I'm starting to feel better and not coughing nearly as much, Dragon Naturally Speaking is actually recognizing my voice so I can blog today...
Thank you everyone for your well wishes and concerns, I really appreciate all of your comments. In another couple of days I should be back to my old self.
How about team USA ! Our athletes have been performing very well and winning medals in a variety of sports. I can't remember a better showing for the United States in any winter Olympics.
The women's hockey team won silver last night! I know it's not the gold medal that they wanted, but silver is fantastic! The men's hockey team plays this afternoon at 3 PM, go USA!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Flu is here
I may be off-line for a few days, it seems the flu has arrived..... heading to the doctors today before it gets worse. I hate respiratory infections the most !
Monday, February 22, 2010
US Jolts Canada 5-3 as Rafalski Scores Twice - ABC News
US Jolts Canada 5-3 as Rafalski Scores Twice - ABC News Last night was a fantastic hockey night for the USA, even if it was an away game being played in Canada. The United States hockey team remains unbeaten and should be the number one seed for the tournament!
It's been 30 years ago today that the Miracle on Ice happened. I don't think this is quite as dramatic, but team USA was not highly thought of by the hockey world this year. I believe they can win the Gold for our country. USA USA USA
It's been 30 years ago today that the Miracle on Ice happened. I don't think this is quite as dramatic, but team USA was not highly thought of by the hockey world this year. I believe they can win the Gold for our country. USA USA USA
Saturday, February 20, 2010
11 Years And Counting
Today starts my 11th year living as a person with quadriplegia, my accident happened today.... In years past this date would always bother me, but not so this year. I think I'm finally comfortable in my life and how I live now.
I have set routines that keep me healthy and I find pleasure in many things. So many people have life much worse off than me, it would be terrible to complain.
My life is much different as a quadriplegic, compared to my former life, but still very valuable.... I'm finally comfortable with who I am right now.... No longer afraid of February 20 on the calendar.... I hope you have a great day, I plan to.
I have set routines that keep me healthy and I find pleasure in many things. So many people have life much worse off than me, it would be terrible to complain.
My life is much different as a quadriplegic, compared to my former life, but still very valuable.... I'm finally comfortable with who I am right now.... No longer afraid of February 20 on the calendar.... I hope you have a great day, I plan to.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Crosby Saves the Day
O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free !
Last night Sidney Crosby saved the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team from losing to Switzerland. The score was tied at two forcing a shootout, the Swiss goalie stopped the first three shooters including a shot from Crosby. But Olympic rules allowed Crosby to shoot again in the second round, and the native son made it count ! Putting the puck in the net. This is his first Olympic goal and maybe one of the most important of the games.
Sunday the Canadians will be playing team USA, it's the only time I will be rooting against Canada. It would be great to see USA get the gold and Canada win a silver medal, with Russia earning the bronze........ that's in my perfect little hockey world !
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free !
Last night Sidney Crosby saved the Canadian Olympic Hockey Team from losing to Switzerland. The score was tied at two forcing a shootout, the Swiss goalie stopped the first three shooters including a shot from Crosby. But Olympic rules allowed Crosby to shoot again in the second round, and the native son made it count ! Putting the puck in the net. This is his first Olympic goal and maybe one of the most important of the games.
Sunday the Canadians will be playing team USA, it's the only time I will be rooting against Canada. It would be great to see USA get the gold and Canada win a silver medal, with Russia earning the bronze........ that's in my perfect little hockey world !
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Comcast Follow up
I was very surprised today when a Comcast representative phoned me with a new offer for cable television for one year. I will now actually be paying two dollars less per month and will have HDTV, on demand, more stations and a DVR and it can all be installed tomorrow between 8 AM and 10 AM...... wow
I'm looking forward to seeing the Olympics in high-definition and the added channels. Especially this Sunday when the USA hockey team plays again.
The representative was very nice setting me up with such a quick appointment. It really does make a difference to speak up when there is an issue..... It amazes me who reads this blog.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Olympics in high-definition and the added channels. Especially this Sunday when the USA hockey team plays again.
