Life with Cerebral Palsy

TODAY I WENT TOO VISIT ON THE FARM!

2012-01-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today I went too visit my Aunt Marcia and her husband Gordy on the farm! My Aunt Marcia and I made cookies for a cookie exchange that we are having at my apartment complex! Then Gordy made a nice steak dinner with potatoes, for dessert we had a few cookies! I also played duets on the piano with my Aunt Marcia and my cousin Jackie!

Then after dinner my Aunt Marcia and Gordy brought me back to my apartment! So I had a WONDERFUL day and I looking forward to be doing again real soon!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

2012-01-10T19:26:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Happy New Year! This Christmas was awfully quiet but still very special my family and I went too my Aunt Marcia's house too have Christmas dinner, opened presents, then came home! It was a short family get together because my cousin's have young children and I was having a lot knee pain, so we came home early! It still was enjoyable! All of us received nice gifts!

My new year's resolution came true I now have my Personal Assistant "PA" and Massage Therapist so that was a blessing! She helps me with house cleaning, laundry, cooking, plus everything I can't do! Plus I get a massage three days week and that's helping my body become loser so it's easier for me too walk! My P.A. and I also go too the mall, which is nice because then I can get out a little bit! I will need another P.A. for the weekends though!

I'm planning too fly too Texas next year for Christmas and the New Year to spend time with family! I hope all of you had a nice holiday with your family and friends!

TODAY WAS OUR ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEN AT MY APARTMENT!

2011-12-19T19:19:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was the Christmas luncheon at my apartment complex! We had Italian Beef sandwiches, Lasagna, Garlic Bread, Cookies, Brownies, and whole made Fudge that one of the residents made! Everything was DELICIOUS! I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away! I'm going Christmas shopping with my Aunt Marcia on Wednesday!

I have a early Christmas present, I FINALLY have my Personal Assistant or P.A.! Her name is Joy Clapper and she's also a Refelxologist or Massage Therapist! Joy is WONDERFUL! She and I went too the mall today and window shopped! She also did a massage this morning!

If any of you dear readers need a P.A. DON'T wait, it takes a long time for someone to get approved! You have explain why you need help, then people will come and assist you! They will see that you really NEED the help that you are asking for! For someone that has C.P. or any disability or disease "such as M.S."! A P.A. is a blessing, because it takes a lot of worries off people's family members who help them! If gives family members a break and they know that their loved ones ones are being taken care of!

The company screen checks the P.A.'s BEFORE they hire them too make sure they are safe people and WON'T harm anyone! It also gives the disabled person a opportunity to become more self-sufficient and learn to rely on themselves as well as some one other than family members!

Dear readers, I know this going too sound harsh but it's time for YOU to start depending on YOURSELF and not having your family or friends help you with your every need! A way to become independent is to call RAMP and DORS YOURSELF and find a P.A. to help live a independent life as possiable! Your family will NOT be around forever to help you, but P.A's will be around for you entire life if need be!

You don't have to be afraid, it's a new and good experience to venture out and explore exciting challenges and new adventures! There's ALWAYS hope! You'll NEVER know what new challenges you'll if you NEVER try! You have toughen up, be brave, and tell yourself that you can do anything you set your mind too! NEVER be afraid to try new experiences, you NEVER know what life has in store for you! ALWAYS trust and follow your heart, you'll be amazed at what a difference YOU can make!

TODAY LIFELINE INSTALLED A SYSTEM IN MY APARTMENT!

2011-11-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today Lifeline came to my apartment and installed the system! For those of you don't know what the Lifeline system is, it's a system in your home or apartment to receive emergency care as soon as possible! For instants, if you fall in the shower or fall out of bed! You push the button and a operator will ask you, do you need help? If you say yes, then you tell the operator what type of help you need! You might need a ambulance, firemen, or police! Your address will show up on there screen, then they will send help as SOON as possiable! If for some reason you can't answer phone or the door they WILL find a way to get in! For instance, break down the door or window!

The button goes around your wrist like a watch, or goes around your like a necklace! You push the button on the box once a month too see if the system is working correctly! If the system is NOT working then you call Lifeline and explain the problem too them and then they will come too your home or apartment and fix it free of charge!

Having the Lifeline system make customers and families feel safe too live alone! Families of elderly and disabled people are happy to have the system available too them! Please dear readers, if there is ANYONE you know that needs assistance, I suggest that you look into the Lifeline service! You can live alone without ever being alone! It is one of the BEST choices that you could ever make for you and your family!

NEW EDITION TO THE FAMILY!

2011-11-06T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

We have a new edition to our family my Dad "John" and his new wife "Bobbie Jo" bought a Doxen named Gunther! He is very cute! Their other dog Kona witch is a Chocolate Lab has a buddy to play with! I hope they'll make good pals! My Dad and Bobbie Jo seem happy! I wish them all the best! Pictures will be posted in the future!

YESTERDAY MY FRIENDS AND I AT MY APARTMENT COMPLEX HAD A HALLOWEEN PARTY!

2011-10-29T22:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday a few of my friends and I had Halloween party in the community room of my apartment complex! We had snacks, took pictures, and I brought some snacks back with me too share with my family!

I was Kate Pierson from the B-52's and my best friend Sarah was a two headed football player, witch was a stitch! I whore a red wig, and Sarah had a Mahican head on her shoulder! When I get pictures developed they will be posted! We all had a blast! I hope many of you can go treat-or-treating with families! Happy Halloween!

LAST SATURDAY A FEW FRIENDS AND I WENT ON THE BREAST CANCER SURVIOR WALK!

2011-10-22T10:55:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Last Saturday a few of my friends and I went on the breast cancer survivor walk! It was a three mile walk! Then afterward there was a basket from Pamper Chef drawing, my friend Trina and my name was picked! I received two soup mugs and recipe books and Trina received four martini glasses! It was a GREAT day!

A few people in my family and one of my best friends have survived breast cancer! My Grandma Bena, my Great Grandma Rose and my best friend Sarah! They are remarkable women! I had too borrow my Aunt Marcia's wheelchair to go on the walk! We all had a WONDERFUL day and we are looking forward on doing it again next year!

Anyone that is a family member or friend please have them get tested for breast cancer, if it is tested early, it can save so many lives!

MY DAD AND HIS WIFE JUST BECAME PROUD GRANDPARENTS YESTERDAY TO A BEAUTIFUL BABY GIRL!

2011-06-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have some WONDERFUL news my Dad John and his wife Bobbie Jo became first time grandparents yesterday too a beautiful baby girl! Her name is Rebbecca Catharine Digmann! She was 6 pounds and 13 ounces! I'm very happy for both my Dad and Bobbie Jo, I know they'll be GREAT grandparents!

CONGRADULATIONS! Dad and B.J.! I hope both of you enjoy your new grand daughter and I hope you also enjoy doing LOTS of babysitting! Pictures will be posted when we get them developed!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OF THE WONDERFUL FATHER'S OUT THERE!

2011-06-19T08:53:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope all of you have a WONDERFUL day with your Dad! Let him know how MUCH he's loved and appreciated! Tell him thank you for all that he's done for you! I have a WONDERFUL father, who does ANYTHING he can too make me feel safe, loved, appreciated and to make my life as simple as possible! Most people who have C.P. don't have the resources or parents who care as much like I do! They see to it that they have a MOST comfortable life as possible and I'm grateful for that!

Today is a mixed emotions day for both my Dad "John" and I! Today would have been my Mom "Vicky's" sixth anniversary of her death! But if we sick together like glue, like we ALWAYS have we'll be just fine and have each other! I hope all of you out there tell your Dad what a SPECIAL person he is in your life! Have a GREAT day with your Dad's

TODAY WAS A SPECIAL MOTHER''S DAY FOR MY FAMILY AND I!

