Confidence Earned

Welcome Back!

2016-09-25T11:46:00.001-07:00

The Back to school hype is over and everyone is back into a routine. Fall, football and homework are back in our lives. Team meetings, IEPs and a set schedule are becoming more of my daily life while at work.

This year I will still be servicing Eaton Rapids 4 full days a week and then the 5th day I will be at an elementary school in Charlotte.

It's a lot of buildings, a lot of sensory and fine motor needs and it seems like there's not a lot of time!

So, I think this blog can be a way for me to reach all of you and give my perspective on how important OT is in the school setting. I would love to post weekly, but this is will be done during my personal time (we'll see how I do!).

Stay tuned and learn a lot about how we can all help our students be more successful and actually more importantly......happy in the school setting.

In the past I have made handouts for teachers and parents to help understand fine motor development and sensory processing disorder. My goal is for this blog to for go the handouts - I think it will save time and money/paper/ink.

As a teacher or parent - if there is something you would like to know more information about, let me know!

I like to be organized in my mind so I am thinking a weekly theme for the kids to work on specific skills and then I will explain "why I do, what I do?" And hopefully a sensory tid-bit along with these explanations.

Since I didn't have a chance to write a post the first 2 weeks of servicing kids:
Week 1: Who can draw all of their shapes perfectly?
Scribbling: the kids like holding a marker, crayon, pen, paint brush and seeing pretty colors (1st barrier complete). About 1.5-2 years old

Straight lines (horizontal and vertical): Everything is becoming more purposeful. Letters "i", "l" (I'm not developmentally expecting letters from a 2 year old but I feel like the pressure is on! This is all a toddler is capable of) Age: 2 years-2.5 years

Scribbles in circular motions: At this point in the school year, I myself feel like this stage lasts forever! I see a lot of this. Ages 2.5-3 years

Circles (1 single circle allows us to make smiley faces in Art class, "O", "C", "Q" and so on but we'll be getting to letters a different week). Age: 3 years

Cross (horizontal/vertical line intersecting) = for an OT this helps us know that the kids are able to cross over a barrier to keep drawing (crossing the midline neurologically). This helps with pre-reading skills and writing too. Kids can then add a body and arms to their smiley face and make letter "T", "L" or "t". Ages: 3-3.5 years

Squares: half of a square really makes an "L"! Make sure the angles are all right angles. The kids love to trick everyone with one rounded side. Age: 4 years

Triangles: Are getting harder and harder for the little ones. I feel like we are rushing them into letters. Neurologically kids are unable to create diagonal lines until 5 or 6. Starting at the top left and going to the bottom right or starting to the upper right hand side and going to the bottom left. This is hard with wiki sticks, pegs in a peg board, strings or other materials.....so I can imagine it's hard with using a pencil and paper. I like seeing pointy triangle tops that could pop a bubble. But I will see rounded triangle tops, triangles with a vertical left line and horizontal bottom line and a weird right line to connect the 2 other lines. I see really interesting roof's on houses. Since we are showing them letters at about 6-8 months (ha!), I tell them to start making an "A" but stop before they make the middle line. I'd love to see some pretty triangles and confident house drawings (squares and triangles)! Age: 5 years

Diamonds: How many adults can draw a good old fashioned diamond? Hard. Hard. Hard. Most kids I service cannot draw a beautiful diamond. Practice. My tip for the kids: Start with your pointy bubble popping "A" and connect it to a "V" at the bottom. Age: 6 years.

Some of my older students printed first/last names. Drew people. And some worked on drawing stars, hearts and noticed the difference between ovals/circles, squares/rectangles, +/X.

Everyone also had a finger strength activity (squeezing clips with a pinch grasp was a good choice). A pinch grasp is using your thumb, index and middle finger to pick up and squeeze items. This will encourage an age appropriate grasp while holding a writing utensil.

After reading this your assumption is "shapes should be easier to draw than letters" and the ability to draw some of these shapes does not occur until age 6. So, if my child cannot print the alphabet at 4 or 5 years old, it's ok?? YES!

Sensory Tip: Feel free to get messy. Touching different textures is going to make life easy at school. We got out messy with moon sand or play dough during some of our sessions this week.

Whew! Week 2s activity will be coming soon!

How OT Relates to Organization and Time Management

2016-09-11T09:41:00.000-07:00

It is easy to say OTs should be discussing play/leisure, work and other activities of daily living with individuals they service because these are obvious performance areas. But I realize organization and time management seems like a very gray area. Especially for billing purposes.

My thought is, we all need to strive to be good at organization and time management so we can remain happy/healthy while we are fulfilling each performance area to our maximum potential.

When thinking about it, as a person with cerebral palsy I am at less of a risk for falling, cutting myself when using a large knife or using poor speech when I sleep better. This seems like an obvious example for everyone because it is so physical.

There are many cognitive components that I am capable of if I have adequate amounts of sleep and also ideal an ideal environment for my body. Even if I have a superb memory (which I do), an in tact attention span (which can be spotty), problem solving skills related to my skills set/training and other cognitive skills to sit down and write an Occupational Therapy report, I could still struggle at work if I do not have superb time management skills. I need to be in certain buildings at certain times and prepared for meetings at different times of day. Without focusing on organization and time management I could essentially let my administrators down and loose my job.

Basically Occupational Therapists are taught if individuals are unable to complete performance components (motor and cognitive skills) then they are going to be unable to perform their simple ADLs (toileting, bathing, eating) and then more complex ADLs (work, play, household maintenance, driving/community mobility).

How do you feel your ability to problem solve, learn and attention span is when you are stressed, tired or distracted? Will your work day be productive? Will you enjoy your hobbies and relationships with others? Will your "to do" list (if you have one) ever disappear? Do you want others who are stressed, tired, distracted driving on the road while your kids are on the way to school on the bus? Do you want your surgeons, pilots or kids teachers to have decreased cognitive or motor skills? Is it okay if these individuals are a little disorganized and not on time? Then, why is it okay for you?

I realize that America's administrators/bosses/supervisors are not all OTs. Even if they have been told, they seem to forget that if someone is disorganized, not well rested and not happy this person will not be a productive employee. But what can you do as an individual to be organized, more healthy and a better employee?

Where do you think you would start? More sleep? More time for hobbies and loved ones? Spending a month or two to declutter? Adding time in your day to meditate or take a power nap? Making a list of things that truly matter to you and then working hard to say "No" to the other things that are not as important? Maybe you want to spend some time on Google researching to make sure that this post isn't just completely silly? But why would you strive for insomnia and other forms of stress to fit "stuff" into your schedule, to purposely decrease your cognitive skills?

The 2nd link I found today is an article that states "time management benefits you." It makes sense to me, put your life mask on yourself before you save others.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/280638
https://timemanagementninja.com/2013/10/the-top-10-life-benefits-of-time-management/

How Organized Are You?

2016-09-02T10:16:00.002-07:00

Yes, it is football season! But for many of us it is that time of year where things become over whelming and hectic. Whether you are a parent rolling your eyes at math homework and sports schedules, a teacher/educator planning to rock your students world, a college student reading over syllabi or planning for a new job, move, wedding or new baby......life can be stressful. Rather than just saying take a deep big "inhale and exhale" it's sometimes important to make a plan and attack these times in our lives in chunks. Are you good at this? Or is it insomnia, over eating and migraines to the max?

