Christopher Dior Simon's Blog

Time…

I wrapped up reading Redeeming Your Time by Jordan Raynor. It doesn’t surprise most people how important time is. It becomes more apparent as our life cycles get closer to the end. We can replace many things, and we can get more of most things, but time is not one of these things.

Valuing whatever amount of time we have and utilizing it well may be of interest. We don’t get to do-overs, but we do have what we will do next. I enjoyed how the book gave seven principles for redeeming our time most applicable in the workplace. However, I gathered good information to apply in my book writing structure and for the rest of my life.

In the book’s conclusion, I was reminded that the many skills, talents, and seemingly superior abilities we may have don’t make us superior. I have no cause to look down or belittle others unlike me. Reframing the deficiency of my caregivers is greatly needed in my attitude adjustment. I love my life and will make more effort in improving the lives of those around me, Simplysaidbysimon. ALS – Always Learning Something.

What to do, what to do?

I have not been close to thinking about giving up since the one episode I had when I went into the hospital almost eight years ago. After surmising what this road would be like, it appeared as though I didn’t want to take it.

My daughter brought me out of my temporary stupor by asking me if I was giving up. I have been fueled to keep on paying dues and live on since then. However, I can imagine how, for many, their world can change instantly. I recently lost the joy of daily experiencing my oral enjoying my food choices. The lollygagging miscarriage of my care I will omit for now. Added to this experience, the center of my joy has been out of pocket for several months. Life is tough, and we get to go through some great experiences. That is the easy part. But what to do when the not-so-easy part comes?

The last few days I engaged in a binge of one series, The Godfather Trilogy, several music videos, and and a couple of books. It is crazy how a couple of adjustments have the ability to make things better.

My biggest and best adjustments are mental. I’ll utilize more meditation and reframing. I’m getting up for my future. One never knows what life will throw at us next. The loss of ability, function, enjoyment of certain normal routines, and the company of friends, family, and support can all happen- ready or not. I’m keeping hoping and coping alive. Simplysaidbysimon by someone I love and respect, are you giving up? Heck no. I’m just beginning to live anew. Mostly, my help these days is invisible. ALS – A Lifetime Savior. Thanks, Jilliane.

I have a wrinkle

This was another day of adjustment. I had registry caregivers as CNAs today. I said I could make it because my wife was coming. Surprise, surprise. She had issues and couldn’t make it. Life is like a box of chocolates that I didn’t get to enjoy today. It happens. I just need to stay focused on other things.

I’m 27 books from reading my total books for the year goal. I’ll keep reading, but not as much. I have to write more and make some adjustments based on what is.

ALS has been a stream of adjustments. I know there are plenty of growth opportunities to come. I must build up for myself to go through much of what is to come alone. Can I deal with it? You bet I can and will. It’s a bit different at this stage, but it will be okay. Simplysaidbysimon, enjoy the rest of the journey. Independence is happiness. Susan B. Anthony. ALS – Amazing Liberating Solitude.

Tasty Thursday

I spent part of the early morning reading and watching a documentary on Laci Peterson. It’s a sad event that was covered any way it’s viewed. Life is lost in too many ways to feel totally secure. Living with a disease presses upon our minds how precious life is.

I read several books last week and this week about people who lose a child or spouse. It’s not something easily adjusted to. In fact, I would imagine a person learns to have it hurt seemingly less with time. It’s not a comfortable experience that is made incredibly more difficult by the misspoken things people say that are ill-timed. Silence is golden when seeking to give some comfort.

As I live and the older I become, the more experiences with death cross my path. I’m more dedicated to making each day a good day and focusing more on helping others along the way. Oh yeah, and I keep a candy dish in my room. Simplysaidbysimon, how sweet it is. ALS—Amazing Like Simon. Thanks, Jilliane.

It’s the simple things

For the past few days, I have enjoyed listening to my audiobooks and playlist and looking at the flowers that recently bloomed or were planted by Miracle Man. They bring me joy.

I never have been one to get excited by diamonds or gold. If something looked good, that was the value I sought. It was phenomenal how excited freshly cut grass made me that I had mowed. Such is my life now.

I’m delighted to breathe on my own for 35 minutes. It’s exciting to chew and savor a little piece of chocolate in my mouth. Even now, I am imagining eating some watermelon my wife bought today. I’m thinking about asking her to make me a whipped cream pie with yogurt, whipped cream, and Graham Crackers crust. Over and over, I relish the simple things in life. Nothing has changed in my environment, I still detest subpar care in all its forms, but I try to give it minimal attention. Please are people, no matter who their boss is. I’m no longer looking for a savior. I have been let down enough by good intentions by people who have no clue in areas that impact me.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. Henry Ward Beecher. I’d rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. Emma Goldman. Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. James Baldwin. Simplysaidbysimon, wherever you go, people are people. Be the best person you’re capable of producing. ALS – Amazing Liberating Story.

