I have come a long way. This is a journey I never could have imagined taking.
I believe that I am done, or damn well close. Isn't that something? I have been able to complete activities without reprimands from my brain telling me to never do that again. Of course there are a few things that I no longer can do or stand. I believe these things to be permanent, unfortunately, but looking back at what I have gone through, they are not the worst things to live with.
I have a delayed memory. I often ask somebody something and then we will answer me, in unison (most of the time). If I write down appointments and schedules, this happens less. Other times, I will ask, be answered, and remember a few minutes later the instance in which I was told this information.
My ear is sensitive to loud sounds/voices. After being in classrooms, I can tell that this is going to be an issue while teaching, though only when at a certain level.
Background noise was something that I thrived with. Now, it is difficult to concentrate on what is in front of me while conversations at a certain level are going on around me. This can be good, and bad in my future. Good, in a sense, because I will be on students who are talking when they shouldn't be. This could be bad because I have an enormous amount of trouble working in groups where side conversations are going on. This is why I have become attached to the library lately.
This last year, I made all A's. I declare this a victory over my injury. :)
I met great new people and I was able to complete many teaching and observational hours.
I completed my minor in Art History with the most demanding professor I've ever had, and with the help and guidance of the first Art History professor I had in college.
I became closer to a friend of mine from high school, and we are now sisters. She taught me a lot and I hope that I had a similar influence on her as well. She won't be joining me next year, sadly. This only means that I will be having more Skype dates with a plethora of people who have left me! haha Besides the letter writing, I really couldn't ask for more.
I had the most amazing roommates (the fact that we were friends before we lived together and are still close now is a victory in itself), and now that it's summer, I miss them dearly. They introduced me to so many new things and new people. They helped me grow up. Unfortunately, we won't be together next year. I will be getting 3 new roommates and I sincerely hope everything will be tolerable.
I have taken up cooking, making salads, running/working out, and drinking wine now and then.
I'm planning on packing significantly less things than I had last year, taking many recipes, more cooking experiences, and taking the support of my friends, in all forms, to continue my training.
For my athletic come-back, I decided to do it in a big way back in March. I ran my first 5k! It was fun, running with people who I went to Mass with sometimes and just fun to run with runners. They really motivated me and helped me to keep going. On the 21st, I will be doing the San Diego Charger's Bolt to the Q. It is another 5k, and I am determined to PR (break my personal record)!
I have many goals to complete, still.
I am a very lucky person, overall.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Used To Be
It has been a year and a few months since my concussion and I couldn't express to you how much better that I have felt.
I feel normal again, and that is saying something. The recovery took quite a long time; more than I hoped it would.
As I recovered, as school continued, and social situations unfolded themselves, I was rather busy and didn't have time to keep this blog up-to-date. Now that I feel better, I can trust myself to multitask again.
These last two semesters went better than expected.
In Fall, my math hadn't come back fully, resulting in a C. I also had a bad teacher take over for our pregnant teacher, so there's that.. haha
Anyway, my GPA fell a bit and I was a little devastated. But I had to remind myself that it was okay because I was not fully back yet, and also that this is going to be my only C while I'm in college. Ever.
In Spring, I couldn't have asked for a better situation when it came to my classes. I finished off the year with a 3.8 GPA. I was very very close to a 4.0 but that doesn't upset me one bit when I look back and reflect on how far I have come from my injury.
I did lose someone I thought I could trust, though. You know, someone who shares a lot with you, is there for you, always invites you to movies randomly in the middle of the night, and someone who does class projects with you.
It kind of hurt, but when I think about this past year.. I lost people I had only been "friends" with for exactly 1 year. This definitely shouldn't affect me for much longer; especially when I am older and too busy to care about the little things that happened in college.
It has, to tell the truth, made me reflect on how I treat others. I fear I may have changed somehow and I don't really know what I have done that was so horrible that girls couldn't stand me.
