Patience in Life

In my situation, it takes a lot of patience in order to live a happy and fulfilling life. It’s naturally an essential part of daily living, but especially when I have little to no ability to do things on my own and rely on others to do them for me. Having patience means being able to wait calmly in the face of hardship or frustration, so anywhere there is some-i.e., nearly everywhere-we have the chance to practice it.

We give ourselves the power to choose how to respond to specific situations when we are patient. It allows us to stay collected no matter what is happening. I’ve learned this throughout my life of being paralyzed because of my needs from those around. I need to wait every time I want something done. One thing to remember is that patience puts us in direct power of ourselves. Along with this, there is no more influential an aid to success then confidence.

So, how does one practice patience? It seems that at an early age we are told that patience is a virtue. However, very few of us are ever taught how to be patient. Patience is something we constantly do, not something we have. The more we practice it, the more patient we become. I know I need to remain calm throughout every obstacle that comes my way in life. Included with that, it’s only through patience that we truly learn.

Jenni

Effect of Coronavirus

Throughout this year, COVID 19 had a dramatic impact on the way we spent our time. People ended up watching more TV with apps like Netflix, using their phones to make face calls with others, and shopping online. Since the lockdown was enforced, our society changed, and this especially includes the use of our devices.

Big increases in the use of social media, entertainment and communication apps showed that our devices were vital in helping to replace the human connection and social gatherings during our time indoors. Even when things started to open, the popularity continued because doing things remotely is so much easier. Also, the coronavirus cases continue to rise, so it is causing people to resort to what is available at hand.

For many Americans right now, the scale of the crisis has also reshaped the way we go about doing other things. This includes how we buy homes, travel, to the level of security and surveillance we are accustomed to, and even the language in which we use. No one knows exactly what will come or when this is going to end, which makes these new and different ways even more obvious.

Another sign that it’s reshaping us is the level in which we go about our daily lives. This includes being with other people, touching things, and even breathing the air in an enclosed area. Even when this is all over, it could become second nature to recoil from touching our faces, washing hands more frequently and shaking hands with others. Unfortunately, it also resorts back to online usage, as more people will be asking themselves whether it’s important enough to do things in person.

Jenni

Mental Health Awareness

May is mental health awareness month. It’s been observed in the United States since 1949 and was started by the Mental Health America organization. It is a time to raise awareness of those living with behavioral or mental health issues and reduce the stigma that so many people experience. This also includes promoting increased access to care and treatment.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “nearly 450 million people worldwide are currently living with a mental illness, yet nearly two thirds of people with a known mental illness never seek treatment. ADAA is dedicated to helping those living with anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders and their loved ones find treatment, support, and resources.” The organization also provides free resources for those in need.

Everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. It is especially true this year, with so many people having to be isolated because of the coronavirus. Socialization, contact with other people, and having a routine are so important in our lives. When people are forced to break from the norm, it can cause a sense of brokenness, one that forces difficult choices within.

It is even more important now than ever that we take care of our mental health in our current environment. Some ways to do so is by finding the positive in things, owning your feelings, eliminating toxic influences, creating healthy routines, supporting and connecting with others etc. These can help bring a better quality of life to you and the people around you.

Jenni

Guest Post

The past week I’ve been working on a guest blog post for the SpinalPedia blog. I submitted it the other day and it went live today. I have written other posts for different blogs than my own before. I’m happy when I get highlighted as a guest because I have a lot to say and it feels good. Also, it is always great sharing my story, and words of wisdom with other audiences. Click on the link below so you can read it as well. Hope you enjoy!

SpinalPedia guest blog post

Jenni

Update on the Pandemic

At the end of March, I wrote a blog post about the stay-at-home order issued until May 4. In order to prepare for it, people have been stockpiling on everything they can to avoid going to the stores as often (even though they’re still open). This includes everything from daily necessities, food, household items etc. It’s being called “panic buying” and our “brains are being pushed into taking back control in a world where you feel out of control. More generally, it can be understood as displaying part of our fundamental psychology needs.”

When my mom went to the store, she noticed how visible the hoarding of supplies was and texted

some pictures. Luckily, I haven’t had to go to the stores shopping; my family usually does that. Although I have ordered some things online and found them to be either out of stock or take longer than usual to ship. It just goes to show how people are handling this crisis and how difficult places are finding it to restock with the current demand.

