Alexandra pt 2, phone interview and family

Last night my Alexandra was in rare form again. I laugh as I type this, but I think she's on crack. :) She was up for most of the night jumping on the dressers, jumping in the window sill, walking on my computer keyboard making my computer do noisy things, walking across the night stands, all while leaving a trail of clutter behind her. . At one point she was trying to jump in the curtain valance from behind the television. I have not had a cat in years! I forgot how agile and rubber like they are.  :)

I had a phone interview today for the receptionist position. I did absolutely terrible!! I know I did not get the job! I prepared myself for questions that might be asked, but I still bombed!! I kept tripping over my words. Ugh!! So frustrating!!

We have Steve's family visiting Friday through Tuesday or Wednesday. It will be his Mom, 3 nieces and nephew. :) I only get to see the kids once a year now, so I bet they have grown!! :) Bridget is 16, Maggie is 15, Keith is 13 (or 14) and Erin is 11.

Alexandra

I have a new addition to my home that has actually been in the works for a while. Her name is Alexandra and she is a beautiful kitty. :) She is 2.5 years old, has long hair that is a mixture of white, gray and a little bit of brown. She is a Maine Coon and has a wonderful temperament. I will post pictures soon. Yesterday was her first day here and she is coming along well. :)

Last night was tough. She meowed all night and was restless, jumping from one dresser to another. She probably misses her babies terribly. I hope tonight is better for her. Today she was put in a crate so my nursing assistant could transfer her from one room to the other without getting scratched if/when the dogs would scare Alexandra. My nursing assistant opened the bedroom door and the dogs ran up to the crate. Alexandra just looked at them and Buddy and Lady sat next to the crate and wagged their tails. Lady laid next in front of the crate for probably an hour just looking at Alexandra. I was amazed! I'm still going to take it easy introducing them.

 

I will update you more! Have a good night!



Saturday night

Hello! :) Today I am spending much of my day filling out job applications. I need to find something!!! I received an email from the lady scheduling interviews for the receptionist position I previously mentioned. She wanted some times I can interview this Wednesday. I sent her four times I can interview Wednesday, but haven't yet been told what time my interview will be conducted. I hope to hear back from her Monday, but will go ahead and fill out applications because I could very easily not get this job! I found this job on a website and have seen where MANY people want this job and are going through the interview, so I'm expecting to NOT be one that gets in. I'm not being negative, just realistic. :)

I have poison ivy (or something) that is not going away. It started out on the back of my neck, then it spread to the back and top of my right shoulder, then to the back of my right leg, then on my face around my nose and left eye. Now my forehead, cheeks and chin feel itchy and inflamed...driving me crazy! I have been using a hydrocortisone cream to cure the itch, but I think I need something more!!

My brother, his wife and their boys came and hung out with me tonight. We made taco pie which was delicious and just caught up. The boys were playing on my boyfriend's keyboard acting like rock stars. :) They were singing, waving their arms and pretending like they were entertaining thousands. :)

Filling Station, employment woes

Hello! Today was an absolutely beautiful day! Mandy filled up the kiddy pool outside and we were able to partially coax Buddy and Lady in it. With the help of some kibble, Lady got all 4 paws in the pool and sat for maybe a millisecond before she jumped out. Buddy got his two front paws in the water and well that was enough for him. :) Hopefully next time we can get them to lay down and enjoy it. :)

As I mentioned in a previous post I had gotten hired for a telesales position a couple weeks ago, but before moving forward I needed to assign my ticket to work to the company. Well, I did this last week and have heard nothing!! I emailed and left a voice mail to one of the people I have been in contact with and he has not replied. This is maddening. I have done everything they have asked of me on my end, but they have not reciprocated and I'm angry!! Training for this position began Monday so I obviously missed that deadline which was no fault of my own.

Mandy & I went to the Filling Station this evening. We had appetizers for Happy Hour and that means they were 50% off. :) The hair (not mine) that laid marinating in the ranch sauce should have gotten me another 50% off. :( Ugh!!

