I called the program and requested info for signing up for this worthy program. I thought that it'd be a good and inexpensive way to market the SoMoTBI Support Group. The worst case would be that I get stuck cleaning up part of our state highway system. That's not such a bad thing -- is it??
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Marketing a Concept
This morning (while listening to the radio) I heard an advertisement for the Missouri "Adopt-a-Highway" program. Immediately, the bells went off.
I called the program and requested info for signing up for this worthy program. I thought that it'd be a good and inexpensive way to market the SoMoTBI Support Group. The worst case would be that I get stuck cleaning up part of our state highway system. That's not such a bad thing -- is it??
I called the program and requested info for signing up for this worthy program. I thought that it'd be a good and inexpensive way to market the SoMoTBI Support Group. The worst case would be that I get stuck cleaning up part of our state highway system. That's not such a bad thing -- is it??
Friday, April 17, 2009
Parting is such blah.. blah.. blah...
Well, we've reached the fourth and final day at M.R.C. Today, Linda began by introducing me to Richard, a gentleman involved in the M.R.C. IT department. Richard conducted a mock interview. It was very insightful and restored some of my lost confidence. Richard gave me a great deal of positive, good advice.
Then Linda continued by administering some memory tests. I must admit that they reminded me of days gone by when we used to play the electronic game "Simon." In this case, however, the tests were low-tech.
She and I then reviewed the results from the week's testing. We were able to get a document notarized providing for an agent in case I am ever in a position where I am unable to speak up for myself regarding Health issues. Finally, we spoke with Gwen via phone and reported some results to her.
Finally, the big moment came: when I was able to fill out the ultimate form... an evaluation of the MRC Voc Rehab program. I cannot remember all of the questions, but I do remember that my feedback was all positive.
That's what gets me... here I have the chance to stab'em in the back and all I can do is say good things about this group. It just goes to show, this team is really above the fray.
The parting was somewhat emotional (for me!)... and I cannot deny a tear or two found its way out onto my cheek as I said farewell.
Then Linda continued by administering some memory tests. I must admit that they reminded me of days gone by when we used to play the electronic game "Simon." In this case, however, the tests were low-tech.
She and I then reviewed the results from the week's testing. We were able to get a document notarized providing for an agent in case I am ever in a position where I am unable to speak up for myself regarding Health issues. Finally, we spoke with Gwen via phone and reported some results to her.
Finally, the big moment came: when I was able to fill out the ultimate form... an evaluation of the MRC Voc Rehab program. I cannot remember all of the questions, but I do remember that my feedback was all positive.
That's what gets me... here I have the chance to stab'em in the back and all I can do is say good things about this group. It just goes to show, this team is really above the fray.
The parting was somewhat emotional (for me!)... and I cannot deny a tear or two found its way out onto my cheek as I said farewell.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Testing My Ability to Work
I arrived about 9:00 this morning and met with Connie, who took me to the cafeteria at MRC to drop me off.
Angie, a supervisor in the cafeteria, assigned me some tasks. This was my first experience with institutional cooking. Angie assigned me the tasks of preparing 10 pans of bacon and 3 pans of sausage.
Since I was working in the cafeteria, I was provided with free coffee. That helped me a lot. I usually drink coffee to counteract the morning meds which generally put me in a stupor. So this was good!
Afterwards, I had about a 30-minute lunch. Then, I met again with Connie (who administered manual dexterity tests).
Connie then took me over to the Gift Shop where I worked for a couple of hours stocking their newly-received soda supply. Anna showed me what to do and I did it.
Anna is a sweet lady; I enjoyed meeting her.
Today, I was able to get some picture-taking in. However, the library's policy prevents me from uploading them now. So, I'll have to make a trip to Walmart to get them uploaded.
The pictures contain the Green Turtle as a subject as well as others. I'm eager to get them put online.
Angie, a supervisor in the cafeteria, assigned me some tasks. This was my first experience with institutional cooking. Angie assigned me the tasks of preparing 10 pans of bacon and 3 pans of sausage.
 |
| From MRC |
Since I was working in the cafeteria, I was provided with free coffee. That helped me a lot. I usually drink coffee to counteract the morning meds which generally put me in a stupor. So this was good!
 |
| From MRC |
Afterwards, I had about a 30-minute lunch. Then, I met again with Connie (who administered manual dexterity tests).
