This past week in #CPChatNow members discussed being a night owl versus a morning person, getting a smartphone, and their hopes for positive things in the new year. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, there was a discussion on whether members are morning people or night owls. Chris tweeted that she is neither because she needs drugs to stay awake no matter what time:
Chris, Zach, and I all talked about being a night owl:
Next, Zach tweeted about getting a smartphone. Longtime #CPChatNow members will know that Zach has been resistant to getting a smartphone.
Finally, Zach asked about positives that members are looking forward to in 2021.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your biggest goal for 2021? Please share your answers in the comments and please be sure to join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow gathered one last time for the year. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Join me in saying farewell to the past year, with the final 2020 chat recap.
Recap feels like quite the appropriate word too because in many ways the December 30th chat served as a recap for the year. Chat regular Chris asked others to name the best parts of their 2020, pre-COVID or under our current pandemic situation. Answers covered both periods.
My co-host Devin Axtman found a positive within the pandemic, answering he and his fiancée grew closer together during quarantine. Meanwhile my answer to Chris’ question dated back to before the pandemic. In February, I finally released my CP memoir Off Balanced in paperback form!
Devin responded to my tweet with a ringing endorsement, saying “I read it! 10/10 recommend.” If you would like to make your own opinion, checkout Off Balanced for yourself.
Enough shameless plugging from me, though. Let us talk about you. Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “What was the best part of your 2020?” Leave your response in the “Comments” section.
Besides sharing our 2020 highlights, participants discussed how having a disability prepared them to handle 2020’s bizarreness.
The subject arose when I asked the group how their disability prepared them for the bizarre year that was 2020. Devin said he was use to staying home. Long-time chat regular Blemi also answered, saying having a disability means we are already use to being told what we can and can’t do. Adding to Blemi’s thought, I stated we are more use to adapting to situations. So, all the changes 2020 brought felt less drastic to us. Or, at least that remains my opinion.
Although 2020 has ended, we can keep the conversation going! First, remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question “What was the best part of your 2020?”
Answer in the “Comments” section!
Next, mark your calendar and join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow occurred on Festivus, also known as Christmas Eve Eve. Members discussed their grievances about disability, a recent blog post from Tonia, their dream robotic health companion, and more. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, I would like to take a moment to recognize #CPChatNow’s 7th anniversary! Thank you to everyone who has participated with us!
To mark Festivus, the annual airing of grievances, members shared their grievances about disability:
Next, a great blog post Tonia wrote about the frustration of when accessing basic needs is not basic sparked great conversation. I tweeted about my amazement that Pee Math has an actual name. Pee Math is a concept that disabled people in particular calculate how long they can be out before going to the restroom due to access needs and not always accessible bathrooms.
Zach shared his further thoughts on Tonia’s blog and praised her for being vulnerable.
Finally, Zach was inspired by the movie Big Hero 6 to ask what members would prefer in a personal robotic healthcare companion.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What disability related task do you wish could be automatically performed for you?
Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
Judging by the conversation Wednesday, December 16th, 2020, those who participate in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow had various topics on their mind. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
With the holiday season in full gear, the discussion turned to shopping for gifts.
The topic emerged when I asked participants how they are going about their holiday shopping, in-person or online. Overwhelmingly the answer proved online. Both Tonia and my co-host Devin Axtman saying they have shopped exclusively online. Erin meanwhile did sneak out one day to pick up an order at Michael’s and drop by Kirkland’s. Besides that though, she has also stuck to online shopping.
Changing focus, I asked participants what ads show up on their #CPChatNow feeds.
My curiosity about ads sparked as I refreshed my feed. I would see ads alternating between Robitussin and Lay potato chips. On the other hand, Devin replied, noting he was seeing ads for Logitech. Although, apparently not everyone saw ads.
Jen and Erin responded, saying they see no ads. Further conversation revealed they both use apps for participating in our chat. Erin using TweetDeck on her laptop and Jen joining us via the iPhone Twitter app. Based off their input, I theorized they might not see ads because they use apps.
Help prove or disprove my theory! Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you access Twitter? Do you see ads?”
Okay, I know! Technically that is two questions. However, let us not get too hung up on said detail. Just answer below in the “Comments” section.
If you feel like getting caught up in some details, focus on this. Our Twitter chat happens each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET. Mark your calendars to join us!