Happy hump day!! Kohl's clearance and 6pm

Hello! :) I'm on a hunt for a new nursing assistant and get exhausted just thinking about training a new person!! Ugh!! I wish when people started working for me they could sign a contract that stated they must work with me for 1 year!! That could backfire and work against me though, especially if the person was being a terrible aide and we didn't get along!! LOL!

Last week I had a 30% off coupon for Kohl's that was about to expire and I felt I wanted to take advantage of it!!  I bought a bunch of winter sweaters, a couple of summer dresses and a pair of gray/purple tennis shoes. I have gotten everything except my shoes, which will come Friday. :)

I also came across an online clothing store called 6pm.com. It has all name brand clothing and has a great clearance section! I bought a pair of DC shoes for 19.99 and a sweater for $11.00. Shipping is free, too!! :) Last year I bought a Billabong maxi skirt for $14.00 when the regular price is $39.99. :)

Walmart, Krogers and going curly

Today's afternoon was spent at Walmart and Krogers! While shopping at Walmart Mandy and I kept encountering people who had the gift of gab! LOL! Our first gabber was in the "camping" section. I was trying to purchase ammo, but they were out of it. This stranger began telling us the places that would have the ammo in stock and how much it was. Very nice man! I said, thank you and rolled away. He followed us to the other side of the store unbeknownst to us and began to pick up the ammo conversation again. I learned more about guns in 20 minutes than I ever will again, or so I hope. :)

The next gabby individual was in the craft section. A lady was shopping for a bobbin and was angry her brand new sewing machine didn't come with one. Ha!! I fed in to her anguish by agreeing that her new machine should have come with a bobbin! :) Mandy and I then helped the disgruntled lady find some metal bobbins and I think that it may have fixed the pain. :) HeHe

Up until today I have been taking great effort to make my hair straight. Even if its in a pony tail I have been adamant about keeping it straight. Today I did the opposite. I put this spray gel in my hair and scrunched it! :) Here it is. Spray Gel This stuff is like mousse minus the sticky residue. I liked the wavy curly look and might continue the look for awhile!! :)

Animal abuse

Those who know me know what an animal lover I am and how animal abuse affects me. When I hear a story on the news about abuse, I obsess over it for weeks and cry to the point those around me don't know what to say because I'm not very consolable. I know it's dumb to obsess so much over something that is in the past and I have no control over, but I just don't know how to NOT have the emotions.

I was talking to one of my assistants last week and she was telling me about a family member's Chihuahua and how bad it gets beaten when it pees on the floor. She also said that one time it got beaten  to the point blood was coming out of its ear. I was quiet because I was fighting back emotions and when it was obvious I couldn't hide them, I told her how I felt about this person's so called discipline technique. I cannot comprehend how adults can be aware of abuse going on and not do something to make it stop. I wish she would not have told me this for obvious reasons!! Now I'm one of those adults who is aware and not doing something to make it stop.

Ohio sucks when it comes to animal abuse laws!!!!

Saturday and RIP Frazier

Happy Saturday! :)

I don't have much going on this weekend except looking for a job. The job training for the job I was told I got, starts Monday and I have heard nothing. I did get an email from the company Wednesday that included a video and the instructions on doing my individual work plan, which is for the ticket to work. (I previously mentioned the ticket to work in my blog). I watched the video, completed my IWP and submitted it Wednesday evening so they should have everything. If there isn't another training lined up for this particular position, I saw another position on their job board that I am interested in. :)

One of my nurse's other clients had to put her service dog down this morning. Frazier was a sweet 15 year old golden retriever who had not been doing well this past week. My nurse took him to the vet this morning thinking he might just need an IV to get fluids and nourishment, but sadly that wasn't the case. RIP Frazier...you have earned your little angel wings. :)

Paris, Leslie and Menards

Hi! Today I spent the afternoon with my friend Leslie. We spent our time together catching up on the latest and greatest while she baked cookies for a church function and kept an eye on her very energetic grandson. :) Her grandson is 20 months old and an absolute overload of cuteness!!