Connie then took me over to the Gift Shop where I worked for a couple of hours stocking their newly-received soda supply. Anna showed me what to do and I did it.
 |
| From MRC |
Anna is a sweet lady; I enjoyed meeting her.
 |
| From MRC |
Today, I was able to get some picture-taking in. However, the library's policy prevents me from uploading them now. So, I'll have to make a trip to Walmart to get them uploaded.
The pictures contain the Green Turtle as a subject as well as others. I'm eager to get them put online.
A Day Late...
I apologize for not making an entry yesterday. Here's what happened...
I came in at 8:30 in the morning. My meds (and yesterday's interview in the morning with Linda) prevented me from sleeping most of the night on Tuesday. I spent the entire day with Connie Chapman. Connie administered numerous tests which kept me busy.
I was so exhausted when I left that I just decided to go back to my room and sleep. Which is what I did... for a couple of hours. Then Angel awakened me after about an hour and a half.
She had a favor for me to do and also she wanted to prevent me from waking during the night and having a rough Thursday. Angel is very thoughtful like that.
Getting back to the testing... The tests were mostly written; but, there were a couple of tests which tested mechanical skills. In my mind, I failed them all. But I will know the results soon enough.
I came in at 8:30 in the morning. My meds (and yesterday's interview in the morning with Linda) prevented me from sleeping most of the night on Tuesday. I spent the entire day with Connie Chapman. Connie administered numerous tests which kept me busy.
I was so exhausted when I left that I just decided to go back to my room and sleep. Which is what I did... for a couple of hours. Then Angel awakened me after about an hour and a half.
She had a favor for me to do and also she wanted to prevent me from waking during the night and having a rough Thursday. Angel is very thoughtful like that.
Getting back to the testing... The tests were mostly written; but, there were a couple of tests which tested mechanical skills. In my mind, I failed them all. But I will know the results soon enough.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Above and Beyond
Angel and I decided to leave Thayer on Saturday in order to avoid the thunderstorm which the weather services had predicted would hit Springfield on Sunday. Voc Rehab had arranged for me to check in to the Super 8 on Monday (since I was scheduled for MRC on Tuesday through Friday).
We could have left on Monday. However, it was unclear as to whether or not I was supposed to be at MRC on Monday.
After cleaning the Green Turtle and packing it for the week, we embarked for our journey. We arrived at the last rest area before reaching Oklahoma in the late afternoon. We decided that this would be our parking place until Monday.
In the early morning on Sunday, Angel met one of the park's maintenance crew. Later, as I was collecting Hickory nuts (they were abundant here), the same crewmember engaged me in conversation asking if I needed a bag to put my treasures in. I said, "yes" and she obliged by giving me one of her garbage bags. She asked if I was the one headed toward MRC and I responded that I was.
She introduced herself to me as "Robin" and said that, in addition to the roadside park, she also worked at MRC. She asked me why I was not staying at one of the several cottages at the MRC. I told her that I had been scheduled to stay at the Super 8 in town, but that I had arrived 2 days early. She told me that she was headed to the eastbound rest area but might see me again later. We bid adieu.
I began exercising my legs and Houston as we made several trips around the park. After some time, Robin returned and explained to me that the cottages (of which she spoke earlier) were reserved exclusively for medical staff of the MRC. But, she explained, there is a lounge at the MRC which is open until 9 p.m. She said that she had spoken to the security guard and that there'd be no problem if I wanted to go over there to get warm.
I thanked her for the info and mentioned that Angel and I would discuss this. I also told Robin that my gas was all that I had or all that I could get and it had to get me back home. So, I was unable to make extraneous trips between now and Friday.
Later, I told Robin that Angel and I would like to implement her idea. The weather had turned bitter-cold and had surprised us. The both of us were freezing and were most uncomfortable.
Robin stepped into the manager's area of the park to draw maps. She drew a map with the shortest distance from the park to MRC. Next, she drew a map of the MRC campus.
While Robin drew maps, a young man approached me to ask if I had a cell phone. He explained that he and his girlfriend (whom we observed to be pregnant) had had car trouble and would like to call his dad. I explained to him that my cell phone was persnickety but offered help in another way. (Cf. story on my personal blog.)
