Ashandra suggested I blog about what I've learned about myself after my stroke. At least that's what I think she meant.

My stroke was January 11, 2001. Prior to "S" day, I was going about 250 mph in my life, so it felt like I slammed into a brick wall when it happened.

I had a real problem because I had 'found my identity' in my work and not in who I am. It's taken some time to get to know who I am and accept the new me.

1}I used to be able to multi-task, but now, I feel I have trouble walking and talking at the same time

2}My vision was affected so that I have limited upper left quadrant periferal vision. This had made me drive like an old

woman...extra slow.

3} I seem to need a great deal of sleep now. I can't function unless I've had 8+hours of sleep. And then, I need an afternoon nap. In other words, I have no stamina.

4} I've been trying to learn to be patient and tolerant of my neighbor lady. She's a widow, from Korea and never learned to speak English very well. She had no children, so she's lonely and bored and comes over to our house constantly to talk and have us drive her to somewhere. I'm trying to be diplomatic so I"ll say she is not playing with a full deck, is 15 fries short of a happy meal.(there are many other euphemisms I could use, but you get the idea)

5}Learning to live the retired life is challanging. I'm still trying to find a motivation to get up and get cleaned up and moving for the day.

6}???