The representative was very nice setting me up with such a quick appointment. It really does make a difference to speak up when there is an issue..... It amazes me who reads this blog.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Olympic Hockey and What Not
So far I have really enjoyed watching the Olympic hockey teams compete. I was able to watch both USA teams and team Canada over the last few days. Last night Sidney Crosby helped team Canada win against Norway 8 to 0, Sidney had three assists... It would be really great to see Canada go against USA for hockey gold.
Ryan Malone scored a goal for team USA against Switzerland this week, the Pittsburgh native and former Penguin is off to a great start in his first Olympics. Go USA !
I'm pretty upset with Comcast cable this week. We had to install new boxes on the televisions or else we would lose several channels. What Comcast failed to say was I would also lose all my HD channels unless I purchased an additional HD package for $13 per month.... what a rip off ! So instead of watching the Olympics in HD, I'm forced to watch in standard definition. I'm thinking about going with a dish, any suggestions ?
My insomnia is raging again this week, I'm having difficulty shutting down my brain... It has snowed every day for the past nine days here in Pittsburgh, I'm really sick of this winter weather.
Ryan Malone scored a goal for team USA against Switzerland this week, the Pittsburgh native and former Penguin is off to a great start in his first Olympics. Go USA !
I'm pretty upset with Comcast cable this week. We had to install new boxes on the televisions or else we would lose several channels. What Comcast failed to say was I would also lose all my HD channels unless I purchased an additional HD package for $13 per month.... what a rip off ! So instead of watching the Olympics in HD, I'm forced to watch in standard definition. I'm thinking about going with a dish, any suggestions ?
My insomnia is raging again this week, I'm having difficulty shutting down my brain... It has snowed every day for the past nine days here in Pittsburgh, I'm really sick of this winter weather.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Opening Ceremonies Winter Olympics 2010
I really enjoy the Winter Olympics and look forward to seeing them. I enjoy almost every sport in the Winter Olympics, even curling....lol. Unfortunately, I was less than thrilled with the opening ceremonies last night in Vancouver.
It seems the opening ceremonies had more than one technical difficulty, and the Olympic flame Gretzky was carrying was almost extinguished.... I can't imagine all the planning and preparation that went into the ceremony, and I admit, I am not artistic in the least.. but I know what I like and that wasn't it.
Bring on the games, especially Hockey ! I can't wait to cheer USA, USA, USA ! If you're interested in keeping up with the medal count click HERE
It seems the opening ceremonies had more than one technical difficulty, and the Olympic flame Gretzky was carrying was almost extinguished.... I can't imagine all the planning and preparation that went into the ceremony, and I admit, I am not artistic in the least.. but I know what I like and that wasn't it.
Bring on the games, especially Hockey ! I can't wait to cheer USA, USA, USA ! If you're interested in keeping up with the medal count click HERE
Friday, February 12, 2010
Head Lamp
Well, the UPS man brought my head lamp from Amazon today, if the power goes out again I should be all set. Hopefully it's another 10 years before we get a winter storm like this again. It may not be too attractive, but it is very bright and functional. Besides, everyone knows I love gadgets.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Experience uni Super Ink
Experience uni Super Ink Get a free pen here! I like to use the net to get free merchandise. So far this year I have received free coffee from Dunkin' Donuts and free cereal from kashi.... last year I received a few other freebies, I just can't remember what. Do you have any tips on receiving free stuff?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Today's Forecast
Today's weather forecast is 30 mph winds and flying monkeys..... We have another 6 inches on the ground and it's still snowing.
I managed to get three bottles of propane yesterday and my heater and lantern came in from Cabelas, so I should be okay even if the power goes out for a few hours. All the snow had me thinking, so I went back online to Cabelas and Amazon to order a few additional emergency supplies.
