Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Intriguing Video
The recent outbreak of Cholera in Haiti reminded me of this video:
Makes you think. Doesn't it?
Via: Black Effiel
Solidarités International: Water talks from La Boite Concept on Vimeo.
Makes you think. Doesn't it?
Via: Black Effiel
Thursday, August 5, 2010
New School Year, New motivation to Exercise
I just had an appointment with my physiatrist (not to be confused with phycologist), who talked about the possibility of me maybe getting another set of botox injections in my achilles tendons, my hamstrings, and my hip flexors. Although, if I seem to become looser in the next few months I will not have to get botox. Brilliant! =)
So here's the plan:
1). Once a week a will go to my regularly scheduled Pilates session (maybe twice a week if i can a duet with one of my friends).
2). i will work out at the gym 2-3 times a week, in addition to my Pilates, using the treadmill and the elliptical machine.
3). I will wear my knee brace for a few hours a day and one of my splints each night.
4). I will stretch daily.
I think i found a new set of workout songs by Angus and Julia Stone. Their music is relaxing, simple, and beautiful! My three favorite songs of theirs: Paper Aeroplane, Mango Tree, and Big Jet Plane.
Here are my two questions, does anybody have a favorite brand of knee brace? Also, what are some of your favorite weight-bearing exercises?
So here's the plan:
1). Once a week a will go to my regularly scheduled Pilates session (maybe twice a week if i can a duet with one of my friends).
2). i will work out at the gym 2-3 times a week, in addition to my Pilates, using the treadmill and the elliptical machine.
3). I will wear my knee brace for a few hours a day and one of my splints each night.
4). I will stretch daily.
I think i found a new set of workout songs by Angus and Julia Stone. Their music is relaxing, simple, and beautiful! My three favorite songs of theirs: Paper Aeroplane, Mango Tree, and Big Jet Plane.
Here are my two questions, does anybody have a favorite brand of knee brace? Also, what are some of your favorite weight-bearing exercises?
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Summer Shoes Oh Ten
I wanted to share two pairs of shoes that I have been wearing this summer because shoe shopping can be quite tricky for someone with Cerebral Palsy!
1). Jambu Planet
Positive: Good all-around shoe, has good support, the straps are hidden when these shoes are worn with pants (personally my favorite pair of pants to wear with these shoes are dark-washed jeans).
Negative: I got blisters the first few times after wearing these. Maybe a half-size larger would eliminate the blister problem?
2). Teva Devi
Positive: Like a pair of flip-flops, but with ankle straps. Hallelujah! Finally, Teva made a pair of shoes that is both stylish and functional.
Negative: Not much support!
What's your favorite pair of shoes?
1). Jambu Planet
Positive: Good all-around shoe, has good support, the straps are hidden when these shoes are worn with pants (personally my favorite pair of pants to wear with these shoes are dark-washed jeans).
Negative: I got blisters the first few times after wearing these. Maybe a half-size larger would eliminate the blister problem?
2). Teva Devi
Positive: Like a pair of flip-flops, but with ankle straps. Hallelujah! Finally, Teva made a pair of shoes that is both stylish and functional.
Negative: Not much support!
What's your favorite pair of shoes?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Presentation
About a month ago, I gave a presentation to a group of about 20 teachers about how I think the school system has helped or hindered me, specifically with regards to my Cerebral Palsy. I wanted to share some of the most prominent parts of the whole experience:
1). I was both enlightened and amazed by the types of questions I was asked by these teachers. One of the most enlightening questions was, "I assume you took chemistry lab, did you ever have any accommodations when working in the lab?" At first, this question seemed slightly out of the blue, but then I realized that this teacher's question must have came from a personal experience. i soon learned that a colleague of this teacher had a student with Cerebral Palsy who had accommodations in chemistry lab. Honestly, I would have never have thought of giving someone with Cerebral Palsy accommodations during chemistry lab.
2). People don't understand that Cerebral Palsy runs from very mild to severe or that conditions like, intellectual disabilities are not caused by Cerebral Palsy, but are completely separate entities.
3). Teachers are trying to help students recognize and be proud of their personal differences, but (at least in my school county) teachers are not allowed to talk about the differences of a particular student in front of his or her class, or some other group of students.
