Hello #CPChatNow! As Matt Hardy would say, the past week in #CPChatNow was wonderful! Thanks for stopping by for this week’s recap. This is your co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride.
We will begin this week’s recap by discussing an aspect of CP that is certainly annoying, hamstring stretches. Zach made a video of his different hamstring stretches and shared it in the chat.
Also, Jorge checked in with an update on his plans for graduate school:
Finally, this brings us to a cool story about the invention of an adaptive gaming controller for people with disabilities:
Jen pointed out an obvious issue if people do not play XBOX, they could not use the controller:
This bring us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What common household adapted item do you use?
Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2020 saw participants in the weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discuss many different topics. To tell you all about the various discussions, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Welcome to your weekly recap!
Admittedly the night started off on the quiet side. Knowing sometimes people like to lurk, I asked lurkers to say hi. That led to a good laugh.
Following up my tweet asking lurkers to say hi, I explained I originally wanted to ask lurkers to tweet out a creepy GIF, but I did not want to affiliate lurking with being creepy. Responding to me, Heather tweeted a GIF which received a seal of approval via a couple likes.
With any ice needing breaking, broke the conversation began flowing. Chat regular Seth mentioned some disability related movies.
In-particular Seth referenced seeing two interesting films recently, 37 Seconds and Margarita with a Straw. My co-host Devin Axtman said he enjoyed Margarita with a Straw. He described the film as “a very nuanced story.”
Meanwhile I said I did not know about the films. Seth educated me, explaining both essentially tell the same story. A young woman with CP discovering her sexuality. Adding, between the two, he liked Margarita with a Straw better.
Elsewhere in the chat, I echoed a question first asked earlier in the day by Chris.
Chris had asked if others find their stiffness varies. Grace resoundingly responded affirmatively. When asked, Grace named activity, weather, and date as possible triggers for increased stiffness. Thanks to muscle relaxants though, Grace said the issue proves less constant.
How about you? Let us keep the dialogue going. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question “How do you manage when you feel extra stiff?” Comment to answer!
Continuing forward with the May 20th, 2020 recap, participants also discussed shaving.
The shaving subject came to the forefront when I asked if anyone had stories about trouble shaving. Personally I use to cut my ears while shaving, a happening I credited to poor depth perception. Nonetheless, over time I just got better.
Additionally, Tonia shared a shaving story. She recalled shaving a razor-sized chunk of skin off her shin when 11 years old. She still has a scar to this day.
Finally, before bringing this recap to a close I wish to incorporate an update from long-time chat regular Hannah Pike.
Hannah messaged me during the chat and gave me permission to share with the community an update about her. Beyond what remains captured in the above screen shot, Hannah wanted to express she still truly loves the chat. However, given her health she finds staying on Twitter for long periods difficult. Please continue to keep Hannah in your thoughts and prayers.
Also, do not forget to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. This week’s question asks, “How do you manage when you feel extra stiff?” Answer below!
Then join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter. The fun starts at 8pm ET. Until then, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
The #CPChatNow recap returns as we recap the happenings of last week’s chat. To quote the late WWE Hall of Famer, Gorilla Monsoon, it was A Happening! Members discussed the latest in their life at home and positives that were happening during quarantine. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
First, members discussed a hot topic these days, wearing masks and the annoyances that brought:
Next, talk turned to how things have gone when members have ventured out and what the experience has been of others observing social distancing (or not):
Finally, let’s end this recap with some positivity! Zach asked members to share some positivity:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What positive things have happened to you during the quarantine? Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.
Thanks for reading and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on Twitter at #CPChatNow!
On Wednesday, April 29th, 2020 participants in our weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discussed mental health and much more. Here with the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready to enjoy your weekly recap.
The aforementioned discussion about mental health started from a conversation between our “Positivity Princess” Linds and myself over working from home.
Checking in with Linds, I asked her how she was liking working from home. She admitted to feeling shaky about it at first, but now she loves it! One particular reason Linds had initially felt shaky dealt with her not knowing it was okay to voice her concerns.
Such self-doubt can wreck havoc on anyone’s mental health. Borrowing a fellow #CPChatNow co-founder’s mindset (John W. Quinn), we redirected the conversation to focus on solutions. Not problems!
Solution focused, I asked Linds if she has a phrase or mantra that helps her refocus when self-doubt begins to sabotage her. She answered yes, “I love me.”
Additionally, I shared what I say to myself when negative emotion starts to overwhelm me.
