Jessi's Purple Pad 607

DREAM BIG

2012-01-27T19:23:00.001-08:00

Just afew short years ago after a relationship went from bad to worst like everyyoung woman I was beginning to think that the whole relationship thing wasn’tfor me. In fact I was quite comfortable being single, that was until I metRyan.
I’m not writing this to tell you about our relationship but remind youthat it is ok to dream. Whether you are 9 or 92, we all should dream. It is what makes life exciting. I have learned that not every dreamcomes true but unless you try to put it out to the universe nothing willhappen.
This is a story that I tell almost every time I work with afamily. It goes like this: Many years ago a girl named Judith Snowwas having a meeting to plan for her future and knowing that she really onlyhad the use of one finger. They said "what do you dream of becoming someday?" She replied, "I want to become a truck driver." Instead of her parentssaying no you can’t do that they said "ok Judith what is it about being a truckdriver that you think you would enjoy doing?" She said "I want to make adifference in the world. I want to deliver goods to people. I wantto feel in charge."
As a result of that meeting she is now a worldwidespeaker traveling around making a difference, and she is in charge of her ownschedule and personal assistants. Yes she is not literally driving atruck but she is doing what she wants to do, just in a different way.
So the next time you really want something to happen be patient and dream BIG. You never know what will happen.

Jess

Home Sweet Home

2011-12-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

Even though October and November was filled with amazing events including: being part of a physically integrated dance panel discussion, having a cake made by the “Cake Boss” for my birthday, seeing my favorite physically integrated dance group AXIS Dance Company, and a family a trip with my mom and Grandma also known as Chi Chi to Milwaukee. It was a very difficult time for both me and my family because we didn’t have consistent evening staff, which meant I was going to my parents just about every other day. I felt like a person who is always traveling for business, only in my case I often didn’t know when I would be traveling until hours before.
I love my family, and my family loves me, but it was during this time that I realized the importance of consistency in my life. Also this period of time was a great example of how quickly your life situation can change at the drop of a hat.
As 2011 comes to a close I am grateful that I have a family that is always there for me and that I can once again live in the purple pad the way I want to.
May your home be filled with lots of warmth, joy and love this holiday season.
-Jessi

Unexpected

2011-11-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

This year I am thankful for something that I never thought I would be thankful for. That is my disabilities. Yes, I said my disabilities. When I was born my parents could have said "this isn't for me” but instead of that, they decided to take the challenge on and I am so greatful they did.

If I did not have disabilities I probably would not have any idea what physically integrated dance was, let alone have the opportunity to do it, and speak about it on TV like I did this month. http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/disability_issues&id=8435701 If I didn't have disabilities, I probably wouldn't be working with students on disability and social justice issues or have the opportunity to work one on one with families to better the lives of people with disabilities.
By having disabilities I am able to teach people about patience and acceptance. My situation has taught me to always take my time, and that there is almost always another way to do what you want to do in life. As my friends Mike and Tim say, "Improvise, Adapt and Overcome."

Happy Thanksgiving from my home to yours.

Jessi

Ps. My little boy turned 1 on November 16th

Journey to the past

2011-10-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

Just as the colors of the leaves started to change two of my assistants had to leave but I am not going to dwell on that because I now know it comes with the territory and life can always be worse. I had a wonderful opportunity to speak to an organization that used to help me when I was little. I felt really greatful and honored to be able to have this experience because when I speak in front of large groups I am hopefully helping families see that with the right supports almost anything can be done! Here is the speach.

Hello, my name is Jessica Martin.

[PAUSE]

As you know Lekotek makes the world of play accessible to children with disabilities by providing adaptive books, toys, and computer equipment.

[PAUSE]

My family and I participated in Compuplay in 1990, when I was 4 years old, where we could play together as a family and with other children with toys and computer equipment.

[PAUSE]

During one of these play sessions I was asked to be part of the video you just saw being produced by Lekotec explaining their mission.

[PAUSE]

When I was asked what I liked best about Lekotec, I said “I like the computer because it talks to me.”

[PAUSE]

I credit Lekotec for propelling me to strive to achieve my fullest potential- because it focused on what I could do.

[PAUSE]

Little did I know how helpful this tool would be later in my life.

[PAUSE]

Because I have focal dystonia in my eyes, a movement disorder due to my cerebral palsy, I often lose my place while reading.

[PAUSE]

Tonight I am going to talk about my boyfriend “Alex” and some of the adaptive software that has helped me become more independent over the years.

[PAUSE]

Having a computer with the ability to talk to me, a feature that I thought was merely “cool” when I was a 4 year old girl, became indispensable to me as an adult.

[PAUSE]
Not only is it “still cool”, but it is now a key to my independence!

[PAUSE]

Now that I am working and living on my own, I mostly use co-writer.

[PAUSE]

It helps me to type emails, to communicate via Facebook, and maintain a blog like any other young adult.

[PAUSE]

For example, the other day I was on Facebook and I said to myself

[PAUSE] “This looks interesting” [PAUSE] but I couldn’t really read it.

[PAUSE]

So I asked “Alex” to read it to me.

[PAUSE]

The article on Facebook mentioned courses I could take so that I could become a certified Life Coach.

[PAUSE]

I was so grateful that my computer could read it to me because I am really interested in getting my certification as a Life Coach. [PAUSE]

Being able to read about Life Coaching programs and other programs online

[PAUSE] ultimately will open new doors for me [PAUSE]-whether it be more education or a new career.

[PAUSE]

I am forever blessed to have different types of technology in my life

[PAUSE]

because without them, I would not be able to communicate efficiently with my friends who use communication devices.

[PAUSE]

I want to help people who use communication devices because I believe everyone should be heard!

[PAUSE-closing]

Finally, I have to thank “My boyfriend Alex” the voice on my computer who makes it talk to me and never lets me down!

[PAUSE]

Without him I wouldn’t be able to communicate with the world and have my independence.

[PAUSE]

As you can tell I still like my computer because it talks to me and I thank Lecotec for allowing me to experience the world of play and for the opportunity to speak in front of you tonight.

With all of my gratitude and a very fun Halloween!

-Jessi

The Visitor

2011-09-18T12:10:00.001-07:00

I couldn’t let this month go buy without talking about my visitor. She is way more then a visitor. She is like a big sister to me. We don’t get to see each other that often because she lives in Champaign but when we are together it is like no time has passed.
We laughed until our stomachs hurt and ate lots of junk food. My assistants were really good about making sure both Paula and I had a weekend to remember. They were fantastic about helping both of us when we needed it as well as giving us private time together and that means the world to me.
Over the weekend we went to Comedy Sportz and the body exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry. We had a blast at both of these places but we both agreed by the end of the weekend that we would have had fun wherever we went. This was the second year that Paula came to visit me and we can’t wait until next year.
Missing you already,
-Jessi

March on for Michael

2011-09-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that as of September 1, 2011 I have been living in the purple pad for three years! When I told my assistant Mina this she said "Easy to say, but hard to accomplish." She couldn't have been more right. I often talk to my friends that also have assistants and we say having an assistant is like having a full time job, but well worth it. There is one person that won't be able to share in this milestone with me in his physical form, but I know he is still there for me. He helped me through the first two years of living on my own and I am so proud to have known such a wise and inspirational person. That is Michael. However, I know he would want me to remember the good times rather than dwell on him not being here. So therefore I'm marching on for him. Since this post is the "Anniversary Post" I have decided to break it up into three parts, Life at the Purple Pad, Work and Play.

Life at the Purple Pad...

This past week has been a bit crazy, thank you to Rebecca, Brenda and my parents for pitching in at the last minute. Though it's been like a game of hot potato with me, I've come to realize that it comes with the territory. Unfortunately it won't end until Tuesday night. I'm happy to say everyone is o.k. now. I often tell my parents for the most part as long as I have a roof over my head and something to eat I don't care where I sleep. Even though everyone wants to be in their own home Teddyhas become very aggressive over the past few weeks, we've been doing some serious training with him. I think he's in his terrible two's, if there is such a thing for dogs. Oh yeah, he's not even one yet! Right now I like my assistants, everyday is not perfect but the gifts and talents that they have in their own way makes my life complete.

Work...

I am still continuing to work with the Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives and every time I work for them the job continues to be more and more rewarding. I am also starting to work with my mom on the program that originated in Canada. I talked about it in a previous post. I'm so excited to be working in a school and making a difference in childrens' lives. I'm also looking forward to having the opportunity to put my skills from my human services degree to use by running a group. In an extra added bonus, the teacher advisor co-running the group with me has a huge Pez collection all over her classroom. It was meant to be!

Play...

I'm loving my experiences at Toastmasters and was even asked to be Lekotek's main speaker for their fundraiser on October 21st. Now some of you might be thinking, what is Lekotek? It helps families with a child or children with special needs learn fun, creative, and helpful ways to play together. I was involved in this program at a very young age. It's helped me throughout the years to become more efficient on the computer. If you would like more information on the event please let me know. I'm also very thrilled, my dance program has started up again! We are doing amazing things and I'm having the chance to dance in and out of my chair, I love going there because there is no judgment. Everyone is accepted for who they are and they are a gift to the piece of work in their own way. We are a family in the way that no one could do it without the other one. Our gift of collaboration and a commitment has made this program so successful. I can't wait to see what will come of it in the next few months, since it was so fantastic this month I see nothing but more positive energy.

So, on that note I'm marching on for Michael.

Jess

Letter From Teddy

2011-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! For this post I have decided to take a backseat and let Teddy do the talking. Ruff! Or Hi! My Name is Teddy, The unofficial service dog. I have been living with Jess in the purple pad and my wonderful friends which she calls 'assistants', but we are both at a loss. I can't get the process of walking down. Whenever I see a car or a person who I am not used to, I get nervous. I know I am not supposed to look like a person, but I act like a person by standing on my legs. It's all that I know. I don't know what to do. Jess told me that her friend Paula is coming in for the weekend. I hope I'm not scared of her and start acting like a person because I really don't want to do it. Please help us. She says that you guys are very helpful to us. Thanks again!

Ruff!

Teddy and Jess.

P.S. Next month she plans to tell you about her next speaking engagement weekend with Paula and upcoming plans for her education and work. Stay tuned.

Say Cheese!

2011-07-18T21:12:00.001-07:00

Last month I talked about “flying” to your best potential and living life in balance. And Scott Crane a friend of mine was the epitome of this. He unfortunately lost his life to a rare form of muscular dystrophy. However his memory and philosophy of life will always be in the people he touched. Here is a quote from him, "I am planning on trading in my body for a newer pain free model. I am keeping my original face and heart. When some things are that perfect there is no need to improve them…I want to keep my disease [as well], I do not even mind having that. It is a HUGE part of what has made me the kind, compassionate, sensitive, selfless, and helpful person that I am." He also would end his emails with “spread smiles.” Like Scott said, I have been spreading smiles by working on a project with my mom that originated in Canada we want to help educate junior high and hopefully high school students about disability and social justice. The idea is to have them work on something related to disabilities weather it be a poem, song, or plays and bring it out into the community. I have always wanted to work in a school setting and this is once again following one of my dreams. I also have been working on setting up a book club for people with communication difficulties because I believe everyone deserves the right to say what’s on their mind.
The disability pride parade is just around the corner. My dancers and I are really excited! It is on July 23rd and we would love to see you there. If you can’t make it then don’t worry because it will also be performed at the studio where I dance on July 29th and 30th. I am overjoyed because I just found out today that my piece is the opening number for the show. I am speechless. In terms of smiles and happiness this is in a league of its own.
I have been feeling very fortunate lately in addition to my dance, two of the young adults that I work with are now happily living on their own with supports. The fact that I am not only living on my own but helping others to do the same makes me feel wonderful.
As you can see I am extremely happy. My new assistants are amazing and everything is great but I would love it if you can help me with something. You see with only three months until my birth day I would really appreciate if you could do one of three things one tell your family and friends about keep on keeping on and what they do, , volunteer for them or donate money to them any amount will do. Let’s make a difference and spread a smile or two.
Say cheese!
Jessi

Behave like a butterfly

2011-06-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a snap shot. For those of you who don’t know that is when I want to include something in the post but don’t have a place to put it. At the bottom of the post I have put three speeches for your reading pleasure. The first one is my speech from the keep on keeping on awards night and the last two are my speeches from Toastmasters the first one focuses on getting comfortable speaking in front of a group and the second one witch I haven’t given yet, focuses on organization. I would appreciate any feedback. Also starting in July my blog will have a facebook page. Thank you Kristin for the idea.

