Check In Sept 27

 Song of The Day -  The Funeral by Band of Horses

I am in Browsburg, Indiana today to go to my Grandmother's funeral. 

Unfortunately these types of events seem to be the only occasions I seem to come visit here. 

Long story short my Mom & Dad divorced when I was young & were from different parts of the country. Once they split I spent most of my time up until high school living with my Mom. During my later teen years I lived with my Dad but he stayed in another part if the country.  I saw very little of his side of the family. 

Of course, in your 20s you get caught up with your own life & the next thing you know 30 years fly by. 

3 of the last 4 times I have been here were for funerals. 

The timing could not be worse. I'm tight for cash now.  As a self employed worker I do not get paid for time off. So I drove in yesterday & will probably head back this afternoon. I got a little bit of sleep at a rest area last night. 

I know it sounds like I am complaining. Coming here was the least I could do. She was a great woman. 

Hope you all are well!

#attitudeiseverything #luvlife 

Amput33Cast 25

Well, well I am back from my road trip. I got to spend a little time with my Mom, saw my daughter & caught up with an old friend.  One of the few old GFs I have that I am still friends with. 

Maybe, subconsciously that is why I decided to watch Celeste and Jesse Forever the other night? 

BTW the intro music is: Baby by Donnie & Joe Emerson from the forementioned movie. It took me gorever to figure out & look up the tune when i heard it in the movie. There is a wedding/beach scene in the where the lead female character, Rashida Jones, gets hit by reality & acceptance. Something that builds up the whole movie. "How do you make a nun pregnant?" You really have to watch it to get it. 

It hits home to me. I think because I have been in that same place before where I chose being right over everything else. Where you let stubborness & ego deny you from something special. It is hard to explain. Win at all cost...but then what? Nobody wins. Definitely a chic flic but I like it. I guess we can take lessons from all kinds of places if we keep our mind open. The song is super low tech which is always right up my alley. 

I certainly did not get on the job search likecI planned during my trip. I was way tired from work. I could do little more than sleep & eat on my off time. 

On the health front I found a belt I left at my Mom's 2-3 months ago. I had to add a notch to make it smaller  because on the innermost hole it was super loose still. I was actually going the other direction when I left it there. Two going on 3 holes past where I used to wear it. So that definitely feels good. It means the vegan thing is working. I knew it by neasuring my waist before. It is alway nice confirmation when clothes that were getting tight fit good again; Or even become too big :)

Anyway I did get back on the job search today. I got a few phone calls about interviews or follow ups. I'm excited but want to make sure I do not settle this time. I deserve a good company & they deserve me. I know if I take my time things will work out. 

Hope you are well. Wishin' you the very best!!

#amput33 #AttitudeIsEverything #LuvLife

Pin Vs Suction

Song of The Day: Vance Joy - Clarity

A very quick & not very complete video showing the difference between the locking pin vs suction BK prosthesis.

It is a generality to say many or a majority of BK amputees start out in the pin. It's also a mostly true to state a majority eventually end up in suction over time. 

Both systems have there pros & cons.

Pin: It is usually easier to don (except for learning to get the pin lined up at first). It is more basic. Typically more durable. Less parts to break or wear out. Range of movement is often greater. Pistoning & shearing can cause skin to break down easier. Less secure of a fit, but if it fits properly is very effective. The pin is probably a better system to accommodate volume change, especially for a non compliant patient. 

Suction: More stable, Typically better on uneven surfaces. Less play. Helps the user maintain a more stable limb volume. Can wear out easier & get a leak. Better on the skin most of the time if (This is a very big if) it fits properly. Suction can tear your leg up & cause blisters or skin breakdown if the socket is not fitting good. The user definitely has to stay on top of his fit & pay more attention to properly don the prosthesis. 

These are very broad generalizations I'm making. Each person & each person's residual limb are unique & can be more suited to one system or the other. 

Check In ATX

Song of The Day Willow- Transparentsoul

I'm currently in the Austin area working & making tbe rounds handing out resumes. Been really busy not much more time really than to work & sleep. 

Once again Just like San Antonio, I really forgot how neat & wonderful Austin is. Such a unique place. It is easy to see why so many want to stay here & it continues to grow. Definitely a place worth visiting if you have never been. So many different things to do. My favorite thing about Austin is you could meet a crazy looking guy with cowboy boots on & cutoffs. It is very possible he is homeless, a musician or an accountant. Such a creative place. 

I did manage to go to a local bar & see a fight break out...lol. Did a couple of shots with the bar tender. Warpath Pizza & Pub.

I spent a little bit of time at the hike & bike trail in Austin

#amput33 #luvlife 

#attitude is everything

Checking In San Antonio

 

Went by & handed out a resume at a couple of prosthetic companies.  Had a decent but long day with Uber Eats yesterday. I am behind because I pretty much lost a day traveling out here. So will have to hump it to try & make up for the time. 

I was out until 130AM this morning. I put slept at a rest area off of I-10. This morning I had a refreshing bath in the San Marcos River. It's a beautiful spring fed river that is 72 degrees year round. 

Song of The Day

Angela by the Lumineers

Going On The Road

I'm hitting the road to look fir a new job & do some sight seeing. I am currently in San Antonio, TX. I will spend a full day here doing the Uber thing & will drop a resume or two off at some prosthetic companies here. 

Gene Chandler - I Fooled You This Time

#amput33

#LuvLife 

#AttitudeIsEverything

Check In Sept 1st

 Song of The Day: The Less I know The Better by Tame Impala. I know O used another song by them not long ago...The bass is incredible on this. 

This is hiw you unload a motorcycle from your pickup truck without a ramp. I drove around until I found something flat that was close to the same height as my truck. Actually I scoped this spot out before I went to pickup the bike in Baton Rouge. It was still at my old employers office.