I, being the animal lover I am, spent my time eyeing the adorable white toy poodle that was jumping up on my leg. :) She wouldn't jump up on my lap, but she would put her front paws up on my leg and look back at my nursing assistant until she put her on my lap. :)





 

 



Afterwards I went to Menards. I absolutely love that store! I get so many ideas on how I eventually want my kitchen to look like. :) My kitchen is in much needed renovation and hopefully it won't be too much longer before that happens. :) 

Cat training! Little people!

Yesterday was cat training at the Humane Society. This was our final training so now we get our names put in the system and can finally volunteer. Woot!!

The cats yesterday were so much fun! They will be fun to work with because they have so much personality and a couple in particular were a little mischievous, which is even more fun in my opinion. :) A cat named chance was sticking his arm out of his cage batting his paw at the trainer's pen. It was hard to not get distracted by his cuteness and energy!! He has been there awhile and I'm really surprised.

Little people!! When I say little people, I'm referring to children. Little children who are innocent and have absolutely no filter. :) So, I'm at the humane society yesterday. I'm sitting in my wheelchair (surprise!) in the busy waiting room, trying to find a spot where I won't be in anybody's way. I look to my right and spot the spot! I know it's a good spot because it's empty and I am blocking no paths. So, I place my chin on the control and begin to maneuver to my spot where I will remain until training begins. While manipulating myself, I hear a Mom explaining to the little girl in her arms, that it's a wheelchair and that is how I get around. I looked over and smiled. It was then that I heard her other little munchkin say in a disgusted angry voice, "That is not cool" as he raised his arm straight out and pointed his little finger directly at me!! I looked over and he had this angry scowl look on his face like me and my wheelchair repulsed him!! LOL! I said in a friendly voice with a smile, "No? You don't think this is cool" as he backed up behind his Mom and peaked out around her leg... :)

I have had 3 instances now where I have had encounters similar to this one. All 3 were similar in the fact that their (the kids) demeanor was so hostile and angry! What is up with that??

Technology, cat training and little people!

Hello! Today I was thinking about technology and how far it has become. In 1992 I was in a nursing home and spent my days watching television, sleeping, watching television, visiting, etc. It was mundane, very dull and not much excitement. This routine went on for 5 years until my friend, Pat introduced me to sip and puff, which is adaptive technology used to send air pressure in to a device. The device was a headset that had a "straw" that I blew into when I wanted to select (press enter for example) on the onscreen keyboard, which was called wivik (windows visual keyboard).

Pat strongly encouraged me to make the investment in a computer and the above mentioned technology. She said it would change my life forever and boy was she right!! It introduced me to things I never knew existed... chatrooms, disability websites, dating, meeting new people (good and bad HA!) and so much more! At the time I felt like if there was a time to be disabled or have physical limitations, that was the time because technology allowed everybody the freedom to have the world wide web at your fingertips!

Jump ahead to 2013. Technology continues to grow fast (too fast IMHO) but for c2c3 quadriplegics who have no voluntary movement from the shoulders down, it's going backwards not forward!! I cannot use touch screen! I cannot text! I feel more disabled now than I have in years and it's depressing!!

Cat training and little people will have to wait until tomorrow. I have been standing for 3 hours and getting tired. Good night!

Not guilty, Fun. nursing assistant issues

Well, he was found not guilty. I'm not surprised. I do feel though that it was a killing that would have been prevented if Zimmerman would have backed off like the cops told him to do!! He is a free man now, but will be connected to this crime and his actions for a life time! I can imagine this will haunt him forever and the people in his community who thinks he is guilty will also haunt him.

My friend Leslie and I went to Columbus last night to see the band Fun. It was a great time and Fun in more ways than one!! :) The lead singer Nate was full of energy and knew how to engage with the crowd. He said he and Emily bought roller blades in Columbus and that the other band member (Andrew) was hand drawing post cards at the hotel. :) LOL. Someone lacks adventure, but that's not a bad thing. :) The first band was Tegan and Sara, twins from Canda. They sing pop and have been singing and playing the guitar for 15 years.

