Just another day...

Plugging right along...

We set a wedding day for May 14, 2011. That day close to the same day we met face to face, and it is Bob's new birthday. That is the day he had his brain aneurysm, but lives to tell his story.

Where: I don't know. I want a small country church. Stay tuned.

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OCD?...

I took my own advice and wrote down what I wanted to say in this blog about what happened today. I believe Bob's stroke left him with a little bit of OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). Bob had a shirt on that had small vertical stripes. At one point in the day, he was looking for a different shirt to change into. When I asked him why he wanted to change, he said, " The stripes are crooked, and it is driving him crazy." I have OCD tendencies about some things. I would consider changing a shirt because of crooked stripes is OCD. My OCD has to deal with having items on a counter being perfectly spaced at equal distances from each other. Also, books need to be arranged on a shelf from tallest to the shortest, and the spines need to be perfectly matched.

Before Bob's aneurysm, my kids and t would secretly move an item on the counter just to watch me align it again with everything on the counter. I wouldn't say anything, I would just do it before being able to do anything else.

I would have to give Bob two thumbs up for his memory today. He was surprised too that he remembered many things that happened earlier in the day. However, for some reason, this afternoon, I found him packing clothes. He thought we were going somewhere for the weekend, so he was taking the time pack a bag. Where did that come from?

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Test your memory at www.luminosity.com (ad to the right, usually) or www.mymsmy.com.

What did I want to say...

Things always happen during the day that I say to myself, "I need to put that on the blogpage." Then, when it's time for me to write the blogpage, I forget what I wanted to inform everyone about. Maybe, I should take my own suggestion that I tell Bob to do everyday, "Write in down."
He writes on a calendar what he does every morning and afternoon. That way, he's able to remind his brain what he did in the morning, because after his afternoon nap, he thinks it's morning again. Then, if he takes a late afternoon nap, he thinks it's morning again when he wakes up. Sometimes, that would be a good thing, if you didn't like how the morning went. :-/

Bob's feet were really "paining" him today. He doesn't feel it's enough to make an appointment with the podiatrist, yet. The pain may be simply from not standing for a year, and then, putting 275 pounds of pressure on them all at once. Most feet gradually adapt to weight gain.

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A day late, but I posted...

Am I bad again? I totally forgot to make a post on this blog last night. What I can say is that Bob is getting better each day. One thing that is frustrating is when I give him a choice to choose from, like food or events to attend, he always says, "I don't know." I always say that wasn't one of the choices. I'm trying to get his brain to use decision skills.

We had a discussion tonight about what put Bob in the hospital last year. He remembers only what I tell him. Bob knows his blood vessel broke in his brain. I elaborated more. We both decided, we wished they videotaped his brain surgery so we could see it. eww...

Bob says his feet are constantly asleep that's why he doesn't walk as much as he should. Interesting.

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Bob's so crazy...

I found out something that Bob did in his younger days. At a friend's wedding, he put cornflakes in the groom's defroster in his car and turned the blower on high, so when the married couple started the car, cornflakes blew all over. Now that's funny.

The temperature was too hot today to do anything outside, so, we didn't exercise; nor did we go to the driving range.

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I'm not helping anymore!...

Alright...my t's brain is close to where it was before his brain aneurysm. We played a game of backgammon. I hadn't played it for at least twenty years, and he didn't remember at all. So, I printed the rules from the Internet. Once we refreshed out memories of how to play, Bob won! Dag-gone-it! I let my guard down thinking I could win, thinking he doesn't have strategy skills, and he "blows me out of the water." That's it. No more nice guy when it comes to games.

Bob did well in all aspects today, except, after his nap this afternoon, he forgot that he had taken a shower and shaved in the morning, ate breakfast, went to church, and then had lunch. weird.

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I fell into a scam...

There's something about having a nice deck and a quiet backyard to be able to enjoy dinner with someone you care about. My t and I ate dinner on our new deck this evening. The kids made most of the dinner, then served it to us. (I wonder what they want? Maybe they were just being nice. hmm...)

I finished my book called "My Personal Medical Information Book". It will be available for purchasing soon. The cost will be $9.50. Stand by...

Bob said to tell everyone that he feels good. He said his brain is a little scattered at times, but other than that, he feels good.

Believe this...I was scammed! Have you ever heard of the mystery shopper? That's where you go to a store to evaluate the employees' customer service, then send your evaluation back to the contact. Before doing that, you deposit a huge check that they sent you into a bank account, wait for it to clear, then send a portion of it back to them by Western Union.

