2020

Posted on November 17, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was lively as always. Members discussed what they are doing to cope with the continued rise of COVID, their favorite holiday traditions, and more! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, members discussed what they have been doing to handle the continued march of COVID. Zach and Tonia discussed their recent effort towards writing their novels.

zach asks if everyone is staying safe and healthy, tonia tweets she is quarantining like a boss, zach asks if #NaNoWriMo is helping by keeping her focused, tonia tweeted that it is and it is summer in her story.

Members next discussed the new normal that has become our reality with COVID. Talk turned to how masks are now seen as an expected thing that people wear. Dave also tweeted that masks have been an accepted part of everyday life in other countries for a long time.

zach tweeted he is doubtful we will ever return to a covid normal, dave tweeted it will be a different normal, zach tweeted he expects face masks to be just another article of clothing and they will be required like pants, blemi tweets this is how it should be, zach tweets indecent exposure will now include nostrils and mouths

Next, Zach asked if members felt they could have multiple best friends. Jen tweeted she felt people could and Zach tweeted he has best friends from different aspects of his life:

zach asks if members feel they can have multiple best friends, jen tweets she feels that you can, zach tweets he has best friends from different aspects of his life like high school and college

Finally, we discussed our favorite holiday traditions.

i asked what members favorite holiday traditions are. i joked mine is asking blemi why canada doesn't have thanksgiving on thursday so they can get a 4 day weekend. blemi tweeted she loves christmas, being with family, and christmas lights. she tweeted it is also her birthday and that should be a holiday. chris tweeted she gets starbucks holiday drinks and cooks something nice for dinner.

Zach shared a tradition that definitely makes me jealous (and hungry!).

zach tweets his favorite tradition is an italian fish dinner on christmas eve, zach tweeted they have a variety of fish dishes: shrimps, smelts, cod balls, spaghetti and clams, and lobster

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite holiday tradition? Please share your answers in the comments!

Please make sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 11-04-2020

Posted on November 11, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a lively conversation Wednesday, November 4th, 2020. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Sparks igniting the dialogue began before our scheduled 8pm ET start time.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how many hours of sleep they need to function properly.

Earlier in the day chat regular Chris tweeted using the hashtag to inform us she would miss the night’s chat, in-part due to lacking sleep. Timmy responded empathetically, saying he would also be a mess on just two hours of sleep. Quote tweeting Timmy I asked others what is the minimum hours of sleep they need in order to function properly.

My co-host Devin Axtman answered, saying he needs at least six hours of sleep. Other answers varied.

Participants discuss the importance of sleep when you have cerebral palsy.

Karen said she usually needs eight hours of sleep, also mentioning that cerebral palsy causes us to need more sleep compared to able-bodied individuals. A notion which makes sense to me as we with cerebral palsy use more energy when performing ordinary tasks. Three times as much energy actually, according to what Devin has heard in the past.

Keeping the chatter rest related, I brought up a subject helpful for staying rested. Naps!

Zachary and Tonia talk about the importance of napping.

Tonia enthusiastically retweeted my tweet about naps. She proving a big proponent of guilt-free napping, noting rest is productive and especially important these days. What about you? Where do you stand on the napping issue? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you take naps during the day?”

Tell us about your napping rituals down below in the “Comments.” Then do what you need to do to get rest so you remain alert for tonight’s Twitter chat. #CPChatNow happens every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Come join us!

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks, "Do you take naps during the day?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-28-2020

Posted on November 4, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was popping as always. Members discussed their favorite Halloween candy, what they do to manage pain, and their favorite part of November. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, members discussed their favorite Halloween candy. I also shared my negative thoughts about candy corn.

i asked what member's favorite halloween candy is. i also shared why i thought candy corn is trash. jen tweeted snickers is her favorite candy, rb tweeted she has always wanted to try candy corn, but she has heard it tastes like balls. she tweeted she prefers hairbo

timmy tweeted a picture of reese's peanut butter cups, zach tweeted peanut butter and chocolate is magical, tonia says tweeted candy corn does not love her back and she likes peanut butter snickers, esperesso chocolate, and awake dark chocolate, zach tweeted he likes anything king sized and candy corn is trash because it doesn't come in king sized

Next, Zach and Casey discussed how they managed pain:

zach tweeted he uses a heating pad to measure back and shoulder pain and has used a tens unit before. casey tweeted a tens unit is like electric shock therapy, but it's portable. zach tweeted he was hurt when he turned the knob the wrong way, casey said the tens unit helps to put them to sleep and asked zach if he is impacted by weather, zach tweeted colder weather makes him sore

Finally, Zach asked members what their favorite part of November is. Members discussed the election being over and writing their novel.

zach asks if members have a favorite part of november, chris tweeted her favorite part is when the election is over, tonia tweeted her favorite part is NaNo- an effort for people to write their novels, zach asked if she was ready, tonia tweeted she finished her to do list, but may have to alter her to word count due to injury

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite part of Fall?

Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-21-2020

Posted on October 27, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow enjoyed a timely conversation Wednesday, October 21st, 2020. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

The dialogue October 21st proved timely in multiple ways. For instance, individuals discussed Halloween.

Tonia and Zachary discuss the movie Hocus Pocus.

Admittedly, I initiated the Halloween chatter. In-part I mentioned recently seeing Hocus Pocus for the first time. This led to Tonia and I sharing our favorite lines from the movie. Plus, segued to further Halloween movie discussion.

#CPChatNow participants share their favorite Halloween movies.

When I asked others in our community to name their favorite Halloween themed movie, long-time chat regular Blemi replied naming Halloweentown and Double Double Toil and Trouble. What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your favorite Halloween themed movie?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.

Another occasion participants showed anticipation for begins the day after Halloween.

Tonia and Zachary chat in anticipation for NaNoWriMo.

In the writing community November has the distinction as NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month. Throughout the month writers task themselves to write 1,667 words a day. If successful, a writer will end up with a completed novel. Tonia and I both reminisced about partaking in NaNoWriMo previously.

Personally, I in past years commemorated NaNoWriMo by writing in the window at Appletree Books. The “Writer in the Window” program serving as an annual NaNoWriMo tradition for the local bookstore. Although, due to the COVID pandemic such in-person NaNoWriMo events will not take place this year.

COVID actually represents a third way the conversation October 21st proved timely as members talked life in a pandemic.

#CPChatNow participants discuss life in a pandemic,.

Regarding COVID, Blemi and I contemplated why some people remain dismissive of mask laws. Within our conversation Blemi theorized we with disabilities are use to not having much control over our bodies and as result are more accepting to listen to health authorities. A sentiment my co-host Devin Axtman completely agreed with.

Let us not end the recap on such a serious topic though. Rather, I remind you to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “What is your favorite Halloween themed movie?”

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What is your favorite Halloween themed movie?"

Answer below! Then plan to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter, starting at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-14-2020

Posted on October 20, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always. Members discussed writing memoirs, other people addressing their limitations, and their voting plans. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

Many members of #CPChatNow have a hobby of writing. Chris shared that he was starting his memoir and Zach shared some tips.

chris tweeted he is struggling with his memoir and bought a book memoir writing for dummies, zach asked what he is struggling with, chris tweeted he is having a hard time including enough details and struggling with vivid memories

zach suggests using things like photos, videos, or music to refresh his memory, or speaking with other relatives,

Next, talk turned to other people asking about your limitations in a helpful way. Zach shared a positive interaction that happened at work:

zach tweeted about subbing at a branch of a library and someone asked if he had any limitations. zach tweeted he liked her asking him directly. i tweeted i would like people treating me as competent, zach tweeted he does see how it could be awkward for the other person because they don't want to offend

Finally, talk turned to a common and important topic lately, making a plan to vote. Members discussed their voting plans and why they were choosing their voting method. You can make your own plan to vote at https://iwillvote.com/. As one of the leaders of disability rights movement, Justin Dart, said, “Vote as if your life depends on it! Because it does!”:

i tweeted and asked about people's voting plan, jen tweeted she did not change her voter registration, chris tweeted he mailed in his ballot, edith miller tweeted she voted yesterday at the county courthouse dropbox

i tweeted i will vote in person by doing the curbside pickup option, zach tweeted he went absentee for convenience in case he picks up extra shifts and can research candidates, i tweet i trusted my vote will be counted more in person and texas makes it hard to vote by mail, zach tweeted issues with mail in voting crossed his mind, but he is trusting the system

Finally, Veronica shared a picture of her mail in ballot. Great job Veronica!:

veronica shared a picture of her mail in ballot, there is an image that says VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, INSTRUCCIONES PARA VOTAR with a sticker of a ballot with glasses, a yellow and black BALLOT hat and I VOTED below the ballot

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your plan for voting?