Personally, I will start feeling overwhelmed. To calm myself down I internally repeat “One thing at a time.” My co-host Devin Axtman chimed in and said he tells himself the same. What about you? Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “When you find yourself feeling negative, what phrase or mantra do you use to pull yourself through?” Leave your answer in the “Comments” section.
Perhaps rather than repeating a phrase or mantra, you crank up some music. Recently I read about Joey Odum, a blues musician with cerebral palsy.
Joey Odum plans to play a live Facebook stream this Saturday, May 9th at 3pm ET/2pm CT. Veronica, Devin, and I all expressed interest in doing a watch party for the stream. Please consider joining us! After the stream starts, I will begin the watch party at the CPChatNow Facebook page. So, Saturday afternoon, stay tuned to the page.
In the meantime remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “When you find yourself feeling negative, what phrase or mantra do you use to pull yourself through?” Comment below with your reply.
Until next time remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
This past week #CPChatNow was out of this world on Earth Day! Members discussed Earth Day, trying new things while staying at home, and their thoughts around reopening. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
April 22nd was the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. Jorge asked if folks were enjoying Earth Day.
Next, members discussed trying new things while staying at home during the COVID pandemic. I discussed cooking more while at home and Hailey discussed trying a latch hook kit:
Jorge asked about a common topic that is impacted by the COVID pandemic, colleges and universities.
Finally, Zach asked where different member’s home states are in the COVID pandemic reopening.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: What new things have you been trying while staying at home during the COVID pandemic?
Please share your answers in the comments and join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow.
During our current social isolating times, the live weekly cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow provides a way for individuals to come together and safely enjoy social interaction. The chat Wednesday, April 15th, 2020 proved no different. Here to tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Play the highlight reel (also known as your weekly recap)!
Early discussion Wednesday, April 15th turned to how community members continue to cope with staying home while the Coronavirus pandemic persists.
Both long-time regular Blemi and my co-host Devin Axtman noted staying home so much has been wearing on them. Meanwhile Veronica explained the stay at home order did not entail such a massive adjustment for her. She has been a stay-at-home mom for over 20 years. Additionally, she doesn’t drive. She mentioned if anything, she has less isolation now.
Going back a point, the non driver issue Veronica brought up drove the dialogue forward. Pun entirely intended.
Responding to Veronica, I identified the worst part about not driving in this situation is places with an open drive-thru remain closed to us non drivers. A sentiment Devin further echoed. However, Veronica did offer us a potential solution in suggesting Ubereats, Grub Hub, and Postmates. All three companies she called “great restaurant delivery services.”
Keeping to the delivery theme, discussion directed toward getting your groceries delivered.
In answering my question about making adjustments to home life due to the stay home orders Devin mentioned getting groceries delivered. This piqued Veronica’s attention, who wanted to know how grocery delivery was working now. Devin advised needing to take a strategic approach, indicating delivery time takes a couple of days.
Elsewhere, I named a couple home life adjustments I am making to cope with staying home.
One particular adjustment for me involves using the afternoons as exercise time. I find exercising in the afternoon gives me a healthier midday energy boost compared to grabbing another coffee. How about you? Answer for the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How do you give yourself a midday energy boost?”
Leave your reply in the “Comments” section below. Then remember to join us on Twitter each and every Wednesday starting at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was intriguing as always. Members discussed strategies for dealing with the COVID stay at home situation, special education during the pandemic, and finding connections via the CP community and blogging. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
#CPChatNow member Tonia has been sharing concerns related to paying for her laundry. She shared an awesome story of a friend helping her out. This shows the power of community during the times we are in.
Next, Zach and I talked about an issue that has been in the news a lot lately, virtual learning and parents. Concerns are even more amplified when you are helping your disabled child with their special education.
Next, talk turned to forming connections with the CP community. Zach asked about the first people with CP we connected with.
Next, talk turned to connections created with a common activity, blogging.
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation Question: Do you feel like you need to teach others about having CP? Please share your answers in the comments!
Thanks for reading and please join us each Wednesday at 8 Eastern on #CPChatNow!
Throughout the night Wednesday, April 1st, 2020 participants in the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow discussed various aspects related to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic. Here with the details, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Sit back and enjoy your weekly recap.
As I mentioned, this marked the third week practicing social distancing. I asked how everyone was coping. My co-host Devin Axtman noted his hamstrings getting tighter. Long-time regular Blemi replied she is getting weirder by the day.
Meanwhile Tonia described things for her as “pretty much business as usual.” She did express gratitude that her sister, who also has CP, received paid medical leave from her cashier job. Not everyone proves so fortunate.