Since I have decided that a balanced life requires some amount of organization and I have been describing ways that I am organized and not so organized....I thought it was time for another quiz! Rate yourself as you read this post and ask yourself how you feel about the outcome of each topic. Good luck! Happy cleaning, scheduling and potentially preparing for another busy school year or just the messiness that life sometimes causes! If you are in a phase where you can take a Siesta and enjoy Indian Summer and football - I envy you!

1. I go through old things and decide whether or not I am using certain items:
a. Every few months
b. Every year
c. Why would I do this? I can afford to purchase a storage unit.

2. Everything in my house/car/office, etc. has a place and a purpose. Even if I use something once a year I know right where it is.
True or False

3. Junk Drawers:
a. My whole house looks like a junk drawer. I'm not a visual person.
b. I'd rather have the clutter hidden than in sight on my counter or floor. But I clear them out when I have time.
c. Gross me out.

4. Dr.'s Appointment's/Kids Sporting Events/Birthday's/Vacations:
a. I memorize them in my head. If I don't make it, it's cool.
b. Everything is on sticky notes in the corner on my end table
c. Everything goes into my Google Calendar. My smart phone reminds me
d. I have a paper calendar to write things on.
e. All of the above, except A

5. When it comes to setting priorities:
a. Setting priorities is not important. Everyday is a new surprise.
b. Everything feels equally important - I take it all as it comes, until I feel stressed.
b. The health and overall happiness of me and my loved ones are important. I work daily at saying "No" to the things that aren't as important.

6. I'm a meal planner:
True or False

7. I know what I am going to wear the next morning before I go to bed:
True or False

8. I have a certain routine each evening where I can finish certain quick chores. Everyone old enough in the house helps with this.
True or False

9. I go to the Grocery Store 1x a week and make sure I use coupons/other discounts and have a list than going when I'm out of things I need.
True or False

Bonus Questions for Educators/Therapist who are building hoppers:
10. In 2 weeks your Opening Day Power Point Presentation will be:
a. Recycled. They told us during a breakout session to go paperless.
b. In my work bag in case I need to refer to it.
c. Under the seat of my car with coffee spilled on it.

11. My Car:
a. Spotless. They told us during a breakout session to go paperless.
b. Has some room for passengers. But the passengers get to play with scissors, umbrellas and theraputty.
c. What's that smell? Where is my coffee mug? There's theraputty stuck to my floor.

12. My work bag:
a. Don't you mean bags?
b. Is under 8lbs and I never carry it on my shoulder
c. Is the size of my carry on when traveling to Europe but at least I use a roller bag.
d. Is the size of my carry on when traveling to Europe and I put it on my shoulder, neck, arm. (You people will be getting a blog post dedicated to you, someday. Tisk, tisk.).

My First Blogs!

2016-08-23T08:11:00.000-07:00

Quotes I saved and a
collection of things I wrote.

The first sticker book I created
with my mom.

I knew there was a reason why I am feeling committed to keeping up with this blog. Maybe close to 20 binders and journals of my life for the first 23 years of my life. Stickers, awards, cards, poems and essay's I wrote. E-mails I wrote to girlfriends in college, a shoebox of notes folded all cool on notebook paper. They take up room and smell funny but this is what Facebook and other forms of social media has replaced. I think there is something emotional to touching it with your hands while creating it and then again looking at it and touching it again with your hands. My Creative Memory Picture books are up stairs on a shelf. I'm not sure where these boxes will end up. But they are cherished!

Grandma's Cross Stitching.

Organization...Are we all Hoarders??

2016-08-22T09:46:00.000-07:00

From my parents basement, to mine.
Pretty colors rather than recycled boxes.

Rain and attempts to get organized have been on my mind lately. As an OT and thinking about being a well balanced adult...Organization is a must!! So let's think about it as I share my stories as I prepare for another school year.

Saturday it rained here, so I headed to my parents basement. Storing and collecting items is a pet peeve I have. So I have avoided moving my childhood museum to my own house. It's not a huge collection - a few boxes and favorite dolls. Each time it becomes a smaller collection of things. Hoarders would panic to watch me. My Grandma Sharpe's jewelry, some of the childhood books I kept and crotchet baby blankets (that were mine) went to the Goodwill pile. A car full still came to my house. A car full - ugh :( But I will survive. While unloading I thought of other things I could potentially sell in my house.

Then, I realized. The only way I truly know how to be organized is to get rid of things.

Oh Thirty-One. You Got me on this one.
So Pretty. But never used.

I can organize a shelf so it looks nice. I take everything out, stack things in piles to the point where I think it has easy access. And then I live life and I am known to acquire "dropsie." I just drop things in a spot where it's not in sight...a cupboard, hidden shelf, closet or corner. Then suddenly I have this huge pile of crap. This happens with shoes in my closet, plastic bags, semi clean clothes, essential oils I've mixed with a carrier oil, greeting cards/pictures from people, my garage and my absolute favorite.....mail or important papers. You know, the cable bill you pay online and don't really need to open (or maybe you should) or the insurance statement. Usually I just take turns on parts of the house I am organizing and I wait until it gets really scary.

I find Americans fascinating. We all love buying crap. Then, we strive for a clean, neat tidy house. At least bloggers, talk show hosts, women talking a mile a minute at lunch, etc. give us ideas on being organized. So then we buy super colorful boxes and shelves to organize. Then, we all want a bigger house to store our colorful boxes and shelves but have no money. And we're spending time organizing, sorting, cleaning when we could be spending time on play and leisure activities. It's a viscous cycle. I strive to be different but I am right in there with the rest of America. A secret....stop buying crap.

A Single Gal's Garage. "Dropsie"

Make a list of what you need for the next year. Then, pick 3 or 5 things you want for the next year. After that.....STOP buying crap. I say I do this and this plan floats around in my mind constantly....but I've been caught up in American Society and the idea that I deserve this crap. So, I'm guilty...and need to work on this. Perhaps I'd be on the road to millionaire status.

And opps...a slight view of my financial values slipped in this post. Which I may avoid....I haven't decided yet.

However, I do feel better when I take some time to organize and rearrange things in my home. Again, I love the sense of accomplishment.

A Series of Sunday Nights!

2016-08-20T08:55:00.002-07:00

I try to avoid the fact that August is just not my favorite month. I mean, the weather is great! And we all get to celebrate - Me (haha, just kidding). Really, my birthday tends to represent the end of summer. Even as a kid I got new school supplies and school clothes for my birthday. Everyone in education gets it and we all tend to be in our own separate society during certain times of year (and this is one of those times).