Angel and I went to the MRC campus per Robin's excellent directions. However, we decided that perhaps the best thing for us to do would be to negotiate with Super 8. They had been engaged to host us for 5 days, beginning Monday. What if we just moved the 5 days to Sunday?
This is what we did. And, much to Super 8's credit, we were able to spend a warm night with a comfortable bed. I'm not even going to mention the wonderful feel of showering!!
Life is good!
I remembered that, while working for Marimba, my boss, Ulf, used to issue an award called "Above and Beyond." I remember earning many of these. Well, I would like to acknowledge -- and to issue to -- Robin this award: ABOVE - AND - BEYOND!
We could have left on Monday. However, it was unclear as to whether or not I was supposed to be at MRC on Monday.
After cleaning the Green Turtle and packing it for the week, we embarked for our journey. We arrived at the last rest area before reaching Oklahoma in the late afternoon. We decided that this would be our parking place until Monday.
In the early morning on Sunday, Angel met one of the park's maintenance crew. Later, as I was collecting Hickory nuts (they were abundant here), the same crewmember engaged me in conversation asking if I needed a bag to put my treasures in. I said, "yes" and she obliged by giving me one of her garbage bags. She asked if I was the one headed toward MRC and I responded that I was.
She introduced herself to me as "Robin" and said that, in addition to the roadside park, she also worked at MRC. She asked me why I was not staying at one of the several cottages at the MRC. I told her that I had been scheduled to stay at the Super 8 in town, but that I had arrived 2 days early. She told me that she was headed to the eastbound rest area but might see me again later. We bid adieu.
I began exercising my legs and Houston as we made several trips around the park. After some time, Robin returned and explained to me that the cottages (of which she spoke earlier) were reserved exclusively for medical staff of the MRC. But, she explained, there is a lounge at the MRC which is open until 9 p.m. She said that she had spoken to the security guard and that there'd be no problem if I wanted to go over there to get warm.
I thanked her for the info and mentioned that Angel and I would discuss this. I also told Robin that my gas was all that I had or all that I could get and it had to get me back home. So, I was unable to make extraneous trips between now and Friday.
Later, I told Robin that Angel and I would like to implement her idea. The weather had turned bitter-cold and had surprised us. The both of us were freezing and were most uncomfortable.
Robin stepped into the manager's area of the park to draw maps. She drew a map with the shortest distance from the park to MRC. Next, she drew a map of the MRC campus.
While Robin drew maps, a young man approached me to ask if I had a cell phone. He explained that he and his girlfriend (whom we observed to be pregnant) had had car trouble and would like to call his dad. I explained to him that my cell phone was persnickety but offered help in another way. (Cf. story on my personal blog.)
Angel and I went to the MRC campus per Robin's excellent directions. However, we decided that perhaps the best thing for us to do would be to negotiate with Super 8. They had been engaged to host us for 5 days, beginning Monday. What if we just moved the 5 days to Sunday?
This is what we did. And, much to Super 8's credit, we were able to spend a warm night with a comfortable bed. I'm not even going to mention the wonderful feel of showering!!
Life is good!
I remembered that, while working for Marimba, my boss, Ulf, used to issue an award called "Above and Beyond." I remember earning many of these. Well, I would like to acknowledge -- and to issue to -- Robin this award: ABOVE - AND - BEYOND!
Day 1 @ MRC
Today, I concluded my first full day at the MRC. It consisted of meeting Linda Wilks (who is a Vocational Evaluator there) and Connie Chapman (a Vocational Tester).
I was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. However, Angel and I had miscommunicated and she thought that I had wanted her to set the alarm for 8:30! After hurriedly showering and dressing (what else is new here??!), I jumped in the Green Turtle and we headed for work! I was tres excited!!
I finally arrived at approximately 9:10 a.m. to meet, for the first time, Linda. Linda and I spent the morning together going over my history. During the interview, I broke down and cried a couple of times. Those times were when the answers to her questions involved Mother, Harvey, or my incident at Florida State Hospital.
We broke for lunch. I met a nice gentleman on the grounds having a cigarette. Smoking is banned on all hospital grounds. In the course of our conversation, he gave me a unique saying which was created by his nephew. We had been talking when I had used the phrase "... get your s#@! together." I apologized to Dennis; to which he related a story about his nephew using that exact phrase.