Tegan & Sara

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nursing assistant issues!!! Oh goodness why?? I have a nursing assistant who has been with me for a couple months and all ready quitting! I am her first client as she has never been in the medical field. She says she is very nervous working with me and I have definitely sensed it. She is really hard on herself and hates when she "messes up" as she says. I certainly respect her honesty because this job is not for everybody! She did a good job while she was here and I let her know that, but not sure she felt better.

 

It's so exhausting training people to do my care no matter what it is. It could be teaching them to strap me down in the van, standing me, turning me, etc. The constant talking and explaining makes me winded and short of breath! I dread this!!!

 

A beautiful day, George Zimmerman and family

Hello. It's a perfect day weather-wise here in Ohio. It's 80 and sunny. :) I got outside for about an hour early this afternoon, but came in and laid down because I still have the dreaded pink area that will not stay away. Blah!!

I have been listening to the George Zimmerman trial all afternoon. The jury of 6 women must be dedicated. They have been deliberating since 9AM this morning and still going at 7:30PM...and it's Saturday. :) They asked a question about the clarification of the definition of manslaughter a few minutes ago. Does this mean they have moved past 2nd degree murder? Or maybe he will be found not guilty of even manslaughter? Hmmmm. We will eventually get the verdict. :) It feels like it could be close!

Steve and his dad have been very busy doing work in the back yard. They pressure washed the dog houses, put rocks down around the dog houses, pulled a boat load of weeds and painted the air conditioning unit. Our back yard and the landscaping around the deck tends to get neglected so seeing it get some life is a bit refreshing. :) The best thing about being outside when I was, was the first sighting of a hummingbird at my hummingbird feeder!! :) I have been waiting for a while to see one and today was the day! :) Yay!!

A couple things

Hello! :) Steve's dad arrived Wednesday. A trip that takes 4 hours on a good day, took him 8 hours Wednesday. Two hours in to the trip he needed to turn around because of flooding. He found an alternate route and came that way, but was delayed due to floods, slow traffic and debris. He made it though and we're happy he is here. :)

As I mentioned I interviewed for a position last Wednesday and got the job. The company I got the job through is a company that hires persons with disabilities who work with Rehab Services Commission. This company wants requires me to assign my ticket to work to them before I can move forward. Right now my ticket to work is assigned to rehab service commission and in order to reassign it, I need to tell my case manager, who has not returned my calls or responded to my email. So, now I'm in limbo and afraid the training class will get full. In the mean time I am going to re-educate myself on ticket to work because I did not retain the information first time around.

When I called Maximus (Ticket to Work) they were proactive and wanted to send me information about the ticket to work, how much money I can make being on SSDI and how I can make more if I have employee related work expenses as write offs. I thought that was nice and a little out of the ordinary. :)

I finally got an email today regarding the receptionist job. There has been a delay so the second round assessments will be the beginning of August.

Spread the word to end the word...

The "H" word that is!!

I heard on the news yesterday that an advocacy group in Ohio is trying to remove the word handicap from the new accessible signs. This would be parking signs, bathroom signs, etc. This group feels the term is outdated and offensive. One person said the term handicap sounds like it makes fun of people.

I have always thought words about disability are just that... words. It's semantics to me. I'm not offended by handicap, disabled, crippled, cap, etc, but I do know people who are offended by the word disabled. To these people, disabled means broken down like a broken down non-working car.

When I heard this on the news my initial thought was "OMG. Seriously!!??!!" Why can't people who rely on these accessible spaces just appreciate the designated spot whether it be a parking spot or a restroom stall and not worry about what it says or doesn't say. Next the wheelchair on the signs will be offensive and need to be changed to a picture of a cane or an oxygen tank.

As you see, I just don't get it!

Friday, DSO and the Fun. concert :)

Hello! :) Happy Friday! For some reason today feels like Saturday. There is a big music festival this weekend at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park and I'm missing it because I'm stuck in bed! Grrrr!! The people there are so friendly and fun to be around, I hate I couldn't go.