Well, I did just that, but while the check was clearing, I called the company to verify that they were legit. They seemed to have all the right answers to my questions.

The check cleared at the bank, so I sent by Western Union the amount they requested. A few hours later, Western Union called me telling me it was a scam. They sent the money back to me to put back in the bank. Thank goodness for Western Union, otherwise, I would have sent $3000 to someone in New York, and I would have owed the bank that amount too. The scammers forged checks from some other business. I hate to be the CFO of that business.

Lesson learned, "If it seems to good or easy to be true, then it's a scam."

Bob's email
Jan's email

mysterious...

Woo-hoo! Bob did two laps around the school building tonight. I made it one and a half. Exercise is such a slow but progressive process. After getting fit, Bob drove us home. oooo scary. :-o

Bob is so mysterious. We have conversations about trading using our mock trading contracts. He advised me today to get out of one contract and stay in another. I said I want to make more money. He told me there were no good things to get into today, we need to wait. He looked at many charts and graphs and said again to wait. :-) Then, later, he took a nap. When he awoke, he remembered nothing. We have learned to write things down. It helps to remind my t of what he did during the day. It's funny, before a nap he remembers what he did during his awake time, but after his nap, his day starts all over again. "50 First Dates" (m0vie)

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Happy 15th Birthday Zachary...

I'm a bit early today. I figured, while I check my various emails and facebook page, I'd write about Bob's and my day.

Well, it was a day like most of the others. Bob and I attempted to start the day at 5:30am. Once again, that plan did not work. We rolled out of bed around 6:15am. Why so early? The markets open at 7:15am. Bob needs to get a mindset for trading. He hasn't restarted trading yet, we're treating the day as though he were. He's in bootcamp right now. I need a staff Sergeant yelling at me, "Get up. Get up. No time for laziness." Then, call me names, and possibly drop me on the floor. (Naaa... I doubt if I'd move any faster. For spite, I'd probably move slower.)

Zachary's birthday is today. He's 15. In Oregon, you can get a driver's permit at 15. I should start a driver's school. I not only get to supervise Zachary's driving, but also Bob's. But, you know, first, I have to be willing to relinquish the keys. :-)

Bob walked all through Walmart today using the cart as a walker. He tried to "go solo" by walking back to the car; however, being the frightened mother- figure, I had him hold onto my automatic cart.

Formal exercise has been on our "to do" for a few days. We'll get there. :-) We'll get there.

One step at a time...

Bob is one step closer to getting back to being an active commodities broker. He was "cleared" today by his physician to return to work. Now, he needs to retake the broker's test. I have no concerns about him passing the test. We've studied a book written by the Chicago Board of Trade. Bob has gotten 100% on most of the sub-quizzes. He knows his sh*t.

Finally, we've begun to write everything down that happens during the day and everything that will happen. Bob has conceded to the fact that he must write everything down, if he intends to remember. He has routine tasks committed to memory. New things still fade as hours pass. (Thank goodness memory loss happens after hours instead of minutes, as before.)

I learned something new today. I learned that "ahold" is actually a word. Anytime I've wanted to use that word, I always changed it to "get in touch". "Alot" is not a word. I knew that, but "ahold" is a word. (hahaha.. the spellcheck on this site does not recognize ahold.)

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Jan's email

Cognitive therapy improves...

One thing we do most nights is watch "Wheel of Fortune". Bob has never been able to think fast enough to get one of the puzzles (after his brain aneurysm), until tonight. The couple attempting to solve the final puzzle gave the letters they wanted, then tried to solve the puzzle. The puzzle was a phrase. PA_E T_E _A_ Before the buzzer, Bob said, "PAVE THE WAY". The couple didn't guess it, but Bob did.

Maybe my t got the answer because, his recovery is doing just that-paving the way. He's paving the way for other survivors of ruptured brain aneurysms. He is going down a path that many survivors never get a chance to try. Bob is plowing through the obstacles that so many people have put up as barriers.

We haven't been to the driving range for the past few days. I still have the extra basket of golf balls in the back of my car.

Bob's email
Jan's email

Normal, normal, normal...

We are having more and more normal days; it's uneventful and quiet. I'm overdue, I must say.

Bob and I are watching movies On Demand. We've been wasting away the whole day doing just that.