We’ve got a good one

Celebrate with me the awesome new hire that is now finished with the initial training orientation. I just love it when a person joins our staff who has good common sense, the ability to quickly learn and execute his or her duties, and it is helpful for me when they have lip reading skills.

There won’t ever be a cessation of job ignorance or a mixture of skills and other key measurement deficiencies in the staff. However, the bright spots and superb performers are to be applauded. I’m still allergic to stupidity and thoughtless care. It is refreshing to have care from a person who allows our guards to be lowered. Simply resting with both eyes closed is an infrequent occurrence.

I sometimes meet a person who tells me about what healthcare is supposed to be like. Heaven help them if their dream world is awakened to the stark reality of living in a facility. Though I am grateful for those who work for the good of their patients, it is apparent less often than in the dream world.

We first make our habits, and then our habits make us. John Dryden. Spread the appreciation even if you have to be creative. Thanks for showing up today, for example. Simplysaidbysimon, Surround yourself with those who only lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey. It’s easy to make a check, but strive to make a difference. ALS – Awesome Lord Saves. Thanks, Jilliane.

What we don’t know

I am grateful for the experiences I have had. Such as they are, there are opportunities to be worse. This morning, I listened to the book A Heart that Works. It’s tough to watch your child die before their third birthday. Cancer of the brain is hard, but even more so when an infant has it. It fights for two years to remain alive.

I quickly lost weight since my caregivers mismanaged my care again. I’m seven pounds lighter. Maybe they are too without a brain. Just kidding. Maybe not. I’ll find more ways to manage my care. I always have navigated through the nonsense of my healthcare. It’s not the time to stop now.

Good thing my books educate and give me distractions. I’m now finishing up Only the Brave by Danielle Steele. Aptly titled for those of us who are battling diseases and the mentally handicapped on purpose. Live for today and not the fears of what may come.
Hadley Vlahos, RN. Unless we remember we can not understand. E. M. Forster. Simplysaidbysimon, don’t ever give up. ALS – Apparently Lost Super.

Step by step, slowly I turn

Working Wednesday with the projector looking and sounding good and my ceiling picture ready for football. I’m connected to my YouTube account and now have my normal playlist on the ceiling. It’s nice. I’m still working towards completing my camera outside and getting my smart blinds hooked up to my tablet.

It is difficult to complete some things when there are obstacles, but I have a do what I can mentality. I won’t get heated up over what others do for long. I don’t get upset over things I can control, because if I can control them there’s no sense in getting upset. And I don’t get upset over things I can’t control, because if I can’t control them there’s no sense in getting upset. Mickey Rivers. I don’t control ALS necessarily, but I won’t contribute to additional negative effects.

My flowers are very good with gifts that make me smile when I look at their beautiful blossoms. I’ll try to keep living and blooming when and where I can. Simplysaidbysimon, smell the roses. ALS – Amazing Lovely Smell.

Smile

I just finished my teeth cleaning and my Mobile Dentist is great. My wife pays for it. I’m very pleased with his performance, punctuality, humor, and price.

I’ll have to say there is more than one way to get quality care. I’m going to work on it.

Life is hard, and then we die. The trick is to develop coping skills to really live instead of just being alive. Working toward a meaningful life with purpose is worth it. We should not feel embarrassed by our difficulties, only by our failure to grow anything beautiful from them. Alain de Botton.

Simplysaidbysimon, wherever you go, there you are, so be your best. ALS- Awarding Life’s Sincerity. Thanks, Gwen.

What a relief it is

It was a good weekend for exercising mind control. I didn’t have anything close to my preferences of food or people yesterday. Ah, but my wife came to visit me and I received some TLC. I Enjoyed eating three mini chocolate bars and fasted the rest of the day to minimize my use of the day’s staff. I could wait it out until the next shift.

Why is this important? I can match my needs to the available help sometimes. When all else fails, I can go to sleep and not need anything. A perfect match. The next shift was here when I woke up, and then I requested two protein drinks and some water.

I was told I have a new order that allows applesauce and cranberry. This man shall not live by this alone. Ha ha. Unless I have no other choice and need it to live.

I have a super weapon that when I am not able to change my circumstances temporarily, I can change how I think about it. Hmm. What if I lived in a war prison and didn’t get sufficient food rations? Applesauce would be awesome. POW Simon here is in agreement with Simplysaidbysimon, give name, rank, and serial number, and keep hope alive. People who don’t have a clue are your caregivers sometimes when you are battling diseases. Stay alive and make the best of your life. ALS – Another Lovely Spouse. Thanks, Jilliane.