2011-05-08T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was a very SPECIAL Mother's for my family and I! Most of my family came from out of town! My Grandma Bena, Aunt Natalie, Uncle Tim, cousin's Emmie, Julia Rose, my Uncle Nino, Aunt Joyce and their grand children Blake and Melinda, plus my Aunt Cindee and Uncle Will also came too celebrate my Grandma Bena's 90th birthday party! Plus my Great Uncle Tom's five sons came! So we had a GREAT day with family!

My Grandma was very pleased that everyone was able to show up! Most ALL of her cousin's from Madison that she hasn't seen in years showed up! We had close too 100 people come and go! It was a real treat! Then we went too visit my Grandpa Tony and my Mom "Vicky" at the cemetary for for Mother's Day! The next two days my Grandma Bena will be staying with me at my new apartment, then she'll be flying with my Uncle Nino too visit my cousin Kate, then after a week she will fly back home!

We had a nice family reunion! I hope we have another one real soon!

HAPPY 33RD ANNIVERSARY MOM AND DAD!

2011-03-18T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a very special day! Today my parents would have been married for 33 years! It's amazing that it's been that long, they were married for 28 WONDERFUL years until my Mom "Vicky" got brain cancer! She was only 49 years old when she passed away! What a short life! In her lifetime she achieved marvelous things, and earned many awards for Grant Writing! She even went too Costa Rica as a Foreign Exchange student for three summers, she also was fluent in Spanish, she also had a college degree in Education, she also helped me with my schooling and Physical and Occupational therapy! She will be remembered most for what a MARVELOUS woman we ALL lost! It's a shame for all of you who NEVER met this remarkable woman, who was taken from us too short! I only was 24 years old when she passed away! My parents Vicky and John had a WONDERFUL marriage, a marriage that most couples dream about having! Both my parents are very proud of my progress of me becoming independent! It's a shame that my Mom didn't live see me accomplish my goal of living in my new apartment but I know she's happy and out of pain in heaven! This May 17th I'll be 30 years old and that was my Mom's goal for me to become independent and in my own place by the time I was 30, well guess what, I made my goal, I'm sure she's very happy! My Mom's relatives! My Aunt Natalie, Uncle Tim and my cousin's Emmie and Julia were here for a visit from out of town and they came and saw my new apartment for the first time, they were very pleased with how well I'm doing they left for home on Thursday! My Grandma Bena will be visiting in May, she's going to be staying with me at my new apartment, then she'll get too meet all of my friends! I'll love you Mom and Dad for a lifetime!

FIVE YEARS AGO TODAY WE ALL LOST A WONDERFUL MAN, MY UNCLE JOHN!

2011-03-11T20:10:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Five years ago today, we lost my Uncle John in a snow mobile accident! He was a "WONDERFUL" man who will be missed for a lifetime! He was the most giving person, he would help anyone in ANY type of need! He was one of my FAVORITE Uncles! I know he loved me as much as I loved him!

He tried too include me in any opportunity he could to be independent! He was my second father! After a long day of work, if someone called in need of help, no matter how tired he was, he would go them with what ever they needed help with and still get up for a long hard days work the next day, you can't beat that!

I miss him "VERY" much! Thanks Uncle John for being a GREAT guy!

TODAY A FEW RESIDENTS IN MY APARMENT COMPLEX HAD A CHOCOLATE PARTY!

2011-02-27T20:31:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today a few residents had a Chocolate party in the community room! A woman "who does these chocolate parties for a living" came too put different selections of chocolate to try and gave out a catalog of selections of different chocolates to buy! There was also chocolate cocktails! We also had a spaghetti dinner with garlic bread! There was pop and juice for the kids!

We had a GREAT day! If any of you LOVE chocolate like I do! Think about having a chocolate party for your friends and family! I'm looking forward to going to another one real soon! You'll ENJOY every minute of it!

You NEVER know how MUCH fun life can be! You just have too get out there and experience new things! Things are scary for everyone, but if you NEVER try new things, life is pretty boring! Sure I'm nervous but as long as I try new things with family and friends I know I will be a better and healthier person for it! I'm trying to NOT be so scared and venture out into the world and try new things that I've ALWAYS wanted too do! If you are ALWAYS afraid of things you ALWAYS wanted to try and NEVER try them then you will ALWAYS be in a shell your entire life, but if you experience new things that you would like too do and can't do them right the first time, that's ok! It's ALWAYS ok to ask someone for help! NEVER feel embarrassed about your disability, you are human and have feelings just like everyone else! Just because you have C.P. or another disability that doesn't make you less important than anyone else! If people have a problem with that, then I guess it's there OWN loss!

It's ALWAYS ok too let your family and friends know how you feel, but it's NOT ok too feel sorry for yourself! People that feel sorry for themselves do not have good self esteem or self worth! I would tell someone, you know what I'm MORE than that and I can do ANYTHING I set my mind too and NOTHING will stop me! If you, can't or won't start doing things too help yourself then you are only hurting the best things that could be coming your way in the future and I'm sorry! But for my life I choose too experience EVERYTHING I can and have the most opportunities so I can live my life too its fullest!

MY FAMILY AND I HAD TOO SAY FAREWELL TO OUR BELOVED DOG BO!

2011-02-13T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Last Thursday my family and I had to0 say goodbye to our four year old Doxen Bo! He was a GREAT dog that will be missed! He had trouble with his back legs and couldn't jump anymore! He was eating and drinking just fine, but he just wasn't his old self! He was "man's best friend"! He would want to be loved, snuggled, and played with! He loved to play tug of war and tear up stuffed animals, go for walks, riding in the car, boat, and going swimming! He was a EXCELLENT watch dog! He also loved to go on family vacations!

For people with C.P. some dogs are trained to help people live a self-sufficient life as possible! Those dogs are called a therapy dog! Let me explain to all of you what a therapy dog is trained to do! These dogs help people get things from high spaces, shelves, and counters! They can go in public with you as well, they just have to have a harness on them to let people know that they are a therapy dog!

No one is allowed to pet or play with the dog because, the dog is suppose to devote "ALL"of it's attention on the disabled person! If people see the dog in public BEFORE they pet the dog they should ask the owner if it's ok to do so! Most therapy dogs are Chocolate Labs! The dogs can also get people out of harms way! For instances, if there was a fire, the dog would pull the person out of a burning building, pick the phone for them or turn on light switches

We sure did love you Bo, I'm glad you are in dogie heaven and out of pain! We'll miss you! Thanks for being a GREAT dog!

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

2011-01-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a WONDERFUL New Year! Last December my apartment complex has a celebration which is every year and it is called "Over The Rainbow Celebration! I was chosen to speak about what my life is like living independently, how far I've come, and what I'm going to achieve!

The coordinator who is in charge of the activities, came to my apartment to interview me on what it is like for a young disabled adult living independently! I played the piano for part of the celebration as well! My family and I didn't get to the celebration because of the weather! I feel very horned to be part of the celebration! I have made a small community of friends since I moved here that I hope lasts for a lifetime!

NEVER be afraid too follow your heart and listen to dreams because YOU can do whatever you set your mind to! You also have to learn how to make decisions on your own! It's scary for some one who is disabled but the more decisions you make hopefully will be the right ones! You have to learn to depend on YOURSELF and NO ONE ELSE! In the long run, it's all about what YOU want your life to be!

TODAY WAS THE CHIRSTMAS LUNCHEN AT MY APARTMENT FOR ALL OF THE TENETS!

2010-12-21T20:09:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was a Christmas luncheon for all of the tenants that live at my apartment building in the community room! No relatives or Personal Assistants were invited! We had Vegetable lasagna, Pasta Salad, Jello, and cake with frosting for dessert! Plus the beverages were Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and Juice!

The manger told us that she really appreciates us as tenets and we are doing a very good job of keeping our apartment clean, playing the rent on time, and following all the rules! She told us that we have created a network of friends that will hopefully last a lifetime! She also told us about the celebration this year!

