1 Early retirement. forced retirement. I loved my job of being a photographer...especially for weddings.

2 It seems the stroke brought on the early onset of peri-menopause: hot flashes, abnormal menstral cycle, mood swings

3 increased awareness and interest in comedy...I watch Comedy Central non-stop...love MAD TV show.

4 I used to go for a 5 mile walk 3 days a week before the stroke, but now barely have the energy to walk around the house.

5 I'm thankful for opportunity to make new friends at strokenet...great bunch of people!

6 Now, I have the time to get involved in my son's life and get to know him/his friends.

7 Prestroke, I was a quick typist...don't know the speed I was typing at, now, I'm lucky to get 10 words/minute.

8 My perception of time is greatly skewed...don't ask me to tell you how much tiime has elapsed without benefit of a clock/watch. I have a cooking timer beside my computer to limit my time spent on email/internet.

9 a chance to know the life/trials of a handicapped person. People's perception of you disabled is greatly different of as an able bodied person.

10 greater appreciation of family/friends who really care vs just go through the motions or pay lip service to caring.