Month: September 2013

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ, #AGT, #boughtandsold

Today was the big day in real estate for us as we signed all the legal mumbo jumbo that confirmed the sale of our house and the purchase of the new one. Exciting stuff, especially watching the government rob us blind. Oh well. Janet did a great job staying awake and signing copy after copy. That was most of our afternoon and it came after a busy first part of the day for Janet. So busy she asked for a nap just before one o’clock. It must’ve been a good one because she sure lasted late tonight as we watched the finale of AGT. The guy we thought should win did and Janet was quite excited she picked another winner. Check him out here, amazing. I’m keeping this short today as it is really late and all is well in Janet world.

Praying for lots of energy and brightness for a busy day tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #NotaFan #TNF #YMCA

I wasn’t sure what to expect from Janet today after our argument last night. I’d seen Curtis in the morning and told him about it and that I wasn’t sure if Janet would go swimming and when I arrived at Connect this afternoon Curtis told me not only did Janet go swimming but she really enjoyed it. Relieved at that news I went into her room and got a hello but not a huge smile. Seems her memory is getting better as she remembered “we were fighting last night”. Arguing is a better term and as soon as we apologized to each other the smile came as she told me swimming “wasn’t too bad”. That’s Janet speak for “I had fun”. There were quite a few residents that went to the pool at the YMCA so Janet’s fear of being the only girl was put to rest and the water was warm as was the room in general. I think one of the problems with the KGH pool is the water is so warm and there is always cool air blowing in the room and Janet is really sensitive to that. She explained how she was in the little pool and the hot tub and it was fun watching the little kids in the pool. I heard through the grapevine that she was treated a little like a queen while there as the guys all made a point of hanging out with her. I’m really happy she went and enjoyed the experience and will talk to Tez to see if going to a place like that can replace the KGH pool. I think the non clinical feel and being out in public are huge benefits for Janet.

It was Janet’s turn to help prep dinner and she worked very hard at chopping peppers for a salad. Progress is being made for sure but she still needs coaching. Dinner was ready before Janet was hungry so we went to the gym to get the Shuttle over with. Her attitude was definitely better today but this wasn’t her strongest performance. There was good action with the right leg and average results when using two and she had no interest in standing on her own. Janet’s right ankle seems a little weaker these last couple of days and it’s starting to seem like she’ll need some support there. Wasting no time after dinner, Janet was right into the Standing Frame while watching Kansas City beat Philadelphia on Thursday Night Football. Getting that done earlier than last night left us time to catch the last song of Music Night upstairs where Brian and Kevin jammed for everyone’s enjoyment. It’s really cool that they do that and if Janet wasn’t so hung up on getting her “work” done we wouldn’t been there for more. I read some Not a Fan to her before bed and she’s really finding the book interesting and intriguing. Janet is able to tell me about what we’ve read and express her thoughts on it in addition to reading short portions. Powerful stuff.

This was a much better day than yesterday and I’m thankful for that. I can sense a little emotion starting as Janet realizes this is her last weekend in our current home. We will be busy packing so there won’t be a lot of time to get all sentimental but I’m sure it’ll be a little sad for her on Monday. At the same time she is excited about the new house and the freedom it will give her. Praying for a night of deep and healing sleep and a productive day tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #mad #stubborn

Our time together today started out really well. Janet was doing her usual lay awake in bed routine when I arrived and after a little chat time she agreed to humor me by going car shopping. We certainly don’t need another project but can’t take two vehicles to the new house so it would be nice to find the right next car and get on with it. I’ve decided against a second wheelchair for Janet so that means our car has to accommodate her rigid one without folding rear seats or anything like that. The choices are very limited. Or so I thought. We stopped first at Kelowna Ford to ask about the Ford C-Max, which seemed very promising except no one in the Okanagan plans on selling them and there are only a handful in all of Canada. On a previous visit the salesperson figured the Escape was the car for us but deferred to my concern about height preventing Janet from getting in and out on her own. Today he stuck by his theory so we tried one. Shockingly Janet can get in and out no problem and of course there’s lots of room for the wheelchair. Since the Escape fits I think we now have to look at some other small SUVs before deciding. More shopping!

Dinner was ready as soon as we got back to Connect and following that we made the trek to the gym. Even though Janet agreed to go she put up a real fight against going on the Shuttle. Her stubborn side really came out and I wasn’t sure I was going to win the battle but did eventually. I really have a difficult time with her saying things like, “I’m going to quit” and “nothing is working” or “it doesn’t matter”. Fortunately I was able to talk her into doing it this time but later on I failed big time.