There was a opera singer, who had a beautiful soprano voice! I wish I could have made it but the weather was too bad! So she is going too give me a DVD of the celebration! So I, my family and friends can watch it!

TODAY WE HAD A SEMINAR AND A FIREFIGHTER CAME TOO SPEAK WITH US ABOUT WHAT TOO DO IN THE EMERGENCY OF A FIRE!

2010-12-15T22:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today we had a firefighter come too our apartment building and give a seminar in the community room on what too do in case of a fire occurring! Most of the residents are MUCH more disabled than I am! The best thing the fireman said to do in case of a fire, is too go into the shower and turn on the water if you CAN'T get too safety! If you ARE able too get too safety call 911 for help and climb out a window as SOON as possible! Then wait for the firemen and paramedics too get there!

When I first moved into my apartment, the fire alarm "DID" go off, because I wasn't sure on how use their microwave, so I put some leftovers on for three minutes so instead of pressing reheat on the microwave, my apartment was covered in smoke! The fire department did NOT come! In fact "NO ONE" came! So, I called my Grandma and she told me too turn the fan on in the bathroom, that way the fan would take the smoke out! It worked! Grandma's ALWAYS know best!

LAST SATURDAY I AND A FEW FRIENDS WENT TOO THE MALL TO GO CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!

2010-12-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Last Saturday a few friends went too the mall and we went Christmas shopping! I was a very "COLD" day! We bought many Christmas gifts for family and friends! We also had lunch in the food court! Then we came back too our apartment and had dinner!

People with disability's should be THANKFUL that they have family and friends that really CARE and want too be a special part of their lives! I'm thankful that I have made WONDERFUL friends at my apartment! They DON'T judge me for who I am, they also treat me with respect, as I do them!

This Saturday caroler's are coming too sing Christmas caorler's in the community room! Then next week my best friend Sarah, her sister Betsy, and their Mom Elna are going make Christmas cookies and a White Chocolate Macadamia Nut Pie! Then on Christmas Eve my family and I are going too my Aunt Marcia and Gordy's for Christmas Eve, then I on Christmas Day I'm going too my Dad's, also on December 26th, 27th, and 28th will be going too Bobbie Jo's family for Christmas with them!

I'm also having a New Year's party with my friends that I made living at my apartment! I hope everyone has Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

YESTERDAY I WENT TO A RAMP MEETING TO HELP GET SINGED UP FOR A PERSONAL ASSITANT!

2010-12-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday I went to a RAMP meeting help me get signed up for a Personal Assistant or a P.A.! I also am planning on to get signed up to ride Para Transit when my family can't take me places! People WITH disabilities need a LOT of assistance and people WITHOUT disabilities DON'T realize or even have a clue! So having a P.A. is a WONDERFUL step for NOT living in a Nursing Home! You still can live on your own and in your own home but you still have the assistant that you need!

RAMP is going to call me when they receive the information, then I have too call DOORS and let them know why I need a P.A.! RAMP will come too my apartment and aces what I need help with, then I go through a list of people and I have too call and interview them to see if I want them to work for me! If I like and trust them then they can start to work for me!

This will also show my friends and family that I have become the independent young adult that I and my family hoped for! Most of all my Mom would be VERY proud and impressed with my progress!

NEVER be afraid too ask for help, I always think that I can do everything but I'm finding out that I CAN'T! I DON'T feel ashamed or embarrassed because of I have Cerebral Palsy, if people DON'T except it or understand that I need a LOT of assistants then I guess that's on them, because I'm going too make my life work for me! I also am a fighter and I CAN DO ANYTHING I SET MY MIND TO!

JEN'S BIG DAY IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

2010-11-03T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was a very exciting and special day for me! Photographers from Over The Rainbow Association came too my apartment and took pictures for The Over The Rainbow Celebration every year around Christmas time! They also interviewed me and asked questions, for example, How do I like living here?, When did I move in?, Have I made many friends?, and so on. They also videotaped me playing the piano. I felt very horned!

Since I've been on my own, I think I have been even more independent than before! All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other and MIRACULOUS things will happen! My Mom would be very impressed with my progress! This is what she wanted for me! But I also wanted a life for myself and now I have one!

NEVER be afraid of new adventures and challenges, there's ALWAYS ways to overcome struggles, all you have to do is TRY, and you'll be able to do things that you ALWAYS dreamed of! For me, I don't mind asking people for help, but I have too accept the fact that I CAN'T do everything for myself! Hopefully in a few months I'll be getting my own Personal Assistant!

I have also made network of friends, that I hope will last for a lifetime!

YESTERDAY MY FRIEND SARAH AND I WENT TOO SEE THE B-52'S LIVE IN CONCERT!

2010-10-07T21:13:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have some WONDERFUL news! Yesterday my friend Sarah and I went too see The B-52's live in concert! That has been my dream come TRUE ever since I can remember! We had a BLAST! The opening band was called Lazar Dudes, they weren't very good, but anyways The B-52's were AMAZING! The concert was two in a half hours long! We got back home too our apartment around 1:30am we were exhausted! But we had the time of our lives! The concert will be something that'll ALWAYS remember!

We also took pictures, so pictures will be posted when we get them developed! See all you have too do is put one foot in front of the other and make your dreams come true! Hopefully ALL of you have a special dream, if you work hard enough it will also come true for you as well!

LEARNING NEW EXPRIENCES WHILE LIVING INDEPENDENTLY AND MAKING NEW FRIENDS!

2010-08-27T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I wanted too express my feelings too you about living independently! I have discovered that since I've been on my own, I have done things that I thought were impossible for me too do! For example, keeping a clean apartment, cooking, and making sure that ALL the bills are payed on time!

I've also made many new friends since I've lived here! I've met about four people that are very nice! We go down too the community room and play cards! I also met a very nice woman, and her name is Sarah, who has M.S.! We have a lot of the same struggles but the are different and we fight too do everything POSSIBLE that we can for ourselves! I also have met a man named Joe who is also very nice!

Cerebral Palsy and Multiple Sclerosis have many similarities! You have muscle aches, and it's hard for you too move quickly!

I've enjoyed living on my own! My Mom would be "VERY" proud of me! I just would like too thank everyone that made this journey in my life possible!

Since I've lived on my own, I have made a small community of friends that I hope will last for years too come! This was partially the idea of me living independently, I would be self-sufficient, and make a network of friends too do fun things with, I guess it looks like that I accomplished my goal!

THE ADVENTURES OF LIVING INDEPENDENTLY!

2010-06-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I would like too tell you a little bit about the adventures of living independently when you have Cerebral Palsy! When I moved into my new apartment, I had too learn to do EVERYTHING for myself, it was scary at times but I also knew that I was a young adult who wanted a life for herself! I had too learn how too cook and clean! But now I'm very grateful that I achieved my goal! Also my family and friends have helped me along the way!

All of you should think about doing the same thing! I began too realize that I couldn't be SO stubborn! Now I'm living on my own! I'm cooking, cleaning, doing my own laundry and paying my bills and most of all I'm proud of myself for making my dreams come true! All you have too do is put one foot in front of the other and miraculous things will happen! You should NEVER be afraid of CHANGE, because there is ALWAYS CHANGE in life wheather we like it or NOT!

ALWAYS keep a open mind and a open heart too new experiences, if you do that your life will have many new and exciting journey's too experience! I've even applied for a part-time job that I'll hopefully be starting in the fall when school begins! Always look for new horizons and your dreams will come true!

TODAY MY PIANO ARRIVED TOO MY NEW APARTMENT!

2010-04-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was a GREAT day! Today my piano arrived too my new apartment! I was very pleased because I have been waiting for its arrival ever since I moved in! It sounds WONDERFUL but it's very "LOUD"! I'm all set with everything I need! I've been in my apartment a little over a week now, it's exciting and scary at times, but I know I'll be just fine! I've been waiting too have a place of my own for a long time!