Except for maybe the fact that I DO NOT understand women very well haha
All depressing notes aside, I did have a very enjoyable and eventful year and it was all thanks to new friends and my brain feeling better :)
I finally met a girl with the same name as me! It only took 20 years haha
It's kind of funny because we have the same name, same major, same math interests, and we met in the youth center where we go to Mass. I hope to get to know her better and keep in touch, if that isn't creepy. Is it? I am just excited.
This Summer, I made up for last Summer. I was able to be active, stay out late, and see a lot of people I missed out on Summers before. Here is a list of examples, not everything I did.
Family reunion in Texas
Many trips to the drive-in
Sea World
Disneyland
Comic-Con
Bike riding with my dad and uncle
Working out in general (that included running!)
Rock climbing with a crazy wonderful woman and her equally crazy and wonderful friends
Hiking at night (probably not going to do that again for a while lol)
and walking my pups Chico and Titus
Last Summer, those would have been nearly unbearable.
Right now, I have a couple weeks until I leave for school again.
I am packing early this time because I want to take less and plan better.
I'm nervous about having 2 roommates instead of 1 this year, but I am also excited because I just love school.
I ordered my books already! Jealous? :P
I am taking 4 classes this semester and I think you know what that means. If you don't, here's a clue: Many trips to Starbucks and the campus library!
The worst thing about leaving is the leaving part.
I spent a lot of time with loved ones and new friends. I hate leaving all of this behind, especially when I just met the loves of my life: a couple of my friends' babies! Hunter and Ajay. The adorable and newest additions to my family of long time close friends <3
Leaving my best friend is a pain in the butt, too. When it gets close to school time, he doesn't like me talking about it. I don't blame him; he's been through a lot while I've been gone.
But, as our close friends and some family ALWAYS point out, we're like an old married couple.
I do not see the end of my schooling, just 8 hours away, for another year being a problem.
We talk everyday, maybe too much but I almost feel like I never left and that's one of the best parts about leaving.
I feel normal again, and that is saying something. The recovery took quite a long time; more than I hoped it would.
As I recovered, as school continued, and social situations unfolded themselves, I was rather busy and didn't have time to keep this blog up-to-date. Now that I feel better, I can trust myself to multitask again.
These last two semesters went better than expected.
In Fall, my math hadn't come back fully, resulting in a C. I also had a bad teacher take over for our pregnant teacher, so there's that.. haha
Anyway, my GPA fell a bit and I was a little devastated. But I had to remind myself that it was okay because I was not fully back yet, and also that this is going to be my only C while I'm in college. Ever.
In Spring, I couldn't have asked for a better situation when it came to my classes. I finished off the year with a 3.8 GPA. I was very very close to a 4.0 but that doesn't upset me one bit when I look back and reflect on how far I have come from my injury.
I did lose someone I thought I could trust, though. You know, someone who shares a lot with you, is there for you, always invites you to movies randomly in the middle of the night, and someone who does class projects with you.
It kind of hurt, but when I think about this past year.. I lost people I had only been "friends" with for exactly 1 year. This definitely shouldn't affect me for much longer; especially when I am older and too busy to care about the little things that happened in college.
It has, to tell the truth, made me reflect on how I treat others. I fear I may have changed somehow and I don't really know what I have done that was so horrible that girls couldn't stand me.
Except for maybe the fact that I DO NOT understand women very well haha
All depressing notes aside, I did have a very enjoyable and eventful year and it was all thanks to new friends and my brain feeling better :)
I finally met a girl with the same name as me! It only took 20 years haha
It's kind of funny because we have the same name, same major, same math interests, and we met in the youth center where we go to Mass. I hope to get to know her better and keep in touch, if that isn't creepy. Is it? I am just excited.
This Summer, I made up for last Summer. I was able to be active, stay out late, and see a lot of people I missed out on Summers before. Here is a list of examples, not everything I did.