At the presentation I handed out a flyer titled, "Attending School and Having Cerebral Palsy" The flyer included beneficial actions, which are, encouraging, asking, and adapting, and detrimental actions, which are, patronizing and assuming.
A fun acronym to remember these actions is "Don't PA, EAA." Other acronyms and insight is greatly appreciated!
1). I was both enlightened and amazed by the types of questions I was asked by these teachers. One of the most enlightening questions was, "I assume you took chemistry lab, did you ever have any accommodations when working in the lab?" At first, this question seemed slightly out of the blue, but then I realized that this teacher's question must have came from a personal experience. i soon learned that a colleague of this teacher had a student with Cerebral Palsy who had accommodations in chemistry lab. Honestly, I would have never have thought of giving someone with Cerebral Palsy accommodations during chemistry lab.
2). People don't understand that Cerebral Palsy runs from very mild to severe or that conditions like, intellectual disabilities are not caused by Cerebral Palsy, but are completely separate entities.
3). Teachers are trying to help students recognize and be proud of their personal differences, but (at least in my school county) teachers are not allowed to talk about the differences of a particular student in front of his or her class, or some other group of students.
At the presentation I handed out a flyer titled, "Attending School and Having Cerebral Palsy" The flyer included beneficial actions, which are, encouraging, asking, and adapting, and detrimental actions, which are, patronizing and assuming.
A fun acronym to remember these actions is "Don't PA, EAA." Other acronyms and insight is greatly appreciated!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Perspectives: Katie
This interview is between my cousin Katie and me. We are extremely close, so much so, that we are practically sisters. I thought her thoughts would offer an honest perspective on being close to someone with a disability.
Ann: What do you think of when you hear the term Cerebral Palsy?
Katie: I think of you because you are the only person I am close to who has Cerebral Palsy. I think of you as having the same mental capacity, but not the same physical capacity.
Ann: What is the most respectful term to use to describe someone who has Cerebral Palsy?
Katie: I just say that someone has Cerebral Palsy. I say someone has a disability because I know, firsthand, how people are sensitive because of you.
Ann: What do you think of using the term differently-abled to describe someone who has a physical disability?
Katie: I've never heard that term used before. I think it's okay if it doesn't insult someone, but if it does you shouldn't use it?
Ann: Have you ever seen me treated differently in public because of my disability?
Katie: No, but I've seen little kids and people stare.
Ann: What do you think is the typical stereotype for someone with a physical disability?
Katie: This is a deep one. I think that (i don't think necessarily) it is that they are not able to do things as quickly, or at all. This stereotype may carry over into people's perceptions of that person, thinking they may not be able to do things mentally as well, which is not true at all.
Ann: What do you think of the media's perceptions of disabilities?
Katie: The first thing I think of is Glee. They try to make the shows diverse. i don't think they necessarily look down on people with disabilities.
Ann: What do you think of when you hear the term Cerebral Palsy?
Katie: I think of you because you are the only person I am close to who has Cerebral Palsy. I think of you as having the same mental capacity, but not the same physical capacity.
Ann: What is the most respectful term to use to describe someone who has Cerebral Palsy?
Katie: I just say that someone has Cerebral Palsy. I say someone has a disability because I know, firsthand, how people are sensitive because of you.
Ann: What do you think of using the term differently-abled to describe someone who has a physical disability?
Katie: I've never heard that term used before. I think it's okay if it doesn't insult someone, but if it does you shouldn't use it?
Ann: Have you ever seen me treated differently in public because of my disability?
Katie: No, but I've seen little kids and people stare.
Ann: What do you think is the typical stereotype for someone with a physical disability?
Katie: This is a deep one. I think that (i don't think necessarily) it is that they are not able to do things as quickly, or at all. This stereotype may carry over into people's perceptions of that person, thinking they may not be able to do things mentally as well, which is not true at all.
Ann: What do you think of the media's perceptions of disabilities?
Katie: The first thing I think of is Glee. They try to make the shows diverse. i don't think they necessarily look down on people with disabilities.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Something to Ponder
I haven't blogged in such a long time! So here begins a resolution that I will start writing more frequently. On that note, I recently found a great quote by the Dalai Lama that I want to start saying when I wake up tomorrow morning:
"Everyday, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can."'