Dennis had chastised his nephew about his use of the phrase. He says that some time later his nephew threw a new, but similar phrase, at him:
I immediately pulled a piece of scratch out of my purple journal and logged the phrase. I mentioned to Dennis that I would be blogging this conversation (to determine whether he would be opposed). Since he was not opposed (indeed, he gave me his name and phone number afterward), I recorded details of our conversation.
I continued onward to the afternoon session. This session was conducted by Connie. I had met Connie yesterday when I had come in to verify that I was free on Monday. In fact, Connie did something which I believe is "above-and-beyond" the call of duty.
When I mentioned to her that the local library had a daily usage fee of $1 for out of town guests, she reached into her drawer and handed me the fee. I thought that the gesture was one of platinum! Thanks to her, I was able to get online yesterday and pass the time in a productive way.
The afternoon session consisted of my having to complete a series of surveys and tests. It was uneventful. I put on my test-taker's hat and went at it with full speed.
At 3:00, Linda and I decided to close for the day to re-convene at 8:30 tomorrow. This was great for me, because I wanted to get my butt over to the library to blog.
When I arrived at the library, I realized that I did not have the guest fee. I spoke to Cindy and explained my situation to her. Cindy told me that the library had waived the fee previously for folks in similar circumstances.
Thus, here I am doing what I love to do... ;)
I was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. However, Angel and I had miscommunicated and she thought that I had wanted her to set the alarm for 8:30! After hurriedly showering and dressing (what else is new here??!), I jumped in the Green Turtle and we headed for work! I was tres excited!!
I finally arrived at approximately 9:10 a.m. to meet, for the first time, Linda. Linda and I spent the morning together going over my history. During the interview, I broke down and cried a couple of times. Those times were when the answers to her questions involved Mother, Harvey, or my incident at Florida State Hospital.
We broke for lunch. I met a nice gentleman on the grounds having a cigarette. Smoking is banned on all hospital grounds. In the course of our conversation, he gave me a unique saying which was created by his nephew. We had been talking when I had used the phrase "... get your s#@! together." I apologized to Dennis; to which he related a story about his nephew using that exact phrase.
Dennis had chastised his nephew about his use of the phrase. He says that some time later his nephew threw a new, but similar phrase, at him:
"Get your poop in a group!"
I immediately pulled a piece of scratch out of my purple journal and logged the phrase. I mentioned to Dennis that I would be blogging this conversation (to determine whether he would be opposed). Since he was not opposed (indeed, he gave me his name and phone number afterward), I recorded details of our conversation.
I continued onward to the afternoon session. This session was conducted by Connie. I had met Connie yesterday when I had come in to verify that I was free on Monday. In fact, Connie did something which I believe is "above-and-beyond" the call of duty.
When I mentioned to her that the local library had a daily usage fee of $1 for out of town guests, she reached into her drawer and handed me the fee. I thought that the gesture was one of platinum! Thanks to her, I was able to get online yesterday and pass the time in a productive way.
The afternoon session consisted of my having to complete a series of surveys and tests. It was uneventful. I put on my test-taker's hat and went at it with full speed.
At 3:00, Linda and I decided to close for the day to re-convene at 8:30 tomorrow. This was great for me, because I wanted to get my butt over to the library to blog.
When I arrived at the library, I realized that I did not have the guest fee. I spoke to Cindy and explained my situation to her. Cindy told me that the library had waived the fee previously for folks in similar circumstances.
Thus, here I am doing what I love to do... ;)
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Voc Rehab Schedules Me for TBI Evaluation
Yesterday I received my schedule to link up with Missouri Rehab during the week of April 13 to do what we had scheduled earlier in the year. (The earlier schedule was postponed due to the now-infamous ice storm which hit our region a few weeks ago.)
I am excited to learn what help Eileen's group can provide me. I'll blog about the whole experience here to inform others who may be scheduled in the future.
What I know right now is that AO will provide my funds for travel expenses. This was authorized by Voc Rehab. As I have mentioned many times previously, Gwen Jackson is nothing short of a "miracle worker."
This impression of Ms. Jackson was confirmed when, last summer, I went to St. Louis and hooked up with Voc Rehab there. Upon arrival to my new Voc Rehab counselor, she exclaimed amazement at the file which Gwen had forwarded to her. According to this counselor, she usually receives an empty folder with a note: "OK. Now he's yours!"