This past week in #CPChatNow was thriving as always. Members discussed moving into new apartments, ideas for a disabled Disney princess, and their favorite toy growing up. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
Seth shared some life news that he had recently moved into a new apartment. Seth also shared a bit about the precautions his aides are taking to avoid spreading COVID.
Next, Zach brought up a Change.org petition that called for Disney to develop a disabled princess:
Zach bringing up the petition led to a conversation about the types of stories people would like to see Disney tell about a disabled princess:
Finally, talk turned to a common topic around the holiday season, member’s favorite toys to play with growing up:
Blemi tweeted quite an interesting story about how she played with dolls as a kid!
Next, Zach and Paul talked about their favorite stuffed animals as a kid:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What is your favorite gift you have received? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
Just like a Christmas ale or brew, the conversation Wednesday, December 2nd, 2020 during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow remained inspired by the holidays. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
Early conversation revolved around how participants spent their Thanksgiving.
My co-host Devin Axtman and his family had a socially distant Thanksgiving gathering. This included his brother and girlfriend sitting at the kid’s table, wiping down highly touched surfaces, and everyone getting their own food. Meanwhile, other chat participants took different precautions.
Long-time chat regular Jen mentioned her family also enjoyed a small gathering. However, Jen chose to keep to herself and eat in her room. A decision her family understood and respected.
Continuing the holiday inspired dialogue, Devin asked if anyone has trouble thinking what they want for Christmas. Interestingly enough, that question led to a conversation regarding sleep and weighted blankets.
Responding to Devin’s initial inquiry, Timmy responded he wanted sleep. As the conversation kept going, Timmy revealed he recently started using a weighted blanket. He went as far as to describe the item as “amazing!”
Overtaken by curiosity, I asked Timmy some questions. For example, what triggered him to try a weighted blanket. He answered, saying he noticed he liked being wrapped up tightly in his non-weighted blanket. Overall, our back and forth might help others contemplating whether to try a weighted blanket make a decision.
Nevertheless, let us refocus on the original question Devin posed. In fact, answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “Do you have trouble thinking what you want for the holidays?” Comment below to let us know!
Then if possible for you, plan to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter for #CPChatNow. The fun begins at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was busy as always. It was the night before Thanksgiving and things were cooking! Members discussed what they are grateful for in 2020, their favorite holiday movies, and more! This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap. All aboard!
First, #CPChatNow member, Mojo, stopped by and shared some insights about being a musician during the pandemic:
Next, Zach asked about favorite holiday programming people liked to watch:
Finally, Zach asked members what they are most grateful for in 2020:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What are you most grateful for in 2020?
Thank you for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
Conversation during the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow Wednesday, November 18th, 2020 proved as busy as a cook in the kitchen preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Here to stuff you with the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. First, I apologize for the late recap. I guess I am testing the “better late than never” philosophy.
Anyway, the dialogue’s busyness showed within the various subjects discussed. Long-time chat regular Blemi helped to get the chatter going.
Blemi shared with us she recently received her new glasses. She and my co-host Devin Axtman discussed the challenges involved with adjusting to new glasses. An adjustment especially challenging to Blemi this time around due to her new glasses being quad focals.
Keeping our sights on the glasses topic, I asked participants a question.
Curious, I asked others if wearing glasses ever made them self-conscious. Devin replied no. He theorized his acceptance for wearing glasses could relate to his best friend also wearing them.
Changing focus, discussion moved onto the holiday season.
In-particular I wondered how our current global pandemic would impact people’s holiday traditions. Devin mentioned he would miss seeing his grandparents during the holiday season and he doubted he would do much in-person shopping. Regarding the latter, Blemi expressed similar sentiments.
Usually Blemi and her mother go Boxing Day shopping. Although, this year they plan to stay home. Reasoning the deals are not worth risking their health.
What about you? Keep the conversation going and answer for the extend-the-conversation question, “Are there any holiday traditions you will be missing out on this year due to the pandemic?”
Comment below to answer! To engage in the conversation even further, join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday, starting at 8pm ET.
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.
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.
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:
Finally, we discussed our favorite holiday traditions.
Zach shared a tradition that definitely makes me jealous (and hungry!).
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!
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.
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.
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!
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!