I am responsible and put my work email account on my phone, so I can show up where I am supposed to be. Slight twitches occur when there is something in that account in June and July. What could be so important? On July 31, 2016 at 6:30pm.....I receive an email through my work account, that was worth wondering what this school year would look like. Then I mentally stopped myself - it is Friday night and still July. There have been other emails and official gatherings to prepare for the school year sprinkled throughout the month of August. I must admit, I pretty calm about this. I have seriously begun to realize that we can only deal with what's happening during the here and now. I could honestly care less about how different things will look this next school year. Pay me and I will cherish being apart of these kids education. There are so many things I can work on drowning out of my work days. It's stability and making an impact on the little people. I am certain there will be things that make my teeth grind and cause sleepless nights, but for today, that's not my concern.

I know some of my co-workers feel differently and want to discuss changes. I have read on Facebook that teachers have nightmare's/dreams about the first week of school during the month of August. I get all of this because of the effort and level of dedication they put into these little people who will one day shape our world! It's a huge job! I can't help but wonder if my lack of anxiousness and anticipation is really a good thing. For now, I appreciate it! However, I do believe sweaty palms and a racing mind spikes some sort of motivation and excitement to get our rooms ready, pack our lunch bags and put our new shoes on to make this the best school year yet for these littles.

I am a little overwhelmed by the fact that my personal life will more than likely be put to a halt for the next 9 months. I still have 6 months of mail/papers to organize in my home office, childhood crap in my parents basement to sort, stain my front porch, clean my garage, weed my flower beds, see my little sister and blog a few more times before my freedom ends. I also have an afternoon of work meetings that are scheduled outside of my contract on Wednesday (8/24) because I am dedicated to the kids I service. Summer is officially over as this last week is essentially planned out for me with some really exciting/happy things (??). These are all things we tend to save for Sunday's, unless you are really motivated to plan Sunday Fun Day's.

Once September hits, fall will feel much more enjoyable! Busy, but routine a routine will be in place. For all of those educators out there...keep planning and organizing and remember you are amazing for wanting to try so hard. If it gets tough just breathe and practice gratuity of the memories of the past couple months. Warm summer nights, lakes, fireflies, good memories of friends and family are just a few months away.

10 Forks in the Road!?

2016-08-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

The week surrounding my birthday can be a good time for reflection, even though I tend to reflect a lot. Another year down, how do I feel? My twenties were amazing and I have few regrets. But that was a really long time ago. How do I feel about the past 5 years? I can give myself a huge pat on the back for stability; a steady retirement plan that is growing; some new friends; maintaining friendships that are very important to me; sometimes I make healthy choices; and I understand myself and where I am coming from. These things seem so boring to me, but I also know the things I have mentioned are things some people never have or achieve.

I'll be honest though, I have said "No" and made excuses for not changing my current life style a lot the past 5 years. I think I have always been an overly conscientious person but in my twenties I think I was more into following the norm. Get a hourly job, go to classes, pick a degree, drink with friends, get a professional job, buy a car, pick another degree, date and purchase a home. I was told what to do for the first 13 years of my adult life. My ability to follow what I "should be" doing has suddenly halted the past few years. It's like I am standing at 10 different forks in the road and don't know where to go. I have never ever experienced it before so it's been my theme for about 4 years. I will start walking down one path and then decide to turn around and stand in the middle and look around. We're all supposed to get this way at 18 or 21 years old not 31. I haven't necessarily decided that I regret this. Each one of us eventually picks a fork in the road at different stages in our lives, I'm just moving very slowly which is a part of what makes me, me.

I can appreciate the fact that I am not wanting to follow the norm. It kind of makes me proud of myself. Maybe saying "No." to very obvious options has opened up other doors to things that make me happier than anything I could have ever imagined. Over the next year it is my hope that I actually pick one or two forks in the road that I can be very passionate about and block out all of the other potential possibilities. I have done a lot of brain storming and I do think blogging and taking the chance of putting my thoughts and ideas out there is really making a difference emotionally. I think the key now is to keep going, which is going to be hard. Many people think I am nuts - I can hear it in their voice and response when I say this is what I am putting my effort into. At this point my attitude is, well good!!! Making people antsy about one of my life choices is kind of fun! It adds a little bit of spice. Netflix and scrolling through facebook look way more appealing sometimes, unfortunately. But from what I have read and the little bit I have experienced blogging/writing and using social media in a professional way is a full time gig if you are wanting to experience the effects (monetary or emotional changes). I gave it the summer to see if several posts in a row would make a difference....and it has! Time to make a commitment. :)

35 will be Fun!

2016-08-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes last week :) So far 35 has been fun! It's been full of good friends and great adventure. I promised I would not forget to blog about any adventures or leisure experiences!

A friend of mine who has been listening to the stories of my journey got me a sign for my birthday that says just that, along with a mug that was suitable for what I believe in!

This weekend I went with two great friends and kayaked in Lake Superior up at Pictured Rocks! It was for sure a rainy, cool adventure. I was in the front of a tandem kayak and my friend was steering in the back. It was a very sore/painful experience because my muscle tone rapidly changed/fluctuated as I worked to position myself, adjusted to the cold and my nervousness. I was also working at increasing my upper body strength. At the end of
the trip along the shoreline a realization struck me.....I don't get up off the floor or out of things like tubes or paddle boats with any grace or ease. And that was the case on Saturday. My friend and tour guide offered to pull or pick me up after seeing me struggle. That felt awkward so I knew being semi dramatic and falling into the lake on my hands and knees would be the easiest. I wore tennis shoes/socks and dry wick clothing, so I was soaked and cold for awhile, but in the end it all worked out! It all looks so easy when other people are doing it! I really had a lot of fun bumping into the Pictured Rocks along Lake Superior and I know that if I would have never tried, I would have always wondered what it would have been like. I know myself........and I kept my iPhone in my dry car. Therefore, I have no proof of this wet experience.

Along with my taste of becoming an athlete in the wilderness I really enjoyed driving around the Upper Peninsula of this great state I live in. Something wonderful happens to my soul when I am near large bodies of water! So I made a good choice to spend time with friends, enjoying wine, ice cream (Peanut Butter Mackinac Fudge - yes really!), looking at waterfalls and the shorelines of Pure

A Lake MI Selfie!

Michigan.

Here's to a start to another great year!!!

The Energy Expense Therapist

2016-08-10T13:53:00.001-07:00

I'd like to write about taking showers and getting dressed. ADL's. I would like to approach this topic in the most positive way possible however I think it should be addressed and I'm a good person to approach this topic.

Earlier this year I wrote a post about how I'm very good at savoring everything such as eating food, reflecting on emotions and the different experiences I go through...AND...the boring mundane tasks that most of you multi-task through. Things that don't even cross your wild imagination.

Getting ready in the morning: 1.5 hours and 2 hours if I eat breakfast at home. Note: this does include feeding cats (opening and scooping out wet food and also making my bed....which I really prefer to do). Toss in there making a lunch and checking and paying attention to "the stupid smart phone"........we're looking at 2.5-3 exhausting hours.

At night, another 1-1.5 hours depending on whether or not I shave my legs and whether or not I tend to the "stupid smart phone."

Come on, I am a sophisticated professional woman....3 different hair products and a different face moisturize for morning and night is something that I value. Even if it does exhaust me.

"The stupid smart phone" one more obligation or just a really bad habit. It's also causing neck pain...a stressed or pinched nerve I believe. To me, it's a blessing in disguise....my neck hurting means I can focus on other things that are more productive and meaningful.