After the Shuttle always comes the standing frame and Janet’s attitude towards that was way better. Watching TV is about the only thing she can or wants to do while in the Standing Frame and tonight’s session ran into the first half hour of X Factor, a show Janet loves. Looking back I shouldn’t have let her watch as much of it as I did. It would’ve been way better to read or play some games. Earlier in the day it was agreed that Janet would go swimming with the other residents tomorrow morning and when I reminded her of that at bedtime we got into a very childish argument about it. Janet of course took the “no I’m not” role, and I the “yes you are” one. Unfortunately there weren’t too many more intelligent words spoken and for the first time I can remember, I left the room angry. I’m disappointed in how I handled the evening and need to remind myself what I tell Janet often, that she is there to work hard at getting better. Watching two hours of TV is not working at getting better and I need to keep her doing something productive.

Praying for a positive day tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #Standup #Smart #Confident

As I drove to Connect this afternoon I was trying to analyze Janet’s progress lately. I was having trouble remembering any recent milestones or notable changes and was a little concerned. Janet proved me wrong within minutes of my arrival. She had been “sleeping” for almost an hour so I went in and of course she was wide awake and wanting to get up. In the spirit of promoting independence I stood back and let her go. Not only did she get to a sitting position quickly she motioned as if to get up and walk over to get her sandals. Confirming thats what she wanted to do I told her to go ahead. With a push from her left arm on the bed and a lean forward over her knees, she stood up without using the stripper pole! I had heard of this happening but never witnessed it until today. Janet was very happy with herself for doing that but upset she couldn’t walk to get her sandals. One thing at a time. The independence continued in the bathroom with Janet soloing in brake application, foot rest removal, standing and sitting etc. The only help she needed was in pulling down and then up her pants. Its kind of fun to observe and coach as opposed to aiding all the time and I can tell Janet is gaining confidence in doing these things.

Jess and I talked a little about Janet’s independence and she mentioned how she had caught Janet wheeled up to her desk looking at her Speech workbook all on her own. Janet had done the same today with the book we are reading saying she tried reading by herself but couldn’t make sense of it. Her “just get it done” attitude towards the gym continues and she did a great job on the Shuttle and had a good stretch with Curtis. With a few minutes to wait for dinner we read some Not a Fan and Janet continues to be intrigued by it and we had a good discussion about what we’ve read.

The dinner table was lively thanks to Kieran and Janet was cooperative in getting into the Standing Frame afterwards. I’ve noticed the last couple of days being able to get Janet really straight and her tolerance has increased. Usually as Botox wears off her tolerance diminishes too but not now it seems. Maybe we’re making some progress on those hamstrings?

We hadn’t played any iPad games for a while and since it was thunder storming outside I decided to see what she could do. Was I surprised! Janet has improved so much in naming pictures of things and in her math skills I could hardly believe it and I could see the confidence in her face as she answered question after question. She still needs a verbal clue for a lot of the pictures but she used to need every clue possible. With the math games she was almost perfect and was great at tapping and dragging on the iPad as well. Fun!

The evening ended with some YouTube laughs and Janet doing a very independent bedtime routine. I feel blessed to have hung out with her today and pray for continued progress.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #Connect #swimming

Our first night of “camping” went quite well and Janet awoke at a decent time feeling like she slept reasonably. She says she never heard any of the thunder last night but I sure did. We eased through the morning reading and planning out the week ahead before getting ready for swimming at KGH.

Janet’s pool sessions today were solid but not outstanding and she continues to show the most enjoyment in just swimming around. Something she’s getting very good at. Her right leg was in a very floaty mood today which caused Janet to hop a lot as opposed to walking. Her willingness to try hasn’t diminished and I can tell she’s getting stronger, I just hope her control of that leg increases a lot and soon.

In a good mood and not showing signs of tiring, Janet had lunch then helped me with some packing. She found the packing to be fun and challenging and sad at the end because she knew we were then heading back to Connect. I think part of her resistance this time was knowing there’s lots going on at home and not wanting to miss out. We also went back to Connect earlier than usual today to try and give Janet more time to settle back in in the hope she’ll sleep better and have lots of energy for Tuesday. After an initial little meltdown and a good effort on the Shuttle Janet had a pretty good evening. We even got in a nice little after dinner walk followed by some really straight Standing Frame work. As I said goodnight to Janet she told me she’d be showering in the morning and having to do her exercises all over again. She wasn’t happy about those things but I’m glad she can see ahead to the fact she’ll be doing them.