My caregivers are now required by their companies to wear cloth masks to work. With the number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the US now at almost 565,000 and number of deaths close to 23,000, you can never be too cautious. By taking all the measures needed, I’m hopeful that I won’t get it from anybody. Although there’s never a guarantee with the number of people constantly flowing in and out my house. Also, there really isn't a set date telling us when this will all be over.

Lately, I’ve still been mostly staying inside other than my daily walks with Brody (when the weather’s nice). Otherwise Netflix is my new best friend. Also, I have been finding other creative things to do around the house.

Jenni

Stressors In Life

Stressors are something that causes a state of strain or tension. They can place a tremendous burden on relationships or a single individual in life. There are two types of stressors: external and internal. External stressors are situations and events that happen. Some examples include major life changes, adverse physical conditions/environments, social interactions, organizational factors or difficult events.

Internal stressors are the most common type of stress and they are the source that are inside us. They are thoughts and feelings that pop up into our heads and cause us to feel unease. These can include uncertainties, unrealistic expectations, apprehensions, fear, anger, misinterpretations or low self-esteem. Some stress can motivate people, but if it becomes long-term it can seriously interfere with life.

Back when I was in college, I had a stress journal in which I wrote this I called: A Traumatic Experience

"Into our lives a little rain must fall, but it seems that once or twice it becomes a devastating flood, and we subsequently get pulled under and washed away in the currents. Broken bones, the death of a close friend or loved one, and child abuse are just a handful of life's many tragedies. "Tragedy," it is said, "keeps a person humble." It can also leave physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual scars that may take a lifetime to heal. Times like these are often referred to as "the dark nights of the soul."

Reaction may vary, but immediately after experiencing a tragedy, people sometimes talk nervously. This is one of the initial manifestations of grief. This stage is often followed by withdrawal and eventually by a slow reemergence into society. These types of experiences from years ago can affect our outlook and behavior on several issues, often without our knowledge. If you have been spared a personal tragedy, consider yourself lucky. If you have experienced an event of this nature and wish to recount it here, feel free to do so. How did you feel, and how do you feel now?"

Jenni

Stay-at-home Order

Brody tired from our walk today!

On Wednesday, our governor Tim Waltz gave a two-week stay-at-home order between the days of Friday, March 27 and Friday, April 10 (it’s now been extended until April 30). The order is intended to slow the COVID 19 across the state and minimize its impact. It’s a dramatic step that requires people to stay home unless absolutely necessary. It’s a far-reaching measure that is drastically impacting Minnesotans in the way in which we work, play, learn, go about our daily lives and communicate with others. Although it’s reported that by doing so, we are saving tens of thousands of lives by staying home. As of now, United States cases surpass 200,000 and death toll rises to 4300.

I know my last post was about the coronavirus, but it seems like our lives are consumed with that right now. I’ve been doing my part still by self-isolating myself but still having full-time caregivers along with PCAs, massage, physical therapy and acupuncture. The reason they are still able to come is because their work is considered critically essential and so am I, given my situation (healthcare and public health). They aren't required to carry any sort of paperwork when traveling to and from work, just urged to voluntarily comply with the orders set in place.

Luckily the weather here has been nice, so I try to get out every day. Aside from the couple of days where I went outside in the rain! I was desperate to get out of the house. Whenever I've been on my walks, I seem to pass more and more people enjoying the weather and getting out of her house as well. Other things I've been doing are binge watching Netflix, going on my computer and cleaning off random spaces in rooms. I suppose this order is both good and bad, given all of the things that are getting done that wouldn't otherwise despite the illness.

People are allowed to do many things outside or at home-as long as it follows safe distancing recommendations (6 feet apart). As far as getting necessary supplies and services, individuals can obtain food, gas, or carry out. Other things deemed necessary are care of others, displacement, relocation, funerals, and tribal activities.

Jenni

The COVID-19 Pandemic

Out of the last 17 years of being a quad on a vent, I’ve experienced many things. My life is full of ups and downs, and I have full-time caregivers helping with my every need. Now I know that the coronavirus can be serious, especially if someone in my situation got it. My nurses, PCAs and family are taking precautions to ensure my safety. I also haven’t gone out in public, other than my daily 30-minute walk and rolls with my dog, Brody.