That's something that all of 'YOU" should think about doing in the near future as well! Your parents or gaurdians arre NOT going too be around forever too support and take care of you so that's why dear readers, I always 'STREES" too you that it's very important that you become as independent and self-sufficant as possiable, because someday you'll have too rely on yourself for EVERYTHING! Our parents and loved ones are NOT going too be around forever!

I have already done some laundry and cooking so that's a start! But there's MUCH more to living on your own than that! You have too cook, clean, pay your bills,"ON TIME", shop for YOURSELF! If you work hard enough and set your mind to do it you'll be just fine! You just can't talk about you have to "DO IT"!

I and my family are very happy with the progress that I've made! I hope I'll have many more happy life exerpiences in my journey, I guess things will happen when I least expect it! Keep up the good work!

TWO DAYS AGO I MOVED INTO MY NEW APARTMENT!

2010-04-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I have WONDERFL and EXCITING news! Two days ago I moved into my new apartment! I made my goal of living on my OWN which I'm very excited and proud! My "late" Mom "Vicky' would be vey happy also!

If you work hard enough on being independent, the goals that you have set for yourself will come true, all you have too do is try and you'll succed in becoming a young independent adult! It will be difficult but you have too find ways too make life easier for YOU!

I still walk with my stick canes, but now I'm using a walker with a seat so I can move things around much easier!

You CAN'T always depend on other people for help, you have too learn too depend on YOURSELF,as MUCH as possiable!

My family and I are very happy that I have acheived the goal of living on my own! I hope that ALL of you will be able too live on your someday as wel!

All it takes is years and years of hard work but if you set your mind too being indenpendent, hopefully that will happen for you as well!

THIS WEEKEND I'LL BE MOVING INTO MY NEW APARTMENT AND MY NEW CELL PHONE JUST ARRIVED AS WELL!

2010-04-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

This is a very EXCITING time for me but very DIFFERNT! I'm am going too start a life for myself! I'm going too be in my new apartment hopefully this weekend sometime! My new cell phone that my Dad bought me will be here in a few days!

Sure I'm a little bit nervous, but mostly I'm excited! ALL of you should think about moving out on your OWN as well someday! You will find MUCH joy and happiness! It ALL depends on YOU! YOU are the ONLY person that can decide how YOU want your life too be! I choose too be as independent as I can, make MANY new friends, and live the life I've ALWAYS dreamed of!

Things will be very difficult for me to do, but I make things easier like using a walker with a seat and a basket too carry things around! If I get tried of standing I can sit down on the walker and rest for a few minutes!

I NEVER like too depend on other people for help, but sometimes I have no choice! If you need assitance from other people, try too remember to be as polite as possible! People DON'T want too help people that are rude! If you are polite too people then people will want too help and be with more than if your NOT! People DON'T have too help you, it's a choice that they make!

Make your family and friends proud of you, also PROVE too them that ALL of their help is MUCH apprecaited! When you see them, tell them, send them thank you cards! Every once in awhile it's nice for someone you care about knows that what ALL they do to help you isn't done in vein!

I tell my family and friends thank you "ALL THE TIME" so they know that I appreicate everything that they do for me!

TODAY I WROTE MY FIRST RENT CHECK FOR MY NEW APARTMENT!

2010-04-01T19:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today was a very exciting day for me! Today I wrote my first rent check for my new apartment! I can honestly say that I have a place that I can call my OWN to live in! I NEVER thought that my dream would become a reality! I owe MOST of the credit too my Dad "John" and my late Mom "Vicky" because they are the ones that made me who I am today, and taught me to be responsible. I also want to thank Bobbie Jo for all her help and support in helping to make all this happen too!

I have to give myself "SOME" credit as well for being brave enough to give it a try.

I wish my Mom could see how much I have accomplished in becoming independent and self- sufficient! She would be SO proud that I'm starting a life for myself! Making new friends, and keeping in touch with old friends as well!

This is a HUGE step and change in my life, but I'm up for the challenges! You'll soon find out that you can do MORE things on your own than you thought you could. All you have too do is NEVER be afraid to try NEW things! You NEVER know if you can do something if you NEVER try!

I'm very excited about moving into my new apartment and starting a life for myself. I hope ALL of you in the near future will find the time to come and visit!

You CAN'T depend on other people your WHOLE life, you have learn to depend on yourself and make your own decisions. Hopefully you'll always make the right ones!

I hope you and your families have a safe and Happy Easter!

VISITING THE FARM!

2010-03-14T12:04:00.001-07:00

MEMORIES THAT WE'LL CHERISH FOR A LIFETIME!

2010-03-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a day that I hold very dear too my heart! Today is the fourth anniversary of my Uncle John's passing! Let my tell you a little bit about my Uncle John! He was a very generous and loving man! He had a GREAT work ethic, he loved living on the farm! He also loved his wife,children, grand children, nieces, and nephews with ALL of his heart!

He was the kind of man that would help you in ANY time of need! Day or night! He also could be strict when he had too! He would be SO proud of me, that I'm starting a life for myself and living on my own!

I'm trying too do the best I can too show my Mom and my Uncle how independent I've become! It's a shame that they WON'T be here in enjoy my NEW experiences in becoming a young independent adult! I just have too remember the WONDERFUL times I had with them and also remember and DO what they taught me!

Remember to always cherish and remember the special people in your life because you NEVER know when your last day will come! Be PROUD that you have come this far, those special people in your life helped you get to where are but YOU did ALL the work! Also be THANKFUL that the special person or people in your are willing to help you become independent! Please remember that people do NOT have too help you, it's a choice they make! People help you because they want too!

I'm sure both my Mom Vicky and my Uncle John are looking down on me and saying "WAY TO GO, WE KNEW YOU COULD DO IT"!

TODAY WAS A VERY SPECIAL DAY AND A NEW ADVENTURE!

2010-03-10T12:50:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a very SPECIAL day for me! Today I received my keys too my new apartment! I'm very happy and excited about that! It's been a LONG road up until now but I have proven too my Dad and "late" Mom that I can be independent, self-sufficient, and be able too live on my own! I'm very excited and nervous but mostly excited because now I can start a life for myself!

I will still need help cleaning, cooking, and doing laundry but I'm also looking forward too meeting new people and doing new things! I'll be able too try things that I've NEVER tried before! In the long run I'll be able too prove to family, friends, but most of ALL prove too myself that I achieved my goal in becoming a young independent adult!

NEVER be afraid too follow your heart and dreams! Usually your heart tells you what the right thing is for YOU too do!

Be CAREFUL of the decision's you make! ALWAYS think about them BEFORE you make them, because if you make the WRONG decision it can effect you for the REST of your life!

I hope I'll meet some nice new friends and we can do things together!

This is a HUGE life change for me but I'm up for the challenges that I will face!

My "late" Mom would be SO proud of me! Who knows maybe she had something too do with this! I can now start a life for myself, I NEVER imagined this day would come but I guessed wrong! I guess some dreams and miracles really do come true!

GETTING PREPARED TO MOVE INTO MY NEW APARTMENT!

2010-02-25T12:39:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, the time has finally come for me too leave the nest, "if I must say so"! My Dad and I put a application for me too live at a disabled apartment for young adults with disabilities! I'm actually looking forward to it! Sure it'll be scary at first, but after awhile it'll feel like it is home too me!

We take a tour of the apartment when the manger calls us! If I like it as much as I think I will, then in a few weeks I can pack my things and move into the apartment and start a new life for myself! The apartment complex is only about ten minutes away from home so I'll see my family a lot!

This is HUGE step in my life and know that my Mom would be VERY proud of me! This will be the ONLY way that I can prove to her, that everything she taught me how too do for myself, paid off! It's a shame that she WON'T be here too see my new home and enjoy the experiences that I'll face! But I'm able too be as independent as I am because of the two WONDERFUL parents that I have! This will show my Mom and Dad that ALL of their hard work wasn't done in vein! I'm very proud for all of the work that I have accomplished and I NEVER plan on quiting!