Praying for lots of energy tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #seahawks #snf #dqblizzard #camping

Janet slept well last night and was pretty lively this morning enjoying breakfast conversation with Laurel while I helped a couple load our bed onto their trailer. I placed an ad to sell our bed a couple days ago not wanting to get stuck moving it and had seven enquiries about it just like that. I guess I priced it right. Tonight then is our first night of “camping”. Janet napped this afternoon on the downstairs sofa bed and is snoring on it as I write this. The only hassle about this arrangement is I have to carry her downstairs but there’s only two more nights for her in this house so its no big deal.

There weren’t quite as many trips to the bathroom this morning but Janet was still busy there and by the time she was done and our bed was gone it was pretty much lunchtime. There was time for a little exercise though and Janet did some good standing on her own. I had hoped she’d demo some of the yoga she did at Connect the other day but no go. Her right foot wasn’t cooperating that well today but I think we gave it a good little workout.

We elected to bring home sushi for lunch and enjoyed it outside on another beautiful late summer day. Courtney and her friend arrived just as we finished, to haul away more of our stuff. Glad we can find a home for things, now the house is really starting to look like we’re moving.

Laurel for some strange reason wanted to go back to Calgary today but she owed me a Blizzard from a previous NBA bet and it was time to settle. Of course Janet benefitted too as we all tried the new Snickers Blizzard. Janet says it was the best ever, I say Skor still rules.

20130915-234337.jpg

Janet and I considered going car shopping after DQ but she wasn’t feeling that well so I got her home and into bed for a good nap. She was well rested and ready to watch the Seahawks beat the 49ers on Sunday Night Football and we had a good Skype chat with Andrew during the one hour lighting delay. Halftime was the perfect time for a hot tub and we spent the fourth quarter with Janet’s legs in the extenders and her remembering she’d had a Blizzard earlier so denying herself ice cream tonight.

Praying for lots of rest and a stronger and more responsive right leg.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #AGT #trinitykelowna #memory #cards #yardwork

After a good night of sleep Janet was up at a decent hour this morning to enjoy breakfast in the sunshine with Laurel. That was her intention anyways and she did get to do that in between bathroom visits. Nothing was wrong with Janet other than I think she saves up for her weekends at home. Just sayin.

In order to take advantage of the nice day and still be productive we all went outside and did yard work for an hour or so. Janet and Laurel worked together clipping off dead flowers and such while I pruned back a large tree that hangs over one of our parking spots and the road. We didn’t really have to do any of this stuff but I remember moving into this house six years ago and taking the entire summer just to clear enough jungle to see the property we had bought. I don’t want to leave a jungle for the next folks and Janet enjoys contributing and being out in the sun. We paused to have a Skype chat with Mary/Gaga and are grateful for the technology that allows us to do that on a moments notice and even from outside. Janet faded a little before the end of the chat so we went in and made lunch. Janet helped chop things for Quesadillas and I think enjoyed hers more because she made it. She needed a little more assistance than recently with the chopping but still gave it a good go.

When I returned from meeting with a prospective painter for the new house, Janet and Laurel were playing cards. There was no gambling involved, just a good game of memory with Janet doing very well. In fact she even won a game. She agreed to a short nap before church and actually did sleep for over an hour. Tonight’s service was very good and Janet was engaged pretty much the whole time.

As usual, Saturday is Janet’s day off from exercise so no hot tub tonight or standing on her own. We all relaxed after dinner to watch AGT before heading to bed. Janet agreed this was a good day, especially being able to hang out with Laurel. There were lots of laughs, we accomplished some things towards the move and Janet was involved and contributed to many things today. I’m feeling very blessed by the skills she is regaining and pray for continued healing and re learning.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #hyundai #laurel #pizza #okanagan #SYTYCD

Summer continues here in the Okanagan so I was a little disappointed to find Janet in pants and a long sleeve shirt this afternoon. She insisted on keeping them on even as I tried to explain it was thirty two degrees outside. Before we got home she was asking me to roll up her sleeves because she was hot. Stubborn.