In the morning, I think I have used my "stupid smart phone" as a break when my neurological system, body and muscles are thinking, hold on here.......we're supposed to be moving 100% after not moving for the past 6-8 hours. In a perfect world, I need the time in the morning to for my body and neurological system to wake up. In an imperfect world I am an adult with CP working full time in a non-stop system and I need to work on lighting a fire under my ass in the morning.

I read an article written by an OT giving individuals with fibromyalgia advice on their energy conservation. One of the ideas was to keep a journal to keep track of times of day and different activities that exert the most amount of energy. I love the idea and I am 100% into time management and finding ways to make my life easier - so I can participate in as many adventures as possible. But a journal? I think of my age and how I am not as busy as most professional women my age. A journal, when? While at work, as an OT, teacher, nurse? While sifting through the emotions of adult relationships ups and downs, while raising kids? While managing a house? Ah-ha, instead of looking at a "stupid smart phone."

To all OTs out there (I'm one with a very unique perspective)........routines for individuals who are physically or neurologically impaired are twice as hard to break as an active, flexible, "healthy" individual. This is because if we have a certain way of using the bathroom or getting dressed and it works and it maintains our independence and pride, we are going to do it this way. And yes, coming from a rehab perspective, this is a vicious cycle.

Watch me walk to my car, unlock my car, put my sunglasses and seat belt on.......guaranteed it takes me twice as long as it does for another person. People will give me recipes and say "It's really easy, just chop everything up." While it would take them 10 minutes of chopping, takes me 20 minutes. And by the way - is it really a good idea for someone with my fine motor skills to be using knives as a daily routine? Being able to complete the task and repeating the same task over and over, day after day suddenly becomes something that needs to be considered.

I feel lucky/blessed that most people who know me well forget there is a disability present in my body and world. I forget sometimes. I have been secretly thinking about this ADL routine for awhile now and it makes sense. Fifteen years ago I had 20 things on my daily list that expends my energy. Now? I haven't kept a journal - yet. But there's probably 1,000. There's more required of me (what I expect from myself as an individual) and from society. I've put the breaks on society's expectations of me because I think it's a bit ridiculous.

As I write this post I have realized I have a role for myself that only I can complete...The Energy
Expense Therapist. I think it is going to take motivation and determination to plan on taking care of my health/well being and energy levels and still making sure I live my life to it's maximum potential.

I like challenge.

This is a suitable role.

Household Maintenance

2016-08-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

Just when I think I can't handle the day to day maintenance of a home because of the energy and time it takes.....I attempt this on my own. Where's the independently wealthy me, having hired help? In 2013, I primed and painted an oak kitchen table by myself. As mentioned before I like colors, therefore I like coloring and painting. Really?? How hard can this be? It will be fun - I said.

Sure, I knew I was going to have to be on my hands and knees. I also knew the lattice would take longer than the rest of the deck. I thought this all out, wear your oldest t-shirt and capri's (they will get stained) and weather will be an important factor (no rain and you don't want to do this when it's 90 plus degrees and humid). My deck is one of the smaller ones in the neighborhood so I went to Lowes and picked out 1 gallon of the stain I wanted, a roller brush along with a pan and paint brush. My dad consulted me (watch for dripping, cover your brush when not using it, take a rag with you as you stain along the house and wipe it up as quick as possible). It will be fun - I said.

Day 1: It rained the night before. I was raring to go...I pick a quest and there's absolutely no stopping me. So my temper arose about the sudden break in the drought. My dad suggested I just start on one of the sides where it was dry. He was great with pouring the stain in smaller containers so I could move and carry it around without spilling it. Four and a half hours later I had finished one side minus the railings. My wrist, forearm and shoulder required an ice pack that evening to reduce inflammation.

Day 2: No rain in the forecast. I decided to stain the half of the deck that did not have the large concrete table on it. I used the roller and moved a pillow around the deck to place my knees on. I looked at my work and thought it looked weird (I could see where the stain did not soak into the edges of the floor boards). I also locked myself up on the deck with wet stain near the stairs and the entry to the house. So, I figured I should start the railings on the second half of the dry deck as my exits dried. I stained random boards on the railings until I ran out of stain. That night my knees were bright red. Gallon 1 complete. I am half way done - I said.

Day 3: I went to Lowes to buy another gallon of stain and knee pads. I'd only need one more gallon -
I said. My dad comes over and we move the concrete table to the other side of the deck and to cover the butterfly bush I planted the year before. He points out all of the spots I had missed. These included areas included underneath the entire railing on one side and the sides/edges of the floor board. If I left the floor board incomplete the chance of weathering of the wood would increase, the rest was cosmetic. I decided this day to stay in one spot and work from the top down regardless of the length of the boards I was staining on. I worked on the railing and stairs closest to the butterfly bush.

Day 4: Forecast: 93 and humid. I have forgotten to mention - why wash the clothes I've been wearing? Makes sense. But I hate being dirty for too long. Every day I put on the same outfit that smells of stain and old sweat. Every day it made me want to whine. I looked at my butterfly bush and it had condensation at the top of the plastic tarp. It was advised to me to move fast to get this plastic off from the 6ft plant. But the stain would kill the plant. I had my helper (cleaning lady) skip cleaning and spend her 2 hours helping me on the deck. I was out there 6 hours that day with her help and managed to take the tarp off from the struggling bush by 6pm.

Day 5: Out of gallon 2 of stain. I wear one semi clean outfit to go to Lowes and attempt to get home and change into my smelly outfit before full sun hits my deck. 93 and humid again, and I mainly worked in the full sun. 4 hours this day. One more day I said.

Day 6: I finished the 2nd half of the floor board. This time I used knee pads and a paint brush to get the sides of the boards. And ran out of stain. One more quart and 1 more day - I said.

Day 7: I finish the railings and touch ups around the railings. There are clumps of stain dripping all over hell...on the parts of the deck already completed and on the house. I start the last side of the lattice. And after 4 hours I run out of stain with one corner of lattice and touch ups on the last floor boards.

Day 8: In a semi clean outfit I go back to Lowes and buy another gallon. Yes, I know, a gallon? But there's the front porch. Three to four hours of finishing up the back deck, I feel relief and I am proud of myself. Let's slap this stain on the front porch and throw away these clothes and rags!!! I clean off the front porch with a broom and say hello to a bee. Two - three minutes later I see 4 or 5 bees going in and out of a hole under my front porch. I was so, so, so ready to just slap that stain on the porch and get stung. I stood there with the paint brush and watched the bees and advised against it. So, I am not done, but I am so very close.

As I put blogging, bike rides, and being clean on hold for 1 week this summer I can say I have true home ownership and the maintenance involved in my life's tapestry. Planting a lawn was the most fun but I have to say staining the deck was more exciting and fun than deciding about purchasing a water softener. A friend asked me if anyone was helping me and felt bad when I said no. Apparently she missed the memo that stated I don't rely on many people and I'm not a dependent person. However, there were no arguments on color choices, etc. It's one of my projects that entailed my own decisions, mistakes and lessons learned. This experience and other things about my household maintenance are on my list of accomplishments. Now I that I have proved that I can do it - it's safe to say either a pool boy or "handyman" will be hired next time.