If you quit on your goals and DON'T achieve what you too achieve, you'll NEVER succeed if life! You also have too keep a positive attitude! Sure things may NOT work as you had planned but that doesn't mean that you STOP and throw in the tow ell just because things are scary or difficult for you too do! If you need help DON'T be afraid too ask family and friends!

It will be nice for me too invite family and friends over for dinner, coffee, and dessert at MY home instead me always being a guest in their homes! If family come from out of town they can stay with me instead of paying for a hotel room!

So all in all this will be a WONDERFUL and exciting experience for us all! Wish me luck!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

2010-01-03T19:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope you and your families had a very safe and wonderful New Year! My family and I sure did! My Dad "John" and I went too visit my Mom "Vicky's" grave on Christmas Eve! Then on Christmas Day we went too my Aunt Marcia and her new husband Gordy's house too celebrate Christmas Day with family and friends! We had Lasagna, Garlic Bread, and Cookies! Then we all sat in the living room around the Christmas Tree and opened gifts! Christmas was EXTRA special this year because we had the pleasure of my Dad's new wife "Bobbie Jo" who sang Christmas duets as my cousin's and I played them on the piano! Bobbie Jo has a "BEAUTIFUL" Soprano voice!

A few family friends came over later that night!

I'm very lucky too have the close relationship I have with my family, plus they accept me for who I am and NOT my disability! Most people with Cerebral Palsy are left OUT of things because their families and other people DON'T understand how too help them or when they try too help them they DON'T know what too do! So in return you just have too sit there! But I'm VERY lucky that my family and friends accept for who I am and WANT too help me the BEST they can!

I'm planning too be in my OWN place in a couple of years! I know I'll be just fine because of ALL the years of my Mom teaching me how too be independent and how too TAKE CARE OF MYSELF! I owe my Dad a LOT of credit as well! He tries his hardest to help me continue too be independent and on the path, where my Mom left off!

My Dad and I have looked into apartments for young disabled adults! We have a application in, we are going too take a tour of the apartments when the mangers call us! I'm already on the list in a few apartment complexes! It's very scary but very exciting! I finally get too live in my OWN place! I think that's pretty remarkable!

When you have C.P. or any other disability, you tend to be afraid of the unknown! You're NOT sure if you'll be able to handle everything yourself, living alone is scary, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry ext! But you know what? Living alone is scary for EVERYONE at first, but is a WONDERFUL experience! Sometimes I even think to myself, how am I going too handle this or I need help! But the more things you TRY BY YOURSELF, the safer you'll feel about being independent and living on your own!

My "late" Mom Vicky was a WONDERFUL woman! She taught me everything I need to know about living on my own and being as "INDEPENDENT" as possible! She used too tell me, "NO one is going to be there too do everything for you, YOU have to learn how too TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF! Sure I was furious when she made do things that I couldn't do very well by myself, but I thank her in long run because I CAN do MOST things myself because of she made me do them even when I didn't want too! That's a very precious memory that I will hold very dear in my heart!

Please everyone take my advice we didn't deserve to have Cerebral Palsy but the more we try things BY OURSELVES the more independent and braver we'll become!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2009-12-14T07:17:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too wish ALL of you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! My family and I usually have Christmas dinner and then open gifts and just celebrate the day together, play Christmas music on the piano and play Christmas CD's!

One of my Christmas wishes is too work on my independence, and hopefully I'll be in my OWN place in a few years! I hope ALL of you will think about doing the same, because if you DON'T learn how too be independent your life will NEVER be easy, so please take my advice!

Work your HARDEST on being self-sufficant and independent! I GUARANTEE you if you do that, your life will be MUCH happier! Don't always depend on someone else for help "DEPEND ON YOURSELF"! You are probably braver than you think are, you just have too try new things! Sure everything is scary at first, but if you NEVER try them you will NEVER succeed in becoming independent! Try everything yourself BEFORE asking someone else for help, I'm sure if YOU do that you'll find out how much you CAN do independently!

I hope you and your families have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year I'll talk too ALL of you in 2010! Keep up the good work!

TODAY WE LOST A VERY SPECIAL MEMBER OF THE FAMILY! "A TRIBUTE TOO BOOMER" !

2009-11-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I am sad too say that today we lost a very special member of our family! We lost my Aunt Marcia's 10 year old Golden Retriever "Boomer"! He was a lovable dog to everyone that knew him! He would give you a great big snuggle and a lick on cheek to show that he loved you!

Sometimes people with Cerebral Palsy have what they call a Service Dog! Which usually is a Golden Retriever or a Chocolate Lab! People who work at specials schools for the disabled, disabled apartments, and Nursing Homes train the dogs and also train people with Cerebral Palsy or other disabilities too be self-sufficient and live on their own! Which is very frightening for someone with Cerebral Palsy!

Usually the dogs have too wear what they call a harness over their back and people are NOT allowed too pet them or touch them unless the owner of the animal says that it's alright for you to do so because the dog's main purpose is too help the disabled person live a normal life as possible!

We will miss "Boomer" dearly but we know that he is out of pain and in a very special place! Thanks Boomer for bringing so MUCH joy and love into every one's hearts and lives! You are,were, and always remembered as one of the GREATEST dogs in the world! "We love You and Miss You"!

MY FAMILY AND I HAD A VERY EVENTFUL WEEKEND!

2009-10-12T13:22:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

My family and I had a very eventful weekend last weekend! We went too the home of my Dad's new wife's parents too visit them! I had a fun time, I went swimming in their in-ground swimming pool and hot tub, "which is in the house"! Then one day we went too the dollar store and I bought a few things I wanted!

Then we came home and had dinner, then the next day we were on our way home!

You should NEVER be afraid too try and do things that you enjoy! ALWAYS have fun when you can! NEVER dwell on the negative, always reach for the positive, if you do that, you will find your life can and will be MUCH happier and brighter!

LOVED ONES THAT ARE ALIVE IN OUR HEARTS AND ALWAYS BE WITH US WHERE EVER WE GO!

2009-09-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a very special day that I hold close too my heart! Today would have been my Uncle John's 61st birthday! He would be very proud of me for what I have accomplished! My Dad, his new wife, and I are looking into me moving into my OWN place! Sure, it's scary for me, but if you NEVER face reality and changes, you WON'T ever stop being afraid of life!

That's one of the things that my Uncle John always taught me, is that you work for what you want! You may NOT always get it, but at least you tried YOUR best!

He was a very GENEROUS man! He would help anyone in ANY time of need, he and my late Mom taught me a lot about the person I want too be!

If you don't get something prefect the first time, it's OK! Always try too improve yourself in anyway you can! If you need help, DON'T be afraid too ask! Family and friends are ALWAYS willing to help, YOU just have too be brave enough to ask! In return with asking family and friends for help YOU have too be willing to DO what you SAY you are GOING to do!

My Uncle John would be very proud too see how much I have accomplished and that I am the person who I am today because of it! I will NEVER stop learning ways to become independent! I find ways that are easier and the BEST for me! My loving friends and family are helping me succeed my goals in becoming a independent adult! That's all I can hope for!

MY FAMILY AND I HAD A WONDERFUL VACATION UP NORTH!

2009-09-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

My family and I went on a WONDERFUL vacation last week up North! We went fishing, swimming, and boating! It was just nice to relax and enjoy the week! We also celebrated my Dad's birthday while we were there! We also watched a lot of movies, played some C.D.'s and just had fun!

You should always take the advantage too enjoy your life whenever you can! The weather was BEAUTIFUL! One night we had a bonfire, smores and a glass of champagne on the pear and had a very fun boat ride to celebrate our vacation! So all in all we had a FANTASTIC week! I'm hoping we can do it again real soon!