Family reunion in Texas
Many trips to the drive-in
Sea World
Disneyland
Comic-Con
Bike riding with my dad and uncle
Working out in general (that included running!)
Rock climbing with a crazy wonderful woman and her equally crazy and wonderful friends
Hiking at night (probably not going to do that again for a while lol)
and walking my pups Chico and Titus
Last Summer, those would have been nearly unbearable.
Right now, I have a couple weeks until I leave for school again.
I am packing early this time because I want to take less and plan better.
I'm nervous about having 2 roommates instead of 1 this year, but I am also excited because I just love school.
I ordered my books already! Jealous? :P
I am taking 4 classes this semester and I think you know what that means. If you don't, here's a clue: Many trips to Starbucks and the campus library!
The worst thing about leaving is the leaving part.
I spent a lot of time with loved ones and new friends. I hate leaving all of this behind, especially when I just met the loves of my life: a couple of my friends' babies! Hunter and Ajay. The adorable and newest additions to my family of long time close friends <3
Leaving my best friend is a pain in the butt, too. When it gets close to school time, he doesn't like me talking about it. I don't blame him; he's been through a lot while I've been gone.
But, as our close friends and some family ALWAYS point out, we're like an old married couple.
I do not see the end of my schooling, just 8 hours away, for another year being a problem.
We talk everyday, maybe too much but I almost feel like I never left and that's one of the best parts about leaving.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
More than a feeling...
Monday, the 1st of November, marked 5 months since my concussion. According to my doctor, I must give it another month to expect feeling back to normal. I am usually incredibly patient, but waiting for normal brain function is not something I like. I haven't allowed myself to run in my fitness class just yet. I want to wait a while longer just in case I do end up losing my balance and nearly fall over again. So instead, I have stuck with biking and lifting weights. I love it! I can't wait to get back into shape and be active, the way I am used to being. I miss running! I plan on trying again during Winter Break, at sea level.
I actually lost more friends due to immature behaviour on both of our parts. But as I had said, this is just forcing me to get that college experience I left to get in the first place. I wanted all new people, and it seems this is what I am getting :)
"I love it when a plan comes together.." haha
My studying (like there is no tomorrow) has been paying off well. I am more confident with being able to test as I did before my injury. Most of my worries about blanking on information in the middle of a test are gone.
I do not want all B's.. I may be getting more B's than I wanted. It will be okay, I guess. I just hate how B's bring down your GPA so much.
One good note: If I do well on the rest of my assignments and tests in Humanities, I can make my way to an A! I am very close.
I believe this concussion made me a tad crazy. The good kind of crazy, but not too crazy :P
(Obviously I don't know much about what I am talking about..or do I? haha ^)
I'll leave you with the word of the day! :D
Spurious
adjective - Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; false; not legitimate.
I actually lost more friends due to immature behaviour on both of our parts. But as I had said, this is just forcing me to get that college experience I left to get in the first place. I wanted all new people, and it seems this is what I am getting :)
"I love it when a plan comes together.." haha
My studying (like there is no tomorrow) has been paying off well. I am more confident with being able to test as I did before my injury. Most of my worries about blanking on information in the middle of a test are gone.
I do not want all B's.. I may be getting more B's than I wanted. It will be okay, I guess. I just hate how B's bring down your GPA so much.
One good note: If I do well on the rest of my assignments and tests in Humanities, I can make my way to an A! I am very close.
I believe this concussion made me a tad crazy. The good kind of crazy, but not too crazy :P
(Obviously I don't know much about what I am talking about..or do I? haha ^)
I'll leave you with the word of the day! :D
Spurious
adjective - Not proceeding from the true source, or from the source pretended; not genuine; false; not legitimate.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
"Hey you! Your brain is beautiful and unbruised!"
I wish that was the case with my brain haha
It has been about 3 months since my concussion and I have been feeling a lot better. I do not get tired as easily, nor do I get migraines as often! :)
My MRI did not show any permanent or outstanding damage. Therefore, I am elated! I should be back to normal in about 3 more months.
