Life With a New Puppy

Okay~

If it this isn't love at first sight; I don't know what is. Granted, just a moment before this picture was taken Holly Joy was licking my face. Now that would have been the perfect picture. But as I've learned life with a puppy is far from perfect

But I wouldn't change it for the world..

It's hard to believe that just a few weeks ago we brought this little girl home and she's already become such a integral part of our world.The first few weeks were hard:Both of us had some adjusting to do.Holly had to adjust to being in a new home without her brothers and sisters and we had to adjust to the puppy potty schedule. Thankfully, I had mom to help with that.Otherwise, I don't know what I would do.

From the most part, Holly stays with me in my room. In the beginning, though, she woke up 2 to 3 times a night in order to go to the bathroom. What a wonderful wake-up call that was. Now she last until 6: 30 a.m. in the morning. She sleeps in a crate on a chair right next to my bed.

 If I wouldn't have read that puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours a day, I would not have believed it. But they do. Sleep plays a valuable role in a puppy's routine otherwise the can regress into biting or nipping. Her routine is something like the following:

6:30 AM- Holly wake up
6:45 AM Bathroom
7 AM- Breakfast
7:30 a.m.-another bathroom break
8 AM-morning play
8:30 AM- 9:30 AM- Morning nap
9:30 AM- Bathroom
10 AM - mid- morning play
10:30 a.m. another nap
12 PM- bathroom before lunch
12:30 p.m. Lunch
12:45 p.m.-another bathroom break
1:00 p.m.- playtime
1:30 p.m-Bathroom/naptime
5:30 p.m-Bathroom
6 PM-Dinner
6:45 PM- bathroom
And so on and so forth into 10- 10:30 PM when I go to bed

During most naps, she can be found on my couch in the living or in the crate. She just loves being around people. Her favorite spot seems to be in mom's lap on the couch in front of the fire while we are watching TV together.

In the midst of Holly's arrival, I have also been interviewing and vetting possible PAs to give my parents a break during the day. Thankfully we did not have to look very far; I have hired a daytime caregiver to work during the week. Since the basement is not finished, however, she only works part-time. Most of my days are spent in the front room watching TV or playing cards with her. I made sure that Mia was comfortable around pets and capable and okay with dealing with Holly as needed. She has picked right up offering to walk her and take her out. In my mind, that is going above and beyond all the call of duty.

All in all, things are going well. Holly has yet to get used to my wheelchair. However, I have gone with my mom on several walks to get her more accustomed to the power chair. Puppy training starts March 21, so that should help. I will keep you guys updated on her progress.

Holly's proud mom

Debbie 

First post of 2020

 Welcome Back Everyone~

Wow, it’s hard to believe this is my first post of the year 2020; honestly, I had planned to post before this posting or YouTubing views of my apartment downstairs. Obviously, it’s not in the cards right now. Despite all this uncertainty, was determined to make this year of dreams; to further my cause, I have joined Bethany Hamilton’s Unstoppable Year online course. Each month of the year focuses on a different topic; -for example January focused on being present and not becoming bogged down with things on social media. She not only shares her opinion on each topic, but opens up the conversation to friends of hers that have experience of some kind with this..

I’ll be honest, I’m only on the third month because I t have been busy and distracted by other things (which I will go into later on.) Hopefully things will slow down and I will be able catch up... But this online course is pretty much self-paced and you can watch the videos at your own leisure (rewatch them even.) Depending on how you choose to pay, each course will be available in month after you pay the first month of $9.99- or 1-time payment of $99 for the whole year.

And as many of you know, I have been wanting to add a puppy to my family for a long time now. Well, it is finally happening. I know we had wanted her to come after the basement was built, but I just couldn't wait. I mean I've been waiting 20 years already. So I put a deposit down in faith for a litter in Virginia Beach. The litter didn't end up happening and I was offered a pick in the next group of puppies. After my mom opened up about her concern about puppy size, we did some more research and came upon Gorgeous Goldendoddles. Not only did the fact they had medium size puppies available do it for us , But they also shared their faith on the website.As a result, we proceeded with them and recently went down to see the puppies in person. They were all so cute; it was hard to make a decision. In the end, here were my top three picks

Aspen Holly and Noelle (from left to right)

I liked Aspen because of its unique white socks and Noelle because of her bright blonde color. In the end, Holly's name just stuck with me (I really don't know why) but she seemed the most calm of the bunch .Anyway, barring any complications at the vet today, she will be ours February 12.I still can't believe it; I guess I'm still in shock that it's actually happening . I know the puppy months will be tough but I will get a long-term friend this; we also hope to train her to do some assistance dog skills as well.

