A Quick update on life

I tried to sit down and blog just a bit ago, but could not remember how to get the microphone to work with my dictation software.  I considered one-finger typing, but knew I wouldn't have the patience for that - despite a sermon this morning about patience!  So I pulled out my clipboard and a good pen and decided to write a post by hand and then ask Mom to type it for me (Thanks, Mom!)

I know I always write that I miss blogging and promise to be more consistent in the future.  But I haven't .  I'm sorry.

Today - this one time - I will claim technical difficulties as my excure!  Grrr...!

For the rest of the blog-less summer, I'll go with busyness - moving, camping, getting settled, finding a new routine and a new normal.

I normally think that busyness is a lame excuse, and I still do.  In fact, I feel totally lame for saying I've been too busy to blog.  Urgh.  Yuck.  But it's done now, so on to the rest...

We are mostly settled in our home and it is great!  I love it!  I've found a lot more independence and general ease in day-to-day life and routine.

I'm just about completely independent in the bathroom and need Mom only to dry my back after my shower every night--it's pretty tough to do with only one hand!

We have quite a full routine...bedtime is a wonderful time of the day after lots of activity!

On Mondays, I attend an art therapy group at the Rocky Mountain Stroke Center.  We talk and paint or draw and generally hang out all morning.

On Tuesdays, I go to a PT group and come home exhausted.  I'm working on balance a lot.  Standing up straight with head,shoulders, hips, knees and feet aligned is harder than I remember it being.  Last week I rode a stationary bike a bit - lots of balancing required to stay upright-- it got my heart pumping and felt like real exercise!

On Wednesdays, Dad drives me down to Colorado Springs for my weekly counseling appointment.  We stop for lunch on the way home and tend to go somewhere with good onion rings!

On Thursday mornings, Mom and I go to Bible study at a local church.  We are on week 4 of Children of the Day and look forward to seeing Beth on screen every week.  Thursday afternoons alternate between a massage and warm water PT class.  I prefer massage therapy above all other choices!

Fridays are mostly free and a good day for being with friends - coffee, breakfast, lunch, or just hanging out.

Weekends include our small group from church twice a month, and Sundays are full with church, teaching Sunday School with Dad (we now have Middle School students--we've been promoted!), and relaxing, and rest.

There is time in our weeks for things like the local symphony orchestra, a movie night here and there, book reading, and everyday tasks and such.

Life is full - and good!

My stamina is increasing little by little - which is necessary just to keep up with the calendar.  Like everyone else, I could use more energy!  

I do post regular updatesand photos on Facebook(Joanne Heim) and Twitter(@joanneheim) with more everday kinds of things.

Love to all,

Joanne :)

P.S.  Hi Diane ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments

[Kimberly]

Hi Joanne,You need to add blogging to your already busy calendar. Keep trying, eventually you'll get back to it. Hugs, Kimberly

[Teri]

So good to hear your voice. So good. It is a constant reminder to me that our Lord and Savior works all things together for good. Take care of your precious self!

[Courtney McDermed]

It's good to read a new blog post from you Joanne! I follow you on FB of course but it's good to read about you in a longer post as well.

[Chris Payne]

Keep at it girl! I love hearing your voice here and on fb. I could tell from our too short visit last week that you are on a great path and getting stronger with each day. I can't way to see you again (hopefully in November)!
Chris

[Joanne Heim]

Im looking forward to it!
J.

Sent from my iPad

[Deborah]

Great post! Don't forget to cut yourself a break!!! I was thinking, as I was reading your post, one of the tips a speaker has is to speak softly so people will strain to hear you and pay more attention. You are speaking softly through your posts. You don't have to write all the time to be effective! Been following you a LONG time and will continue to do so no matter how often you post.

[annemarie anderson]

I want to see a pic of your wonder woman jammies. I think that is #1 on my list for xmas :-). Love. You. #myhero

[Fran Thomas]

Joanne....I'm SO happy to read your written words! I'm glad you are adjusting and doing so well...look at you! ROCK ON SISTER!! I'm so proud of you! Thanking God for you tonight and how far you have come. Keep at it! So much love to you!

[RAM]

So happy to hear your update! Love following you on twitter to hear normal happens but I appreciate your update so I can hear more about how you are recovering. I will keep praying! You are loved!!

[Sharon]

I'm not on facebook, so I am elated to see a post from you. I check almost daily and almost missed today that it was a new one! I get so used to checking and then clicking away, but, yeah! Not today! You sound like you are doing really well. Continuing to pray for you.

[gretchen]

Hi Joanne, thanks for the update. Glad you're settling into your new normal. Sending love to you. I think, someday, you have another book in you, waiting to get out. Can't wait to read it. xxxooo

[Lynn Kelly]

Hi Joanne, so good to get an update on your health, progress, mental status, etc. I cannot imagine the challenges you have overcome, but have been there beside you in Spirit and in prayer since day 2 or 3 when Beth called out for prayer for your stroke.
I know you have talked many months ago about the girls issues and I hope they are doing well as well as hubby. It has been tough for all your families and I wish we could pray it all back to pre-stroke. If it's not too painful, I'd love to know if you get to see them at all, or what we could pray for about that situation.
Sometimes, it is just so difficult to accept the 'what is.' Love and prayers to you in your journey!
Lynn in TX

[Kim Feth]

Ok, for you I'll follow twitter. Tell your sweet Mom we all said thanks for the transcription work. I'm so glad to hear you're getting into a schedule and routine. I'm still praying for a full recovery, so make sure that's on your plan of care with your physical therapists.

Thanks for the update!
With Love,
Kim Feth
Apex, NC

[Janine]

SO Happy and Blessed to hear from you on your blog Joanne! Praying for your recovery and comfort. Janine

[ErinL]

Love.This.So.Much.

[Diginee]

I check every day - so good to see you post! Amen for a new normal. Peace and Blessings!!!!

[child of God]

Hi Joanne,
It so good to see you so busy and finding a routine. Continuing to pray for you. :)

[Kimberly]

You are missed. :)
Thanks to your sweet mom for typing this out.
I got your email about my FB messages.
Computer time is tough right now, but I'll try to email soon.
Much love!!!
PS-I just did a post myself last night that might answer your question about life here.

[Liz Reeves]

You know I love hearing from you here on the blog, but I'm grateful for our friendship on Facebook as well! :)

[Jessica]

Hey Joanne. I do not think I have ever commented but I have followed your blog since shortly after you had your stroke. Your strength is never ending and I enjoy reading updates. I have sent a friend request on facebook since you stated you post there more frequently.

[Adele]

SO HAPPY to see another blog post, Joanne! It's encouraging to hear that you are in a place where you feel supported, stimulated, and safe to heal and thrive! I admire how you're handling everything with strength and integrity. Any direction on how to pray for you and your family? Selfishly...and as a fan of anything visual, I'd also love to see some of your art therapy projects. Creativity is so healing. :)
Much love, Adele

[Darla Baerg]

I have thought about you and prayed for you since your stroke. I am so glad you have settled into a routine. I wondered you are able to see your girls when toungontoncoorafo springs. Praying for that and for relationships to be healed. Your parents sound extraordinary. Blessings.