Essential member to our community and an essential employee to his community, Jorge Oteiza remains working. Although closed to the public, interaction with co-workers still leaves Jorge at higher risk to contract Coronavirus compared to those who can work from home.
Regarding staying home, the prior week’s extend-the-conversation question asking “How is CP impacting staying at home?” kept the dialogue moving.
Props to Devin who first proposed the question in his March 25th, 2020 #CPChatNow recap. Tonia’s reply offered a great perspective. She stated staying home is good for her CP, noting the alternative would involve dealing with dangerous germs and/or exhausting herself.
Additionally, Devin provided new perspective. He mentioned staying home isn’t as big of a deal for him since he is used to staying home after surgeries. Essentially, you could say Devin’s cerebral palsy served as a positive in that way. To keep the positive vibes flowing, share some good news. Consider that this week’s extend-the-conversation question.
I think everyone could use the good news. So go ahead and share by leaving a comment below. Then remember to join us each and every Wednesday on Twitter, starting at 8pm ET.
This past week in #CPChatNow was interesting as always. Members discussed CP awareness, working from home, and famous people with CP. This is #CPChatNow co-host, Devin Axtman, taking you along for the ride on this week’s recap.
March 25th by coincidence happened to be Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day. Members discussed whether wishing people a happy CP Awareness Day was appropriate.
Hannah also popped in to wish everyone a happy CP Awareness Day:
Talked turned to the effectiveness of a common strategy for raising CP awareness, wearing green.
Zach and I discussed positives and negatives of wearing green:
Finally, talk turned to a common topic during the COVID outbreak, working from home.
However, Veronica tweeted about how the recent changes with the pandemic have impacted the availability of her work of scoring standardized tests:
This brings us to our Extend-The-Conversation question: How is CP impacting staying at home?
Please share your answers in the comments, join us at #CPChatNow at 8 Eastern each Wednesday on Twitter and most importantly, stay home and stay safe!
While concern over the Coronavirus continues growing, the live cerebral palsy Twitter chat #CPChatNow offered participants familiarity and comfort Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. To tell you more, I am chat co-host Zachary Fenell. Get ready for your weekly recap.
In a time involving many changes to how we interact with each other, #CPChatNow required no such changes. You could say we help to make social distancing easier.
Early conversation in the night revolved around how participants are holding up during these uncertain times. Something my co-host Devin Axtman asked directly.
Everyone appears impacted by the pandemic, although to different levels. Devin exhibited positive thinking, noting he has a job and hasn’t been affected as much as others so far. Both chat regular Chris and I demonstrated appreciation for any thread of normalcy.
Additionally, a blast from #CPChatNow past Jorge Oteiza popped in to share as essential personnel, he must continue working. Plus Jorge reminded us to thank mail carriers, doctors, nurses, and first responders next time we are safely six feet away.
Fittingly, Jorge called the six-feet distancing a “new reality.” Let us know how you are holding up in our new reality. Answer as the week’s extend-the-conversation question, “How are you holding up during the Coronavirus pandemic?” Leave your reply in the “Comments” section.
The Coronavirus pandemic influenced our dialogue a little longer as participant Tonia detailed a predicament Coronavirus has created for her.
Between a shelter-in-place notice and no access to more quarters, Tonia only possesses the means to do laundry one more time. Higher ups at her building declined suspending the quarter requirement because a separate company owns the machines. I recommended Tonia and her neighbors contact the other company and voice their concerns.
After awhile the chat’s focus turned away from the Coronavirus pandemic. Much thanks to last week’s extend-the-conversation question!
Within the March 11th, 2020 recap, Devin posed the question “What piece of advice do you wish your parent would have known about CP or having a disability?” I answered “It is not about what you ‘can’ and ‘cannot’ do, but rather asking how could we do this?”
Devin on the other hand admitted not knowing how to best word his answer in a tweet. However, that his advice would entail the fact he felt his parents were a bit overprotective. This led to further discussion regarding parenting a child with cerebral palsy.
As Devin and I discussed the parent’s perspective, Tonia reminded us not all parents overprotect. Some not knowing how else to interact, push their child to be non-disabled. An impossibility! Tonia noting both extremes cause harm.
Time to keep the dialogue chugging forward. Remember to answer the week’s extend-the-conversation question. “How are you holding up during the Coronavirus pandemic?” Let us know!
Answer in the “Comments” section.
Until next time, remember. Don’t blend in. Blend out!