As if that's not enough, I have also been trying to finish my Christian section book and get it ready for a literary agent . Please pray that I remain focused amidst our new family member and remember I am representing

Joni's 70th Birthday Celebration-"Narrow view vs wide view " lens

Dear Readers-

If you’ve read my blogs in the past, I have mentioned Joni Eareckson Tada many times greatest activism with the disabled community. Despite breaking her neck and becoming paralyzed in the early 60s, she remains solid in her faith and has become a mentor to many, including myself. After celebrating her 70^th birthday, she posted this video explaining the difference between a narrow view of life and the wide angle lens that God has. If I’m being honest I struggle with changing lenses on my perspective on a daily basis. I needed this video. Thank you, Joni. I can only hope to be such an example in the future.

All Moved In

Dear readers~

It’s hard to believe it’s literally been a month since my last post on here; it feels like so much longer. But we did it- in a matter of weeks, we packed all our stuff and moved to another county. It feels so much longer though when you are living through it. But we made it. We’ve had our share of difficulties during the first few days. For example, I had to get around the house for the first week or so. Mind you, the owner said he would have one of his builders as soon as possible. I’m usually patient and understanding- after all, other stuff had to be finished before everything was finalized; but for those that have spent time in old wheelchairs, you get me... (Your body is squashed into a seat that no longer fits your stature and you feel short; for a couple of days, it’s okay. But a week is pushing it). After waiting a couple of days, my mom and dad were able to make a makeshift ramp and get my regular one in here. It didn’t help matters that the batteries in my chair aren’t holding power like they should. But they were able to get it up here safely.

          Stuck in the house a few days after this, the carpenter came along and I was finally able to get outside. I will say the ramp is nice and well worth the wait. We wait anxiously for our driveway to be paved on Monday and then my basement apartment to begin soon after. We continue to work with the homebuilder as we feel he has gone above and beyond in trying to work with us- price wise and accessibility wise.

          In the meantime, I am getting used to my temporary digs (formerly known as the family room). Except for the fact I am occasionally awoken by light streaming through the top of my windows, it’s nice^ I have my primary electronics up and running (my Amazon devices, Comcast TV and harmony hub). For a while, I didn’t miss a beat getting back into my writing routine. But now I’m stuck again. Anyway, it’s quite easy just driving out for family dinners at the kitchen table.

          Stress and close quarters continue to remain a factor as we are still in a state of transition and decisions still, need to be made (granted these are the fun ones- color and style of my basement area. But I continue to try and remain focused on my faith in this time as I can’t help but feel lonely and disconnected. I can’t quite explain it myself- everything happening in my life is good but something is still missing. Anyway, I’m staying close to God in this time holding onto Girl Defined Crossword for TRUST:

T-Turn your eyes upon him

R-Remember what He has done

U-Uplift

S-Surrender (give your cares to Jesus)

T-Be thankful

Philadelphia adventures; moving chaos

Dear Readers,

I can’t believe it’s been a month since I’ve written on this blog and more since I’ve updated my YouTube channel. Actually I can. But to me, time seems to be going extremely slowly. Let me explain. After I returned from the Christian Writers conference in Philadelphia, I was ecstatic and on fire to finish my book. I'd spend my days writing nonstop-rarely stopping to read or update my Facebook. Believe me, that’s quite a feat considering I have a tendency to write on it at leastI did once a day. It’s a wonder, my friends didn’t private message me about my whereabouts. But now you know. I’m trying to remember whether I updated you guys as to my project.

In short, they liked my idea of having a disabled character center stage and thought I could give it a unique voice, considering my situation. They just encouraged me to keep writing and think about getting an agent. They said my writing seemed strong enough. We even met one at the conference interested in reviewing my work.  But that was put on hold because of our upcoming move.

