communicate with others.
Of course, this list is not complete. It's only just a few of the things that I enjoy doing and bring happiness and joy to my life.
Jenni
Check out my other blog post: Happiness with an SCI
Friday, February 14, 2020
Facts about Spinal Cord Injuries
As someone with a spinal cord injury, I’m familiar with the situation of going from an active teenager to suddenly unable to move from the neck down. But for most people looking from the outside, that could be something unimaginable. Since 2019, researchers estimate that almost 18,000 people suffer spinal cord injuries each year and to date there are approximately 300,000 people in America living with an SCI. They can occur from anything such as motor vehicle accidents, sports, violence, medical, etc.
A spinal cord injury often causes permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the site of injury. Assistive and rehabilitation devices allow many people with SCI’s to live productive, independent lives. Treatment can help, but a spinal cord injury cannot be cured. With that, some forms of treatment include drugs and surgery to stabilize the spine along with guided help from various types of physical therapies.
There are no two spinal cord injuries alike. SCI’s can be divided into two categories- incomplete and complete. An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to partial damage to the spinal cord. In this case it may be crushed or bruised and the person either has motor function or sensation or both below the level of their injury. A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage to the area of the spinal cord that is affected.
Spinal cord injuries affect more men (about 80%) than women. The majority people who sustain an injury are young adults between the ages of 16 and 30. The latter two statements are mainly because riskier behavior is involved.
Another interesting fact is that people with SCI’s may not sweat. The spinal cord plays an integral role in the ability to sweat. When those suffer a spinal cord injury, the communication between the brain and sweat glands below the injury site may be impeded or eliminated depending on the level and severity. Often people whose sweating abilities are impacted and are unable to regulate their body temperatures.
Jenni
A spinal cord injury often causes permanent loss of strength, sensation, and function below the site of injury. Assistive and rehabilitation devices allow many people with SCI’s to live productive, independent lives. Treatment can help, but a spinal cord injury cannot be cured. With that, some forms of treatment include drugs and surgery to stabilize the spine along with guided help from various types of physical therapies.
There are no two spinal cord injuries alike. SCI’s can be divided into two categories- incomplete and complete. An incomplete spinal cord injury refers to partial damage to the spinal cord. In this case it may be crushed or bruised and the person either has motor function or sensation or both below the level of their injury. A complete spinal cord injury causes permanent damage to the area of the spinal cord that is affected.
Spinal cord injuries affect more men (about 80%) than women. The majority people who sustain an injury are young adults between the ages of 16 and 30. The latter two statements are mainly because riskier behavior is involved.
Another interesting fact is that people with SCI’s may not sweat. The spinal cord plays an integral role in the ability to sweat. When those suffer a spinal cord injury, the communication between the brain and sweat glands below the injury site may be impeded or eliminated depending on the level and severity. Often people whose sweating abilities are impacted and are unable to regulate their body temperatures.
Jenni
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
Christopher Reeve
When most people hear the words spinal cord injury or quadriplegic, they immediately picture Christopher Reeve and the almighty role he played as Superman. He became paralyzed from the neck down and on a ventilator in 1995 following a horse-riding incident. Despite what happened, he became very involved in campaigns supporting children with disabilities and paraplegics.
In 1998, he founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation to promote research on spinal cord injuries paving the way for others alike. He testified before a Senate subcommittee in favor of federal funding for stem cell research. After ongoing rehab, Reeve continued to work, acting in films and directing. Although tragically he died on October 10, 2004 of a cardiac arrest. Surprisingly two years later, Dana Reeve passed away from cancer.
My accident was in 2002 so instantly after, he became my idol. We received a lot of information from their website along with resource guide. It became a go to place of reference for my family, helping us along. Even though I didn’t know him personally, I felt like I did because our injuries were very similar. I was very sad to learn of his death, but his memory and legend remains today.
Jenni
Click on the link to visit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website: https://www.christopherreeve.org/
In 1998, he founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation to promote research on spinal cord injuries paving the way for others alike. He testified before a Senate subcommittee in favor of federal funding for stem cell research. After ongoing rehab, Reeve continued to work, acting in films and directing. Although tragically he died on October 10, 2004 of a cardiac arrest. Surprisingly two years later, Dana Reeve passed away from cancer.My accident was in 2002 so instantly after, he became my idol. We received a lot of information from their website along with resource guide. It became a go to place of reference for my family, helping us along. Even though I didn’t know him personally, I felt like I did because our injuries were very similar. I was very sad to learn of his death, but his memory and legend remains today.
Jenni
"Never accept ultimatums, conventional wisdom, or absolutes." -Christopher Reeve
Click on the link to visit the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation website: https://www.christopherreeve.org/
Monday, February 3, 2020
Quotes to Live by
With our modern, hectic lives, feeling inspired every day can be tough. I believe a little inspirational pick-me-up is all it takes to realign yourself with joyful and loving purpose. Quotes have an amazing ability to alter the way we feel about situations such as life, love, etc. while giving motivation and inspiration.
They can help you with the need to fill that void along with negative thoughts during tough times. To me, they can be instrumental on our paths. Each day, there are an infinite amount of moments that may change your life. Though you may not have control on what happens, you have control over how you think.
This is one reason why I enjoy quotes and sayings so much. I really love to read other people’s words, especially when they are encouraging or inspiring. Throughout my journey, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, my accident being one of them. It was a change that I couldn’t have predicted and didn’t have control over happening. Despite that, I can choose how I want to live my life after. Below I’ve put some of my favorite quotes to live by:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
-Anonymous
"It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you’ve lived."
"Sometimes things which at the moment may be perceived as obstacles-and actually be obstacles, difficulties, or drawbacks-can in the long run result in some good end which would not have occurred if it had not been for that obstacle."
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot."
"Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe."
-Anonymous
Jenni
They can help you with the need to fill that void along with negative thoughts during tough times. To me, they can be instrumental on our paths. Each day, there are an infinite amount of moments that may change your life. Though you may not have control on what happens, you have control over how you think.
This is one reason why I enjoy quotes and sayings so much. I really love to read other people’s words, especially when they are encouraging or inspiring. Throughout my journey, I’ve experienced many ups and downs, my accident being one of them. It was a change that I couldn’t have predicted and didn’t have control over happening. Despite that, I can choose how I want to live my life after. Below I’ve put some of my favorite quotes to live by:
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."
-Anonymous
"It’s not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you’ve lived."
-Anonymous
"Sometimes things which at the moment may be perceived as obstacles-and actually be obstacles, difficulties, or drawbacks-can in the long run result in some good end which would not have occurred if it had not been for that obstacle."
-Steve Allen
"We gain strength, and courage, and confidence by each experience in which we really stop to look fear in the face… we must do that which we think we cannot."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
"Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe."
-Anonymous
Jenni
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