As Oprah, Glee, Gray’s Anatomy and Extreme Makeover home Addition ended so did my time with Tonya. After lots of interviews we thought we had “the cat in the bag” with three new assistants but once we had the training two of the three decided this job wasn’t for them. At first I was very discouraged but I was not willing to give up and thought there is a reason for everything. Thank you to mom, Mina and some of our friends for helping us through this process together we are a force to be reckoned with. In a few short days we found one more very outgoing and enthusiastic young woman however, the two new people cannot start right away so my parents, Mina and Lindsy have agreed to take on other shifts for a little while. You all are the best. Until we had enough assistants even though I was optimistic I was concerned about how I was to going continue to live on my own. Then one night as I was thinking about life I looked at my bathroom shower curtain filled with butterflies. It was then that I realized that we need to behave more like butterflies. What do I mean by this, I mean that just like butterflies we need to stop flying for a while, sit on a flower and enjoy what is. A lot of times we are always searching for the newest car or the newest TV and we don’t take enough time to enjoy what we do have in life. On the other hand if we have a problem in life we often settle for what is instead of fixing the problem and having assistants helping me every day has help me overcome these issues. I am learning that I cannot take them for granted but if there is a problem with one of them I should try to fix it instead of just complaining about the situation. I am not saying that you should not dream rather to work on finding a balance between the two. I am actually working on two dreams right now which I will talk about in my next post.

Keep flying!

-Jessi

It takes a village to get things done even in 2011.

After months of bringing my dad’s handy man over to both my apartment and my parent’s house we were starting to get annoyed because my chair kept breaking down. This went on for quite some time.

Then when we realized that the situation wasn’t going to get any better, we called the insurance company and they said they would pay for a new power chair but not the kind of chair that I had before that would stand and tilt. It is extremely important for me to move like this in order to stay loose and not need surgery. Wouldn’t you?!?!? So my mom said, “Why don’t you contact Tim and Keep On Keeping on and see if they can help you.”

I was so excited that Tim was on board. We began fundraising immediately. Little by little donations started coming. Then when it was holiday time and my chair wasn’t here yet Tim asked me if I wanted to be in the Santa Cause 6 Auction. It was a lot of fun and I got auctioned for a ton of money for my chair.

On January 30th my version of Extreme Home Makeover came to my house. Tim and Dave showed up with a life-sized check for $10,000 which was the full amount of money I needed for my new wheelchair. I was in total disbelief because I was unaware that an anonymous donor had written a check for the balance of my goal. I would not have gotten this great new wheelchair that meets my needs without the support of KOKO, my family and friends. I have heard that lots of people with disabilities are afraid to reach out to their community and organizations like KOKO for help and support, but it never hurts to try.

I am forever grateful to all my little angels who wanted to see me keep rolling. Whatever your obstacles in life, believe in your goals and dreams, never give up and Keep on Keeping On!

Hello fellow Toastmasters and guests.

Tonight I will tell you about me –

1) My daily challenges;

2) My life philosophy;

3) My passion; and

4) What I love to do in my spare time.

I have cerebral palsy, which
affects all four of my limbs.

The uncontrolled and involuntary movement
that I have in my hands, arms, feet and eyes – coupled with tight muscles –
makes it hard for me to do everyday tasks like dressing or fixing a meal.

So I have assistants who dress me,
cook for me and drive my van.

I am very fortunate to have family and friends who always “have my back”.

Without the combination of my
family, friends and assistants,
I would not be able to get through the day.

I believe that there’s a reason for everything in life, and even though everyday is not perfect, it is the gift of a challenge that keeps me going.

My life philosophy is best summarized
in the words of the famous UCLA basketball
coach John Wooden. He said:

Don't let what you can’t do
interfere with what you can do.

When I decided to get a Human Services degree from Oakton Community College,
I didn’t let anything get in my way of
achieving it!

Likewise I won’t let anything get in my way to achieving a Toastmasters CC award, no matter how long it takes me!

I am really passionate about helping others who have difficulty communicating
or who use communication devices.

Everyone deserves the right to
say what’s on their mind.

I also love physically integrated dance or PID. PID is when dancers, with and without disabilities, dance together.

I love it because when I dance I feel free of my wheelchair
and not disabled
if only for a few moments.

---- ----

Tonight I introduced you to me.

I talked about

1) My daily challenges;

2) My philosophy to never let anything get in my way from achieving my goals;

3) My passion to help others to communicate;

4) and finally my love for
Physically Integrated Dance.
In my future speeches I'll expand on each
subject I briefly mentioned tonight, and reveal more about me.

Mr. /Madame Toastmaster,
fellow Toastmasters, and Guests.

------

How many of you are curious how I live
each day?

<PAUSE, look at Audience>

Tonight I’m going to talk about the plethora of adaptive technology I use every day.

-----

I feel very blessed to live during a time when such technology is at my finger tips.

--------

Not only is it fun to use,
but it gives me independence!

--------

It’s what makes living with Cerebral Palsy
NO BIG DEAL to me!

<Pause – begin Body>

As a person living with Cerebral Palsy,
I have 3 main challenges:

1) Limited Mobility;

2) Limited Dexterity;

3) And Limited Vision.

------

From the moment I wake up in the
morning I am completely dependent on
my power wheelchair for mobility.

-------

It has head lights, tail lights, and costs $47,000 – <PAUSE>
as much as a Mercedes Benz.

-------

Best of all, its fun to drive -- <PAUSE>
and I don’t need a driver’s license. <SMILE>

-------

Before I had my high-tech wheelchair,
I was completely dependent on
my assistants for changing my position.

------

Now with a push of a button I can
stand up, tilt back, recline,
rise up to reach something
and stretch my feet
<PAUSE> – all by myself. <SMILE>

-----

<PAUSE>

Once I’m placed in my wheelchair,
and my cell phone is attached to it,
I’m ready to start my day.

-----

My cell phone is my lifeline to the world.
Is yours? <PAUSE and SMILE>

----

Because I have limited dexterity in my fingers I need a phone with 3 features.

----

1) First, a cover that slides open rather
than flips open, because
it’s easier for me to use.

-----

2) Second, a large screen because
it’s easier for me to see.

-----

3) Third, easy-to-press buttons. <PAUSE>

<PAUSE- shifting subjects>

Like any young adult I communicate
through e-mail and Facebook.

----

But, because I can only use one finger,

<Pause, hold up left finger>

Typing is very time consuming for me.

---

Luckily I have adaptive technology
to help overcome
my limited dexterity, and
my limited vision.

-----

To help me communicate better through
e-mail and Facebook,
my Apple laptop is set up with:

1) A trackball mouse;

2) Oversize icons and cursor;

3) Oversize letter stickers on all keys;

4) And adaptive software that
helps me to read as well as to write.

----

---
----

----

· To compose an email,
I use a program called Co:Writer that
predicts words as I type them.

---

· When I finish a sentence, Co:Writer
reads it back to me.
<PAUSE> Isn’t that neat?

<Pause, catch your breath>

Tonight I talked about my
3 daily challenges:

1) Limited Mobility,

2) Limited Dexterity;

3) And Limited Vision.

-------

And how my wheelchair,
my cell phone, and the plethora of
adaptive software on my computer
help me deal with them.

-------

To some of you, my life may appear to be full of INSURMOUNTABLE CHALLENGES!

I am not Superwoman! <Pause>

----

But I’ve learned to adapt <Pause> and
not let ANYTHING get in my way!

----

With the help of my wheelchair, cell phone,
and computer, <Pause> living with Cerebral Palsy is NO BIG DEAL to me!

Mr. /Madame Toastmaster

The Joy of Spring

2011-05-03T18:33:00.000-07:00

As the rain hits the windows of my apartment I am not upset because I believe it is a way for G-d and the people that I miss who are no longer with me physically to talk to me. It is the beautiful changes that happen this time of year that after 24 years still amaze me. Even though everything is taking a while to show up on the trees I know that spring will come and this is just G-d’s way of teaching us a big lesson in patience. Spring has a lot of little tiny miracles that we often take for granted like the birds coming back and the leaves on the trees showing again. I am very happy to report that even without physical therapy I am experiencing more movement in my body. I believe it is the gift of the spirits that care about me that are helping me to move more easily. After 24 years of being in my situation I didn't think this was possible but it is and all it took was patience and faith. This month I got asked to help remind people when our next dance workshops will be as well as remind people about rehearsal for the Disability Pride Parade and organize the T-shirts. The best part of all this is the piece I choreographed is going to be performed I am so honored and can’t wait! I hope your holidays were nice and let’s remember to be patient because spring is just around the corner.

Happy spring to all!
-Jessi

Cheers!!

2011-03-31T18:30:00.000-07:00

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs I was having a feeling of disconnect when it came to belonging to the Des Plains community. That was because I would go to the library say Hello to my neighbors but that was about it, a few months ago I was a little sad because now that I wasn’t going to school, aside from dance I didn’t feel a sense of belonging. That all changed when I joined Toastmasters. It all began when my mom found a flyer at my library when she was getting books for my brother’s business. Toastmasters is a group of dedicated individuals from all walks of life who come together to improve their speaking skills and help other Toastmasters do so as well. I was worried about what they would think of me, but from the very start the other Toastmasters have been very welcoming. They look at me first and then say, “Ok, you have these challenges can we assist you?” One of the Toastmasters noticed I was having trouble keeping my place while reading, the next morning I found things in an e-mail from him that might make it easier for me to read my speeches in the future. Another person has volunteered to walk me home if it gets to dark. Even though I have taken a speech class in college and speak in front of a lot of different groups at work, I am still very intimidated to do my first speech because a lot of them have been doing this for years but I am also happy to be doing it in front of a supportive group of people. As a result of joining Toastmasters I am learning new skills, meating new people, getting homework, helping others and being a part of a group. It feels great!!!
Cheers
-Jessi

My Extreme Makeover

2011-02-27T11:54:00.000-08:00

In today’s society some people are afraid to ask for help. We often think that our friends, family and greater community is to busy to help us or that asking for help would be too much of a burden on the ones we love. However, what I have come to realize throughout my work with the IAMC is that lots of people want the chance to help someone, they just don’t know how. The world is smaller than we think, everybody knows somebody. In the olden days people would help each other with everything without a question or hesitation. That is what you, my readers did for me. I expressed a need and you came through. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for your generosity and KOKO’s willingness to step in I, wouldn’t be sitting in this chair typing this. You all donated to me because you saw my true potential and the gifts I have to offer the world. By donating you not only helped me, but you helped spread the message of generosity and working together to make a difference. Here is the video of what I like to call my extreme makeover.

Now as expected with any new chair there are adjustments that have to be made to make the person more comfortable. After waiting a while I decide that I am hungry so my mom and I decide to get snacks by pushing me in an office chair. We ask someone in the hospital where we can get snacks and off we go. When we get in the elevator a little boy looks at us like we are crazy. I am sure he was thinking I have seen a lot of crazy stuff but this, this is crazy. I guess when there’s a will there’s a way.

Finally this month I got to go skiing for the first time. I have wanted to go skiing since I was ten years old, it was a long time to wait but well worth it. Now I am totally in love with the sport. I have never felt this way before, I can't believe I am saying this but for the first time in my life I don’t want it to stop snowing so I can do it again and again and again. For those of you who haven’t skied before go do it. It is very exhilarating. I can cross another thing off my bucket list. My next goal is to go skiing in Colorado and or Utah after all I would love to go skiing with my cousin Ben and I haven’t seen my camp friends in forever. Plus I have never been to Utah and hear that like Colorado they have a great program for people with physical disabilities.
Thank you for making it possible for me to keep rolling!
With all my love and gratitude,
Jessi

What a start to the year!!!

2011-01-23T15:16:00.000-08:00

Before I begin with my real post for the month I would like to introduce you to something new that I have created for the blog. They are called snap shots they are things that I forgot to say and or explain in previous posts.

Snap shot number one. Thank you to Hannah for letting me borrow her charger in November so I could go on my business trips. You’re the greatest! Snap shot number two. I realize now that I never put choreographing a dance on my bucket list but it is something I have always wanted to do and I am glad it happened in November. We are having rehearsals soon so it can be shown at other places.