Currently, I am back attending college and loving it as I have always loved school and learning. I still get very anxious because I don't know how testing and memory will go just yet. But I have to stay positive! Otherwise, I may just freak myself out and think that I can't do simple tasks, like getting decent grades.
I am not the smartest person.. I did not drop my fitness and conditioning class. I am sticking with it for some reason. I am not able to run without getting very dizzy, so I work out on the bikes mainly. It's not as fun, but it is working out and I am getting into good biking shape for riding with my dad and uncle when I get home! So that is the bright side lol
Mainly, I believe my fear of being left behind because of my difficulties is stupid. I plan on getting over this fear very very soon. Wish me luck haha
(Late classes also help out a lot with my rest)
I'm actually, very often, paranoid about something else. When I leave my room, I am in constant fear of hitting my head on something, or someone throwing something and it getting away from them and hitting my head.
Hmm.. so I have been having some mixed feelings lately.
As much as I love school, it is not the same without my best friend. It is also not the same, as everyone else is somewhere different. This is taking some getting used to. Though, I do believe it is good for me. Finally getting that college experience I left in the first place to get.
To keep myself busy, I do homework a lot. I also write letters to my loved ones. I made a vow this year to work harder because of my injury. I really hope that this pays off. I don't want this to mess up my G.P.A. at all.
By the way, this drive for good grades does not come from overly strict parenting, it comes from within. I am the one obsessed with my grades, my parents have been lenient with me for most of my life, especially in high school.
Recently, feeling down about not being with my best friend has been okay. We talk often and watch a movie together online almost every night. I really like it a lot. He also works with me on most of my math homework. And when he doesn't, it's nice that he keeps me company (even if it is just over the internet). I hope that we can keep this up for a while, at least for this semester. I love you, mi mejor amigo <3 (But you don't read this, so you're missing out on some love there.. haha)
Museums are a strange breed. Interesting to learn about as well. I will leave it at that. For now.
Word of the Day: purloin
Verb :: To take or carry away for one's self; hence, to steal; to take by theft; to filch.
That sounds like a fun word.
It has been about 3 months since my concussion and I have been feeling a lot better. I do not get tired as easily, nor do I get migraines as often! :)
My MRI did not show any permanent or outstanding damage. Therefore, I am elated! I should be back to normal in about 3 more months.
Currently, I am back attending college and loving it as I have always loved school and learning. I still get very anxious because I don't know how testing and memory will go just yet. But I have to stay positive! Otherwise, I may just freak myself out and think that I can't do simple tasks, like getting decent grades.
I am not the smartest person.. I did not drop my fitness and conditioning class. I am sticking with it for some reason. I am not able to run without getting very dizzy, so I work out on the bikes mainly. It's not as fun, but it is working out and I am getting into good biking shape for riding with my dad and uncle when I get home! So that is the bright side lol
Mainly, I believe my fear of being left behind because of my difficulties is stupid. I plan on getting over this fear very very soon. Wish me luck haha
(Late classes also help out a lot with my rest)
I'm actually, very often, paranoid about something else. When I leave my room, I am in constant fear of hitting my head on something, or someone throwing something and it getting away from them and hitting my head.
Hmm.. so I have been having some mixed feelings lately.
As much as I love school, it is not the same without my best friend. It is also not the same, as everyone else is somewhere different. This is taking some getting used to. Though, I do believe it is good for me. Finally getting that college experience I left in the first place to get.
To keep myself busy, I do homework a lot. I also write letters to my loved ones. I made a vow this year to work harder because of my injury. I really hope that this pays off. I don't want this to mess up my G.P.A. at all.
By the way, this drive for good grades does not come from overly strict parenting, it comes from within. I am the one obsessed with my grades, my parents have been lenient with me for most of my life, especially in high school.