Summing Up Play and Leisure

2016-07-28T12:28:00.001-07:00

We are approaching the end of July and it is time to wrap up the theme of "play" and "adventure". We're all hearing buzz about football and back to school shopping. My colleagues and I are getting sprinkles of emails about what to expect the last week of August in terms of schedules and meetings. This upcoming month is 30 days of Sunday nights.

However, this doesn't mean I will be giving up fun or adventure - I have 1 month of freedom left and I wouldn't want to loose a good balance :) I will hopefully be able to share my shenanigans with all of you!

Reflecting and digging deeper about the hobbies and things that make me the happiest has truly allowed me to realize how complete my life is. Regardless of my current relationship status or future long over worked days, I am able to look back at memories of really fun times and also have the comfort in knowing that happy, exciting, fulfilling times are ahead. I also can say that I have healthy outlets for coping strategies in my bag of tricks for the times that are lowest.

Actually knowing that there's an actual description of play and leisure activities - I feel like I have exceeded any expectations I may have ever imagined for myself. Whether it has been bowling, horseback riding or singing karaoke or taking line dancing lessons.....I've really covered all basis. And I'm only mid-way through this crazy life.

I do hope this past month I have inspired you to try something new and expand your horizons with things that are fulfilling to you. Or at the very least participate in activities that relieve your stress and potentially even fill your soul. My goal is to realize that stress management and being good to myself is a daily ongoing process in every component of my life. Maybe some of you will begin to join me in this belief as I keep typing and you keep reading.

What will my next theme be for this next month? I have so many ideas and I am working on how I could blog about each of these topics for an entire month. Sleep? Money Management? My experience with ADL's? Time Management? I will not be writing about my political views.....that's a guarantee!

Thanks for reading!

My Extended Leash.

2016-07-27T09:11:00.000-07:00

2006

I love to travel to see and experience new things. If I took bucket lists seriously I'd say I want to travel to as many places as possible. Earlier this year I would have said "Yes, I do have a bucket list. And yes, traveling as much as possible is on that list." However, this year I was faced with decisions when it came to traveling and the limited funds I do have for this hobby. I could keep traveling to see close friends of mine to places I have already been or I could start traveling to new places and start taking tours on my own. I attempted to try and combine both of these hopes/passions and with lots of planning it worked out for the best. I made the right choice and decided to take a large trip with easy access to friends I have known a long time. For obvious reasons, nurturing old friendships feels good and comforting.

2006

During one of my deep conversations with someone special to me we had discussed the concept of
everyone having a leash of places they frequent and what they consider "home." Even people that travel more than I do have 1 or 2 spots that they consider their comfort zone. Places where you can get around without needing to make plans before you get there. When you are there you can just enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, people and former memories while you are there. That need to post pictures of the scenery on social media wears off.

While I was standing in La Jolla for the 3rd time in 10 years, I realized that this place was becoming a part of my very long extended leash. It is for sure one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. I looked around and remembered where certain pictures were taken the first 2 times I was there. I vividly remembered how new, different, beautiful, and magical this place felt in 2006. I took pictures of every inch because digital cameras were new and I thought I would never be back. Each time I have gone there I have shared it with a larger circle of friends and people that I really enjoy being around.

In between the conversations and walking around in July of 2016, I just had this realization there is

2008

no reason why my comfort zone has to remain in Michigan. I had never really had those feelings before and it was kind of a liberating "ah-ha" moment. In fact, my comfort zone/leash is probably going to be where "my people" are. This realization feels very limitless. Whereas, the bucket list concept seems like a social media/new millennium concept where everybody "should be" doing certain things? We're all sticking to a list then? Is that a thing? My list looks so completely different than it did at 18 or 29 years. And I was sensing negative feelings when I had to make revisions. How many list revisions do we all get? I may just hit the delete button and be more spontaneous! None of us truly know what is going to happen. Hopefully, when least expected, better things that what is on our bucket lists!

2016

Deep Conversations...Feel So Good!

2016-07-26T10:00:00.001-07:00

This is a tricky hobby/past time. One of my favorite things to do is talk and listen. I can carry on deep conversations with several different types of people. I'm an open, honest person and I have also been told I am a good listener and non-judgmental. If I could sit on a porch or beach and eat snacks and have meaningful conversations with good people the majority of the time, I would gladly do it! I would sign up for these situations daily if I could! For the most part, I feel like people and the lives they lead are just fascinating. It can feel like an honor knowing that someone wants to share their stories with me and it also feels good to be heard. It can make a friendship (regardless of how long you have known someone) feel more intimate.

However, even though I have a tendency to be a good listener and easily strike up deep conversations with everyone, I have to be careful of my emotions and tolerance for what I hear. I tend to hear about people's problems and negative secrets which can be an exhausting situation to be in. So, it has been a learning experience for me to find a balance in listening to other people's experiences and not always taking it so personally. I have learned that many times people want and need someone to listen to them so they are able to learn and grow as they hear themselves. I know that I have definitely relied on people while I have "vented" about a situation.

So, yummy food and drink; pondering the meaning of life; outside; and somewhere peaceful and warm?!? I am for sure a person that can hold my own in these types of situations!

Flowers. Landscaping. Memories!

2016-07-24T08:35:00.000-07:00

As I have entered mid-adulthood I have discovered that I really enjoy landscaping! I also really enjoy decorating the inside of my home as well but landscaping gives me the chance to be outside while designing and matching colors. I love matching colors whether it is clothes/outfits, home decor, puzzles, scrap booking/photography or even crocheting. The more color and potential for color schemes and matching, the better!

My dad has always been into plants and flowers. When I was little he became a member of the American Iris Society. He had award winning iris in the annual show for the society each year. When I was in middle school I actually created flower arrangements with a theme to have them judged in these shows. I also won awards/ribbons for doing this. During the weekend of my graduation open house my dad had The State Journal come through and take pictures of his iris and backyard. At the end of the school year I would take a bouquet of iris to my teachers. I did this all the way through college. When I was 18 and my friends mentioned getting a tattoo I knew exactly what to get...a purple iris of course! The past couple of years friends from the San Diego and Phoenix area have texted me and said they saw purple iris while they were out and about and have thought of me.

When I was younger I knew I really liked being outside. What I didn't realize/understand is that I like to be active and move more than I liked laying around or sitting outside. I learned this the summer I
had to put in a lawn all by myself. I had more fun watering my yard and watching my grass grow than I did the summer before laying by the pool and reading.

When I decided I would have a house with a yard, my dad and I decided it would be best if we planted low maintenance perennials . I loved learning about different types of hostas and bushes but knew I wanted lots of color. So then I began to learn about different types of lillies, peonies and daisies. I also wanted flowers that gave me the first sign of spring. So I decided to add daffodils and tulips. One of my favorite pictures that I have ever taken was of purple iris and orange poppies in one of my dad's flower beds. So, of course I had to recreate this flower bed in my own yard. Together, my dad and I had planned out each flower bed. For the main one in the front yard my dad and I even had a drawing. He had a hand in helping me pick out the plants, dirt, mulch and landscaping brick.
Let's not forget about rocks, bird feeders, patios and out door furniture. If I had more money I would definitely have a better yard than I already do!