2011 has been an exciting year for me so far. We were all sitting around my mom and dad’s kitchen table having a microboard meeting. I was reading the agenda out loud as usual and I said ok now we are on the last one. Then after a very brief discussion my mom said ok there is one more thing to discuss. I said ok I don’t see it. She said turn the page. It was blank. I was confused. She said turn it again and the next page reads talk about Jessi’s new puppy. On that page was a picture of a puppy that I found out later was a Cavapoo a cavalier king charles spaniel mixed with a poodle. I was in complete shock. After a moment of silence I screamed oh my G-d. You have got to be kidding me. Oh my gosh. Over and over again. At this point my brother says to me are you hyperventilating. I then say are the girls ok with this and the rest is history. He is my new love. I am beyond greatful for all the hard work mom, Tonya, Mina, Lindsy and Rebecca are doing to train him to be the best dog he can be. Once again I can cross something off my bucket list. Thank you is not enough Mom and Dad for how happy I am to have a dog as a member of the purple pad. After much thought I have decided to name him Teddy. One of the things I have always wanted since I moved in was a dog and now man’s best friend is here to stay.

Teddy and I wish you all happiness and joy in 2011 as we begin our new life together.

From the happiest dog owner in Des Plains,

-Jessi

Counting My Blessings...

2010-12-09T20:24:00.000-08:00

This past month has not been the greatest for me emotionally. I am not telling you this so you can feel sorry for me, just to be realistic because I feel it is important to share the good and the bad with you, my readers. Even though I have been in the purple pad for quite some time now there are still periods of time when I think, did I make the right decision to be here? I am homesick. Should I be home for good? Can I handle this? This is too much for me. Am I good enough? With that said I am very greatful for the opportunities I had this month. I went to a conference for the second year in a row called Speak Up and Speak Out. It is a wonderful opportunity for people with disabilities to learn from each other, sell different products and have fun. Both years I had an amazing time! I also went to a conference for the IAMC. It was really nice because I was able to enjoy myself and it didn’t feel like work at all. At the conference we focused on two planning tools for the future called path and maps. It was also a wonderful opportunity to network with others, because like Speak Up and Speak Out we were from all over the state of Illinois. This month I was able to cross something off my bucket list and that is choreograph a dance. It was a lot of fun to see it unfold, my dancers worked very hard. We had an informal showing and I hope to have it in a real performance soon. That would be like icing on the cake. Thank you to those who came and watched. This past week I had a chance to go down town and talk to first year medical students about my life, my challenges, cerebral palsy and other things. For Thanksgiving, my family and I went to St. Louis. It was a yummy time had by all. Brimer’s, thanks for all the delicious food and early Hanukkah Gifts. Now, you might be wondering, did I get my wheelchair yet? No, but I am getting there. This weekend I participated in a singles auction at the Keep On Keeping On's Santa Cause holiday fundraiser to help raise money for my new chair. It was a big success and a lot of fun! Thank you KOKO and all of you who have donated so far and/or came to see me at the event! I feel so blessed that so many people care. So I am trying to count my blessings and remind myself that I am who I am for a reason. I encourage you to do the same, do something from your heart this holiday season, make something, donate clothes, toys, money, volunteer, call or write to someone you haven’t been in touch with for a while. Whatever you want to do. I am going to end by sharing this song because it helps me when I am down and I think it helps to express my message this month.

The stars look like they're not shining
Her hair, her hair
Falls perfectly without her trying

She's so beautiful
And I tell her every day

Yeah I know, I know
When I compliment her
She wont believe me
And its so, its so
Sad to think she don't see what I see

But every time she asks me do I look okay
I say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

Her nails, her nails
I could kiss them all day if she'd let me
Her laugh, her laugh
She hates but I think its so sexy

She's so beautiful

And I tell her every day

Oh you know, you know, you know
I'd never ask you to change
If perfect is what you're searching for
Then just stay the same

So don't even bother asking
If you look okay
You know I say

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

The way you are
The way you are
Girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are
And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause girl you're amazing
Just the way you are

Love to all and happy holidays!

-Jessi

The Unforgotton Hero

2010-10-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

"Have you ever seen a more joyful face?" "The toughest I ever met." "Schwass dedicated life to inspiring others."

These are three headlines to articles written in memory of Michael Schwass, my confidante, mentor and friend. I think these headlines really do justice to who Michael really was. He helped me from the very start in getting me comfortable with living on my own. He helped me with confidence building, managing and creating better relationships with my assistants and better relationships with my family, to name a few. He even suggested that I try to find a place in the same building where he worked. You see, this is very bittersweet for me, he worked at 907 and I live in 607. There were periods of time when I saw him virtually every week or so, and sometimes I didn't see him much at all. But his strength and motivation was there, and I knew I could call on him in times of struggle. To find out more about Michael Schwass and why he was so significant for me and others who knew him you can read his book, "Don't Blame the Game." This is a chronicle of his life and describes what kind of a person he was. I hope you get inspired after reading the book. In memory of him I would like to include the lyrics to this song.

"Hold On" by B*Witched

Hold on, hold on,
hold on, hold on,
hold on, hold on.....

You've always been a tough girl,
but you feel you're about to break
You're feeling stuck and out of love
watching your dreams all slip away
been working mornings in the kitchen
and working nights at the corner store
as your life goes by, you wonder why
and you know that there's got to be something more.

Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be all right
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.

You hear a voice that is calling
and it's telling you to make a change
it's time to fly, and say goodbye
and move on to a better place
you know you've got to take the first step
to get to where you wanna be
just get on track, and don't look back
'cause it's the only way that you're gona be free.

Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be allright
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.

(Bridge)
Hold on......
you're gonna make it,you're gonna be stronger
hold on......
hang in there baby, just a little bit longer
hold on......
yeah, you're gonna be fine
don't give up, be strong
when the going get's though
you gotta hold on

Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be all right
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep holding on.

Hold on,
but don't hold too tight
let go,
it's going to be allright
don't run away from what your heart is sayin' oh
be strong,
and face what you're afraid of
Come on,
show them what you're made of
I know it's hard when your hope is gone
but you've gotta keep yeah, holding on..........

Hold on.........,
hold on,
hold on...

I think that these words really describe what he was trying to teach me and what he would want me to do now and always. I hope they motivate you in some way too. Treat each day like there is a significant purpose to why you are living it. Because there is! I believe he lived by this quote.

Thanks for all the love and support while mom and dad were in the holy land.

With much love,

Jessi

Baby Steps

2010-09-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

Today marks the day of my second anniversary at the purple pad. I have definitely gone through several bumps. But, it has made me a stronger person. I have had to change a number of assistants. I have had to deal with having a room mate and not having one. I graduated from Oakton Community College and dealt with the realization about not being able to go to Northeastern this fall. But, throughout this whole experience. I have been reminded about a bracelet that my mom had given me. Its so eloquently reads." Its all about the journey not the destination." My journey has allowed me to stay in this apartment for two years with people who care about me and support me in my everyday life. Even though it has been two years. I am still amazed that this has become a reality for me. When, I first moved in. I felt like a little seed that was ready to grow. But, not sure of myself. Now, with the experiences that I have had in these past two years. I feel like I am able to do more things. With the help of this blog and the fact that I care about people. Another, one of my dreams has come true. I am beginning to motivate and mentor people that are less fortunate then myself. So, that their dreams of living independently or just their dreams in general can become a reality. Its all about the baby steps and that is how I got here. It was no magic pill or no magic fairy. It was just the love and support from my family, friends and readers. That helped me to be where I am today. I would like to also dedicate this post to my uncle Eddie and aunt Sherri in honor of his birthday. Thank you for being my most avid readers. Also, thank you mom for making sure my chair keeps rolling. I would like to end with this quote that I got from my friend Scott Crane. "It's not the disability that defines you, it's how you deal with the challenges the disability presents you with. We have an obligation to the abilities we DO have, not the disability". - Jim Abbott

Home Sweet Home

Jess

lean on me

2010-08-18T18:02:00.000-07:00

I could not let this month go by without including this song!

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you don't let show
Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
So just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'd understand
We all need somebody to lean on
Lean on me when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
Lean on me...
Thank you for your love and support!

Lemons to Lemonade

2010-08-18T12:18:00.000-07:00

There is an old saying that says, "if you get handed lemons you have to turn them into lemonade." This month I have truly been put to the test to see if I can turn my lemons into lemonade in more ways than one. For several weeks now I have had an ongoing cough that the doctors aren't sure what is causing it; but when I think about it even though it has been frustrating beyond belief I think it has been nice because it has reminded me that it is ok to slow down once in a while. Then a few weeks after I had just gotten the cough it was time for orientation to NEIU. And despite my cough I was smiling from ear to ear with excitement. I had done what I needed to do, signed up for classes, gone to speak with an Academic Advisor and the Accessibility office; I was all prepared, or so I thought. At the end of the orientation my mom said, "I could have heard them wrong, but I think you need a certain amount of math courses." At this point I was like thinking to myself "no mom! I already got that under control," but I thought I better double check. So about a week later I made an appointment with the head of the Academic Dept. and sure enough I was not only required to take math classes but I was short 1 Fine Arts course and 3 science courses; 1 being a lab- which is extremely hard for me due to my visual limitations. For several days, I was like "what am I going to do?!" This has always been my dream and now I could not see it coming true. However, later that week after lots of tears, hugs and frustration- I met with my Voc Rehab Counselor and I am going to continue to pursue my career in the field of Human Services. I have decided to take a semester off and work by spreading the message of person centered planning and community living and choices for people with developmental disabilities.

I have come to the realization that I will probably not be able to get my Bachelor's degree due to my limitations, but I am not letting that stop me when it comes to learning. In the spring I plan to go to NEIU or Oakton to take at least 1 Communications and/or Social Work class to better my communication and people skills. So I can speak to lots of groups of people and spread the message of freedom and independent living despite having a disability.

I would like to thank Rebecca and Lindsy for helping me while Mina was in Mexico. I hope she had a great time and I look forward to seeing her again. Without the people that help me I would not have been able to continue my independent life even in the past 2 weeks, so thank you again.

As a result of me having this cough I have limitations of what I can eat and drink. Lemonade is one of them, so i am not asking for a miracle just for all of you to sit back and have a nice cold glass of lemonade for me. Thanks! Love you all!

-Jessi

P.S. Another way I was able to make my lemonade happen was I had a friend from my Birthright Trip named Marva come over to play games with Lindsy and me. We had a great time and this was especially memorable because I did not know if I would ever see her again. I love the time we spent together and I will always remember it.

Power of choice

2010-07-01T19:08:00.000-07:00

I am learning not to take my independence for granted. Without my assistant's I wouldn't be able to maintain living on my own. It is very good to keep things into perspective. I would like to share a story with you. My family is trying to apply for CLIA (Community Integrated Living Arrangement) funding which will allow me to live in my own apartment and to take some of the financial burden off my family. I didn't realize this until after we started applying for the funding. But, it finally hit me. That I am dependent on people to help me. This is my reality. I than realize that independence is not necessarily driving a car nor physically putting myself into bed. Its about deciding when I want to go to bed or where I want to go in a car. For me its the power of choice. However, it doesn't mean that people such as myself want to be treated any differently. In fact, it brings me back to the statement"We the people want to be treated equal". That was said, several years ago by one of are fore fathers. So it is not a new concept. I want to thank Mina and Tonya for all they do to help support me on a daily basis. So, that I can have the power of choice. Happy July 4Th and remember that everyone has their own power of choice.

Love Jess

Hopes,dreams,and wishes

2010-06-25T11:36:00.000-07:00

For June since I have had a lot of time on my hands, I have created a bucket list of things I want to do in the future, and I'm saying future because I don't want to think about things to do before I die.

Here it is:

1. Go adaptive skiing with my family

2. Help a person with a disability who is less fortunate than me

3. Get a dog once things are settle in the apartment

4. Visit Emily, Sarah, Paula, and Jordy

5. Get a chance to visit Europe and help people there

6. Have a chance to work with assistant dogs in some capacity

7. Have a chance to sit in a garden for as long as I want

8. Become a motivational speaker

9. Work with people who have communication difficulties, to better their lives

10. Have fun

I am suggesting that everyone creates a bucket list, it helps you to motivate yourself and have some direction in your life.

