Too many smartasses...

Exercise was not a problem today for my t. When we entered Home Depot, I offered to wheel my wheelchair myself and he could ride in one of the automatic carts. Bob refused, and said that he needs to walk to get exercise for the day. By the end of our trek across Home Depot two or three times, Bob was getting very slow, but he made it. Hahaha, one fellow stopped us and said, "Are you aware there is a speed limit?" I said, "I'm buckled in. We're good." (Smartass)

Bob's telling everyone that we got married last weekend, and that we're having a second ceremony in Plover in May. Once again....smartass.

Thank goodness for driver's licenses. Bob's has saved me in many many arguments about where we live and when he moved here. He was so "deadset" on living east of Pocahontas, IA and only living here since 2009. I had him look at the issue date on his license. He backed down from his argument. I asked him to not argue with me. He told me to get used to it, because that's what he does. Jokingly, I pulled out my calendar to put a question mark beside May 14, 2011 (our wedding day). :-D The brain and memory are so baffling and frustrating at the same time.

Bob is so smart...

Bob was so amazing today as we talked about commodities. We discussed the difference between the styles of brokers, chart readers or news reactors. Bob is a combination of both, but weighs more toward reading charts. The "zone" he was in while discussing the topic reinforced how intelligent he is, especially about commodities. In my opinion, the clearing house that Bob worked with before his stroke and doesn't want to work with him anymore is making a mistake. A lot of the reason is fear. Bob had brain surgery, so But, I've said this many times over my blogging novel, God has a plan for all of us, and I'm sure there is a real good reason things are happening the way they are.

Bob will be back to trading actively within a few weeks. He'll be with a new clearing house. The new clearing house and the people Bob will be working with are long-time friends. Reconnecting with these people has put a little more "spunk" in Bob's walk.

Bob is trying so hard to work on remembering things. As always, if I give him clues, what he is trying to recall comes to the forefront of his memory immediately. One thing he doesn't remember yet is how we met. He recalls little details, but not how we met. :-(

More caregiver reunions...

I hope everyone had a safe and restful Memorial Day. One thing I miss living in this part of Oregon that the east coast always had are parades for every holiday. I believe we have two parades, one for the start of the rodeos (I think) and the Veterans Day parade.

Bob and I saw two nurses today that took care of him while he was in Rosehaven Medical Center. I loved seeing their faces of surprise when they recognized him. When Bob was in Rosehaven, he was just learning to eat, and he still had his trach in. To see him walking brought complete joy to their faces. And, of course, Bob got all teary-eyed at their reactions.

One thing that upsets Bob when we see people that were his caregivers is that he doesn't remember any of them, so all he can do is thank them. It is a sincere thanks, but not as sincere as it would be if he knew who and what they did for him.

Have you order your "My Personal Medical Information Book"?

Easier days...

Everyday is getting easier and easier for Bob and me to just get in the car to run errands. Bob is able to walk with no assistance, so he's able to get a shopping cart and then, return it to the shopping cart "hopper".

Bob is relearning how to use the debit card machine. Next, we'll tackle the self checkout line.

Bob still doesn't remember what he's done from morning to afternoon. Gentle reminders are the key. He's ok with me having to remind him all the time. He knows and recognizes that he has very short-term memory.

Remember to order your Personal Medical Information book. Take the worries out of having to remember medical information during emergency situations.

backseat driver...

Oh my heavens! Bob is such a backseat driver; it's unbelievable. He watches the traffic lights to tell me when my signal is about to turn green. EVERY TIME! He tells me where to turn. He tells me the speed limit. And, the worst annoyance...he tells me to pull up about a foot or two to "trip" the device that changes the traffic signal.

All I can say is "Thank goodness for VW bugs!" Why? Do you remember the thing you used to do when you saw a VW bug? You'd yell, "SLUG BUG", then hit the person beside you? Well, my teens have resurrected that shenanigan, and I get to slug Bob now every time I see a VW bug. And, let me tell you, there are a lot of them around.

Remember to order your Personal Medical Information Book. Click here to visit the site. I've been getting stories about how thankful people are to have gotten the book. Emergency trips to the ER do not allow ones mental state to recall easily.

Memory farts...

Bob and I haven't been in an argument over where we live for quite sometime. However, today was the day for all kinds of memory "farts" for Bob. I asked him, "What am I going to do with you?" (just being a smartass) He told me that I need to help him remember. That's a good thing he knows he doesn't remember too much. Ha, he told me today when he remembered something, "Now, if you ask me five minutes from now, I probably won't remember."

He has been writing things that he's done during the day on a calendar. By doing this, Bob can refer to it to remind himself what he's done during the day. Today, we decided to print out an hourly planner, so he can remind himself of what he has to do in the future. It did occur to me to look both ways in the day, past and future. I was so focused on Bob remembering what he did earlier in the day; I didn't think about remembering things that needed done later in the day, like appointments.

Did you order your Personal Medical Information Book?

New page...

Update to the Personal Medical History Book: A fingerprint page has been added to the book. In severe emergency cases, fingerprints will help identify you. Also, a child's fingerprints are needed for identification purposes. Be prepared. When you least expect it, you'll need medical information for yourself or someone in the family. Go here to get a copy of a book that I wrote out of necessity. I needed Bob's medical information time and time again. I designed the book by using a variety of medical forms that repeated the same information over and over. The book is only $14.95. That is 14.95 well spent dollars. It can also be used in emergency situations. If available to EMTs, all of your medical and identifying information is right at their disposal.Included in this book are stroke and heart attack warning signs, caregiver lifting tips, and travel first aid tips. Important information right at your finger tips. Get a book for everyone in your family.

Tonight was the first night for church choir practice. Bob has not missed a beat when it comes to singing. His voice is so wonderful; as most already know.

Bob walked around the yard for the first time today in sixteen months. He walked around checking out the landscape projects that need done, and he checked out the outside of the new addition.

Needless to say, Bob's walking is getting more steady each day. He just used a walking stick today.