Happy Thanksgiving!
"Everyday, think as you wake up, ‘today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can."'
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Patagonia
Patagonia is having their summer sale, but it ends TODAY! I just ordered some great organic cotton tees, but they also have pants for great prices if you don't mind buying them, before trying them on. This is not a legit advertisement, and I am not getting paid to promote Patagonia, I promise! I just thought I would spread a little retail luck!
Monday, August 17, 2009
Being a Ballerina
In the past, I've talked about how I used to take ballet, but I've never mentioned how grateful I am that the studio never once hesitated to let me take classes because I have Cerebral Palsy.
Recently, I read this article, published three years ago that talks about a ballet class for girls with Cerebral Palsy and other conditions located in Queens, New York. This class was established by Joann Ferrara,a physical therapist, because ballet studios were refusing to let these girls with Cerebral Palsy join.
Learn more or sign up for classes at, Dancing Dreams, Ferrara's therapeutic non-profit dance studio here.
In 2007, Ferrara published a pre-school level book entitled Ballerina Dreams, which shares the story of five little girls, with Cerebral Palsy, pursuing their dreams of dancing Ballet. Find it here.
The original article, along with a short video, was published in the New York Times and can be found here.
The post featured on Parent Dish can be found here.
Recently, I read this article, published three years ago that talks about a ballet class for girls with Cerebral Palsy and other conditions located in Queens, New York. This class was established by Joann Ferrara,a physical therapist, because ballet studios were refusing to let these girls with Cerebral Palsy join.
Learn more or sign up for classes at, Dancing Dreams, Ferrara's therapeutic non-profit dance studio here.
In 2007, Ferrara published a pre-school level book entitled Ballerina Dreams, which shares the story of five little girls, with Cerebral Palsy, pursuing their dreams of dancing Ballet. Find it here.
The original article, along with a short video, was published in the New York Times and can be found here.
The post featured on Parent Dish can be found here.
Friday, August 14, 2009
The Saga of Mr. Mistoffelees Look-alike
This little fellow will be joining my family as of the 31st of this month.
He currently resides in Brooklyn New York,
which is a 5 or 6 hour drive from my house.
Why are we adopting a kitten from so far away?
Answer: because either of fate or coincidence.
A telephone conversation with my uncle
about adopting cats.
During the telephone conversation,
my uncle gets an email
from his co-worker,
which explains that this kitten
was found outside his co-worker's apartment
and has lived in the apartment for two weeks.
He is very sweet and adorable, but
they can't keep him because they already have
three cats.
Possible names for him:
Eliot Brooklyn
Tucker (Tux) Eliot
Tux for short because he is a tuxedo cat.
I'm so excited and name suggestions would be much appreciated!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Another Sweet Story
I just read this story in the Washington Post and in someways it reminds me of this book (cute, touching, and they are both about a delicious red strawberry).
Do you have any touching family stories that have been passed down through the generations?
Friday, June 12, 2009
NIH involved with Cerebral Palsy Awareness
The National Institute of Heath (NIH) has a number of Cerebral palsy resources and conducts a number of cerebral palsy related clinical trials every year. The various resources are extremely thorough and useful. I was especially happy when I came across a list of organizations, on the website, that support research and awareness of all things Cerebral Palsy.
1. The Cerebral Palsy international Research Foundation: Supports research for Cerebral Palsy and is currently selling "Hope Bracelets" to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy because 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the efforts CPIRF. I love the look of these bracelets and i think I'm tempted to get one for myself.
2. Pedal With Pete: Their mission is to " raise funds for research to improve the quality of life for persons with Cerebral Palsy. "
I hope these resources will be helpful to someone!
1. The Cerebral Palsy international Research Foundation: Supports research for Cerebral Palsy and is currently selling "Hope Bracelets" to raise awareness for Cerebral Palsy because 100% of the proceeds go to benefit the efforts CPIRF. I love the look of these bracelets and i think I'm tempted to get one for myself.
2. Pedal With Pete: Their mission is to " raise funds for research to improve the quality of life for persons with Cerebral Palsy. "
I hope these resources will be helpful to someone!