What are your dreams, hopes and wishes for the future?

I challenge you to think about that this month.

The flying butterfly

2010-05-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

There once was a young girl who was nearing the end of high school and like most high school students she didn’t know what she wanted to do with her future but she was sure of one thing she wanted to go to college

One month before her graduation from high school the young girl had a meeting with her parents and teachers to discuss her future. At the meeting a lot of things were discussed but then something was said by one of the teachers that would make a profound impact on this young girls life. She said I think based on the fact that you have multiple disabilities you are asking too much of yourself and I think even going to community college would be to hard for you.

The young girl was devastated she didn’t know what to do. For weeks she was beside herself. Then one day in between sobs, she said to her mother and friend “I’m going to do it anyway, I’m going to college.” Now almost five years later, the young girl is now a young adult and will be completing her human services degree at Oakton Community College and in the fall plans to go to Northeastern Illinois University to get a major in communications and a minor in social work. Yes, that young girl is me, I’m not writing this to brag about my accomplishments, more to encourage my readers to never stop giving up or as they say in the song “Don’t stop believin’.” Yes, I needed help along the way from my parents, teachers, tutors and my aides, but who doesn’t? I would like to remind you of a character I was reminded of when I heard a speech this past weekend at a conference I went to as I was completing my internship. The character was the little engine that could. I was able to complete my schoolwork with the help of others, but also on the mere fact that I kept repeating to myself, I think I can, I think I can. What ever challenges come our way in life it is our responsibility to keep on going just like the little engine that could. Also, as I was going through the library of which I visit often, the experience of starting something new came in my mind, I was reminded of the book the very hungry caterpillar by Eric Carle. Though the book is very simple, it talks about how a caterpillar grew and grew into a beautiful butterfly. That’s how I feel thanks to all the people that believe in me and see beyond my disabilities. I could dwell on the fact that my teacher was negative but instead I’m choosing to focus on the positive parts of my life and use that negativity to motivate me to grow and develop into the person I want to be.
Thanks to all of you that support me and believe in me and have helped me to grow and develop into the beautiful butterfly. Finally last year I closed my school year with some goals I had for the next year. Here are my goals for this year…

1 Get good grades

2 Join a club, sorority or community group at NEIU
3 Practice with dragon naturally speaking

4 Have fun!

I would like to end my post with the lyrics from the song “Don’t stop belivin’” I really feel that it sums my story up in a nutshell.

Just a small town girl, livin' in a lonely world

She took the midnight train goin' anywhere

Just a city boy, born and raised in south Detroit

He took the midnight train goin' anywhere

A singer in a smokey room

A smell of wine and cheap perfume

For a smile they can share the night

It goes on and on and on and on

Strangers waiting, up and down the boulevard

Their shadows searching in the night

Streetlights people, living just to find emotion

Hiding, somewhere in the night

Working hard to get my fill,

everybody wants a thrill

Payin' anything to roll the dice,

just one more time

Some will win, some will lose

Some were born to sing the blues

Oh, the movie never ends

It goes on and on and on and on

(chorus)

Don't stop believin'

Hold on to the feelin'

Streetlight people

Love your butterfly!

Jessi

Helping hands!

2010-04-16T21:33:00.000-07:00

I wanted to have a party for my mom’s birthday and my helping hands came through. I was so happy that I could make dinner for her at my own apartment, but I couldn’t have done it without the helping hands of Bari, Amy, and Mina, or as my dad says, BAM. Our menu consisted of caprese salad, lasagna with homemade meat sauce, courtesy of Amy, sautéed spinach, and garlic bread. For dessert, we whipped up a confetti Pilsbury cake, along with banana and chocolate crepes. I was so happy to have my first big home-cooked meal at my own apartment. Happy birthday, Mom! Hope it goes nifty at fifty!

Love Jess

Flowers in my Garden

2010-04-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

I often relate many things in my life to a garden, and in my room at my parents house as many of you know it actually has a garden theme. This month I would like to leave you with a poem I wrote many years ago, even though it has been many years I find myself relating to it in many ways, so here it is:

Dear Diary,

On this beautiful May morning

I sit and watch my garden

As it changes before my very eyes

Just like people

Here and there

All different shapes and sizes

Sweet and strong, bright and pale

Pointed, round, prickly, thick and flat

As the beautiful Mother Nature watches

directly over them- and me

Sometimes blooming fast

and sometimes very, very slow.

It all began when the first flowers grew

When I met my first friends-

my mom and dad

They watched me grow-

and learn and helped me...

Taught me to be kind to others and to be the

BEST I CAN BE!

Then my Grandparents...came along

2+2 and another special 1.

In my mind they are not just numbers, or people

they are part of who I am.

Without them- there would be NO ME.

I enjoy them all here and now to feel and touch and

share, but one, that I can only dream of -

hoping not to fade away...

Every morning, he waits for me...

I wait for him.

Soft,

small,

lovable,

white,

Best of all...My companion-My dog Beau!

OH BROTHER

Oh my brother Brian

Sometimes I love him, and sometimes I don't.

Funny...Oh, my dear, is he funny!

So funny, the whole world can laugh with him.

I-R-R-I-T-A-T-T-I-N-G! He's only 6.

Friends-

Friends from the neighborhood

Friends from school

Friends from Drama Camp

Teacher Friends, Therapist Friends,

Oh so many friends, from oh so many places

ALISE, GINA, ANDREA, MARI, MARISSA,

STEPHANIE, SARA, DANIELLE, SAMMI,

NIKKI, LISA, CLAIRE, JANIELLE, GRANT, OACY,

LAYFER, RACHEL, REBEKAH, DIANE, MATT

MARGE, AMANDA, KATHLEEN, GETA

WOW!***********

There are a few things that I absolutely do NOT like!

H, squeaky voices!

When people talk to me in HIG

Or touching my things without asking,

Rude, I don't like rude people

But I can deal with this...

Especially when I am in my garden...

For now I am loving and appreciating all that

I can feel and touch and share.

Like my garden there are parts of my life that I

hope are perennials...with me all the time.

But I know that there are parts that will have

to die away.

Like a star fading into the

distance.

Hoping each spring brings new growth in my

garden...new friends.

Just like a garden needs lots of hard work

planning and attention-

weeding, watering, fertilizing-

So do my relationships with people.

Each May, as I explore my garden I hope that it

will sustain the same beauty as it did the

year before...maybe even more,

forever more.

September 2, 1998

Love ya,

Jessica

I would like to end this post by welcoming my newest member to my garden Vanessa she's helping me on the weekends and she's a lot of fun to be around, finally thanks you to all my readers, my family and friends old and new, you all help to enrich my life and make my garden what it is Today.

Happy passover and Easter may the new spring help us to see beauty in our lives.

My roller coaster of a life....

2010-03-01T12:53:00.000-08:00

For a person like me, when your aide decides to leave you feel like your legs and independence have been taken away from you. You feel like until you get a new one your on a roller coaster that doesn't want to stop but then when people calm you down you think you wouldn't be put in this situation if you couldn't handle it. That is what life is like for me when I find out the news someone is quitting or cannot work for me anymore. My life is instantly put on hold and the breaks are on. That was what these past couple of weeks were like for me. I always tried to think positively in my head, but part of me is always thinking, "Am I still going to be able to live here and live the life that I want to?" After lots of tears arguments laughter and arranging I was able to find a new aide and rearrange my schedule so it all works out for me, Lindsy and my new aide Mina. One of the questions you might ask, is how did you find her? Well, my dad works with her husband and he does remodeling for his apartment buildings. Thank you dad for finding her!! Sometimes you find the right people when you least expect it. You might also ask how things are going with Mina, so far everything is working out she is very dependable understanding and has a great sense of humor.

Just when my life was becoming very shaky and even though I was comfortable with Mina I was still very uncertain about how things would play out but a few days later I got the greatest news finalized. I GOT INTO NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY!!!! Yes, it's true!! Now I am not only living on my own, but another one of my dreams has come true. Now my roller coaster is ready for take off and I thought, now that I got this news I can do anything. Having this news now has really encouraged me to take the good with the bad. I am thrilled and beyond excited about next year, and I really see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Thank you to all of those who have supported me in my educational endeavours along the way.

Love to all,

Your Golden Eagle,

Jess

PS. I was so excited, I had to take my shoe off!! Check out the pics on my facebook!!!

I saw the light at the end of the tunnel….

2010-02-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

I have been very lucky lately. My stars have been aligned! For example, I wanted to have my friend over to make soap and my friend Amy came to the rescue and followed through. Her kind heart and personality is all that I was looking for, especially that week because I was having a tough week physically. The combination of somebody just offering to come over and having one of my best friends come over and spend the afternoon with me means the world to me. Sometimes it’s the simple things that can make a difference.

Then the other day, when I was down in the dumps about what I’m going to do for next year, the lady from admissions from Northeastern Illinois University told me that I would be considered Junior standing. I thought to myself, I am not going to get too excited because I haven’t been accepted yet, but I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

Then a few days later, my family and I got the news that we got the CILA license, which is the first step in becoming a CILA provider. If I get the CILA it will allow me more choices and more freedom to decide when I want to come home and when I want to be at the purple pad. This is always something I have wanted and again, I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

A few weeks ago, I was looking at my pez collection in my room at my parents’ house, and was like “you know, my apartment needs more color and I would love to put my collection on display at the purple pad.” So my mom and I went on a mission to figure out how and where we were going to display them. Within a few weeks, they were on display for all to see (well most of them.) When I get them all displayed I will post a picture of my final product.

Finally, another one of my dreams is coming true, thanks to the co-op and especially Janice’s hard work and dedication I am starting a physically integrated dance class in May. I am very excited and pumped up to see what wonderful opportunities could come out of this. I couldn’t have done all these things without people’s love, dedication and hard work. I am very grateful to have all of you in my life because without you it wouldn’t be as enriched as it is and as my mom says “I wouldn’t have a good life.” Thanks to all of your love and support, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Happy Valentine’s Day

xoxo

Jessi

Food glorious food!

2010-01-27T14:54:00.000-08:00

It was about 12:30 and I woke up with this amazing bout of hunger. You have to understand, sometimes when I’m sleeping, and wake up I forget that I have a disability so I was literally about ready to get up and get out of bed and then I was like ”o yeah, I cant” and I wasn’t about to call my assistant Jackie at 12:30 in the morning just to say can I have a platter of food right now with a million calories? So, even though I was starving I had to adapt just like everything else in my life. I thought, “What is the next best thing?” I thought I could make a menu for the next week in my head because that is the only thing. I could think of that would get my mind off the immediate hunger and think of something else. Usually it is hard for me to think of a menu for the week, because when ever I do it I'm usually not that hungry. So here’s my menu that I thought of:

Monday: pancakes and sausage with fruit, usually raspberries, blueberries or bananas.

Tuesday: salmon brown rice and broccoli.

Wednesday: chicken parmesan with broccoli, yes I like broccoli. And maybe a piece of sourdough bread if we have it. Now even though I’m not at the apartment the entire week, I thought of meals for the entire week anyway.

Thursday: chili and baked potato, some veggie other than broccoli.

Friday: chicken with rice usually in a bowl for easier access. By the way, I like most of my meals in a bowl.

Saturday: lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs with a piece of either garlic bread or sourdough bread and a veggie.
Sunday: a chopped salad with assorted veggies and either ranch or auntie’s dressing (not my aunts dressing, the brand auntie’s)

Now I’m not going to eat my frogs, but I would like to end this post with the names of my frogs, DRUMROLL PLEASE!!!!

The names of my frogs are, McDreamy and McSteamy. Hannah, you are the winner!!! Thank you thank you thank you!!! Or ribbit ribbit ribbit!!! Hannah, if you could send me your address either on facebook or email I can send you something very frogalicious!! Thanks to everyone else that were participants in the contest. Happy 2010, I hope the year is starting out well for all of you! With much love!