PRECIOUS MEMORIES THAT WE ALL TREASURE AND WILL FOREVER LIVE ON IN OUR HEARTS FOR A LIFETIME!

2009-08-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a very special day that I hold very sacred in my heart! Today would have been my Mom "Vicky's" 54th birthday! I hope I have shown her how independent I've become! She would be very proud of me! I am where I am today because of her!

So please take my advice it's very IMPORTANT for you to become as independent as possible! Someday the people near and dear to our hearts are taken from us WAY too soon when we least expect it and we NEVER get too thank them for all that they have done for us! I feel bad because NOW I can't do anything in return too let my Mom know how special she really was, still is, and will always be!

So please, dear readers make SURE that you tell and show the people in YOUR lives how MUCH you appreciate ALL that they do for you! Also let them know that even if they have passed away they did a WONDERFUL job in helping you become the person that you are today!

"I OWE IT ALL TO YOU MOM, YOU'RE THE BEST THAT MONEY CAN BUY"! "THANKS FOR EVERYTHING"!

TODAY WAS A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR A BABY SHOWER!

2009-08-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too let all of you know that I went too a baby shower for a close family friend! It was a very nice shower with food and drinks! My family, friends and I just enjoyed ourselves! We had a very nice meal, then after the meal, we had chocolate cake and cookies, then we all sat down too open gifts!

When I'm around family and friends I DON'T feel out of place because they accept for who I am! That's a WONDERFUL feeling, knowing that no one cares what you like or how long it takes for you too get some where or do something! ALL that matters too them is that you are having a good time together and you are part of the crowd!

Sometimes people with Cerebral Palsy feel out of place or that they shouldn't be allowed too have the same experiences and fun as everyone else, because they need EXTRA help! Also you feel very embarrassed and sometimes you're left out of things that you really like or want too do because you physically aren't able too do what everyone else is doing! In MOST cases people are NOT willing too help you, but I'm VERY lucky that I have people in my life who WANT and are WILLING too help me with whatever I need!

PLEASE everyone, take my advice, try something NEW everyday BY YOURSELF! Then you know you can and will accomplish whatever you want too do in YOUR life!

I also have some more GREAT news! For the FIRST time EVER I cooked a entire meal by myself, I felt very independent! If you DON'T try things that you are scared of you'll NEVER learn how too NOT be afraid of doing them! When I live in my OWN place someday I know I WON'T be afraid of cooking, cleaning, and go on with things in my own life because I have prepared myself for the obstacles that I will face! But that doesn't mean that I'll throw in the towel and say "this is too hard" or "I can't do this" ! The MORE times that you practice things that you WANT to learn, the better you'll get at doing them! The MORE often you do them WITHOUT anyone's help, you'll SOON figure out that you can do them "ALL BY YOURSELF",you'll feel GREAT about yourself and be a happier person inside because of it!

You should take NEW steps "EVERY DAY" on being independent and living "ON YOUR OWN"!

I HOPE EVERYONE HAD A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

2009-07-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone had a safe and happy Fourth of July! I couldn't go too the fireworks this year but my neighbors had a Fourth of July party at their house so I watched them shoot off fireworks from my kitchen window! Then I watched a Fourth July special on T.V.!

That's one of the BIG problems with having Cerebral Palsy or "C.P."! Is that you can't enjoy special events or activities without the help of a friend or family member! You can't MAKE someone help you, people help you because they want too! Besides people also want too be your friend! But please remember "there is a difference" everyone that is nice to you always isn't your "friend" they are just being polite to you!

Someone that is your friend calls or emails you on a regular basis and really takes a interest in what's going on in YOUR life! You also do things together with that person or those people! Someone that is an acquaintance is someone that you DON'T know real well, you just know who they are!

It's also hard for people with C.P. too make friends because they aren't able too go anywhere by themselves without someone taking them some where or without riding public transportation which can be very expensive! Sometimes people can't afford public transportation or it's NOT available where they live! So in order to go somewhere and do things, people have to depend on someone else! Besides someone may NOT want too take the time or they don't have the time too bring you where ever you need to go! But a lot of people in the world are nice people and they help out because they want too and that they are just nice people being polite!

Some people also want too take an interest in someone with C.P. because too them it's a WHOLE different world! Just as for people with C.P. it's a WHOLE different world for them to have a "NORMAL" life!

It's been a nice few weeks for my family and I! We've had lots of company! My family from out of state came too visit last weekend with their two adorable grandchildren! They arrived on Sunday and went back home on Friday!

So please dear reader's take my advice! Your lives can be a WONDERFUL adventure, you just have to be BRAVE enough to try new things! If you try something new EVERYDAY! You'll find that your lives will be MUCH easier and NOT as scary! The world can be a VERY scary place but if we give it best our best shot WONDERFUL things will happen when we least except it!

A DAY OF SADNESS AND JOY ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE!

2009-06-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

Today is a happy and sad day all wrapped up in one! Today is the fourth anniversary of my beloved Mom "Vicky's" death! Also we had a family member pass away and tomorrow is my Great Uncle's funeral! So it's been a difficult and trying few weeks for my family and I!

You should always be thankful for the family you have left because you NEVER know when your last day will be!

So that's why dear readers, it's VERY important for you to learn to become as INDEPENDENT as possible and learn to care for yourself as well as you can because your family aren't always going to be around too help and support you in your every need!

NEVER be afraid to try new things and if things are difficult and scary it's always ok to ask someone for help!

It's also very important that you have people in your life that you can talk with and can TRUST them too help you in any situation good or bad! I'm VERY lucky that I have special people in my life like my Dad, my Aunt, and my cousin's! Who TRUELY care about me and love for who I am and NOT what I look like!

If you ever want too live in your own place someday, it's VERY important for you to try something new every day! Sure things will be scary at first but if you NEVER try new things by yourself you'll NEVER succeed in becoming independent and live in your place and start a life for yourself!

So please dear readers always cherish and treasure the special people in your lives that mean the MOST too you because,you NEVER know when your last day will come!

SATURDAY WAS THE WEDDING OF MY AUNT MARCIA AND HER SECOND HUSBAND GORDON!!

2009-06-08T19:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too let all of you know that the wedding that I told you about was WONDERFUL! Although it wasn't a nice day for a wedding, it poured down rain ALL day! So everyone got soaked! But it was a very nice celebration! I hope my Aunt Marcia and her husband Gordon "Gordy" will be very happy for years too come!

Dear reader's, you should NEVER be afraid to follow what your heart tells you! Dreams are WONDERFUL things to have in your lifetime! It doesn't matter if you're disabled or NOT you can always make your life better for yourself! Somethings are hard and difficult to accomplish, but guess what? Everyone has challenges in some form or another and we as people have too face some things we DON'T like and we have to MOVE on regardless of our disabilities and make our lives work for us the best way we know how!

So ALWAYS feel free to follow your dreams because you NEVER know someday the special things that mean the most to you might come TRUE Never be afraid to try new things, because if you never try new things you'll NEVER succeed in what you want to accomplish! It's up too YOU, how you live your life, no one else can make that decision for you!

A WONDERFUL DAY AT THE MALL WITH MY COUSIN'S!

2009-06-02T19:55:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too let all of you dear readers out there know that my cousin's went out too the mall today! We had a ball hanging out together! We bought some things that we needed and some things we just bought because we felt like it!

Then we ate lunch in the food court! So all in all we had a AWSOME day together!

You should NEVER feel embarrassed or ashamed to do fun things with family and friends because of your disability! You should be thankful that you can go places and do things that you enjoy! A lot of disabled people can't drive, but just because you can't drive doesn't mean that you can't enjoy activities and have a fun-filled life!

It's always VERY important to have special people or a special person that you can rely on to help live a fun,active, and NORMAL life as possible! You should ALWAYS treat people with respect, because if you don't treat people with respect than no one will want too have anything to do with you!