I'm expecting an adapter that will allow me to fill small propane bottles from my 20 pound propane grill tank. Every store was out of propane yesterday, it was like gold. And as you know, I have an unnatural attachment to flashlights.... so I ordered the best headlamp from Amazon I could find. I may be eating hot dogs the rest of the month due to my online shopping spree lol, but it will be worth it.
I managed to get three bottles of propane yesterday and my heater and lantern came in from Cabelas, so I should be okay even if the power goes out for a few hours. All the snow had me thinking, so I went back online to Cabelas and Amazon to order a few additional emergency supplies.
I'm expecting an adapter that will allow me to fill small propane bottles from my 20 pound propane grill tank. Every store was out of propane yesterday, it was like gold. And as you know, I have an unnatural attachment to flashlights.... so I ordered the best headlamp from Amazon I could find. I may be eating hot dogs the rest of the month due to my online shopping spree lol, but it will be worth it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Round 2 Snow of 2010
Oh joy, the weatherman is predicting another round of snow for Pittsburgh, another 6 to 10 inches. This on top of the 13 to 20 already on the ground. My street has not been plowed yet, even though I called the borough and explained my situation. Yes, sometimes I play the quadriplegic card, my attendants can't get in and out etc... but it really did no good this time.
Hopefully we do not lose power again, I'm confident everything will be fine as long as the heat stays on. I never remember being so stressed over winter weather my entire life. I know it has to do with feeling vulnerable, relying on others for assistance, not being able to physically change the situation. No amount of assistive technology in my house can shovel snow.
Next week my supplies from Cabelas will be here, hopefully I did not wait too long to prepare for a bad winter in Pittsburgh. This weekend a 60-year-old resident of a nursing home (two blocks from my home) was found outside frozen to death. A real tragedy and someone should be found liable.
As many times as I have preached about being prepared for any situation I certainly dropped the ball in emergency preparedness this year. I guess I deserve the consequences, but it would really haunt me if I died being unprepared. What would my friends think ? Oh the shame........ he was unprepared ! My entire legacy is at stake, and this would certainly ruin the wake.
UPDATE: oh my God I love Cabelas, I just received a confirmation e-mail with tracking information on my order. According to them my supplies will be here today ! If UPS can get here and I can get a few more bottles of propane, I will not worry about anything. Of course you know this will postpone the wake.
Hopefully we do not lose power again, I'm confident everything will be fine as long as the heat stays on. I never remember being so stressed over winter weather my entire life. I know it has to do with feeling vulnerable, relying on others for assistance, not being able to physically change the situation. No amount of assistive technology in my house can shovel snow.
Next week my supplies from Cabelas will be here, hopefully I did not wait too long to prepare for a bad winter in Pittsburgh. This weekend a 60-year-old resident of a nursing home (two blocks from my home) was found outside frozen to death. A real tragedy and someone should be found liable.
As many times as I have preached about being prepared for any situation I certainly dropped the ball in emergency preparedness this year. I guess I deserve the consequences, but it would really haunt me if I died being unprepared. What would my friends think ? Oh the shame........ he was unprepared ! My entire legacy is at stake, and this would certainly ruin the wake.
UPDATE: oh my God I love Cabelas, I just received a confirmation e-mail with tracking information on my order. According to them my supplies will be here today ! If UPS can get here and I can get a few more bottles of propane, I will not worry about anything. Of course you know this will postpone the wake.
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Saints Win the Super Bowl
I was completely wrong with my Super Bowl prediction....... what else is new, lol. I'm happy for The New Orleans Saints fans out there, you finally have a Super Bowl victory, let the parade begin!
What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial ? Check them out here:
What was your favorite Super Bowl commercial ? Check them out here:
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Blizzard of 2010
It started snowing here in Pittsburgh on Friday and I lost power Friday evening around 8:30 PM along with 150,000 other Western Pennsylvania residents. By Saturday morning I had 13 inches of snow and some snowdrifts totaling 3 feet...... the house still had no power and temperatures inside were 50°
Thankfully I had ths warm Columbia jacket which I wore from 6:30 AM until 7 PM Saturday, when the power came back on allowing my furnace to start working again.