The country is taking extreme measures to slow down the outbreak by canceling sporting and cultural events, concerts, television shows, movie premieres etc. Also, each state is taking their own precautions by closing schools, restaurants (take out only), retail stores and more. There are also states that are on complete lockdown, ordering people to stay at home as much as possible. However, people are encouraged to get outside for daily exercise and fresh air.

People are also doing what they can in case they end up not being able to get supplies by stocking up on daily necessities. Questions to my readers: have you or anyone you know gotten the coronavirus? What do you think about it? What have you been doing in preparation?

Jenni

Leap Day 2020

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

Curing Paralysis

Those of us with spinal cord injuries all wish and hope that there was a cure for paralysis. We are now learning that there are ways around an actual cure. By using an electronic device, the people in this video are learning to walk again.

Jenni

The S-Pod

My wheelchair that I have now (received in August 2016) has many features on it. I have blogged about how it has the capability to stand along with elevate, tilt and recline. Although since I’ve been having problems with my knees, I haven’t been able to stand. Not standing has caused some uncomfortableness within the rest of my body and I’ve still been retaining fluid.
 



Although as new technology arrives, I’m reminded of how many changes in society we go through. I received an email about "Segway’s new self-balancing vehicle". It doesn’t require you to stand up like their self-standing one. "Dubbed the S-Pod, the new egg-shaped two-wheeler from Segway-Ninebot is meant to let people sit while they effortlessly cruise around campuses, theme parks, airports, and maybe even cities."

It also has a 24 mile an hour mile an hour speed limit. I thought this was a great new, invention especially because it is shaped like a wheelchair. It seems like someone who needs to sit all the time could also use it.

Jenni

ReWalk

This amazing new technology allows paraplegics to walk again.



I thought this video was so cool. I only hope that one day they invent something like this for quadriplegics.

Jenni

Fire Rainbow

"This is a fire rainbow. The rarest of all naturally occurring atmospheric phenomena. The picture was captured on the Idaho/Washington border. The event lasted about one hour. Clouds have to be cirrus, at least 20,000 feet in the air, with just the right amount of ice crystals and the Sun has to hit the clouds at precisely 58°F."

I thought this picture was amazing; to know that this phenomenon can only occur at specific elements. I guess that's true with a lot of naturally occurring things and events, but supposedly this is the rarest. I can see why.

Jenni

Lefse Making

Have any of you ever made lefse before? Man it's a lot of work. Even though I'm just the observer I still get exhausted watching people peel all those potatoes and then rice them into a bowl. I remember when I was younger watching my grandma make lefse. This weekend we made lefse. Its background is Scandinavian. If you have never made lefse before or have never seen it done, here's how it works:

You take 5 pounds of red potatoes and peel them and cut them into quarter pieces. Then you boil them until done. After they are done, you take what is called a potato ricer, and rice the potatoes. After or in between ricing, you add butter, sugar, whipping cream and salt. Sounds healthy doesn't it. You let the dough sit until room temperature and then refrigerate overnight. The next day, you take the dough and rice it once more before adding flour. Now comes the frying part. You take about a golf ball size of dough and roll it out into an extremely thin, flat pancake like form. Then you use a special stick to pick up the lefse and set it on to a heritage or lefse grill at 500°. After about 30 seconds or until bubbles appear on the top you use the stick to turn it over. After done, let it sit under a towel until cool, and then freeze in bags until ready to eat. Click here for more detailed lefse making instructions. Something to know: there are many different recipes and instructions for making lefse. You can also double or triple the recipe to make more.

Jenni

Site of Interest

I came across this amazing website called freerice.com. The website consists of multiple choice questions of different subjects that one can answer. For every correct answer, they "...donate 20 grains of rice through the UN World Food Program to help end hunger." I am now officially addicted to answering these questions and watching this bowl fill up with rice knowing that I am making a difference. Click here to visit this website and help end hunger. I have also added the link below under Other Blogs and Sites of Interest. You should also check out the other links that I have posted in that location. If they are of interest to me, they may be to you as well.

Jenni