Recently, feeling down about not being with my best friend has been okay. We talk often and watch a movie together online almost every night. I really like it a lot. He also works with me on most of my math homework. And when he doesn't, it's nice that he keeps me company (even if it is just over the internet). I hope that we can keep this up for a while, at least for this semester. I love you, mi mejor amigo <3 (But you don't read this, so you're missing out on some love there.. haha)
Museums are a strange breed. Interesting to learn about as well. I will leave it at that. For now.
Word of the Day: purloin
Verb :: To take or carry away for one's self; hence, to steal; to take by theft; to filch.
That sounds like a fun word.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
This is the way I pray. Living just isn't hard enough...
The past 2-3 days have been amazing. I've not had 1 headache!
I have been feeling great and acting pretty close to normal, I believe.
Yesterday, I visited some friends for a little bit.
The sound of Rock Band bothered my ears, but not my head.
Same goes for the movie A-Team (which is really good, I recommend it).
Today, I relaxed with my best friend and my head was feeling about normal.
Sadly, there is something that I have noticed to be a problem.
I have been having trouble with memory. I can't remember what I have told people all of the time. I have been repeating stories a lot. I believe that it's more than I would be repeating if I hadn't gotten a concussion (I've always been a little ditsy).
So right now, that is something that I will monitor more closely.
Still excited for Comic-Con & Disneyland! Ahh! :)
And also excited for my next appointment with the neurologist haha
Seriously though, I am very happy to be making progress and functioning almost normally.
Time for something fun, yes? Yes.
Word of the Day: Eclat
noun: Brilliancy of success or effort; splendor; brilliant show; striking effect; glory; renown.
or
noun: Demonstration of admiration and approbation; applause.
I have been feeling great and acting pretty close to normal, I believe.
Yesterday, I visited some friends for a little bit.
The sound of Rock Band bothered my ears, but not my head.
Same goes for the movie A-Team (which is really good, I recommend it).
Today, I relaxed with my best friend and my head was feeling about normal.
Sadly, there is something that I have noticed to be a problem.
I have been having trouble with memory. I can't remember what I have told people all of the time. I have been repeating stories a lot. I believe that it's more than I would be repeating if I hadn't gotten a concussion (I've always been a little ditsy).
So right now, that is something that I will monitor more closely.
Still excited for Comic-Con & Disneyland! Ahh! :)
And also excited for my next appointment with the neurologist haha
Seriously though, I am very happy to be making progress and functioning almost normally.
Time for something fun, yes? Yes.
Word of the Day: Eclat
noun: Brilliancy of success or effort; splendor; brilliant show; striking effect; glory; renown.
or
noun: Demonstration of admiration and approbation; applause.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
You're ONLY going to break my heart? No thanks.
Today was a good day for me and my brain. My brain and I..
Cheered on my little brothers at their last field hockey game at the Olympic Training Center. They won again, no surprise. The other team basically just didn't have what it takes.
During the game, I was really nervous and I couldn't calm myself. That has never happened before. It may be a side effect, maybe not. I may have just been so into them winning the game that I was freaking myself out?
On a side note, I love seeing old friends and catching up. Even if it is only for a couple minutes.
For the car ride home, I did get a little uneasy from parts of the older road. Nothing that I couldn't handle though.
Upcoming events I am crazy excited about:
Baking cookies with my best friend!
My best friend's birthday!
Going to Comic-Con!
Going to Disneyland!
Yay! haha
I realize that my first post was not the most optimistic and probably a huge downer. That's not me at all right now. I am sad a lot, but most of the time I am happy about getting better each day and looking forward to my events!
I am in a good mood. Also, I ate a candy bar. That probably explains it. I knitted a hat. I'm wearing it now. I love it.
If Lady Gaga just stopped making music and was no longer on the radio, that would make me very happy. But only if she keeps making songs like Alejandro. I can live with everything else except that. Same goes for Katy Perry. Another California Gurls song and I think she will lose a fan.
I may as well end on a not so negative note. Word of the day? Sure!
Sartorial
adj.