It is my thought that some of the coolest people I have ever met were great landscapers (including my dad). The second summer I lived in my house and was setting up flower beds I was reminded of the symbolism of white butterflies. Memories flooded of my late neighbor, Sue who died of cancer when I was 16. I remembered her beautiful yard and her landscaping. I remembered her smile and laugh and positive nature. So, last summer I dug a large square of the living grass I had planted 2 years earlier and bought a butterfly bush. I know one of the best neighbors I've ever had is smiling somewhere with appreciation! Her memory as is just one of the reasons as to why I am encouraged to have a beautiful yard!

Once again..........why just pick a hobby or past time because your peers are doing it or because
huffington post, facebook and pintrest strongly suggest it?!? Dig a little deeper my friends.....what are some of the things that make you...you?? What makes your soul happy when nobody else is watching or giving you input?

Kim's History of Bike Riding! Just keep Pedaling...

2016-07-21T13:00:00.001-07:00

Since this is the month of adventure and play/leisure activities, I am going to describe the hobbies that I enjoy the most and the reasons why. Actually when I think about it I have some very special reasons as to why I enjoy these activities so much!

When I was 7 years old I was still riding a bike with one training wheel around the neighborhood. I am certain my parents had tried to take both training wheels off to teach me how to ride a two wheeler. I just wasn't getting it. And I had no pride, I felt the most comfortable with one training wheel and so I continued to ride my bike that way all the time. Maybe deep down my parents and I felt like this was a good as it gets. I vaguely remember conversations about adult 3 wheel bikes. If there were conversations about these types of bikes, they didn't last long.

It must have been the end of 2nd grade at school when my OT and PT collaborated and asked if my

parents could bring my bike into school. Marge, Linda and I went outside to the school parking lot and one of them removed the final training wheel from my bike. I don't remember how many sessions this took but I do remember it was spring time and both of my therapists ran on each side of me until I felt steady. I remember they described going uphill as a time to pedal harder and going down hill was a time to easily coast and not pedal. I remember being really nervous going over cracks and bumps and turning. There came a point when I was really steady and able to stay upright while pedaling. It did take me longer to "start" on my own. Mid-way into that summer I remember my dad needing to hold my the back of my seat while I placed my feet on the pedals and started moving. To this day I need to have the pedal in a certain spot for my left foot to begin pedaling and moving.

My therapists gave me the gift to participate in play activities by taking the time to teach me how to ride a two wheel bike. They had an envision that maybe I could ride my bike around the neighborhood with other kids to expand my friendships. It became that and so much more. Not only did I ride my bike around the neighborhood with other kids, we went and got ice cream. In high school I continued to ride my bike around my neighborhood and socialize which expanded into pet setting and baby sitting. In college bike riding was my outlet in between studying and tests. Actually during college I would take 2 or 3 bike rides a day - yes to avoid homework. As I have grown older I have only learned that into mid-adulthood this is only helping my stress level, blood pressure and weight. More importantly it is a way for me to unwind, daydream and keep life and my thoughts in order.

It has also been a social outlet for me. In fact, for 4 years my former Physical Therapist and I participated in a bike event called the Ability Tour through Peckham. It has been really neat to say I rode about 16 miles each year with the PT that taught me how to ride a bike.

This post has again helped me realize and reconfirm how rich my life is. Most people take riding a bike for granted. But while I have ridden in the bike events with Marge and while riding across the Golden Gate Bridge I thought of where I learned how to ride a bike. I thought about how much extra effort it was for me to do something that everyone else views as a normal part of life.

That's just how I roll and pedal along. I take longer to "earn" the simplest things but then I rarely take those things for granted!

Whoever knew bike riding could bring up such profound thoughts...Just Keep Pedaling!

http://www.healthdigezt.com/pedal-your-way-to-fitness/

Yoga: Learning to Live in the Moment

2016-07-19T11:31:00.001-07:00

I am going to mention this big bike ride for one more post...then I will move on :)

Learning to live in the moment is easier said than done!

I attempted to practice this philosophy while I was in San Francisco two weeks ago. You see, I decided to face a fear. I physically put myself in charge of getting across The Golden Gate Bridge, on a bike! Driving across would have been easier and walking across would have been harder. Like I said in the last post, right when I decided to do this I knew it was something I would be fearful of which in turn made me more vulnerable to anxiety.

Guess what? This is not living in the moment. I will admit I "let it go" much easier than I did as a younger adult. I only looked up the length of the bike ride versus the actual length of time on the bridge once before I left for vacation. Other than that I said to myself "This is something I am going to do regardless of my fears."

This experience is actually similar to a tough yoga pose...chances are huge the worst case scenario is not liking that current moment in time but I would have to breath and face the discomfort. In fact, being away from home, traveling and navigating a large city is one huge lesson about living in the moment and being present. During this trip there were other moments I wanted to be present for: these moments included watching and interacting with an infant child that I love and care for, to catching flights on time, seeing new sites and trying different types of food with people I enjoy being around. I really didn't have time to create anxiety about something that was going to occur the last day of the trip. Never once did anxiety occur about leaving an old t-shirt in a hotel room, or leaving my iPod charger in the airport/plane or the bus of the 5 hour tour I went on breaking down. But these things still occurred. Good and bad things occur each moment that we are on this earth. It is our job to experience each of these things moment to moment.

A bike. Hills. A bridge. And Poor Depth Perception....Just keep Pedalling!

2016-07-18T09:55:00.003-07:00

How are you all doing with your month - 6 weeks of adventure and enjoying play and leisure activities? I took a break from blogging to travel across the state/country to spend time with friends I have known over half my life and some family. I was able to see some new sites in parts of the country I had already been. The past couple of weeks have given me the chance to confirm that as things change the more I can appreciate the things that tend to stay the same.

And, of course I set up an adventure for myself with a little help from a friend!

I like to bike ride but to me, bike riding in a big city near a tourist trap has always seemed a bit overwhelming. In fact everything about tourist traps in big cities is overwhelming. I haven't been to New York City so therefore I am awarding San Francisco as the most overwhelming city I've ever visited. Fortunately, bike lanes were very well marked. The traffic, people and hills were an adrenaline rush for me. The prettiest thing I remember was looking across the way after we had rode up a hill. The ocean, landscaping and city skyline were just fantastic.

Part of this journey was 1.7 miles going across the Golden Gate Bridge. Without hesitation I knew that this was going to be something that absolutely terrified me!

Currently, due to vision issues and lack of depth perception I'm unable to go down stairs if it's an open stair case. Due to a prism I requested in my glasses I'm sort of able to stand in one spot in the cheap seats at a sports stadium. Last week I described these concerns to the eye doctor and she confirmed that it sounds like I have poor depth perception.

But my motto is "Do one thing a day that scares you!" Would the San Francisco traffic and hills done

the trick? Yes! Probably!

But I wanted to push my boundaries...for myself! It's something I won't ever forget!