I do not mind being stuck in the house, the roads have not been plowed as of yet. But having no power was pretty scary. I'm really thankful the house is warm again.
I woke up late today, had some hot tea and watched the Pittsburgh Penguins lose to the Washington Capitals in overtime.
Here are a few pictures of the 2010 Blizzard, please post a link to your blizzard pictures in the comment section.
I just went online with cabelas and ordered a few supplies so I will not be so helpless the next time the power goes out. At one time I had every backpacking and survival tool known to man, but over the years they disappeared. So I needed to replace and prepare a little better for the future.
An emergency radio with four different power sources, that can also charge my cell phone.
A propane heater that is safe for indoors as well as a propane lantern.
Hopefully I do not need this stuff again for another 10 years...... but at least I will be better prepared.
Thankfully I had ths warm Columbia jacket which I wore from 6:30 AM until 7 PM Saturday, when the power came back on allowing my furnace to start working again.
I do not mind being stuck in the house, the roads have not been plowed as of yet. But having no power was pretty scary. I'm really thankful the house is warm again.
I woke up late today, had some hot tea and watched the Pittsburgh Penguins lose to the Washington Capitals in overtime.
Here are a few pictures of the 2010 Blizzard, please post a link to your blizzard pictures in the comment section.
I just went online with cabelas and ordered a few supplies so I will not be so helpless the next time the power goes out. At one time I had every backpacking and survival tool known to man, but over the years they disappeared. So I needed to replace and prepare a little better for the future.
An emergency radio with four different power sources, that can also charge my cell phone.
A propane heater that is safe for indoors as well as a propane lantern.
Hopefully I do not need this stuff again for another 10 years...... but at least I will be better prepared.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Super Bowl Prediction
Well I've made no secret about who I will be rooting for, it's the Indianapolis Colts. I've been saying all year I think they are the best team in football and Peyton Manning is definitely the best quarterback.
My prediction is Indianapolis over the Saints by seven....... what are your thoughts?
My prediction is Indianapolis over the Saints by seven....... what are your thoughts?
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wheelchair Technology
Dr. Cooper is the Department Chair at the University of Pittsburgh and one of the reasons I love the program so much. I had the opportunity to volunteer for several of his studies, he truly is one of the pioneers working to create a better future for individuals with disabilities.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Groundhog Day 2010
Well it's Groundhog Day here in Pennsylvania which means Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow predicting six more weeks of winter! Oh joy.....
It's Groundhog Day in more ways than one around my house, my permobil C-500 wheelchair is in need of repair once again. An actuator ( Aratron ) busted loose and is now leaking oil on my hardwood floors..... in another five minutes I can call my durable medical supplier and hopefully get them down here for an emergency repair today.
The really bad news is my backup chair will not charge and is making a weird clicking sound..... no one ever said it was easy being a quad. Groundhog Day, yeah definitely Groundhog Day.
It's Groundhog Day in more ways than one around my house, my permobil C-500 wheelchair is in need of repair once again. An actuator ( Aratron ) busted loose and is now leaking oil on my hardwood floors..... in another five minutes I can call my durable medical supplier and hopefully get them down here for an emergency repair today.
The really bad news is my backup chair will not charge and is making a weird clicking sound..... no one ever said it was easy being a quad. Groundhog Day, yeah definitely Groundhog Day.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Penguins and Red Wings
$16 to park, $7 beers, watching the Penguins beat the Red Wings at home in a shootout, Priceless !
That's right sports fans, I was at the game yesterday watching Pittsburgh win 2 to 1 in a shootout that had Crosby and Malkin both scoring! I had fantastic accessible seats right behind the goal. Here are a few photos:
That's right sports fans, I was at the game yesterday watching Pittsburgh win 2 to 1 in a shootout that had Crosby and Malkin both scoring! I had fantastic accessible seats right behind the goal. Here are a few photos:
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