Of or pertaining to a tailor or his work.
Cheered on my little brothers at their last field hockey game at the Olympic Training Center. They won again, no surprise. The other team basically just didn't have what it takes.
During the game, I was really nervous and I couldn't calm myself. That has never happened before. It may be a side effect, maybe not. I may have just been so into them winning the game that I was freaking myself out?
On a side note, I love seeing old friends and catching up. Even if it is only for a couple minutes.
For the car ride home, I did get a little uneasy from parts of the older road. Nothing that I couldn't handle though.
Upcoming events I am crazy excited about:
Baking cookies with my best friend!
My best friend's birthday!
Going to Comic-Con!
Going to Disneyland!
Yay! haha
I realize that my first post was not the most optimistic and probably a huge downer. That's not me at all right now. I am sad a lot, but most of the time I am happy about getting better each day and looking forward to my events!
I am in a good mood. Also, I ate a candy bar. That probably explains it. I knitted a hat. I'm wearing it now. I love it.
If Lady Gaga just stopped making music and was no longer on the radio, that would make me very happy. But only if she keeps making songs like Alejandro. I can live with everything else except that. Same goes for Katy Perry. Another California Gurls song and I think she will lose a fan.
I may as well end on a not so negative note. Word of the day? Sure!
Sartorial
adj.
Of or pertaining to a tailor or his work.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Yes, yes it is late.
It all depends on how you look at it, though.
I'm copying friends of mine who started blogging. I figure I will try this.
Although, I do prefer handwriting in a journal.
This is going to start out as something to track my recovery from a concussion I received Memorial Day weekend. If I like it, I may keep it.
It is only right, and I think fair, if I share my story. Here goes:
In high school, I played 4 years of a sport called Field Hockey. I was addicted. Played all the time. When I joined the club team as well, we went to many tournaments.
After my first year of college away from home, I decided to play in a tournament again. I think I missed playing.
Anyway, in one of the last games I ended up on the ground with a male from the other team on top of me after we both went for the ball. I hit the back left side of my head on the ground and I have not been the same since.
Getting hurt while playing a game I love doesn't bother me at all.
The resulting brain functions, or should I say dysfunctions, do.
I've become very short with the people I love.
Things that never bothered me before, now I cannot stand.
I am most upset about my inactive summer vacation.
I have to take 2-3 days of recovery after a day out with friends, or just hanging out at their homes.
As of today, I am better off than the Tuesday after Memorial Day, the night I went to the ER with a skull splitting migraine along with being unable to speak for myself.
This past Wednesday, I had an MRI. I have high hopes for receiving positive feedback from my doctor soon.
I have a minor case. But I feel inadequate all of the time.
I'm copying friends of mine who started blogging. I figure I will try this.
Although, I do prefer handwriting in a journal.
This is going to start out as something to track my recovery from a concussion I received Memorial Day weekend. If I like it, I may keep it.
It is only right, and I think fair, if I share my story. Here goes:
In high school, I played 4 years of a sport called Field Hockey. I was addicted. Played all the time. When I joined the club team as well, we went to many tournaments.
After my first year of college away from home, I decided to play in a tournament again. I think I missed playing.
Anyway, in one of the last games I ended up on the ground with a male from the other team on top of me after we both went for the ball. I hit the back left side of my head on the ground and I have not been the same since.
Getting hurt while playing a game I love doesn't bother me at all.
The resulting brain functions, or should I say dysfunctions, do.
I've become very short with the people I love.
Things that never bothered me before, now I cannot stand.
I am most upset about my inactive summer vacation.
I have to take 2-3 days of recovery after a day out with friends, or just hanging out at their homes.
As of today, I am better off than the Tuesday after Memorial Day, the night I went to the ER with a skull splitting migraine along with being unable to speak for myself.
This past Wednesday, I had an MRI. I have high hopes for receiving positive feedback from my doctor soon.
I have a minor case. But I feel inadequate all of the time.
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