The ride across the bridge was 1.7 miles to get across and it felt longer! The hills to the bridge on the San Francisco side (south end) were 2-5 stories high (my estimate). The wind and traffic on the bridge made the entire experience loud. The good news is there was a very large bike/walking lane with large railings on each side. I could see an opening at the bottom of the railing with ocean water underneath...I wasn't a fan. So, I decided to just look forward as much as possible and just keep peddling. Going around each pillar was windy and had a few people standing to look at the sites. I walked my bike around but did not stop or look over the edge. Looking back at the experience now, this maybe the only regret I have.

After I passed the 2nd pillar I almost had tears in my eyes and my stomach was so nervous. I told my friend just to keep on going. Then, I do remember looking forward and seeing the second pillar ahead of me and that was very beautiful. By the time we had gotten around the 2nd pillar, I began to smile! I stood with my bike close to the pillar and had my friend take a picture of me. It is kind of hard to tell that I am on the Golden Gate Bridge but I wasn't in the mood to move. By the time I had gotten off the bridge I had a smile on my face but still a very nervous stomach. I explained to my friend that I seriously did not want to travel across the bridge again to get back to the bike shop. We rode a little under 3 miles a mainly down hill through Sausalito. Then, with hundreds of other

tourists we returned back to San Francisco on a ferry boat.

Is Yoga Really an Adventure?

2016-06-28T11:34:00.001-07:00

This month I have been reflecting a lot on my adventures. This blog which was started in 2012 is a way for me to reflect and gain insight on who I am am and where my life is headed. Since 2012 I have been in a phase of self discovery. Even though I am a planner and love routines every so often someone will mention how adventurous I am or how rich my life is. Since I have been really been honing in on my adventurous nature the past week or so, I have started to realize quite possibly - this is true. And that brings a smile to my face.

Because I strive with a routine and sometimes I fumble around with really wanting to change, and I am one of the only people from Holt in my generation not to move away, and I am not married I guess I have allowed myself to think that I am kind of just ordinary. But I am beginning to view things a little differently.

So, on Sunday I began thinking, it's almost yoga Tuesday. Is yoga an adventurous component on my life? In a shallow sense, no. It's ordinary and very easy to say that I go to class each week because I feel less sore and I can see changes in my body. I attend the class rather than you tube videos for the social component and that structure/follow through that I can stick with the challenge for 60 minutes each week.

But when you begin to learn about the philosophy and foundation of yoga and what it provides for the human body, mind and spirit your perspective changes. It's truly your own personal counseling session and roller coaster ride. Last night 5 of us worked on hugging the wall and the easy peasy tree pose and planks for 1 minute. I know all of you are thinking tree pose is not that hard, it looks so easy. I will say it now those individuals doing tree poses and down dogs perfectly have put hours of practice and have the calmest, most focused mind sets of anyone else around you. In class we have also worked our way through preparing ourselves for the wheel pose and shoulder stand (among others).

Was I able to do any of these poses correctly? Well there lies the adventure! As well as the self discovery!

Unless you are 8 months to 4 years old I would suspect that grabbing your feet and standing on your head is sort of an adventure! Some adults truly feel that sitting or laying on the floor is a bit odd!

The History of Kim's Adventures

2016-06-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have to admit it is hard being crazy adventure lady everyday! I had to ask myself, does this mean I don't have a passion for life?

After I thought about the adventure challenge I had everyone think about last week, old pictures and memories started popping up on my Facebook newsfeed every morning. And this allowed me to think about my memories and my past.

17-18 years ago - traveling to Europe for the first time without my family; riding one of the biggest roller coasters at Cedar Point at the time.

13 years ago - signing karaoke, speaking in front of legislators at the capital regarding the state assistance I received to receive my education and become employed. millions of first dates (not really an exaggeration)

5-9 years ago - canoeing, kayaking in the Bahamas, tubing, horse back riding in different states, sushi eating, bourbon drinking (ick) to parasailing in California

In the past 3 years I have gone zip lining, stood on a glass floor at the top of a skyscraper and rode a bus line alone in Chicago (yes - this scared me to death, I've always lived in small cities and when I travel I tend to be a follower.)

From signing an offer on a house to attending singles mixers and meet up groups alone I often get "Oh I would never do that." as a response from people.

Writing all of this down and reminiscing has given me the opportunity to reflect on everything I have done so far and it's only the middle of my life! The past couple of weeks have been a quiet shift. It just allows me to realize that there needs to be a balance and the gratuity for everything that I have done so far is slipping into that realization.

Yay! The purpose for maintaining this blog is shinning through!!!

Getting to Know Yourself Through Hobbies!

2016-06-22T06:57:00.000-07:00

Our theme for this month is..........Hobbies.....Play/Leisure.........and Adventure!

I have a few questions for you regarding how you view hobbies. It is okay to answer these questions to yourself. Maybe you will want to keep a little notepad or book of answers and thoughts to these questions. If you want to share them personally with me or with everyone else, that is always encouraged too!

1. I have several hobbies that I participate in on a regular basis.

1 2 3 4 5

2. I have enough time to participate in hobbies.

1 2 3 4 5

3. The hobbies I have encourage a healthy body and fitness.

1 2 3 4 5

4. The hobbies I have encourage positive socialization.

1 2 3 4 5

5. I have enough money to participate in hobbies.

1 2 3 4 5

6. The hobbies I have provide me with some sort of a challenge (mentally, physically, emotionally).

1 2 3 4 5

7. I participate in a wide variety of fun and recreational activities with my family members (kids, siblings, parents).

1 2 3 4 5

8. The hobbies I do have help relax me.

1 2 3 4 5

9. I am able to enjoy myself and the company of others and have fun without extra assistance from substances (alcohol, prescription drugs, caffeine, illegal drugs).

1 2 3 4 5

10. Play/recreational activities/leisure time/hobbies are priorities in my life.

1 2 3 4 5

11. My life feels a little richer because of the hobbies I do have.

1 2 3 4 5

12. I am able to participate in hobbies without feeling exhausted.

1 2 3 4 5

13. Participating in hobbies do not make me feel anxious.

1 2 3 4 5

14. I have the physical ability to participate in hobbies that I think look fun.

1 2 3 4 5

15. I have chosen the hobbies I participate in (they were not the decision of my significant other, friends, parents/other family members).

1 2 3 4 5

International Yoga Day!

2016-06-21T07:14:00.000-07:00

As a side note of our 6 weeks of Adventure - today is International Day of Yoga! I am also going to try and discuss Yoga and other forms of physical fitness every Tuesday regardless of the themes for each month. Since January I have been going to yoga class every Monday night. So I thought it would be fun to discuss yoga the next day.

My questions for all of you are..........
Have you participated in different forms of yoga?

What are your favorite types of yoga?

What are your favorite yoga poses?

How has yoga changed your life?