My goal though is to be healed up by Monday so I can go to the Dark Star Orchestra concert in Springfield. They play in Springfield every year and it's free admission. It's a great time and I really hope I can go. I usually bring the dogs because it's a pet friendly atmosphere, but my dogs always seem to find a fight. It's embarrassing! The following Sunday, July 14th, is the Fun. concert in Columbus. My friend Leslie is going with me and I hope she enjoys the music. :)

Carry On by Fun.

Some Nights by Fun.

We are young by Fun and Janelle Monae

Happy Independence Day!

I hope you enjoy your day with family and friends! It's going to be a wet drab day here so grilling out steaks and burgers may have to be put off a day or two. :( That's okay though, it could be worse.

My pink area has revisited and I have decided to stay in bed until it's no longer visible. I just don't understand what I'm doing wrong! While in bed, I will work on my computer, watch some recorded shows, listen to some music, look in to bum implants, etc. Hehe! :)

Yesterday I had a phone interview. I didn't know much about the position, just enough to know it was sales. I also knew the hourly wage and the hours were 5p-midnight Monday through Friday. Well, I got the job. I am glad I got the job, but sales is not something I am confident in. It's just not a strength of mine. I do think though, it will be a good addition to my resume because many customer service jobs have to offer upsells or cross sells. We will see. :)

Yesterday and today has brought on much anguish in the Fox/Schwartz household!! Our internet connection keeps going out leaving us without access to our everyday luxuries!! As much as I try to be patient and calm without my life line, it's not easy. He tends to go a little more ape shit than myself, but regardless it's hard for both of us. God forbid we would have to actually stay off our computers and communicate with each other. It would be tragic! LOL!

It certainly puts things in perspective. We rely so way too much on technology and electronic gadgets! They are like drugs!! When we suddenly don't have access to our computers and our cell phones, it brings about withdrawal!

Mom

Hello! I slept well last night, but feel like I haven't slept in days. I didn't go to bed until 1:00AM because I stood in my standing frame watching television, maybe that is why I feel like doo doo. Yawn!!

I had a phone interview Friday for a receptionist position and thought it went ok. The person I spoke with told me I will get an e-mail to schedule the next phone interview. Well, I haven't gotten that email yet and I'm getting discouraged. :( If I wasn't going to get the second interview, would she tell me to look out for an e-mail that I will never receive?? I would hope not, but I may never know. Hmmmm My paranoia is asking me, "Did I have to many ummms when I spoke? Did I say alrighty when I should have said alright? Did I say yea instead of yes?? Ugh!!!

Today I saw an elderly woman walking through the Kroger parking lot. She must have been 85. I said out loud "I wish my Mom would have lived to be that age" which caused my nursing assistant to ask what happened. I said "She was an alcoholic and died at 52" Hearing myself say that out loud made me get teary eyed and caused my voice to shake. I had not felt that sort of emotion in years!

I have held a grudge against my Mother for years! I have so much animosity towards her that it makes me seem like a cold hard rock. I feel like when I had my car accident, she immediately used it as an excuse for her actions. Her drinking, her retiring at age 44, her absence. She would go months without visiting and when she did, she stayed long enough to say hi and bye. She would reek of vodka and many often times be visibly intoxicated. I often felt like she despised me and I felt very much like I had no Mother. My dad sat back and could see what she was doing to me. He often kept quiet, but when I talked about it, he chimed in. What I didn't have in a Mother, my dad made up for it times ten. He was there for me when she wasn't.

I believe if my Mother didn't use alcohol as a crutch, our relationship would have been much better. I say this because months before my car accident her, my sister and I were like best friends. She had quit drinking and was a different person. Our time together was full of laughter and fun, not tears and hatred like it ended up being in the end. On my part anyway.

If I could change one thing about the past with my Mom it would be to have more patience and keep an open mind to alcoholism and the deadly disease it is. I would want to take back my hatred. Tell her I love her. Tell her I forgive her. Tell her I'm sorry!