My nieces Bear Project

Sophie the Bear's Denver Vacation with Becki!

Sophie the Bear joined me at work. On the left is Gideon, the therapy dog, who dresses up in costumes. The stuffed dog on the right is dressed in a similar costume. The Stroke survivors have to pick out the differences in the costume and write them down!

Notice the balls on top of the hats are different!

Gideon signing his name and paw print for Sophie's diary.

Me and a patient smiling with the bear.

Gideon waving goodbye!

Puppy Sitting

It was my pleasure to dog-sit Koda and Roxie on Friday night. I have had the worst case of Puppy Fevah for over a YEAR now! At one point-Josh, Koda, me, and Roxie were all sitting on the couch together! Josh came over so we could take them for a walk, but both pooches were sleeping by 8pm. I think they must wear each other out in the day--good for them and their owners! Anyway, both dogs were well behaved (besides the pee-coat incident*:) and I got my fix.

I heart my job!

My dear friends are maneuvering a parachute with their stroke side hand while passing the ball to one another. Most of them in the pic also need to regain speech, so we incorporate talking with this game.

Below: Steve is using a Saebo system, which teaches him to open up his hand. Stroke survivors must be able to make a fist to begin using this contraption. It is usually very hard relaxing those muscles to straighten fingers and open the fist. Steve can drink a Pepsi with that hand now:) In so many ways, he reminds me of Dad!

Left to right: Shannon, Biscuit , and Joann doing Pet therapy on the mats. As you can see, Joann has a brush in her right hand and Biscuit is in Doggy Heaven!

Teaching the gang how to put giant pants on one-handed!



A very proud moment while I am teaching the timid Vince how to rock climb. He loved it.

Field Day at the Stroke Program

What better event to have at a Field Day with Stroke Survivors than a 3-Legged race?? The participants though that we were crazy to suggest such a thing, but they were good sports and did an awesome job. Better yet, there were no broken bones! Dick and I made it to the finals and ended up winning the contest. He was actually dragging me behind while yelling at me to go faster. The day was filled with horseshoes, bocce ball, card games, and a potluck lunch.

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!

Dick and I in the lead-Chrissy and Donna behind us.

Due to the conflicting scedule of school and work, my last day at the program is Friday, Sept. 19th. I can tell you that I have never learned so much, loved so much, and been inspired as much as I have in this job. I will miss the survivors, who have become my friends and support, a ton. On the other hand, school is my priority and I am sure there will be another exciting chapter awaiting.

My hero, coffee shop man.

Here is a picture of a man roasting a fresh batch of coffee beans right in the corner of the shop. The smell is absolutely amazing!

My Pyramid

My classes this semester are all exercise and nutrition oriented, so get ready for all sorts of new health information from me! You all should check out the new dietary guidelines and the easy web tools you can utilize. All I ask is that you take 5 minutes to cruise the website. At least put your personal information in and get your own pyramid calculated-there are many easy-to-use caloric counting tools as well! This is great way to keep track of your diet and fitness.

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

You need chaos in your soul to give birth to a dancing star.
-Nietzsche

Only in Boulder

I spent this weekend in Boulder for the HERA Climb 4 Life Event, a fundraiser for ovarian cancer. After Saturdays climbing, we were driving in Boulder when we passed a parade of 60 nude cyclists! Some were totally stark naked and others had painted skin. It was the craziest thing I have seen in a while...take a peek at this article.

://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jun/13/boulders-naked-bike-ride-saturday/