I'm VERY lucky that I have special people,close friends and family that truly care about the real me, the person that's inside and NOT how I look on the outside! Having C.P. isn't fun for anyone, but when you have C.P. you just have to make the best of it! SURE things are difficult hard for you to accomplish, but if you try your hardest to be as NORMAL as possible your life will be a WHOLE lot different!

Please everyone take my advice, a disabled persons life can be hard and is very difficult for someone that's NOT disabled to understand and deal with at times, it also can be very stressful! But if you have a strong family network and strong friendships with people, your life doesn't have to be a scary place, with people that are willing to help you, you will be able to do things that you've always dreamed of doing that you couldn't do by yourself!

Also being disabled is a TOTALLY different world, than someone that is non-disabled or "NORMAL" "As I call it"! People truly don't have a clue on what a day to day life it is for someone with C.P.!

Everything I do, I have to think BEFORE I do it! It can be VERY frustrating and mading! It's also uncomfortable for me to ask people for help ALL the time! So that's why I'm lucky that I'm as self-sufficient as I am!

I'm VERY lucky that I have special friends and my loving family that likes me for who I am and NOT for what I look like! It doesn't matter to them if somethings take longer than they should, and they're willing to wait around and help!

Always remember this, just because you have Cerebral Palsy or any other disability, it doesn't mean that people have to or will wait for you, because guess what, they DON'T! I'm just very lucky that it doesn't bother my family and friends!

So all in all, PLEASE take my advice, if you do you'll find your life can be and will be a wonderful journey! YOU have to choose how YOU want you life to live your! No one can make that decision for you, you are the ONLY one that can make things easier for yourself!

YESTERDAY MY IN-GROUND SWIMMING POOL WAS OPENED!

2009-05-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too tell all of you that yesterday my in-ground swimming pool was opened! I'm VERY happy about that! During the summer I invite friends and family over for pool parties and cookouts!

Usually after I have a LONG day of swimming, my muscles are EXTRA tried because in the pool they work differently or normally than they would on land! In the water I don't have too worry about falling or losing my balance, the water holds my body up on it's own because of the boyacy! So that's why I enjoy swimming SO much! Also when I'm in the pool I feel like I'm a totally different person! That's a good feeling!

It's also a WONDERFUL feeling not too have to worry about falling, or thinking constantly about how you are suppose too walk and hold your body up!

You see dear readers, whenever I walk with my canes or my walker I'm constantly having too think about every step I take! Also I have too be careful that I don't slip and fall! When the floor is wet or something is on the floor my canes just slip away from me and down I go! But when I use the walker I sometimes go faster and don't fall as much!

It would be easier to say I just give up and be done with it! But I don't look at C.P. that way! I've always tried and are still trying to be as normal and self-sufficient as I can be!

I can thank my late Mom for that! She taught me everything I know in order to take care of myself and be independent! She always use to tell me, that no one is going to do things for you, you have to learn how to do things for yourself! Sure enough she was right!

For some of my Physical Therapy I've had too use the swimming pool with a Occupational and Physical Therapist to help me loosen muscles that get tight, especially my legs! Also when I walk, my feet are turned out like a duck's! I have NO difficulty with my upper body, I just have difficulty balancing and controlling where my weight should be that's why I can't stand up myself! I need assistance from someone or something to help me! Like a walker or canes, ext!

I also go too Massage Therapy and that releases those tight muscles so I feel better and are NOT hurting constantly! When I am through with my Massage Therapist I'm worn out, because after she releases my muscles all my body wants to do is sleep! What Massage Therapy does is it makes your body loosen up so when you walk its much looser, easier, and NOT as painful! Also when I'm done with my Massage Therapist my feet are completely strait!

I WANTED TO WISH ALL THE MOTHER'S OUT THERE A EARLY "HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY"!

2009-05-06T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I just wanted too wish everyone an early "Happy Mother's Day"! It's very important for you too spend as MUCH time with your Mom as possible because you NEVER know when your last day could come! Let her know what a VERY important person she is in your life and thank her for ALL that she does for you! We take it for granted it but our Mother's do much more for us than we realize and we NEVER seem too thank them enough! So do something special for her in return! Then she'll know that she is being respected, thought of, and loved NOT just on "Mother's Day" but every day of the year!

Even if things are hard for you, and can't go out too the store and buy your Mom a gift, make her a special picture and card to say thank you! I'm sure she'll appreciate any gift that she receives! Gifts are always the BEST if they come from the heart!

I hope everyone enjoys a very special "Mother's Day" with their Mom's!

A WEDDING IN THE NEAR FUTURE!

2009-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

What a beautiful spring day it is today! I would like too share some wonderful news with all of you dear readers out there! My Aunt Marcia is getting remarried! I hope she and her new soon too be husband Gordon "Gordy" share many happy and wonderful years together! I wish them ALL the best!

If there's ever a wedding your future, make SURE that you capture those special memories too make that day, one of the most important days of YOUR life as well! Never feel ashamed or embarrassed about meeting someone! Who knows, there might be someone that is special too you in the near future, you just have to be brave enough to go out into the world and meet people! Who knows maybe that special someone could change your life forever!

If that someone that you like doesn't pay any attention too you or tries to avoid you in anyway that he or she can, then I guess they're the right person for you! Guess what? There are other fish in the sea! You need someone that accepts you no matter what you look like or if you have Cerebral Palsy or NOT! You need a spouse that loves unconditionally for a lifetime!

You NEVER know, Mr. Wright could be just around the corner when you least except it! NEVER be afraid to follow your heart and dreams! That's always been a BIG dream of mine! Hopefully someday it will come true!

I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A NICE EASTER WITH THEIR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

2009-04-08T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It's that time of year again, for kids too be excited about Easter! Hunting for and coloring Easter eggs, plus eating LOTS and LOTS of chocolate! I hope everyone enjoys the special day with family and friends!

If you have Cerebral Palsy or any other physical disabilities, in order for you too go Easter egg hunting you may have too use a wheelchair or motorized kart to walk around in the grass! Also you might need help from family members or close friends!

So NEVER feel ashamed for what you CAN'T do but be happy for the things you CAN do! You are NO different than anyone else! If people look at you funny or in a odd way DON'T pay any attention too them because this also is your special holiday to enjoy with loved ones!

I hope everyone has a safe and Happy Easter!

IT'S A BEAUTIFUL SPRING DAY!

2009-03-19T11:52:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

It's a beautiful spring day today! The breeze is just a soft steady breeze, the birds are chirping, people riding their bikes, walking their dogs and just enjoying the day! In a few months my in ground swimming pool will be open and I can enjoy swimming ALL summer long!

When I'm in the pool and in the nice warm water my muscles move easily and I don't have a care in the world! For some of my therapy I've had to use the swimming pool to make sure that my muscles stay in shape and loose!

If my muscles get too tight I WON'T be able to walk, so its always very important that I keep my body in shape, otherwise my body won't work the way I want it too become very tight and immobile! !

I also take walks with my motorized cart in the summer! I've always worked the hardest I can work to stay OUT of a wheelchair and be as mobile and independent as possible! I plan too live in my own place someday!

You NEVER have to be afraid to try new things, because if you don't try things yourself first, how are you ever going to learn to live independently! I choose to try to learn something new everyday! Here are three examples, take out the garbage, do housework, and try too cook something! In order for a disabled person to live alone they have be able to know how to care for themselves and their environment, because someday their friends and family are NOT going to be around too help them and take care of their every need!

Here's my advice for people that need help from their loved ones! Before you ask for help in doing something, always try to do it yourself FIRST, if you DON'T try it before asking someone for help how will you ever to learn to accomplish your goals?

A MARVELOUS BROADWAY SHOW AT THE CORONADO!

2009-03-13T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

I and my cousin's have gone to the Broadway series at the Coronado for the past four years! We really enjoy it! Last night we went to the show called "Movin'Out", "The Songs of Billy Joel", it was really AMAZING! I also invited my Dad's new wife too come and join us at the special event!