Jessi

A True Gift

2009-12-21T15:39:00.000-08:00

As you know, I have to overcome many obstacles in my life and I am ok with this because I believe it makes me a stronger person. I have received a lot of wonderful Hanukkah gifts thanks to my family and friends but the ability to have my freedom back is an amazing gift. I am used to not being able to brush my hair or having to have someone give me a shower and read something to me because it is too small. These are all things that I have either come to accept or are just a part of me and I know no difference. However not having my power wheelchair, my source of independence, work in the way it should was beginning to drive me crazy. Not only that but I knew that once the wheelchair company agreed to take my chair, a degree of my independence would be taken away. This time not for something fun like a vacation. That is another thing I have learned to accept because it is too risky to take on an airplane. Now I am not saying that my wheelchair has never broke because that isn’t true. I am just saying that because it went out of state I wasn’t sure when I would be getting it back. I am lucky that during this time I was able to switch back and forth between a manual chair and an old power chair because if I sit in the power one too long my back starts to hurt. Thanks to my mom’s persistence, I was able to get my chair back in one piece and it just so happened I got it on the last night of Hanukkah! I couldn’t have asked for a better present! Thank you mom!

I am free!

-Jessi

Ps. Sorry I haven’t decided on names for the frogs yet!

A way to wrap up the year.

2009-12-15T18:32:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, when I was down in the dumps worried about how I was going to complete my internship hours for this semester and worried about what i was going to do for next year, I turned on the TV and watched an extreme home makeover episode about a boy who went through chemo therapy and is in remission. When he found out that he had cancer he was told that his blood type was B+ and his motto and foundation were born. Now he has a foundation entitled "B+" and since that episode it has encouraged me to push on through the end of the semester and I thought if he can do it so can I. So my message to you as this year comes to a close is we have a lot to look forward to in 2010 and remember to stay positive or in case of Cameron, the boy in the episode, B+.

Roommate Questions

A lot of you have been asking me "What is your status with your roommate? Do you want a roommate?" or some people have been telling me "It's smart to get another roommate" and my response to that question is sometimes it gets lonely to not have another roommate around and I'm sure it puts a lot of pressure on my parents at the same time but for right now, with me trying to figure out what I'm going to do next year, completing my classes for this year, making sure that I spend enough time with my family and friends, it doesn't seem like it would fit in my schedule, at least not to have somebody with a disability. I like to make my own schedule and my own decisions even though sometimes I do miss Norine. So as you can tell, there is no straight answer to how I feel but right now I am content if my parents are OK with it.

On the brighter side I am happy to say that thanks to Brian and Justin I am the proud owner of 2 frogs. Yes I not only live in an apartment now, but I have pets of my very own. Something I have wanted since I moved in. However, right now they are nameless and I believe no living thing should go nameless so I am having a contest to see what names I like the best. The winner will win something very frog-a-licious. Email me or send me a post with your ideas. Have fun and the frogs and I say thank you in advance. Happy holidays and as you can tell I'm having fun already! Ribbet Ribbet, Love Jess

Speaking Out Has A New Meaning

2009-11-24T19:03:00.000-08:00

I enjoy my life on a regular basis but sometimes going to places such as the speak up and speak out conference makes me feel reenergized and ready to take on any struggle that comes my way. From the minute I walked into the conference, I felt at ease despite the fact the night before we had trouble getting our rooms and getting the right accommodations I needed at a different hotel. All of that disappeared when I came to this conference. All the people were excited to share what they had to offer and have a good time. There were vendors there that had equipment to make peoples lives with disabilities that much easier. Motivational books and people laughing and smiling it was the greatest energy in the world. I knew right then and there that I had made the right decision to come and represent the IAMC Illinois Association of Microboards and Cooperatives and represent myself. As a person with a disability I knew that just like camp and my dance workshop, I wouldn’t be judged there or looked at differently. For example there was a dance at the end of the conference and I was debating weather or not to take my shoes off because my feet were really hurting me due to the fact that I was really excited, and then I thought this is the last place I’m going to be judged, put a smile on my face, took off my shoes, and kept spinning. People were just excited that I was there to stand up and speak out.

Throughout the next few days I not only enjoyed myself but I got to learn a lot about advocacy and what I want to do in the future. It motivated me to continue doing what I am doing in school and helping others while keeping in mind what I have to do to stay strong as a person with challenges. It reminded me never to give up and thanks to this conference.

I was able to get a real handle on what an amazing legacy Lester Prichard left on not only the disabled community, but also the world. It was unfortunate that I never got to meet him because I think he would have made a big impact on my life but just hearing about his legacy and what an impact he made on other peoples lives made me stronger and made me proud to be at the conference. Luckily however I was able to meet and take a picture with his wife Barbara and she told me, “In a way Lester did meet you because he saw you on the Life My Way website.” Just like Lester, Barbara was and is an amazing person and it was an honor to meet her. We need more people in the world like Lester and his wife with positive attitudes that say we can do anything we set our minds to and Barbara even said “despite Lester’s death we can’t give up the fight for equality.” To find out more about Lester, go to my previous blog.

Besides meeting Barbara I was also able to strengthen my friendship with Paula Vanier. She is another self-advocate who I briefly met before at a meeting for people who have cooperatives in the state. Getting to spend this quality time with a person who is older than me with a disability made me feel inspired and energized along with everything else I did at the workshop from hearing someone speak who wrote his own book despite having down syndrome hearing someone speak with cerebral palsy who is married and just plain dancing with friends. I learned that sometimes the smallest things could make you the most empowered. Remember to speak up and speak out. Happy Thanksgiving to you all I feel so blessed have you in my life.

Love Jess

The power of positive thinking

2009-10-17T18:20:00.000-07:00

I know I have already written a post for this month but I thought both of these stories were blog worthy

I was lying in bed with a really bad cough wishing that I was at my parent’s house because for some reason they seem to have better immune systems. When I thought ok there’s nothing I can do about it. So how can I think positively? It was then that I thought about Lester Pritchard a man who was a disability advocate who spent his entire life thinking positively and working to better the lives of people with disabilities. I only wish I had the opportunity to meet this amazing person. As a tribute to him here is a little bit of information about who he was.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-obit-pritchard-15-oct15,0,3668892.story

As most of you know besides living on my own, going to school, and getting an education is very important to me. All throughout my time at Oakton just like Lester, I have had to advocate for my needs as I have said before in this blog. Since I am graduating in May I knew I had to plan ahead. Now you might be wondering Jess why now it’s only October? When you have a disability you have to plan ahead even for my graduation because in order for me to stand up in the ceremony the way I want to, they need to order a special ramp and reconfigure the seating in a different way. From prior experience with this particular person I was expecting her to be negative and even though I didn’t get everything I wanted I still got about 90% and that was only because of safety.

I was really impressed at the detailed notes she took of our conversation and how much she seemed to care about my situation. I was excited and giddy. I left the woman’s office with a huge smile on my face. I think I not only made myself happy but taught her a lot as well!

Lots of love

-Jessi

Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover

2009-10-01T15:32:00.000-07:00

There are only a few places where I feel completely accepted these are camp, my dance workshops both here and in California and most recently my trip to Israel. Why am I telling you this? The other day I was at a party and about to judge someone because they were petting me like a dog and talking to me in classic baby talk. I almost said something but then I thought I get judged all of the time and is it really worth it? Then I was sitting at Yom Kippur service a few days later and having a good time, when all of the sudden our older rabbi walked up to the pulpit. I was thinking o no why am I here. I wish I was back at my apartment because when he speaks he goes on forever. But then I thought come on Jess give him a chance. It’s the New Year! Everyone knows the saying don't judge a book by its cover. Do you like to be judged? So I did what my conscious told me and gave him another chance. As it turned out it was pretty good. Now I am not saying that I will never judge a person again or by telling you these stories I will never get judged again because I know that unfortunately when you have a disability it comes with the territory. But I think that becoming conciously aware of when you are about to judge someone can only help you.

So in honor of Yom Kippur or the Jewish judgment day, just ask yourself would I want to be treated that way and do I want to feel completely accepted where ever I go and what ever I do? That’s what I want don’t you?

I Did It!!!

2009-09-01T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today September 1,2009 is a very special day for me. I have lived at the purple pad and have been writing this blog for exactly one year! A year ago living in an apartment was something my family and I talked about over dinner. In the beginning, even though I wanted to live on my own, I didn’t know if it was possible for me or if I would like it. I even thought there might be a chance that I would write something like unfortunately the apartment thing didn’t work out for me and I had to move back home but luckily that was not the case. With the help of my mom, dad, and PA’s, this has been a very successful year. Thanks to them another one of my dreams has come true. As I sit here and think about this past year I know that I still have a lot of things to master about living on my own and things will be different now that Norine has moved out. I am disappointed about this and it will take some getting used to but I understand and I believe there is a reason for everything. However over the course of this year, I have learned a lot of important life lessons such as what it is like living with a roommate, having to hire and fire aides, and being in charge of someone. Like everything else in my life freedom comes with challenges and it isn’t always easy, but the fact that I can say that I have lived on my own for one year with supports means a lot to me! I plan to stay here at least another year and look forward to the new challenges and adventures that lie ahead as I continue to live on my own and write this blog.

I would also like to welcome Lindsy as the newest member of my support staff. We went to Israel together and we have a great relationship. She is helping me this year at my internships on Mondays and Wednesdays and some Friday nights so I can stay at the apartment more often. Not to say that I don’t love coming home to my moms cooking and spending time with my family because in fact I do, but getting the chance to stay at the apartment more will allow me to feel that much more independent and it will open the door to new opportunities for me. Thank you for reading! It has been so much fun doing this.

Yes ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I did it!

I have lived on my own for one year! ! !

I am very happy!

Lots of love

-Jessi

Ps. Please see the link below. We need to get more self advocates with disabilities in the state of Illinois because if we are silent nothing will get done and I along with the disabled community could lose the chance to live independently with self determined lives but at least this website is a step in the right direction. Thank you for letting me be a part of it. It is an honor to do so. Please spread the word!

http://www.lifemyway.org/

2009-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

Sent from my iPhone

Israel Adventures and Norine update.

2009-08-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

Monday, June 8, 2009

Today was a very interesting day because it ran into two days due to the fact that the flight was so long. First I flew to New York at JFK Airport, and then to Switzerland after meeting up with the group. It was hard to tell what day it was or even what time it was. This made me both nervous and excited. I really felt for once in my life I was going on an adventure. After the Switzerland trip I knew Israel was just around the corner, I was even more excited! We arrived in Israel at 4:30 pm Israel time, but to my body, it felt like nighttime. At times I felt like I was pulling an all nighter. Once we got there I couldn’t believe the beauty I saw before my eyes. People had always told me Israel was beautiful, but until I saw it, I didn’t believe it. We arrived as a group and a bunch of people welcomed us with a sign and flowers, which made me excited and comfortable to be in this unfamiliar place. I had finally arrived in the place of my dreams!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

On the first day of exploring this country, we started out by going to Mt. Arbel, a famous mountain in Israel. It looked like a huge Grand Canyon with lots of rocks added to it. I took many pictures to capture the beauty. Then we continued our journey by making our own pitas at K’far Kedem and really feeling like Israelis by riding donkeys and dressing up as old fashion Israelis. We also enjoyed a real Israeli lunch at K’far Kedem before going on a boat ride where we danced to Israeli music and when I experienced a drum circle for my very first time. My question of the day was if Menachem really got the pigeon or if it was just for show. We ended the day with a great meal and a chance to explore Israeli market places and shops before heading back to the hotel. By the way, Israeli money is really cool. My favorite activity of the day was the boat ride.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

On our second day of the journey we saw a beautiful view of which I took many pictures again. It was called the Tel Dan. When we were done enjoying its beauty and going up and seeing what it had to offer, we went back up to the bus to go to my favorite place of the day; an Israeli chocolate factory where we saw how their chocolate was made and got to taste it. Then we got into Jeeps and got to see many different parts of Israel, including the Jordan River. When we were about half way into the jeep tour, we stopped at the Jordan River where we got to enjoy sitting on rocks like biblical people. The counselors made me a thrown out of rocks and made me feel like a queen. Before we went back to the hotel we celebrated Jonathan’s birthday, a fellow participant with cake and watermelon. The river was amazing.

Friday, June 12, 2009

On the 3^rd day of our journey, on the beginning of Shabbat, we went to the Kineret which is Israel’s main water source which was actually near our hotel. We went swimming there. After enjoying the Kineret we got ready to have an authentic Shabbat with dinner and dancing right in the center of Jerusalem, not far from the old city. This was a very moving experience especially because we were here for Shabbat. Praying and dancing in that environment made me feel very grateful to be where I was. And something I’ll never forget, it made Shabbat seem very special, more than just a weekly holiday that comes and goes.