We ate all three meals outside on the deck. We were thankful for being able to enjoy the day together. Reminiscing about the past year and where Bob's health was a year ago, is a common topic of conversation with us.

I am also, ever so grateful, to all of Bob's friends, his family, and my family from across the United States who have sent prayers throughout the year. It meant a lot to me, and now that Bob understands, it means a lot to him.

Bob's email
Jan's email

fewer reminders needed...

My t has gotten down to only needing a few reminders in a day. Most times, reminders are needed when he is really tired or when he has been reading something. When he's reading, his brain puts him in the location or situation, and his brain makes him believe that's his present location or situation. My t comes into reality quickly though. I think what brings him into reality is my screwed up face that I make and my laugh, because sometimes what he says is so funny.

Bob didn't want to go to the driving range today. We took a break from exercising as well. Hey, it's Friday. I did a lot of lolligagging today. I gave myself permission to have the day off.

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Golf again...

We went to the driving range again today. Bob hit less than half of what he did yesterday. Yes, need you ask? I brought the basket of balls back home. Do I sound cheap? That $8.00 basket of golf balls will last a few more practice sessions. :-)

Bob's memory was great today. When he asks me if we are going somewhere located in the Midwest, all I have to say is "noooo...", and Bob response with, "Oh, that's right, we're in Oregon on the west coast." :-)

Bob is walking so much better. Watching the video of him golfing yesterday helped him to see what he needs to correct. Golfing today, exercised his back muscles.

My book titled My Personal Medical Information Book (original) is almost finished. I'm a perfectionist, so it needs a few adjustments. Aunika says it's fine. I see flaws. It takes a few weeks for ISBN numbers to arrive, anyhow.

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Golf outing...

Today was a much better day than yesterday. Yesterday, there were too many opinionated disagreements. And, of course, I was always right. (Isn't that's how it's supposed to be in a relationship?)

I took Bob for his first golf practice session in 14 months. He has all of the techniques still there, he just needs to work on back flexibility.

We got a whole bucket of golf balls, but could only hit 15-20. That's good for the first session after a brain anerysm. We illegally brought the bucket of balls home. We are going back tomorrow for a second outing. We'll take them back then. I didn't think we needed to waste another $8.00 on 20 golf balls, when there are 100 in the bucket.

We were at the driving range for about an hour to an hour and a half. That was good exercise for the waist. Bob is going to be sore tomorrow.

Exercise, memory...

Oh my goodness; I am pooped. Bob and I walked around the sidewalks of a local elementary school. We made it three-quarters of the way around one section before I had to sit. Then, we made it back to the car. We plan on doing that every evening for exercise, if anyone would like to join. We have a good measure of how far we can go. I'm not sure when I'll be able to exercise for endurance. My challenge first, is strength. And, that goes for Bob too. Our fitness level is definitely at point zero. :-(

Bob's memory never seizes to amaze me. We were talking about the ID numbers that are given to clients when they become clients. The numbers are five digit. Bob has memorized and can recall all of his active client's ID numbers. Again, the brain baffles me.

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Recall exists...

Well, I think Bob is serious this time about asking me to marry him. He has remembered that he asked for two days now. We discussed when (what year). I was thinking, far future, maybe after Zachary graduates high school, but he told me, "This year." Instantly, I was stressed. The day we met face-to-face was May 9th. I thought that would be a good day. So, when I told him that day has already passed, he said, "It doesn't matter what day it happens, let's just do it this year." AAAhhhh....I'm stressed.

We had a relaxing day at the river. The dogs went swimming with Aunika and Zachary. Well, Bentley waded up to his ankles. He won't go any deeper. If the kids try to pull him in deeper, he looks at me as if to say, "Mom, look what they're doing to me!"

Coupe's different. He's like the kid who is first in the water. As soon as he sees the water, he runs full speed towards it and leaps in.

Bob has been using my wheelchair as a walker. I'm using the wheelchair still. Not as often, however. I don't think the new medicine that I'm taking is working as quickly as it did when I first started to take it in May. But, I'll continue. I have enough for one year.

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Bob popped the big question...

Bob finally asked me to marry him today. Well that may have been the fiftieth time. All of the other forty-nine times he doesn't remember asking me. There's nothing different about this time either. However, he bet me that he'll remember to show up at the church. I just need to let him know the day and where. I'll keep you all posted.

I have the picture of the above squirrel as my computer background. I think it is so funny. It's also amazing how he braced his body on the deck.