We had a GREAT time! We got home around 10:30 at night! The next day we were very tired and just wanted too kick back and relax!

You should NEVER feel afraid to do things that you enjoy, you should also be a part of special events! I really enjoy Broadway theater, you can always find something that interests you and participate in functions that you enjoy!

There's always a world of opportunity out there for you and the door is always open, you just have too be brave enough to go out into the world and make your life happy and exciting! Opportunities are NOT going too come too you, you have to go find them yourself!

The day also brought some joy into it because March 11 was the day of my Uncle John's passing! So all in all it turned out to be a happy day and that's what he would have wanted anyway!

WEATHER CHANGES EFFECTS YOUR MUSCLES!

2009-02-18T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, it's a rainy day in my neck of the woods! I would like too explain about how the weather effects your muscles when you have C.P.! When you have Cerebral Palsy or any other disability, the air pressure effects how your muscles feel that day!

If it's rainy, snowing, or very cold outside, your body doesn't move easily because it hurts too walk or move! If it's sunny and about 90 D. outside, your body moves easily and you have no problem!

Sometimes when you have muscle pain, you have to take pills, just so that you feel good that day! I just take things one day at a time and see how I feel!

The way your muscles WON'T hurt also depends on how your mood is that day! I choose too be a happy person and enjoy what life has in store for me!

THE ANNUAL RAMP WHEEL-O-THON!

2009-02-16T20:32:00.000-08:00

My Aunt Marcia and I participate in the annual Ramp-Wheel-O-Thon every year! The Ramp-Wheel-O-Thon is an organization for people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities too meet people and socialize together every year! This will be the third year in a row that we have done this!

It makes me feel good to know that I can help other people achieve their goals and become independent as possible! The Ramp-Wheel-O-Thon is a three mile walk along the river! Then after the walk there is a picnic lunch served along with raffle prizes that follow!

You can ask family members and friends to walk with you on the wheel-o-thon! You also ask them too sponsor you! If you receive many sponsor's your team raises money and if your team raises the highest amount of money then you win a prize!

Also after the walk there is a picnic lunch which is served and there is a raffle prize drawing!

I participate in this event because I want people with disabilities too not be afraid of the world and there is a life out there for people with Cerebral Palsy, you just have to not worry about what people think and you know that you are doing something positive for yourself! Plus it makes you feel good that you have accomplished your goals into becoming independent!

A NIGHT OUT AT THE MOVIES!

2009-02-14T13:32:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone!

I wanted too let all of you know that I went out too the movie theater with my cousin, her family and few of her friends until the wee hours of the night! Then we went back too her friends house too have snacks! We got back too my cousin's house around midnight! We had a BLAST!Then the next day my Aunt Marcia and I went too my second cousin's basketball game, then went back too her house for dinner!

Just because you have Cerebral Palsy doesn't mean that you have too give up on life! You may have too use equipment too get around like a walker or a wheelchair or motorized kart! Things may take longer than you would like them to but you have to accept your life for what it is!

You should NEVER feel sorry for yourself and say I can't do this or I won't do this because things are hard for me! When you have struggles and things are difficult you try to do everything as independent as you can! Also remember things are difficult for everyone NOT just you! You just happen too have struggles differently than other people! You a NO different than anyone else! You NEVER GIVE UP! If you ever want too live independently you have too take the annotative to try to do things yourself first before asking for assistance! If you NEVER try anything yourself, you'll NEVER succeed in becoming independent!

I choose to be as independent as possible, once in awhile it feels awkward too ask someone for help, even if they're a close friend or family member! I know they'll always help me if I ask them but they have their own lives as well, they aren't always able too put their life on hold to help a loved one! So that's why you have too not be afraid too try new things yourself!

NEVER feel ashamed of your disability, it's nothing bad or it's nothing anyone has done too you! It so happened that when you were born you had an injury too the brain and it's permanent!

You may have to have many surgery's, Occupational, Physical, and Speech therapies in order to live a normal life but you know what, if that what it takes for you to live a normal life as possible that's what it takes!, that's what it takes!

I'm fortunate that in my life I've had many surgery's and years of therapy that I can live a normal life as possible, it may not be my first choice but at least I'm walking, even if it is with canes and walker! So always be grateful for what you have achieved in your life and hold on too that because wonderful things could happen to you when you least accept! So NEVER give up! YOU'RE SPECIAL JUST BECAUSE YOU'RE YOU!

That's all for today!

LEARNING TO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY!

2009-02-13T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I've spent many years learning to become independent! I try to do everything I can for myself without asking for any one's help first! I also think it's very important for people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities too not be afraid of the world, and try too be self-sufficient as possible!

I've learned in my experience that life is not a box of chocolates, but when things get tough and difficult for you too do, that doesn't mean that you give up! You try to the best of your ability to achieve your goals!

I look at everyday as a new beginning and a fresh start! Sure walking with walkers, canes, and sometimes even using a wheelchair for long distances is NEVER fun for anyone but if that's what it takes for you too live a normal life as possible that's what it takes!

Don't EVER feel ashamed of your disability! Always remember that no one or nothing did this too you! The injury just happened when you were born! It's no one's fault, but somethings in life things happen and we have too accept whatever challenges we face!

If we have the proper care, and support from our loved ones we'll always be just fine!

Don't ever feel embarrassed too ask for help or assistance from a loved one! Your loved one doesn't understand your whole situation! But they will always try too help you and be there for you whenever times get tough!

It might good idea for you too explain too them some of the challenges that you face and then they'll be able too help you get involved in activities that you might want too look into! Like dancing, playing an instrument, playing sports etc. You can always express what you would like too do! They are ways for people with Cerebral Palsy and other disabilities too always feel accepted!

You can join a function called RAMP that lets people with Cerebral Palsy live a "NORMAL" life! They go too movies, go out too lunch, go bowling, taking nature walks along the river etc!

So NEVER feel ashamed of your C.P. is not a bad thing, it could be a wonderful thing! People that have Cerebral Palsy are NOT bad or abnormal people, they just have more struggles than people without disabilities!

I'm more fortunate then a lot of people with C.P. because I'm very self-sufficient, I can walk, talk, and take care of my personal care all by myself! So in that aspect I'm very independent! I do need some help from my friends and family once in awhile and sometimes it feels uncomfortable too have someone help you ALL the time! But if that's what it takes for you to live a normal life as possible, that's what it takes!

That's all for today! Please check back for more upcoming events!

OUT ON THE FARM!

2009-02-12T14:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!

I've spent this weekend out on the farm having a blast! I've baked cookies, played the piano, and visited my Grandma and Grandpa! I stayed with my Aunt Marcia! My Dad and his new wife are on vacation for the week with our dog Bo, who is three years old and very cute!

I like to swim in my swimming pool and have cookouts in the summer! I've been taking piano lessons for seven years and become very well at the piano! It's something I really enjoy! I enjoy spending time with my cousin's as well!

I like riding go-karts and seadews,I like anything fast!

My favorite music band is the B-52's! I like a diversion of styles of music, anything from musicals too alternative rock too opera! My favorite singers are Celine Dion and Linda Ronstadt! I also enjoy pianist's Elton John, Billy Joel, Bruce Hornsby, and Jim Brickman!

When I was little I had many surgery's and physical, occupational, and speech therapy! In order for me too become independent! For the most part I'm very self-sufficient! I walk with stick canes and walker! I use a wheelchair for long distances and sometimes a motorized kart!

I also am huge musical buff! I love The Wizard of Oz, The Sound of Music, Oklahoma, Carousel, and The Music Man! I also enjoy Broadway shows as well!

I've had too face many obstacles and challenges in my life that have been hard, but if you keep a positive attitude on life everything will work out as planned! But you get too decide on how you want too live you life! I choose too live my life as independent and self-sufficant as possible!

That's all for today! Please watch for upcoming events!