The past week while practicing yoga at home I noticed I was able to stand on my left leg as a counted to 107 seconds! It wasn't a full 107 seconds because I was counting too fast. But, this is major improvement! I was only able to stand on my right leg 24 seconds. Because I am an OT I am just fascinated how everyone has a strong side, a more coordinated side and more flexible side to their body. I am still working on exhaling longer than I take a inhale and I have learned that this actually allows for more flexibility in the body parts I am focused on during each pose. My fingerstips are now touching during forward folds whereas before I was used to touching the top of my ankles. I do believe this is better than ever having surgery tendons/muscles/bones/nerves which is a common practice for people with cerebral palsy.

Comment. Let's make this a discussion each Tuesday.

Namaste!

It's Summer - The Adventure Challenge!

2016-06-18T13:32:00.002-07:00

I have decided that each month I would like to do a theme to focus on. It is pretty obvious that November can be "gratitude" and February can be "love."

I am just in the mood for June/July (6 weeks) of pure adventure. Now wait? You are saying "I golf, camp at the same campground every year and bike ride for fun." That's nice. But just for a few weeks I would like everyone to think about whether or not they are up for trying some new things? Don't be shy....you know you are up for 1, 2, or 3 things like this!?!

In 1999 there was a song that came out around the time I graduated. "Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen" by Baz Luhmann and actually it would be fun to expand my blog just based on the phrases/advice this song gives. but one of the lines is "Do one thing everyday that scares you."

So, could you do it? If not, how come?

When I think about this, I think I would have to put effort into this but I have no doubt a challenge like this would suit my personality. I'm such a practical person but some of the happiest experiences in my life have been when I tried something new and pushed my boundaries.

Try new foods; get to know new people; attempt the highest level of education as possible; attempt to start a business or write a book. Then there's the obvious...traveling, zip line, sky diving, etc. Life is about risk. Don't you want to be the person telling the best stories when you are older?

Today I was going to ask my facebook audience what I should do or try for myself to get the most bang for my buck during this journey.........then I realized I have a few tricks up my sleeve.

What adventures are you up to this summer? What types of adventures have you experienced in the past? Please respond...........the winner gets to dare me (within reason)!!!

I'm going to be keeping a running list and I strongly encourage all of you to do the same.

I was ready to put this "idea" of adventure into the area of Plan and Leisure. But really if you are seeking out adventure daily, maybe an assigned hobby ends up being a little on the boring side. But hey whomp it up and add a little spice...........to doing laundry and work! We all only get one chance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5giWfpANMac

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/08/embrace-adventure_n_5947300.html

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/happiness-in-world/201004/trying-new-things

Getting to Know Kim

2016-06-17T08:06:00.001-07:00

So, here is another quiz!

With this quiz I really hope I am able to gain your trust. Maybe by reading my posts you will be able to think to yourself, "Hey, I can really relate to this." or "My friends should really try this idea or technique to make their lives easier." or "Now I understand people with mild physical disabilities better."

I am committing to this blog for very personal reasons but on the flip side it is my belief that is what a career truly is!

To be interactive I will make this a True/False Quiz:

1. True/False: I really love helping others.
2. True/False: Observing people and society is something I find boring. I'm not a very observant person.
3. True/False: Trouble shooting a computer is more interesting than studying and following through with the effects rest, exercising and eating healthy can have on a body.
4. True/False: When I was first introduced to email I would spend hours writing to my closest friends about my day. It helped me process things.
5. True/False: I feel that yoga will prevent me from having to take prescription drugs and having future surgeries.
6. True/False: I feel that using appropriate time management skills will allow me to stay in my current job position.
7. True/False: My body works faster than my brain.
8. True/False: I made it through the OT program by going to Rics and The Dirty Dollar every Friday and Saturday, watching the Soparino's and maintaining a job at Celebration Cinema. I fit in homework when I had time. It's important to keep a balance.
9. True/False: Having extra things such as hobbies and a group of girlfriends are essential to maintaining a healthy balance. These things are just important to me as a stable job and obtaining a nuclear family.
10. True/False: I do not value receiving help from professionals (counselors or tutors). It's important to be strong and learn self awareness and conquer your weaknesses on your own.

I love it when you comment below!

What's Going On?

2016-06-15T09:20:00.002-07:00

Why is Kim posting everyday, she's just talking about non-sense?!? Very true...I might be!

Let's see if there might be some good points has to how The Siesta Hut could be a real deal. These questions are for you to answer and also your feedback and responses may help me as well. I encourage you all to respond below...it can be fun! In the future, it will be okay to just use scrap paper and/or respond to me privately with your answers.

Today, I will give a little fun quiz to see what you all know about Occupational Therapy and Rehab Counseling based on what you have learned from my posts. Here we go:

1. Rehabilitation Counseling is:
a. a profession that helps individuals with substance abuse issues overcome their issues
b. a professional counselor that helps individuals with physical, mental, developmental or emotional disabilities gain independence while going through the process of finding gainful employment which often times works on improving psychological and social components in an individuals life.
c. it's the same thing as a social worker...don't be silly.
d. working in a school setting with students who are struggling in more than one area and can help make the IEP process run smoothly.

2. OT stands for:
a. I don't know.....Ms. Kim is just another teacher at school.
b. Other Things the Physical Therapist doesn't do
c. Occupational Therapy
d. Over Time

3. Occupational Therapy is:
a. Helping individuals with disabilities find jobs
b. Helping kids learn how to cut with scissors and hand write
c. Having a background in psychology, OT's have the ability to focus on stress management, time management and relaxation techniques so individuals can preform ADL's to their maximum potential.
d. All of the above

4. Play, Work, Education and Rest:
a. Are areas that an individual could discuss with a Rehabilitation Counselor if they feel like they are struggling.
b. Are areas that an individual could discuss with an OT if they feel like they are struggling
c. Are not that important and should not be areas that individuals should worry about. As long as someone can walk and use the bathroom independently, they should stop complaining.
d. Both a and b.

5. It is Kim's belief The Siesta Hut should be based on:
a. Sleeping every afternoon to make up for insomnia
b. The Motto: Holistic Approach. Productive Results.
c. A time every afternoon to consume Latino alcoholic beverages.
d. Maintaining health and well being, determining what is most important to you as an individual and then using techniques to fulfill your passion, enhance productivity and find a balance.
e. both b and d

I think I should give a prize for those who have a top score. I have no idea what that prize is, but I'll think of something! A round of applause? A great smile? A hug from me? Or a summer lunch with me on a patio? Latino beverages? Stickers?

COMMENT BELOW.

Let's Make This Interactive!

2016-06-14T07:38:00.000-07:00

My thought is, it's time to take the topics I have been discussing for myself and make them interactive for all of you. I am going to start asking all of you how you are feeling about these topics. Over the next several blogs I will be forming survey's and quizzes to see how you feel about the following topics:
1. Truly knowing yourself and what you want out of life
2. How is work going
> I am doing what I want to be doing
3. Can you kick back and PLAY?
4. SLEEP/REST and making it a priority
5. Having good time management skills in this crazy world we live in
6. Good financial skills

First, I just may think of a few questions about how my educational background and personal

experiences can help each of you "shed light" on some of the daily things that maybe preventing you from living a happy, healthy, well balanced life!

Enjoy and at this point in the game I would love any feedback, ideas or things to experiment with! I would like you to be just as awesome as this elephant!