Shabbat, Saturday, June 13, 2009

On the 4^th day of the journey after Shabbat concluded, we had a Havdalah ceremony outside of our hotel looking out towards Jerusalem. That experience was very powerful and inspiring because after the light was illuminated everyone held hands and very slowly started singing songs and eventually we got much louder. After the ceremony we had an army night coordinated by the IDF soldiers who joined our trip in the 2^nd day. With the help of my new friend, the medic Dovi, I did the army crawl through the obstacle course. It was really awesome, that was my favorite part of the day. PS we also learned about a soldier and what he went through to help other people and that was only one example. There are plenty of soldiers who everyday help the people of Israel stay strong. I was very fortunate to meet and come close with real Israeli soldiers.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

On the 5^th day of the journey we went to what’s absolutely one of my favorite places in Israel the Kotel, otherwise known as the Wailing Wall. I felt so fortunate to be able to speak to G-d in this very holy place, an experience I’ll never forget. Just like when I arrived in Jerusalem I didn’t yet realize how big of an impact it would make on me as a person, especially a Jewish person. Like one of the participants and later what one of my friends said, “You feel like your in G-d’s office.” It’s an experience you have to partake for yourself because there are not enough words to express how special and powerful it is. Before heading to the Bedouin Tents for dinner and campfire and sleepover, we toured Jerusalem the rest of the day. The sleepover was a neat experience to see how Bedouins live.

Monday, June 15, 2009

On the 6^th day of the trip we went to Masada, which was the hottest day. It was almost unbearable for me, but it was an amazing site to see at the same time. Then we cooled off by going to the Dead Sea. This was my favorite part of the day and one of my favorite parts of the trip as well because I felt free, especially for someone who uses a wheelchair this is very hard to come by. I floated on my own with no help, during this brief and precious time. Because it was so salty, I could pray and meditate as well as be comfortable without a worry in the world.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

On our 7^th day of the journey, we went to do a mitzvah, or a good deed for the rehabilitation center in Israel, similar to Shriners Hospital in downtown Chicago. The experience was kind of boring because we had to shred paper but also important cause I got a free trip to Israel, and it was only right to give back for this trip. After we did the charity work, we got to try out some of the equipment. My favorite part of the day was trying out the scooters. I took a lot of pictures and felt like a kid again. I liked it because it supported me more than a regular scooter, sometimes its good to feel like a little kid in the right environment. Then we went to one of the next important places in Israel, Yad Vashem, Israel’s Holocaust Memorial. If you’ve never been there, I recommend you go because it’s a powerful experience even though it may be emotional. Some of the exhibits are hard to explain, but have helped me understand the Holocaust more than taking a semester course. Finally we briefly walked through an illuminated room saying children’s names and ages that perished in the Holocaust. I felt like their spirits were with me. Even though I didn’t know them, this was very emotional and powerful for me.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

I’m sad to say that this was essentially our groups last day in Israel but on the upside, I believe it was one of the most powerful and special days of the whole trip, because I was able to plant my roots in the Holy Land of Israel, and dedicate a tree to anyone I want. The person who I dedicated the tree to, my uncle Steve, would get better, due to the fact that I prayed and planted the tree in such a beautiful and holy place. I was proud to leave a piece of me in Israel before concluding our trip. The last tourist attraction was Independence Hall where Israel was born and declared a state. This made me proud to be a Jew and thankful for being able to experience this trip. Before heading in the plane, we had a final banquet and awards, kind of like in camp. Some of the experiences both with people and the places we saw weren’t always easy, but I’m so grateful for this opportunity, and I’m so proud to be Jewish. I hope all the best for all of you as I return from my journey. No matter where I am in the world, you are all important to me.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the wonderful staff that made it possible for me to experience Israel like my peers.

Also a big Thanks to Lindsy because with out her there is a big chance I wouldn’t have been able to go on a trip like this. As a result of the trip I believe our friendship has gotten stronger and I am so grateful for the new people I met there.

Something else that I feel so grateful for was to have the opportunity to have Witness and celebrate Brent and Kristina’s wedding with them. They are perfect for each other. Before I end this post, I have some sad news. Unfortunately Norine has decided to move out at the end of August. Yes I am disappointed but I know not everything is easy when you move out and the bumps in the road, is what makes us stronger.

To end on a happy note you can go to my face book to see my Israel pictures, the wedding pictures, Matt and Andrew’s Graduation, what Total Link has been up to and more summer fun! Yes I just got a face book and I love it. Thank you Jamie and Lindsy for helping me with this!

Love

-Jessi

PS Good luck Matt and Andrew!

My Independence Day

2009-07-04T10:52:00.000-07:00

My independence day! I always look forward to July fourth because it is a day for fun with my family and a lot of good food. My dad and I usually take a bike ride to down town Northbrook to see the parade with Brian and Junior. Then we usually come back to Mom and Dads for a BBQ party with friends followed by fireworks. This year will probably be no different other than Justin will join in the fun as well.

My first day of independence was when I moved into this apartment on Monday September 1, 2008 and I first created this blog. Living on my own and going to Israel has shown me and my parents that despite my challenges I can live an independent life.

According to C.A. Brooks in Paraplegia News, “No matter what our physical or cognitive abilities, just about everyone wants to be independent. In the world of disability, we use the word a lot. We talk about physical independence: being able to dress, do self-care, push a manual wheelchair, and drive a car or van. We talk about social independence: the freedom to hang out with friends, date, find a mate and raise children.”

Independence also includes “growing up” and taking on adult responsibilities. It means being responsible for your own actions, supporting yourself, and being in control of your own life. In fact, it’s the ability to manage yourself and control of your own life the gives you that chance to be successful, to have a purpose, to be happy”

Here are some of my views on independent living. Please excuse my voice. I was extremely nervous!

http://www.youtube.com/lifemywayil

Have a fun fourth of July and remember that everyone has there own form of independence!

-Jess

PS I will talk about Israel in my next post

Freedom

2009-06-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

In this post I will have two major topics.
Freedom!
Some of you might think that I have a lot of freedom now that I am living on my own, yes I do but the most satisfying freedom for me is one in which I can explore the world of dance without the confines of my wheelchair. You might ask how do you do it? Well to be honest we are so in tune with each other’s bodies that if my partner senses that I am unstable he/she will adjust me accordingly and I will support them where needed in return. This kind of freedom is amazing for me. I am one with the world. Today I experienced a different kind of freedom. One in wich I was running for my life. I was studying with my new tutor Elyse, who by the way is a wonderful person and I will talk about her in future posts.
Anyway, I was beginning to get stressed out because it is nearing the end of the semester and I have three papers due on Monday and this is Saturday. When all of the sudden we hear buzzzzzzzz. The fire alarm went off. Luckily the elevator still worked! It is always an adventure at 607. I also lost my freedom today when my chair broke down. Thank goodness for my back up chair. My parents have lost a little of their freedom as well ever since they started taking care of my cousin Justin but just like everything else in life they are looking at the situation with the cup half full even when times are tough and I honor them for that. One of the things I have learned from the PATH Training I just went to and from my friends/sisters Hannah,CC and Emily, is that just like in dance you have to listen with more than your ears to allow someone their freedom of speech and expression. Thank you for teaching me this valuable lesson that I believe has helped me become a better person and listener, thus a better person in many aspects of my life. This poem is an example of what I mean.
Christine Mayer's poem:

If you are going to work with me,
you have to listen to me.
And you can't just listen with your ears,
because it will go to your head too fast.
If you listen slowly,
with your whole body,
some of what I say will enter your heart.

Finally thank you to all of you who helped plan and/or came to Mary Poppins with us. It was a lot of fun and something I will never forget! Here is a song from it that I really liked before that I must say it is almost as good as Wicked!
Go see it if you can!
Anything Can Happen If You Let It
Mary POPPINS] _Anything can happen if you let it _Sometimes things are difficult but you can bet it _Doesn't have to be so __[JANE] _Changes can be made __[MICHAEL] _You can move a mountain if you use a larger spade __[MARY POPPINS] _Anything can happen, it's a marvel __[MICHAEL] _You can be a butterfly __[JANE] _Or just stay larval __[JANE & MICHAEL] _Stretch your mind beyond fantastic _Dreams are made of strong elastic __[MARY POPPINS] _Take some sound advice and don't forget it __[WINIFRED, JANE & MICHAEL] _Anything can happen if you let it __[WINIFRED] _I wonder... __[ALL] _Anything can happen if you let it __[WINIFRED] _You won't know a challenge until you've met it __[MICHAEL] _No one does it for you __[WINIFRED] _No one but yourself _Vacillating violets get left up on the shelf _Anything can happen, just imagine __[MARY POPPINS] _That should be epitaph _I wear the badge in _Honor of this world's free thinkers __[WINIFRED] _Those who see beyond their blinkers __[JANE & MICHAEL] _Jelly isn't jelly __[WINIFRED, JANE & MICHAEL] _'Til you set it _Anything can happen if you let it __[MARY POPPINS] _Anything can happen if you let it _What good is a whistle __[BERT] _Unless you whet it __[MARY POPPINS & BERT] _Broaden your horizons __[BERT] _Open different doors __[MARY POPPINS & BERT] _You may find a you there that you never knew was yours __[BERT & MRS CORRY] _Anything can happen __[MRS CORRY] _Raise the curtain _Things you though impossible __[BERT & MRS CORRY] _Will soon seem certain _Thought at first it may sound clownish _See the world more upside-downish _Turn it on its head then pirouette it __[BERT, MRS CORRY & LAMP-LIGHTERS] _Anything can happen if you let it __[MARY POPPINS] _If you reach for the stars _All you get are the stars _But we've found a whole new spin _If you reach for the heavens _You get the stars thrown in __[ALL] _You get the stars thrown in __If you reach for the stars _All you get are the stars _But we've found a whole new spin _If you reach for the heavens _You get the stars thrown in __Anything can happen if you let it _Life is out there waiting so go and get it _Grab it by the collar, seize it by the scruff _Once you've started living life you just can't get enough __Anything can happen, it's official _You can choose the super or the
Superficial _Sally forth the way we're steering _Obstacles start disappearing _Go and chase your dreams you won't regret it _Anything can happen _(Anything can happen) _Anything can happen __[MARY POPPINS, JANE & MICHAEL] _Anything can happen __[ALL] _If you let it
I hope you let it!
-Jess

School’s out for the summer!
Yes school is out for the summer and I have a lot of fun things to look forward too. One of my best friends Hannah is coming home from college and I can’t tell you how excited I am! I also can’t wait for my trip to Israel. It is a dream that I have had for a long time and it is finally coming true on June 8th.
For those of you that don’t know my cousin Brent is getting married on July 11th. I am so happy for them and I wish them all the best! Brent, Kristina is so sweet and she already feels like family to me. I also am looking forward to taking lots of bike rides with my Dad, Brian and Justin. I am also looking forward to doing activities with TotalLink2.
I wouldn’t have been able to have another successful semester at Oakton if it wasn’t for these peoples guidance and support
First I would like to thank the librarians at the Des Plains library for helping me and treating me like a regular college student who needed help with research. Next I would like to thank Elyse for stepping in the middle of the semester and doing whatever you could so that I could do my work as independently as possible and be a good student. You are amazing! I do want to thank my note-taker, Ashley, for always being there. Knowing that I can count on her was always a good thing because I have not always been able to count on my note-takers in the past. I think Ashley and I have become really good friends and I hope that I was helpful to you just as you were helpful to me. Towards the end of class, it was hard for me to focus on the information because we had become such good friends and I wanted to talk to you.

Also I would like to thank Jacki for driving me to class on crazy Thursdays and helping me with homework when needed. Brenda thank you for driving me to class on Mondays and Wednesdays. Barb thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to go with me to Weight Watchers for six weeks. I couldn’t have done it without you. I wasn’t trying to lose weight, it was for a school project on group dynamics. LOL…when my dad found out he totally lost it. Finally I want to thank Brian and Sarah for helping me in this crazy week of finals and Mom even when you had a hard week you never let me down. Mom and Dad thank you for supporting me in my schoolwork.
Goals for next school year!
1.Become a better writer.
2. Work with Dragon Naturally Speaking.
3.Work on a PC
4.Be as independent as I can at my internships.
5. Work a lot at TotalLink2

Have a good summer!
-Jess

What's Important?