I'm in the process of self-publishing a book that is for a person to put all of their medical information into. So many times, I have needed all sorts of medical information. If I had the book, I could have handed it over, instead of repeating myself a hundred times. Again, I'll keep you posted.

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What to do?

Today wasn't a great day. Not anything medical was wrong, but, Bob and I are having to face making decisions about things we didn't think we would have to face for years to come. God always makes things happen for a reason, so now we need to figure it out. Keep us in your prayers that we see what the plan might be. Maybe it's to keep the pace slow, and not, get into the "rat race" again. Maybe it's to switch "gears" completely. Who knows? Maybe, Bob and I both need to work on ourselves physically by exercising, and becoming as fit as possible.

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Where O' where...

I just had to show you this picture taken in our backyard. Not only do I have to deal with my t not knowing where he lives, I have the wildlife in the backyard not knowing where their correct food dish is located. And, you wonder why I'm not completely insane at this point.

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Me? Giddy? ...

I was so giddy today. Bob was so normal, I got excited. He was talking commodities that were way out of my rehlm of thinking. Two weeks ago, I could understand most of it, but this morning, I got lost...again. My t went with me to the beauty salon...again. What a man! This time he got his hair cut too. Now, he's all spiffed up. We went to "Music on the Halfshell"; which is live music played in the park. He walked with his walker. He looked so normal walking. It's hard to imagine seven months ago, he couldn't take one step.

See why I was so giddy?

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Rip Van Winkle...

A friend referred to Bob as a sort of Rip Van Winkle. Rip fell asleep under a tree. When he awoke, he found that he had been sleeping for twenty years. Bob is similar. However, he has been sleeping for only a year. When I talk with Bob about Lakes Trading business stuff, he will tell me that he just spoke with a certain person only a week or two previously. I remind him that he's been "out of commission" for over a year. Bob gets frustrated every time he thinks about all he has missed in the past year. Imagine a year of your life wiped away, and you can't replace or recall any of it, except by what someone tells you.

Exercise went by the "wayside" today. My background is Wellness, and I used to consult people in exercise programs. I discussed with them how to fit exercise into their daily schedule. Do you think I can take my own advice? I think, not.

For exercising Bob's brain, I revisited an activity we did a long time ago. I named a topic, then he had to list items that belonged in that topic as quickly as possible. Topics were farm animals, of course, marine life, vehicles with wheels, and things you ride in the snow. He did well thinking quickly. But, he still needs prompted when it comes to reciting our address. I will get him started by saying, "Our address starts with a twenty-one." He can, then, rattle off the rest. Without that prompt, he's clueless.

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Happy 4th....

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

I told T that the fireworks were to celebrate him, being alive. He said, "Cool, very cool."

I have another baffling brain function for everyone to figure out. I made Creamed chipped beef for lunch today. I asked Bob what they call creamed chipped beef in the military. He didn't pause for a second. He immediately said, "Shit on a shingle." Now, figure it out. How is it that he remembers something like that, but he can't remember our address? hmmm...

Bob walked more again today without assistance. He's getting more confident the stronger he gets. He says his legs fall asleep, that is way he doesn't like to stand. He feels like they are going to buckle right out from underneath him.

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loss for words...

I'm at a loss for words. The day was the first uneventful day we have experienced in the past year.

I'm getting good at avoiding any arguments. I just use the delay tactic I used when my kids were growing up. If I delay or distract Bob from the issue that might cause an argument, Bob forgets about the discussion, or it becomes less of an issue.

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Google yourself...

Have you ever Googled your name? It's interesting to see what the whole world can learn about you. I have several pages about me. It can be a little creepy, but then again, it lists a lot of the articles I've written.

Bob and I had no arguments today about anything. That's hard to believe! But, true. He says, "We had no disagreements." Sometimes, I feel like I'm talking to a 56 year old who baffles the heck out of me, and sometimes I feel like I'm talking to a person who is just learning about everything.

Send Bob an email, that will tickle him pink.

My email

:( down day...

What can I say? Just when I thought Bob was progressing forward mentally, he had a down day today, not remembering day-to-day things. :( I guess I do it to myself by being so positive. I set myself up for being disappointed. I need to get back to encouraging the brain games.

I read some brain aneurysm statistics today. 40% of those with ruptured brain aneurysms die, and four out of seven survivors have a disability. I'm curious as to what kind of disability.

Bob's mom is still in the nursing home in Rolfe, Iowa recuperating from breaking her leg and having pins put in her leg.

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