Hanger Educational Fair 2012

On February 1, 2012, my aunt and I arrived in Las Vegas for the Hanger Educational Fair held at the Rio Hotel. My transplant coordinator and I were invited to speak by the kind VP of Hanger Prosthetics, Mr. Kevin Carroll, whom we met the year before at The Amputee Coalition of America Conference in Kasas City, MO.

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February 2, 2012 was the first talk. This event was the first time for me to do a different type of presentation. Normally, I would stand in front of an audience without anything but myself. This time, however, I utilized a PowerPoint presentation which I am grateful I got help with. Oh how joyful I was that it was well accepted! I'm glad that I was able to share my story from the beginning of my journey in 2003 to the present. Also, it was nice to share some of my artwork post transplant surgery. Then, we spoke again the following day.

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It was an honor and a great experience. To Mr. Carroll and all of the Hanger employees and representatives, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

AMERICAN LEGION

When I was younger, one of my goals was to join the military (or be a police officer). Although it never happened, I am honored to be included in the February 2012 edition of The American Legion along with some of my peers (whose stories define the real meaning of strength and faith). What a fantastic opportunity!

This magazine brought out an emotional encounter with a very kind gentleman -- Oh how I wish I know his name. This man actually works for the valet at the hospital I go to for an appointment. One day, at the valet, he asked if I'm Sheila. After my reply, the man mentioned the magazine and gave some warm words. He told me that this will help many soldiers. That moment was absolutely deep.

Sir, thank you for everything you said to me. I am inspired and grateful.

Cutting Rice Krispies Treats

There's only one thing I can say ..... YUM!

Picking Up Coins

Oh, I hope you guys get the chance to see these videos. I'm so proud of them. Don't worry, I'm not singing in any of them.... Or, am I?

Oh Yeah!!!!

I'm back! I hope everyone enjoyed the holidays. Sorry for my hiatus. In any case.........................

(Belated) MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

By the way, I'm still on Twitter. Imagine that... Don't forget to tweet me at @sheilaa9 .

Tweet...Tweet...

@SheilaA9. Yes, that's right...I joined Twitter! Now, I'm not sure how long that will last; but, just in case, you can tweet me (at least while I haven't decided to close the account).

KESSLER REHABILITATION

I had the pleasure of seeing friends at Kessler Rehabilitation today -- some are on the photos (I will not mention names unless they want me to). OTs, PTs, prosthetist, aides, clerks, directors, etc.....Yes, they are all friends. They have all helped me, even when my case then was uncommon. What a great place!!! Times may have passed; but, the laughter and good times are still the same. Also, I felt the same warmth. I should have brought my camera too. Thanks girl for the pictures.

UH OH...

I just fell a little while ago. Oopsy.... My left foot got caught on the cord. As I stood up and tried to walk, I tripped. I fell on my left leg (kneeling) and left hand. OH MAN!!!! Okay, so far so good. It seemed like a smooth fall. Somehow, I think, my prosthetic leg saved me from a harder fall. Well, I emailed two doctors and left a message for one. I hope they don't panic. I hope everything's fine.

House

I built my own house -- a ginger bread house. I started yesterday and finished today (12/16/11).

I was a little hesitant doing this as an OT activity even with the kit; but, I DID IT! Woohoo!!!

YUM!

I cannot believe I never posted these pictures. I don't even remember when I made them in therapy. But now that I look at them...I'm hungry...again. Oh yes! I made the cupcakes. Given, it was a mix; but, I still made them (and some more last week).

Uhmmmm....HELLO???

Okay, so for many years now (since I've had the adaptive devices put in my vehicle), I've been having an off/on issue. Usually, such issue occurs during the winter when it gets very cold. My car would not start. It has something to do with the wiring interfering with something....blah, blah, blah. I've taken it to both the dealership and the shop and NOTHING.

Recently, I experienced the problem again. This time the shop tells me that they would need to bring in a specialist to look at it. Hmmm.....let's think about it. After all these years......now I'm advised of this?? We could have talked about this a few years back, right?

Well, I shouldn't really complain. The shop has really nice people. And, they have been returning my calls.

PARTYYYYY!!!!!

Today, Wednesday, I worked (with my supervisor's permission) instead of Friday. Oh yes, did I tell you? I work twice a week now. Anyway, I didn't want to miss the Christmas party with my woderful co-workers. Don't worry.....NO ALCOHOL! It was a gathering filled with wonderful people who certainly knows how to have a good time. There may be some that I don't know well, but they are all awesome and I enjoyed myself.

I'm thankful for them also. My co-workers (friends) are also part of my support system.