2009-03-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

As I sit here and reflect on the events of this week I am reminded that life isn’t easy.
However I believe that going through hard times makes us stronger people, No matter the severity of the issue.
When I am able to look past my particularly difficult issues I soon realize that I have got it a lot better than a lot of people. I have a loving family that will always be there for me through the good times and the bad. I know that my friends will always be there for me too and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of friends. Three of which I was lucky enough to see this week.
I am also very fortunate to be able to afford food and water and never have to worry about an empty fridge or not having a warm place to sleep at night like many people all around the world do. I am also grateful that I can have fun whenever I want to. In addition I am thankful that I have a wheelchair that helps me to get around and experience the world, for without an electric wheelchair I would be like a prisoner with in my own body. Lastly I am blessed to have Junior, my dog. Even though I don’t really live with him anymore I still really enjoy the time we do spend together and I think the bond we have will never go away, no matter how far I move. No one is perfect! However I think the fact that I dance and now go to yoga classes weekly, has helped me to re-center myself and figure out what is really important.

So what is really important to YOU?

Belated February Love Blog

2009-03-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

For those of you that haven’t seen my debut on ABC 7 news here is the link if you are interested. http://www.youtube.com/user/gettoknowtheblue
Please spread the word! The power of hope. For those of you that do not know I also have a learning disability that is sometimes harder for me to deal with than my physical one because I have felt like no one really understands or could relate to this part of me. I have been lucky enough to have friends with CP but no one with a learning disability. Now that you know, my hope is that you won’t judge me or think of me differently because of it. I am extremely self-conscious because of it. That was until today. When I met Samantha Abeel, she has difficulty in math with her basic skills such as money management, addition, subtraction, multiplying and dividing. She also struggles with spelling and the passage of time while on the other hand her vocabulary and creative writing got her to go extremely far as to write two of her own books. One is entitled Reach for the Moon and the other, My Thirteenth Winter. Like her, I struggle with my math skills, the passage of time and spelling but do well with writing, get good grades and have a good vocabulary. She even has a degree in Social Work. As I listened to her speak at the Board of Jewish Education, I was amazed at how similar we are. After her presentation, we talked and she signed a book for me. She even took a picture with me and gave me her e-mail and said if you have any questions e-mail me. Samantha gave me newfound hope and reminded me that I can do it too! A few days after I met with Samantha it just so happened that I had an appointment with my counselor to talk about places I could transfer to. I was thinking about National Louis University (NLU) and had a whole plan in mind. We talked and talked but he couldn’t find what I was looking for. I knew it existed because I had seen it just days before. My counsler said to me why don’t you call this person at NLU and see if they can help you. So I did and it turned out she was on leave and wouldn’t be back until April. I called back and they put me in touch with someone else but she didn’t answer either. So I decided to look for it again myself and sure enough within a very short time I found it.

Also I am very grateful to the copy shop at Oakton because they were willing to scan my books and bind them back together. When the special services office was not responsive to my accommodations. Both of these stories have shown me the power of persistence and as Dance Detour integrated dance troop says, We take an alternative route. That is what I had to do and very often find myself having to do.

Norine’s birthday and other fun times.
I feel so blessed that me and Norine have reconnected to become roommates. I believe we complement each other in many ways and it is great to have someone there for the lonely times when I miss my family. Now that I have been living with her, I couldn’t have asked for a better roommate. We make each other laugh, stay up and watch my Tivo together, and just plain joke around. It was her birthday this past Saturday, and me and Jacki took her out to Comedy Sportz. We had a good time and lots of laughs. The week before her birthday we also went to Medieval Times.. Before I talk about Mom and Dad I would like to congratulate my friend Chava and her family because she is getting married this month! My blessing for you is everything in this song, so I would like to share it with you!
Rascal Flatts My Wish Lyrics
Songwriters: Steele, Jeffrey; Robson, Steve

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow
And each road leads you where you want to go
And if you're faced with the choice and you have to choose
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you

And if one door opens to another door closed
I hope you keep on walkin’? til you find the window
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile
But more than anything, more than anything

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold

And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish

I hope you never look back but you never forget
All the ones who love you and the place you left
I hope you always forgive and you never regret
And you help somebody every chance you get

Oh, you'd find God's grace in every mistake
And always give more than you take
But more than anything, yeah more than anything

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold

And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish, yeah yeah

My wish for you
Is that this life becomes all that you want it to
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small
You never need to carry more than you can hold

And while you're out there gettin' where you're gettin' to
I hope you know somebody loves you
And wants the same things too
Yeah, this is my wish
(My wish for you)

This is my wish
(My wish for you)
I hope you know somebody loves you
(My wish for you)
May all your dreams stay big
(My wish for you)

I definitely believe this is the month for love!

Big news from Israel!
I am going on my Birthright trip. I am so excited and will tell you more about it in future posts! Yahoo!

Authors note as a tribute to my parents twenty-fifth wedding anniversary I would like to share with you the speech I wrote for them back in October at their surprise party. I would also like to thank them for giving me the opportunity to live on my own in this wonderful apartment because it wasn’t in my speech before. Thank you for leveling the playing field for me in this way. For those of you who were at the party you don’t need to read it and thank you for coming. It mean’t a lot to my parents and I know it is something our family will never forget.

Mom and Dad,
You have been faced with many challenges but whatever they are you have both looked at the cup half full and taught me and Brian to do the same even though it is sometimes hard for us. You take what you have and run with it. I think of our family as a tree with you both being the trunk and the rest of our family and friends the beautiful flowers because without you I would be nowhere. You both are my number one advocates. You both want to see me run a self-determined life and help me with this every single day. You both were my first teachers. You both over see that I have fun. You both love me and want me and my community to live as normal of a life as possible. That is why Mom is on the committees she is on. Dad you always want me to have the same opportunities as other people my age. For example, when I was little you always would carry me up on the roller coasters no matter how heavy or big I was becoming because you always wanted me to ride the roller coasters like any other kid. And when we were on vacation without mom, even though you made me look like a clown, you were willing to try to put make up on me because you wanted me to be happy. You both wanted me to have an opportunity to go to camp and though it was a different kind of camp, you wanted to try to level the playing field for me. The most recent experience I can think of is this summer when my dream came true when I went to access dance company’s summer dance workshop. It was like camp in the same respect that I felt like I could be myself there. Despite my disability, I was like a normal person going to an intensive for something I really cared about. It is very apparent in everything that you both do that you both want the best for me and I couldn’t ask for a better trunk or better parents. So this day is for you to say thank you for all you have done for me and the people that care about you. Here’s to another 25 years of love and Commitment now that I can drink. Thanks for all that you do in supporting my life and our family. You are a terrific start to my tree and I couldn’t ask for better. Happy 25th anniversary, love, Jess.

My Mark on the City of Destiny

2009-01-24T11:30:00.000-08:00

My mark on The City of Destiny.
Aide update!
A new chapter is beginning in my life. Jaclyn Ellis is not only doing Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day but she is also taking over the night shift, which is Saturday afternoon and evening, Sunday day and night, Monday Tuesday Wednesday nights and Thursday evening until we are done with school. Thank you Jaclyn for signing on to help.
Brian’s Birthday
My brother Brian turned seventeen over the break and in honor of his birthday I would like to dedicate this blog to him. We went to Comedy Sportz in Chicago which is improv competition club. We all loved it. It was perfect for all ages. I really recommend it. I could tell that Brian was enjoying himself. . For someone who has a hard time expressing or recognizing his feelings he does a great job at telling a joke or cheering people up. I can always count on him when I am having a bad day. I also think he is fantastic at fixing spelling mistakes. Many people call him the family comedian I think that we are like a ying yang because he helps me with the physical stuff and I help him with the social stuff. He said he is proud of me for living on my own with a self-determined life. He said he didn’t know I could do it and I think the fact that I am living in an apartment, gives him hope that his future could bring opportunities for a life of choice like mine with similar supports. I love you Brian!
ABC Channel News!
Yes you read that correctly! I want to thank ABC channel 7 News and the Illinois Council on Development Disabilities for allowing me to share my views on freedom of choice for people with disabilities. I think that the more people see productive people like me living in environments just like anyone else, the more we are looked at like a neighbor and not like someone who belongs in a segregated community. I feel it is important work to speak up for those who might not have a voice to communicate these basis human wishes and needs. I enjoy doing it and I hope my work is heard by many people who care to make a change in our great state. It is something I enjoy doing and consider an honor every time I am asked to speak on behalf of people with disabilities and I plan to continue advocating now and in the future because I believe that it can only do good. The show will be on Sunday February 8th, at 8:00 am. If you miss it… Check out the reporter, Karen Meyer’s website on Channel 7 News for her archived segments.
The City of Destiny
When my friend Rebecca told me that she found out that Des Plaines was The City of Destiny, I almost fell out of my chair from laughing. It was one of those kinds of laughs that I make with my whole body and no sound coming out of my mouth. Then people start to wonder if I am breathing! You get the picture! Which brings me to my final stories for the month. I was on my way to the library, which is right by my apartment, and I got stuck in the snow. I called Jaclyn but for some reason I couldn’t hear her so, I decided to put my flashers on to see if someone would come and help me sure enough they did. I guess my flashers aren’t just for fun after all. After all that the funniest part was when I came upstairs and Jaclyn said to me who was that man you were talking too? I guess she heard our conversation and I didn’t even know it. Then another crazy thing happened to me the other day. I went to get my bangs straightened at the nearby hair salon but before doing so I wanted to dry my wheels off because they were really wet and I thought it would be good to have them nice and dry. Little did I know, my wheels got extremely stuck in the carpet. And after 45 minutes of Brenda, her daughter Kathy and the whole salon working to get my chair out of the carpet, we decided to call the non-emergency police and sure enough I made a huge hole in there carpet. I have definitely made my mark on the city of destiny but not the way I wanted too. LOL! I would like to leave you this month with something that really hit home for me from our newly elected precedent. It reads,

PRESIDENT OBAMA'S DISABILITIES AGENDA
"We must build a world free of unnecessary barriers, stereotypes, and
discrimination.... policies must be developed, attitudes must be
shaped, and buildings and organizations must be designed to ensure
that everyone has a chance to get the education they need and live
independently as full citizens in their communities."

-- Barack Obama, April 11, 2008

Barack Obama and Joe Biden have a comprehensive agenda to empower
individuals with disabilities in order to equalize opportunities for
all Americans.

In addition to reclaiming America's global leadership on this issue
by becoming a signatory to -- and having the Senate ratify -- the UN
Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the plan has
four parts, designed to provide lifelong support and resources to
Americans with disabilities. They are as follows:

First, provide Americans with disabilities with the educational
opportunities they need to succeed by funding the Individuals with
Disabilities Education Act, supporting early intervention for
children with disabilities and universal screening, improving college
opportunities for high school graduates with disabilities, and making
college more affordable. Obama and Biden will also authorize a
comprehensive study of students with disabilities and issues relating
to transition to work and higher education.

Second, end discrimination and promote equal opportunity by restoring
the Americans with Disabilities Act, increasing funding for
enforcement, supporting the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination
Act, ensuring affordable, accessible health care for all and
improving mental health care.

Third, increase the employment rate of workers with disabilities by
effectively implementing regulations that require the federal
government and its contractors to employ people with disabilities,
providing private-sector employers with resources to accommodate
employees with disabilities, and encouraging those employers to use
existing tax benefits to hire more workers with disabilities and
supporting small businesses owned by people with disabilities.

And fourth, support independent, community-based living for Americans
with disabilities by enforcing the Community Choice Act, which would
allow Americans with significant disabilities the choice of living in
their community rather than having to live in a nursing home or other
institution, creating a voluntary, budget-neutral national insurance
program to help adults who have or develop functional disabilities to
remain independent and in their communities, and streamline the
Social Security approval process .