We weren’t in a rush to do anything today so on the way home we stopped at Kelowna Hyundai to do a little car shopping. Unlike other car lots we’ve been to, we got service pretty quick and the guy pointed us to a car that actually suits are needs very well. Janet can get in and out easily and even did her seatbelt up unassisted while I put the wheelchair in the back without folding seats down. The car drives well and seems to make a lot of sense, even the price is good. It just isn’t very sexy. It’s a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring. Not bad looking but not a wow car either. Quite plain Jane on the inside and no sunroof. Janet was quite comfortable during our test drive and any new car has to be mostly right for her and not me so we will consider this one or something similar. Anyone know a comparable car? I think Mazda makes one close to it?

The car shopping got us home right at dinner making time and Janet built what I believe is her best pizza yet. No coaching on opening the can of sauce. No coaching on anything other than making sure she got toppings in the middle as well as around the outside and she needed a little help with some slippery sun dried tomatoes. Out of the oven, hers looked better than mine. We managed to sneak in another dinner outside at sunset and are feeling pretty blessed that we can do that. Janet enjoyed her post dinner hot tub so much that while she was floating I let go of her completely and unlike me, she didn’t sink. She was so relaxed she kept on floating.

With Janet’s legs in the extenders we watched the finale of SYTYCD and enjoyed it very much. I thinks this was the best season ever and Janet would agree especially since her guy and girl that she picked right at the start, won! She was almost as excited as they were. Fun to see.

While Janet was brushing her teeth I heard Nash bark and get all excited so I knew someone was at the house. I asked Janet if she thought it was Laurel or a stranger. She chose stranger. Guess she can’t pick them right every time. We had a good and chatty little visit before bedtime and are looking forward to the sunny weekend with Laurel here.

Praying for lots of healing rest tonight and a productive day tomorrow.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #realestate #house #strong

Janet was laying in bed looking at her watch as I walked into her room this afternoon. She had agreed to nap for one hour and was very aware that the hour had passed. I doubt she slept and we had things to do so I helped her get up. We had some real estate business to take care of and I’m excited to announce we have removed the subjects on the home we are buying so its full steam ahead for the big move now. Janet is excited its all happening and a little unsure of the transition period knowing she won’t be able to come home for a few weeks depending on how much work we decide to do. That’ll be a big adjustment and I’ll have to think of some fun ways to fill that time.

With time before dinner Janet elected to do the Shuttle and I challenged her today by upping the tension for each of her sets. She was not happy with me but persevered and did very well. Standing on her own was great today as she is gaining confidence and is more willing to try and put weight on her right leg. Her Standing Frame session after dinner was complaint free for once as she enjoyed watching football while “standing”.

No fancy dinner out tonight and lots of boring real estate stuff to do made for a tired Janet a little earlier than normal. She is really looking forward to coming home for the weekend and I’m praying its a good one.

The Team Save Janet Report is Out! #TSJ #smackdab #sunshine #okanagan

Today was another glorious summer day in the Okanagan and Janet was able to enjoy it to the fullest. Annette brought lunch for her and Janet to Connect and they enjoyed eating that outside before going for a little walk around the neighborhood. As instructed Janet went for a nap around two and when I arrived in her room at 3:30 she woke up briefly, asked if I wanted her to get up, then went right back to sleep when I said no. It was 4:15 before she opened her eyes and it took a little while for the cobwebs to clear. As soon as they did, we had a great evening.

Annette had offered to take us out for dinner and with such beautiful weather we couldn’t think of a better place than Smack Dab. We were not disappointed as we got a table outside, right on the lake with good wine, good food and good conversation. A very nice evening and Janet ate and drank everything put in front of her.

20130911-232600.jpg

I think she paid the price for eating a big meal as when she was in the Standing Frame tonight she complained of a side ache. Her complaint was consistent enough that I shortened her session by ten minutes and she was fine after being able to sit in her chair for a bit. We got back kinda late so the Standing Frame was all she did tonight and she promised to work hard tomorrow.

Plans for the move are starting to come together and today I found somewhere to stay that’s really close to Janet while I’m homeless. I can’t take the dog though so if anyone is willing to own Nash for five days or so let me know, otherwise I’ve no problem putting him in the kennel. He’s well looked after there.

Jess mentioned to me today that she’s having a bit of a challenge with Janet on Tuesdays in that she’s often pretty tired. It could be from getting back to Connect late Monday nights so I’m going to try bringing her back for dinner for the next two weekends and see how that goes. I’ve noticed her strength is not the same Mondays or Tuesdays so I believe we need to change the routine a little so Janet can take full advantage of her time at Connect.

Janet had a good couple of days with Annette around and we wish her a safe trip back to Vancouver tomorrow. Praying for a day of significant progress tomorrow.