Before our adventures at the conference, we had been in the process of finding a home in which my parents could downsize and still keep my special needs in mind. After months of searching and putting our house on the market, we finally found one and are in the process of boxing our stuff to move. We have to be out of here soon and I feel bad I can’t help.

We're all stressed around here and it's showing itself in different ways. Dad's getting migraines (which he's never experienced), mom's back hurts her because of all the packing, me-, I can't write. Severe writers block.

The next few weeks are going to be complete chaos. Hotels, movers, etc.

Since my basement will not be done for at least a month, I will be living stairs. The change will be a bit to get used to. But at least I can be upstairs for Dinners for a while. Oh, I am not looking forward to having to rehire aides in that area. That's going to be fun. On the bright side, maybe some of them will be willing to take Medicaid so we don't have to pay cash. Although, this new timesheet system..

Anyway, I'm sorry my writing is not as eloquent as usual. You can tell I'm a little frustrated. Change is always difficult for anyone

Hopefully, I will be able to show you some pictures in my next post

Prayers would be appreciated

Debbie

THE UPSIDE Official Trailer (2019) Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston Movie HD

Welcome Back Readers~



On the heels of 2016's controversial hit based on JoJo Moyes book Me Before You comes a more lighthearted company about the power of friendship to change anybody's life. This film, which stars Kevin Hart and Bryan Cranston is loosely based on the Toronto film, which was nominated for the best foreign film during the Oscars at one time. Kevin is an ex-con looking for his second chance in work and in life when he crosses paths with a paralyzed author in need of a caregiver. He is not the most qualified for the job, but because Philip is at his wits with life in a wheelchair, he does not care. As the line between caregiver and friendship blurs, the two learn much from each other.



For Dell, Philip provides a respectable job. He looks beyond the "ex-con" and sees the person. He sees a man looking to restore his relationship with his son and girlfriend who he has failed time and time again. For Philip, Dell seems like an easy solution to his "DNR problem" because he doesn't really care. But as he shows Philip how fun life can be, that becomes less and less of an issue. Dell, like Philip, is able to look beyond the physical and see the person inside. He helps Philp come to grips with his wife's death as well as the implications of his disability.

1. Disability has no impact on a person's manhood/womanhood
2. Don't allow one rejection impact the way you relate to other people (relationships/friendships)
3. Don't allow your disability/accident to push you into giving up your passions in life
4. God has placed people in your life for a reason. Try to learn something from them!!

The 2019 remake is rated PG 13- for some strong language and sexual references as well as brief drug usage- all of which, I think could have been done without. Despite this, the film is highly relatable and shows what quadriplegics go through on a daily basis. Living in a world full of misconceptions, it is often hard for me to open up and show my true self because often I have to deal with stereotypes on a daily basis.

For more information on the movie, please go to:

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-upside-2019

https://www.facebook.com/TheUpsideFilm/

https://www.theupside.movie/

Camp Echoing Hills

Welcome Back Readers ~

My dad always tells me how blessed I should be living in the technological age that I am, and having a disability. And I come to believe that more now than ever. You see, today I watched Thriving With Cerebral Palsy:The Cordell Brown Story. This documentary tells the story of Cordell Brown and the difficulties he had growing up with a disability. Despite having parents that instilled a "can-do" attitude within him, Cordell still struggled to accept his disability on a daily basis. That is until he found Jesus. With his newfound faith, he tried his best to integrate himself into "normal" society with little success- because of the stereotypes that people had of CP at the time. Until a friend named Bob allowed him to volunteer as a driver for his Bible camp; from there he worked his way up into higher level jobs in the camp. It was during his work at the camp that Bob mentioned the idea of starting a  camp for people with disabilities on his family land. As always, his parents were supportive. It was then that Camp Echoing Hills was born..

For more information on Cordell's story or Echoing Hills, please go to:

https://www.ehvi.org/

https://www.facebook.com/echoinghills/

https://www.coshoctontribune.com/story/news/local/2017/07/20/camp-echoing-hills-50-years-serving-developmentally-disabled-clients/468293001/