Autism
President Obama and Vice President Biden are committed to supporting
Americans with Autism Spectrum Disorders ("ASD"), their families, and
their communities. There are a few key elements to their support,
which are as follows:

First, President Obama and Vice President Biden support increased
funding for autism research, treatment, screenings, public awareness,
and support services. There must be research of the treatments for,
and the causes of, ASD.
Second, President Obama and Vice President Biden support improving
life-long services for people with ASD for treatments, interventions
and services for both children and adults with ASD.
Third, President Obama and Vice President Biden support funding the
Combating Autism Act and working with Congress, parents and ASD
experts to determine how to further improve federal and state
programs for ASD.
Fourth, President Obama and Vice President Biden support universal
screening of all infants and re-screening for all two-year-olds, the
age at which some conditions, including ASD, begin to appear. These
screenings will be safe and secure, and available for every American
that wants them. Screening is essential so that disabilities can be
identified early enough for those children and families to get the
supports and services they need
Best wishes for 2009!
Love
-Jessi

2008 "Wrap Up"

2008-12-12T20:26:00.000-08:00

This is what the holidays mean to me!
1. A time to share
2. A time to give of ourselves
3. A time to be with family and friends
4. A time to enjoy beautiful things
5. A time to love
6. A time to be grateful
7. A time to eat great food
8. A time to sing
9. A time to pray
10.A time to have fun.
What do the holidays mean to you?

School!
Well I have completed another successful semester at Oakton and am off for five glorious weeks. I would like to thank Jennifer Schroeder my tutor for helping me get through my first semester in my own place. She has a degree in social work and I am proud to know her. Who would have thought that my mom would have found such a wonderful person at Panera Bread? Thank you so much!
Aide updates:
Brenda who most of you know because she has worked with my family and I for eight years, now helps me at my apartment on Mondays and Wednesdays. She has definitely adjusted well to her new role in my life and has a can-do attitude. Thank you for all that you do!
Big News!
Amanda my nighttime aid who I talked about last month is staying with me and Norine through this new semester but then is leaving because she is pregnant. I have mixed feelings about this because I am happy for her that she will be moving on and starting a family of her own but I am also worried about finding someone good to take her place. I am also a little sad because I will miss her. Until Amanda leaves I am sure we will have fun with her and enjoy watching the baby develop. I want to thank mom ahead of time for looking for someone to take Amanda’s place. I know it isn’t easy and I appreciate it. If any of you can think of a possible candidate for the job I would appreciate it if you let my mom and or me know. Thank you in advance! You never know, the person just might be someone who already works for me…
Sleepover:
A few weekends ago my friend and sister Annie came over to the “purple goodness” for a sleepover. We had dinner and cocktails with our friends Eric and Phil at a nearby Mexican restaurant and then we came back and made ice cream sundaes at my place. That feels so cool to say, by the way. After they left we jammed to Tayler Swift’s new CD which is amazing and played Disney’s Scene It! We had so much fun that we lost track of time! I really recommend it! Annie, I hope you had a great time like I did and I hope we can do it again soon!
Follies:
I was supposed to go to the Follies with Norine, which is a talent show that the teachers put on every two years at my school around this time. It is so funny! Anyway since Norine couldn’t go I wanted sit with my lunch friends but there was no more accessible seating on their side of the auditorium so, Dr. Hammel this really nice professor helped me walk to a regular seat. On top of a great show, a big thanks goes to Dr. Hammel for helping me out so I could enjoy it with my friends, plus hewas really cute. I don’t normally think about having angels but in this case, he was one! Thank you all for reading and Happy Holidays!
Love
-Jessi

Giving Thanks 3x

2008-11-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

I am thankful for many people in my life but there is one in particular person that I am thankful for. Her name is Amanda Huff. She is my nighttime aide during the week Saturday through Wednesday. However it is one thing to have a job and another to own it. Amanda definitely owns it. She has a good heart and wants the best for Norine and me. She has a great sense of humor and is always there for the good times and bad. As my mom says she has a can-do attitude and as my Nana says she is a doll. Now you feel like a real roommate even though you are hired to help us. Thank you for all that you do! You are helping my dream of living on my own become a reality and I appreciate it because I know it isn’t always easy

There are a lot of mean people in the world but apparently not on November 4th 2008. On election day, I started my day with my mom as my aide for work, because at this time we hadn’t yet hired a Tuesday PA. I roll in to the polling place to vote for only my second Presidential election. I have only seen these people four times in my life and before I can tell them what my name is, they seem to say in unison “Hi Jessica.” As if I have known them for years. Then they ask me, pointing to my mom, “Is this your aide?”
“No” I reply with a smile, “She is my mom.” When it is time for me to sign my name they ask me if I had my name stamp? At this point I want to laugh so hard. I replied, yes and mom pulls me up to the table so I could reach the table because I am holding the stamp and mom bumps my knees! One of the election judge sees what is going on and offers to put a book under the paper so it is easier for me. When I leave they give me a sticker and tell me that I am a good citizen and said they would see me next time. At first, I thought it was a little funny how friendly they were but then I thought how much nicer our world would be if people were just a little nicer to each other everyday. I think Mom could not believe it either because instead of walking out the exit door she walked through the door with the pews instead. If you haven’t figured it out, our polling place is in a church.

Thank you mom for working your butt off to find Jacklyn. So now I have Brenda on Mondays and Wednesdays and Jaclyn on Tuesdays and Thursday. Since we have been without help on Tuesdays and Thursdays, this has been hard on my family and especially my mom and me but I am hopeful that things work out well with Jaclyn and me. Brenda, next month I will talk about you.
Love
-Jessi

Warm House

2008-10-23T21:10:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone
I want to start by thanking Chi Chi for coming in for not only my party but the holiday as well. it was so nice to have you Alli and Scott join us. I hope you got home safely!
For those of you that came to my party thank you very much. I feel so blessed knowing that I have such a wonderful family and group of friends that only want the best for me and want to see me succeed in all that I do. When I am having a bad day I just think of the fantastic relationships I have created with all of the people in my life and I just smile. I am so grateful to have met so many different people from so many different walks of life. You all care about me and have enriched my life for the better when I am at a party and you all are there in one room I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside because this is yet another reminder of how lucky I am and I start to squeal with happiness and excitement. Therefore, I don’t just think of you when I am having a bad day,you all are very important to me and thank you for sharing yet another milestone with me. For those of you who couldn’t come to this party I promise you there will be more to come in the very near future.
Lots of love!
-Jess

New Chances

2008-09-28T18:40:00.000-07:00

For those of you that are Jewish I would like to wish you a happy and healthy new year. This message that I am about to say I believe can be applied to anyone at anytime in their life not just Jewish people.

It is never to late to be happy!

It is never to late to say I am sorry to someone you love.

It is never to late to make a new friend and hang out with old ones.

It is never to late to make a phone call to someone near or far.

You are never to old or too tough to tell someone I love you or show them affection.

It is never to late to pray or to learn something new.

It is never to late to love your family friends and pets..

It is never to late to get a new job or make a career change. It is never to late to go back to school. It is never to late to have fun!

These are often things I forget about from time to time but I try to live by them to the best of my ability and I wanted to share them with you.

I figure if they help me to be a better person they probably would help you too.

Please let me know what you think.

Love to all!

Xoxo

-Jessi

Appreciation

2008-09-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I thought this would be a perfect quote for today and it
actually is very similar to how I have been feeling lately.

Stop pushing against anything or anyone, focus on what is right, what is
working, the positive aspects, and appreciate that.....as you give your
attention to what you desire.

Appreciation is the key!

Inspired by Abraham Hicks

I got a bracelet a few years back from my good friend, Hannah, who most of
you know or have heard about. It is helping me get through the hard times
of living on my own. I am going to write the words that are on my bracelet
and tell you how they relate to my life. They are:

Honor: I would like to honor the people that we have lost in 911, the people
that we have lost in Iraq, the people that we have lost in hurricane
Katrina, and the people that I have lost that are close to my heart.

Loyalty: I have realized over my life that it is important to have loyalty
toward the people I love.

Unity: An important virtue because it helps people stay connected to my
family and friends both near and far. That’s how I stay connected to my
family.

Passion :Dance is my passion; it helps me get through my days.

Joy: Being with my family and friends brings me joy as well as humor and
being in this new apartment.

Kindness: I have found that kindness helps me when I am trying to get my
needs met and that it is a powerful thing.

Love: I love all of you and I am so glad that you are in my life.

Hope: Helps me to plan for the future and to become a better person. I hope
that I have a good life in this apartment and I hope you all enjoy reading
this blog.

Humor : I like to joke around with family and friends and most of you know my
favorite comedian is Josh Blue from Last Comic Standing. Humor is what I
believe is what makes us have better lives. Without this we would have
pretty boring lives and nothing to look forward to.

Courage: The power of courage can take you really far in all aspects of your
life. It has for me.

Trust: Though it is hard to maintain trust with people, it is important for
someone like me who needs help with personal care, and I find myself always
struggling to maintain a sense of trust with people, especially when they
are knew.

Family: I am blessed to have such a wonderful family that always cares about
me, especially in this new phase in my life. You have all been there for me
asking me, “what can I do?”, “what can I bring?” to make you feel more
comfortable in your new home. Having so many wonderful family and friends
means the world to me and makes me feel all warm inside.

Truth : Though it can be hard to be truthful at times, I have learned that it
is better to be honest and truthful with people otherwise, if you are not
truthful with your family, friends and, in my case, people who help me, then
those feelings can get all bottled up inside. However, even though I am
saying this, I will also be the one to admit that it is a hard thing to do.

Charity: One thing that I am reminded of, especially in this time of trouble
with Hurricane Ike and wars in Iraq, is that it is important to give charity
even if it is not in the form of money.

I hope these words have helped you in your life somehow just as they have
helped me.

Love Jess

2 Pieces of Mail, Junior and Shopping

2008-09-06T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I am back in Northbrook giving my aides a break and visiting my family and working until Saturday at three. I have enjoyed being at my apartment and experiencing the freedom of being on my own however, it still feels a little like camp or a hotel because I still come home a little bit.
Thanks to Chi Chi and Amazon, I received my first to pieces of non junk snail mail at my new address. It was so cool! Thank you Chi Chi I love snail mail!
Junior had a hard few days but I think he is doing better now. We had to give him doggie Valium because he was very anxious and out of sorts. Hopefully he will do better in the weeks to come.
One thing that Norine and I already learned about each other is that we eat very differently. For someone like me who doesn’t like to go to the grocery store I had a pretty good time. When we came back to the apartment my mom was there putting stuff away and she almost fell over laughing because both me and Norine came in with bags and bags of groceries wrapped around our chairs.
Now here comes the big news! The next day I went with my day time aide named Faith and we did what I have wanted to do since I turned twenty-one. I thought this would be a perfect time since I had no homework and my parents weren’t around. I bet you can guess what I did since you all know how much I love it! Yes you're right I bought my first twelve pack of beer! It was so exciting!
Cheers to everyone! Lol!
Love
-Jess

Moving Day

2008-09-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have decided to create a blog so you all know what life is like for me as I enter this new phase of my l life.

Moving Day!

August 29th 2008.

Thanks to Mom and Dad, Nana and Papa the place is really shaping up and I couldn't have done it without you. Having your love and support made it even more special. You definitely have helped make it feel like home.

September 1st is the first official day I move in with Norine. I have a lot of emotions about that day, but mostly I am excited! My dream is coming true with the help of my parents, grandparents and Microboard. I want to also include the help of our two new aides, Faith who comes during the day and Amanda who comes during the late afternoon and evening. My only hope is that my dog Junior begins to feel safe and secure there. I think the next time I will be writing you, I will be at the apartment. I can't wait for you all to see it! It really is a Purple Pad.

For those of you that want to, you can leave me a message on my blog or my new address is

750 Pearson #607

Des Plaines, IL 60016

Home # 847/813-5152

Press 025 when you visit

My cell - call first is 847/254-1151

One more quick story then I promise I won't make my entries so long in the future.

Anyways, I was walking with my Nana through the garage to get to my apartment but we didn't realize we had walked so far and we walked right into the other apartment across the street from mine and all this time we were thinking ...why is the swipe card not letting us into the building??? Then a nice man let us in because at that point we thought we were in the right place. We went up to what we thought was my apartment building and at first I thought I was going the wrong way because I knew that the trash room was right next door to my place and I didn't see it. Also, my door opener that my dad had just gotten for me a few days earlier didn't work, Hummm. So my grandma knocked on 607 and a little old lady about my mom's size answered the door and looked at us like we were crazy. We apologized and realized only then that we were in the wrong building! We were embarrassed but had a good laugh for the rest of the day and had a good story to tell.

Love to all!

-Jess