August Storms

This month there have been a lot of storms. There was one that was so powerful that the thunder shook the house. A couple of them were so strong that they knocked trees down. We also had a day where tornado warnings flashed across the whole state, and even a sighting of one. I posted some pictures below of some of the damages from the storms.

Across the street from my house.

Down the street from my house.

Radar from the news when the tornadoes were brewing.

Jenni

Going Out

Yesterday I went out and got some labs drawn. My mom took me to the clinic, which is right down the street from my house. Usually, when they take blood, the easiest place for them to stick me is in my hands because my veins tend to roll. It took them three tries before they were successful because my veins are so tiny. Apparently, they have a 2-stick rule; when the first lab tech didn’t get it on the second try, she had to call someone else over to do it. It’s a good thing the second tech got it on the first try because there were only two people there drawing blood!

I have a video appointment on Friday with my primary doctor to discuss medications and my labs. He ordered a bunch of different things but was specifically looking at my albumin and sodium levels. I also have a video appointment in September with my neurologist and one of the vials of blood was for the levels of seizure med that I take.

Today I was able to go out and get my hair cut. I go to the JCPenney salon in the mall, also a couple blocks from my house. It’s been well over a year and half since the last time I got it cut. I figured it was about time since it was down to my elbows when sitting in my wheelchair. I always have the same girl cut it because she knows what I like and, also how to do it in my wheelchair. In order to get it even, I put a pillow behind my back to prop me forward. I got almost 5 inches cut off and it is still on my arms. 

In both places I had to wear a mask. I just poked a hole in it for the straw on my wheelchair so I could drive. Wearing it made me realize now what my caregivers go through when they constantly wear one. I suppose overtime you get used to it, but for me it was hard to see where I was going as I was driving my chair.

Jenni

Life Lived

Do you ever have “those” days where something goes wrong, and it throws you off balance? Or you had an exciting thing happen and now that it’s over you feel lost? Sometimes this can make you sad and often let down on life. It can also have a dramatic effect on one’s mood and self-esteem. The awful news that is around these days doesn’t help.

Throughout my life, I’ve experienced plenty of situations where this has happened to me. I believe it’s important to minimize your exposure to the unwanted and open your eyes to the world that surrounds us. Look at the details of your everyday life experiences. It is within yourself to choose the path that you want to go down, and what type of life you want to live despite circumstances that arise.

In order to help the quality of your life, you must remind yourself that it’s precious. This can also lead to fighting for things you believe in and making changes in the world. Be connected, brave, courageous but also be present as you take on new challenges.

Jenni

Thoughts and Sleep

Thoughts can affect our moods, behavior, and even take on a life of their own because they have distinct characteristics. Depending on how strong a thought is, the more likely it affects our day and can repeat itself multiple times. In order to ensure a healthy mindset, we should always have the right types of thoughts. This is one reason why I like positive quotes and affirmations so much.

Sometimes I have trouble sleeping. I’m on a couple of different sleep medications in order to help, although they don’t always work. When I’m awake at night, I am usually consumed with several thoughts that are mostly just random and unneeded at that time. They can often become my own worst enemy.

Since I have nurses 24/7, they help me with my every need. This includes doing things during the night, even when I’m sleeping. The constant interruption makes it even more difficult to have a restful night. Not to mention the difficulty revolving around lack of independence.

Also, I tend to get anxious from time to time. Although I know it’s normal, when anxiety routinely gets in the way it can also ruin sleep. Lately, I’ve been having some neck and shoulder pain. I have an x-ray scheduled and then an appointment set up with my doctor to get it checked out. It often hurts and tenses up in the middle of the night which doesn’t help.

When I can’t sleep, I usually put on some relaxation music and try to calm my mind down. I also put something over my eyes to shut out any light and it does help with disruption. I know a good night’s sleep is a key factor in maintaining people’s health, which is why it’s so important that I get it when I can.

Jenni

Creating More Paintings

Recently I got back into painting; it has been a while since I’ve done it. I figured that since I haven’t been able to get out places that it would be something nice to focus on doing. For me, painting is very relaxing and enjoyable. It allows me to take my mind off anything stressful and focus on my creative side.

Depending on what I’m painting, depends on how long it takes me to finish one. Sometimes I can complete one in a single session. Other times I end up working on a specific piece for multiple days. I posted some pictures below of a couple different types that I’ve done over the past few weeks.

Abstract painting

Landscape I

                             

Landscape II

Landscape III

My favorite artist’s name is Kelly Ray Roberts. She does mixed-media art, and I have seven of her pictures hanging on my walls and a few on my desk. I just love how creative she is and how inspirational most of her artwork is. It’s definitely right up my alley.

Jenni