Thanks for reading and be sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 10-07-2020

Posted on October 14, 2020 by zacharyfenell

Every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET, our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow takes place. Yet an extra excitement surrounded the chat Wednesday, October 7th, 2020. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Now the extra excitement referenced above sparked from the week proving a big one for cerebral palsy advocacy. The previous day (Tuesday, October 6th) individuals around the world commemorated World CP Day. Appropriate for us given our community’s worldwide reach.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how the COVID pandemic continues to impact civil liberties in Australia.

That worldwide reach including AcquiDis, who calls Australia home. We discussed how the COVID19 pandemic continues to impact Australians’ civil liberties. Just in case you remain fatigued over talking about the pandemic, I will avoid delving into details.

Instead let us refocus on World CP Day. I asked how participants commemorated the occasion.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how they spent World CP Day.

Personally, I posted to social media using the hashtags designated for World CP Day (#WorldCPDay and #CPMakeYourMark). Chris also did the same. Initially he was going to do more, but Eddie Van Halen’s death left him feeling too shocked.

Nonetheless, Chris did play a big role in another cerebral palsy event hosted that week.

Chris talks preparing for his Cerebral Palsy Conference breakout session.

New England’s fifth annual Cerebral Palsy Conference happened virtually Thursday, October 8th and Friday, October 9th. Chris remained on the schedule to give a breakout session for Thursday, October 8th. He shared a bit with us about how he prepared for the presentation.

Did you attend any of the Cerebral Palsy Conference? Do let us know by commenting below. While discussing attendance, my co-host Devin Axtman and I would love to have you attend our weekly Twitter chat. #CPChatNow happens every Wednesday, 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

#CPChatNow Recap- 9-30-2020

Posted on October 6, 2020 by devinaxtman

The last #CPChatNow of September was busy as always! Members discussed things such as their art, podcasts, and keeping themselves on track with what they needed to do. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!

First, #CPChatNow mama bear, Erin, talked about her art. Erin would like to use her art to inspire people.

erin tweets she is doing paintings to build an etsy store. erin tweets she is mainly doing landscapes and has backgrounds for be yourself; everyone else is taken and happy fall.

erin shares last week's painting, a painting with a sky at sunset. there is a brown path with dark green landscapes on both sides

Next, talk turned to Chris’s upcoming talk at a CP conference about his podcast, a podcast about his favorite musician, Prince.

chris tweets he is talking about how he is recording and editing his podcast while sharing stories of his favorite guests and episodes, zach asks who his audience is and states that can be helpful in deciding what to share. chris tweets his audience is people with cp, friends and families and healthcare professionals

chris explains his podcast is on his favorite musician, prince. he is going to explain how prince inspired him to put his voice out there and talk about what he loves. i shared i felt prince would love that and that's what he is all about.

Finally, talk turned to something that is a struggle for many, especially during quarantine, staying on track.

erin tweets staying on task is her biggest struggle, zach tweets he has a similar issue due to him jumping from task to task, he needs to remind himself to focus on one thing, erin tweets she makes daily goals and tries to remove distractions, zach tweets he is working at the library to remove distractions

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question inspired by Chris’s podcast: What is your favorite Prince song? Share your answers in the comments!

Thanks for reading! Join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-16-2020

Posted on September 23, 2020 by zacharyfenell

In 2020 a lot has changed, but for those in the #CPChatNow community one constant remains. Our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat, (Wednesdays, 8pm ET)! To tell you about what we discussed Wednesday, September 16th, 2020 I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!

Fittingly, much discussion throughout the night revolved around the issue causing the previously mentioned changes.

AcquiDis tells the #CPChatNow community about Australia's COVID protocols.

Just in case I need to clarify, yes. I am referring to the global COVID pandemic. Relative newcomer to the chat, AcquiDis, helped us gain a global outlook on the pandemic by sharing how Australia continues to respond. Thanks to AcquiDis, we learned Australia and the United States maintain similar protocols. For example, dining venues reopening in a limited way and allowing small gatherings.

While countries continue restoring civil liberties, remember. The COVID threat still lingers. A reality evident during our discussion September 16th.

#CPChatNow participants discuss how having a disability has helped prepare them for the pandemic.

Chat OG Erin offered this stark reminder when sharing a CP sister tested positive for COVID. Furthermore, my co-host Devin Axtman recalled a recent close call.

Devin shares a close call his brother had with someone who tested positive for COVID.

Devin encouraged mask wearing, noting his brother tested negative for COVID after sitting for hours next to someone who tested positive. A result Devin attributed to his brother wearing a face mask. Unfortunately, not everyone seems so convinced to wear face coverings.