Delovely Day
I hope you all had and are having a great Friday! Someone used the word "delovely" in my yearbook (yay for the end of school=), so I thought it would be an appropriate post title.
Anyhoo, in celebration of this absolutely delovely day I think you should read this amazing story!
In an instant, it will warm your heart and bring you to tears.
I promise!
Anyhoo, in celebration of this absolutely delovely day I think you should read this amazing story!
In an instant, it will warm your heart and bring you to tears.
I promise!
Friday, June 5, 2009
What?
This is one of those days where I just learn or come across a ton of information, and it's absolutely mind boggling:
1. It may be hard for me to get health insurance, later in life, because my Cerebral Palsy is a "pre-existing" condition. This is a hard thing to hear, especially for a 16 year old with big dreams.
2. There's a website that tells whether it's its a good day for iced coffee, depending on what the weather is like where you live
When I typed in my zip code it said "NO," but I'm hoping that that answer will change in a couple of weeks!
3. One more excitingly strange website is one that helps track lost luggage in interesting ways...
Described here by Real Simple Magazine as:
"If you’ve ever lost a bag to the black hole of airline-checked luggage, you’ll appreciate this Website. The site’s host, Luna Baloo, buys unclaimed luggage at auctions, photographs the contents, and posts the pictures―dirty socks and all. You may not spot your lost stuff, but you’ll sure get a chuckle out of other people’s." -Real Simple Magazine
I have to admit it's fun looking at the pics. of other people's stuff, but if it were my own stuff i think I would have a completely different opinion!
1. It may be hard for me to get health insurance, later in life, because my Cerebral Palsy is a "pre-existing" condition. This is a hard thing to hear, especially for a 16 year old with big dreams.
2. There's a website that tells whether it's its a good day for iced coffee, depending on what the weather is like where you live
When I typed in my zip code it said "NO," but I'm hoping that that answer will change in a couple of weeks!
3. One more excitingly strange website is one that helps track lost luggage in interesting ways...
Described here by Real Simple Magazine as:
"If you’ve ever lost a bag to the black hole of airline-checked luggage, you’ll appreciate this Website. The site’s host, Luna Baloo, buys unclaimed luggage at auctions, photographs the contents, and posts the pictures―dirty socks and all. You may not spot your lost stuff, but you’ll sure get a chuckle out of other people’s." -Real Simple Magazine
I have to admit it's fun looking at the pics. of other people's stuff, but if it were my own stuff i think I would have a completely different opinion!
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Monty Python: Hilarious or Rude
Many of the walks in Monty Python's "Ministry of Silly Walks" resembles that of someone with Cerebral Palsy. I have yet to decide if this is downright rude or hilarious.
This article from the UK Comedy Guide talks about the presence of disability in comedy.
What do you think?
Is it okay to use disabilities in comedy?
Does this increase awareness of all kinds of disabilities or is it just plain rude?
This article from the UK Comedy Guide talks about the presence of disability in comedy.
What do you think?
Is it okay to use disabilities in comedy?
Does this increase awareness of all kinds of disabilities or is it just plain rude?
Parachute and Pillows
In a little less than 24 hours I have become obsessed with this new group name Parachute (no poem intended)! But Seriously, they are amazing and i especially like their song "She is Love." it is absolutely brilliant.
Also, i was just on Etsy and I saw these adorable floor cushions made by Tiny Decor. They are designed for nurseries and playrooms, but I like them more for my own room. Plus, I was thinking how great they would be for physical therapy and/or back support.
Also, i was just on Etsy and I saw these adorable floor cushions made by Tiny Decor. They are designed for nurseries and playrooms, but I like them more for my own room. Plus, I was thinking how great they would be for physical therapy and/or back support.
Two Great Resources
These are two great resources that have been and continue to be very beneficial programs to people with Cerebral Palsy living in the Washington, D.C. area:
1. Cerebral Palsy Ability Center: Located in Chantilly, VA, CPAC provides therapeutic and educational support to kids living with Cerebral Palsy. Click here to visit their website, so you can read their mission statement, look at pictures, and find out about the various activities offered throughout the year.
2. Lift Me Up: Lift Me Up, located in Great Falls VA, provides the chance for children and adults with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities to improve the well-being through riding horses and interacting with the very compassionate staff. The website can be located by clicking here. You can also meet the horses by clicking here. I participated in Lift Me Up, for a couple of years, starting when i was six and I absolutely loved it!