But, in my case, this St. Louis Voc Rehab counselor was holding a file that was about 2 to 3 inches thick! This was a testament to the quality of work which Gwen performs. But it was not news to me. I had hesitated to move ANYWHERE else in the state; I knew that Gwen was an "above-and-beyond" type of counselor the moment that I had met her way back when (in 2005, if memory serves me well).
That thick file had a history of my TBI incident and the subsequent history which ensued. I remember when Gwen was first working on my case that I had been impressed with the level of detail of the questions which she posed me. When a counselor works this well, a client can only sit up and take notice. Gwen did; so, I did.
I'll attempt to post daily (while in Mt. Vernon) in order to provide a detailed record of how a TBI client is "inducted" into the new lifestyle that is ours after the injury.
After losing my job at 21CSI last year, I finally concluded that others had been correct: I am not the same person that I had been prior to March 2001 (the date of the taxicab accident which caused the TBI in my case). Although I had failed at MacHershell Enterprises, Inc. (in 2007), I had still been unable to acknowledge that I wasn't who I used to be.
Hopefully, with the sessions in Mt. Vernon (combined with the IQ testing at BHC), I will see a clearer picture of who that man is that stares back at me from the mirrors I pass.
I am excited to learn what help Eileen's group can provide me. I'll blog about the whole experience here to inform others who may be scheduled in the future.
What I know right now is that AO will provide my funds for travel expenses. This was authorized by Voc Rehab. As I have mentioned many times previously, Gwen Jackson is nothing short of a "miracle worker."
This impression of Ms. Jackson was confirmed when, last summer, I went to St. Louis and hooked up with Voc Rehab there. Upon arrival to my new Voc Rehab counselor, she exclaimed amazement at the file which Gwen had forwarded to her. According to this counselor, she usually receives an empty folder with a note: "OK. Now he's yours!"
But, in my case, this St. Louis Voc Rehab counselor was holding a file that was about 2 to 3 inches thick! This was a testament to the quality of work which Gwen performs. But it was not news to me. I had hesitated to move ANYWHERE else in the state; I knew that Gwen was an "above-and-beyond" type of counselor the moment that I had met her way back when (in 2005, if memory serves me well).
That thick file had a history of my TBI incident and the subsequent history which ensued. I remember when Gwen was first working on my case that I had been impressed with the level of detail of the questions which she posed me. When a counselor works this well, a client can only sit up and take notice. Gwen did; so, I did.
I'll attempt to post daily (while in Mt. Vernon) in order to provide a detailed record of how a TBI client is "inducted" into the new lifestyle that is ours after the injury.
After losing my job at 21CSI last year, I finally concluded that others had been correct: I am not the same person that I had been prior to March 2001 (the date of the taxicab accident which caused the TBI in my case). Although I had failed at MacHershell Enterprises, Inc. (in 2007), I had still been unable to acknowledge that I wasn't who I used to be.
Hopefully, with the sessions in Mt. Vernon (combined with the IQ testing at BHC), I will see a clearer picture of who that man is that stares back at me from the mirrors I pass.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Alternative Opportunities, Inc., assists support group in West Plains, Missouri (SoMoTBI)
It has taken some time, but we are finally getting a handle on starting the Southern Missouri TBI Support Group (SoMoTBI). This blog (http://somotbi.blogspot.com) shall serve as the initial (and primary) method of communication to reach out to those who (like myself) are interested in getting together (in the Southern† Region of Missouri) with others in a supportive environment.
Thanks to Eileen Deaver (Head Injury Service Coordinator of the Missouri Rehab Center) for the inspiration to start this effort and to Tara Weaver (of the West Plains office of Alternative Opportunities, Inc.) for assisting our efforts to launch the group. Special personal thanks to Gwen Jackson (West Plains office of Vocational Rehab) for keeping me focused on details and for providing the support necessary to re-train my outlook.
As development proceeds, we will keep you informed right here. Thank you for your interest in our group and for your interest in helping those of us who struggle with restoring our lives after trauma.
Sincerely,
Chris "Geeko" McIntosh
(mailto:christopher.machershell@gmail.com)†The geographic region served by SoMoTBI consists of Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties.
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