#CPChatNow participants discuss wearing face masks.

In-particular Devin noted seeing more and more people without masks. Personally, my employer requires mask wearing. A policy most customers understand.

Besides protecting your health, face masks additionally offer the chance to display your personality. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What does your favorite face mask look like?” Answer below in the “Comments” section.

Once you finish answering, mark your calendar as a reminder to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun begins at 8pm ET.

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

This week's extend-the-conversation question asks "What does your favorite face mask look like?" — Answer below!

#CPChatNow Recap- 9/9/2020

Posted on September 15, 2020 by devinaxtman

This past week in #CPChatNow was bustling as always. Members discussed personal accomplishments, COVID restrictions in Australia, good deeds, and what social media platform they like. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.

First, we would love to congratulate #CPChatNow mama bear, Erin, on her acceptance to a Master’s program:

erin tweets that she was accepted to the sacred theology master's program she applied to. zach wishes her congratulations and asks her to make time for #cpchatnow

#CPChatNow has had a member joining us from Australia. AcquiDis detailed COVID restrictions in place in the land down under.

acquidis detailed covid restrictions from australia. she tweeted in melbourne there is an 8-5 nightly curfew

acquidis tweets masks are mandatory outside the home with many dying in aged care facilities, she tweeted there are $1652 fines per offense of not wearing a mask or breaking curfew

Next, talk turned to good deeds as I shared the story of my bus driver taking me to the train station at the end of her route. Members shared good deeds others had done for them or they had done:

zach asked members what a good deed someone had done for them or they had done for someone else. zach shared he worked all six days his work was open to cover a staff shortage, erin tweets she send a friend a custom wedding card

Finally, Zach and Chris tweeted about what social media platform they were most active on:

chris and zach tweet about what social media platforms they are active on. zach tweets he is not active on linkedin, but has not been active. he mainly uses twitter and facebook. zach tweets he likes facebook for people he already knows and twitter is better for meeting new people, chris tweets he uses facebook every day and uses twitter to interact with celebrities.

This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite good deed you have ever done or someone else has done for you? Please share your answers in the comments!

Please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow! Thanks for reading!

-Devin

#CPChatNow Recap- 09-02-2020

Posted on September 9, 2020 by zacharyfenell

A strong communal vibe resonated within the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020. Here to delve into details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Consider me your conductor for the train ride that is the September 2nd, 2020 recap. All aboard!

Discussion early in the night included long-time participants sharing interesting developments going on in their own lives.

Timmy tells #CPChatNow about his current scientific research.

Our “resident scientist” Timmy made an appearance. Prompted by my co-host Devin Axtman, Timmy updated us on his current research. Currently Timmy remains at work investigating binge drinking and the executive and emotional input to the reward circuit. Overall, he explained, the study hopes to understand the neural circuitry involved with addiction and addiction-like behavior.

Besides Timmy, the recently returning Erin provided us an update. Erin joined us after handing in a big term paper the night prior. In our chat’s early years, Erin played a pivotal role in our community. To the point she received the moniker “Mama Bear!”

Beyond enjoying familiar faces like Erin and Timmy, we also welcomed a newcomer.

#CPChatNow participants welcome a newcomer.

AcquiDis joined our chat for the first time September 2nd, 2020. Personally, I found a quote included in a press release AcquiDis shared intriguing. “…urges disabled individuals to embrace their condition and look beyond it.” The quote led to further dialogue.

#CPChatNow participants discuss the difference between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability.

Devin pondered whether a fine line exists between looking beyond your disability and disliking your disability. Furthermore, Devin stated he doesn’t believe there stands a final stage where you “overcome” your disability. Instead Devin said there will always be things thrown back your way.

Both Erin and I added our separate input to the topic. Erin emphasizing the need to embrace and own your disability. Meanwhile I distinguished looking beyond and disliking your disability, stating looking beyond your disability entails accepting your disability and just doing what you need to do to be you. Alternatively, disliking your disability entails an active conflict where you battle negative thoughts. An idea Devin paraphrased well, summarizing the negative thoughts as “battling internalized ableism.”

Enough though regarding what we think! What do you think? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What is your attitude towards your disability?” Comment below to answer!

Answer as the week's extend-the-conversation question, "What is your attitude towards your disability?"

Then make your plans to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday. The fun begins at 8pm ET!

Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!

-Zachary

Online community for those with cerebral palsy!