Share your thoughts?
Do have any equally as great resources for people living with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities in your area?
1. Cerebral Palsy Ability Center: Located in Chantilly, VA, CPAC provides therapeutic and educational support to kids living with Cerebral Palsy. Click here to visit their website, so you can read their mission statement, look at pictures, and find out about the various activities offered throughout the year.
2. Lift Me Up: Lift Me Up, located in Great Falls VA, provides the chance for children and adults with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities to improve the well-being through riding horses and interacting with the very compassionate staff. The website can be located by clicking here. You can also meet the horses by clicking here. I participated in Lift Me Up, for a couple of years, starting when i was six and I absolutely loved it!
Share your thoughts?
Do have any equally as great resources for people living with mental, physical, or emotional disabilities in your area?
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Awesome Blogs
The sidebar on the right has a list of awesome blogs with writings on everything from Cerebral Palsy to recipes from my favorite vacation spot: Ocracoke Island in North Carolina. I suggest you check them out if you want some great reads and inspiration (Just remember to click on the bold title, not the smaller post title because if you don't do that you won't be able to view the entire blog).
Enjoy! ------------>
(The arrow is to remind you that the blog list is on the right, or maybe it is just fun to make arrows on the keyboard)!
Enjoy! ------------>
(The arrow is to remind you that the blog list is on the right, or maybe it is just fun to make arrows on the keyboard)!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Passports and Postage Stamps
I haven't written on this blog for almost a month and that makes me sad. Hopefully, with summer coming, I will be able to write posts more frequently! My mind is filled with thoughts of summer vacation, so the next couple of post may be less related or not at all related to Cerebral Palsy. Anyways, about summer, I am preparing for a trip to the Dominican Republic this summer....
so I recently had to renew my passport. Oh, how I love the bureaucracy! Waiting in a line, feeling like my feet are about to fall off, with not a chair in sight, on a perfectly beautiful Friday afternoon was less than ideal.
Posted on the wall was an article stating "This Post Office Rated Best in County." Oh, the irony! The "clerk," affectionately called the passport making lady said she closed at 4 PM and it was quarter of 4, with six people in front of me (and my family). As I was standing there I thought, "Hey, let's go look at some cool stamps!" Sadly the cool stamps were behind the tall counter and are impossible to see for someone that's both vertically and visually challenged. So, I resulted to looking at the "uber cool" flag and liberty bell stamps.
As you can believe this wasn't that exciting because I can go home, open a drawer, and look at all the liberty and flag stamps that I want. Sigh, if only the machine had had these beautiful stamps. Finally, we (my family and I) were called up to the "clerk's" "desk" (i.e. card table), my picture had to be retaken because the background was too dark, and my picture looks like I'm a deranged clown.
Share your thoughts!
What are your summer plans?
Do you know of any great camps for kids with special needs?
Have you been to the Dominican Republic?
What's your best/worst experience with the bureaucracy?
so I recently had to renew my passport. Oh, how I love the bureaucracy! Waiting in a line, feeling like my feet are about to fall off, with not a chair in sight, on a perfectly beautiful Friday afternoon was less than ideal.
Posted on the wall was an article stating "This Post Office Rated Best in County." Oh, the irony! The "clerk," affectionately called the passport making lady said she closed at 4 PM and it was quarter of 4, with six people in front of me (and my family). As I was standing there I thought, "Hey, let's go look at some cool stamps!" Sadly the cool stamps were behind the tall counter and are impossible to see for someone that's both vertically and visually challenged. So, I resulted to looking at the "uber cool" flag and liberty bell stamps.
As you can believe this wasn't that exciting because I can go home, open a drawer, and look at all the liberty and flag stamps that I want. Sigh, if only the machine had had these beautiful stamps. Finally, we (my family and I) were called up to the "clerk's" "desk" (i.e. card table), my picture had to be retaken because the background was too dark, and my picture looks like I'm a deranged clown.
Share your thoughts!
What are your summer plans?
Do you know of any great camps for kids with special needs?
Have you been to the Dominican Republic?
What's your best/worst experience with the bureaucracy?
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