Celebrating 57

Posted by twinklev

Its been a wonderful birthday week.

Last Saturday, my husband and I met up with our son, his beautiful wife, and our precious grandchildren Ezekiel, Greyson, and Liliana to attend a non profit benefit. The organization- Project Ride has several fundraising benefits annually, but I’d asked to go to the Spaghetti Feed, a few months back, as an early birthday gift of family time.

I wish my daughter Rikki was here. She lives in Michigan.

My son secured our tickets and we had a great time.

In order to be able to manage weight bearing, I did my usual prep routine. I’d gotten Lidocaine on both feet the day prior, otherwise, I’d have not been able to endure the footwear and walking on uneven ground. It was a sand floor. The benefit takes place in an enormous barn with a at least a thousand people present. Of course, I had my noise reducing ear plugs in but loose and secure. No one can tell that I have these in, unless I reveal it. That’s rare. The buds are discreet and I can tap them in as necessary, and re loosen simply.

I didn’t take my cane because I saved up my leg time to not have to. It all ended in perfect timing as an accomplished evening. The event was located in Elk Grove and not too far from our home. My Son drove an hour to meet us there. He lives in Fairfield, closer to the Bay Area. I have Kratom tea for on the go, and OTC analgesics, as well. We were back home about 3 hours later. I wasn’t forced to push too hard to manage making beautiful memories.

I’m hoping to make it part of my routine to attend yearly.

Today, my born day, we had our oldest daughter and grandson over. I made 15 homemade low carb enchiladas on Friday. All I’d have to do when they arrived was bake them.

Living with multiple chronic conditions and intractable pain stole too many years.

I’m clever in my planning and always mindful to pace my body and activities. By doing so, I can do anything! Well, perhaps not, but much more than the first 20 years with CRPS and these specific permanent disabilities. I’ll be at the 25th year January 26th. Others are unrelated.

I’m just always careful to not overdo and not push myself excessively. I push beyond my limits already, there’s a fine line to that becoming the edge.

While a flare is increasing in intensity, I’m okay enough right now and I know in a few days it’ll begin to ease from this acute instigation. I’ll definitely need a few days to recover and that’s okay.

This morning began with attending Church. I presented our Welcome, Scripture and Prayer to the congregation both in-person and online.

Unfortunately, I swell regularly. I dislike my appearance while it’s occurring. Inflammation is daily. I woke with my whole body swollen, my face puffy. By afternoon that subsided some. It’s always present to a degree.

My blood oxygen has been on the lower side for more than a decade. Finally, I’ve gotten back on a CPAP.

Even with my machine its still low, but I’ve had a few nights better. Just not too many as of yet. I’m presuming lack of blood flow, circulation, and feeling like my air has been turned down contributes, as well as living in pain each and every day no matter what I do or don’t do.

I don’t smile because life is good; I smile because God is.

I became my Church’ Official Community Manager in June 2025. This upcoming March will be 6 years since I’ve held this position in service.

All the Glory to the Father!

Thank you, Jesus!

Information on Project Ride, Inc.

Harnessing The Magic to Change Lives

44 years of accreditation.

Project R.I.D.E. Inc. offers therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to over 600 riders with disabilities and special needs. Our goal is to improve physical, emotional, and social functioning through participation in a highly structured and safe program. Riders’ interaction with carefully selected and trained horses improves their balance, posture, flexibility, sensory awareness, and endurance, in addition to increasing confidence, self-esteem, self-discipline, motivation, attention span, and integration with non-disabled peers.
Our program certainly has therapeutic benefits, but it is recreational in nature and is meant to be a fun activity that aligns with the goals of other therapeutic interventions.

Mission Statement: Project R.I.D.E. will provide children and adults with special needs a safe, educational and recreational equine experience to enrich their physical and emotional development.

About

Forward in faith…

People with Disabilities – Crossroads Diversified

Posted by twinklev

Helping to Give Individuals a Sense of PurposeThough we have evolved now provide employment services to all job seekers wanting to get back to work, one main focus still remains serving people with disabilities. We recognize that a steady job not only gives individuals a sense of purpose, but for people with disabilities, it also often plays an important role in helping to maintain good mental health and a sense of normality. In addition, the unemployment rate for persons with a disability was 15.0 percent in 2011, well above the figure of 8.7 percent for those with no disability. (Source: U.S. Dept of Labor Statistics) This disproportionately high rate of unemployment contributes greatly to the national cost of individual entitlements in the form of disability benefits and unemployment payments.Crossroads provides a full-range of vocational rehabilitation, supported employment and job placement services for people with disabilities. Through individualized services, our clients are able to successfully secure and maintain employment. Many of Crossroads’ facility services employees began first as Crossroads clients – struggling with a disability but yet having that desire to work and become more self-sufficient. With Crossroads’ help, they became employees of the organization; some have been with us for more than 30 years!The categories of services which we provide our clients with disabilities include:Create a PlanPrepare for WorkFind Your Job and Stay EmployedCreate a PlanEvery individual’s path in life is different – whether you are meant for a job in front of a computer or behind a lawn mower – having a sound plan is the first step towards success. At Crossroads, we will first conduct a vocational assessment with you – the first step to help you create a plan based on your interest, your skills, and your strengths. We will also consider any barriers you may have to finding a job, and help you outline the steps necessary to achieve your goals.If you are ready to create a job search plan, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Prepare for WorkWhether you are looking for a job for the very first time or want to retrain to make yourself more marketable in an increasingly competitive job market, Crossroads can help you prepare for this next step. Depending on your level of experience, your ability and capacity to work, you may need a variety of services so that you are best positioned for a successful job search. Crossroads can provide these services.From fundamental skills like filling out a job application and answering standard interview questions to acquiring specific technical skills like vocational training, Crossroads can provide comprehensive supportive services that individuals need to entering or re-entering the labor force.Services that Crossroads can provide to people with disabilities include:Filling out an applicationSoft skills trainingResume writingInterview prepJob retention strategiesIf you want to figure out what you need to be prepared for your first or your next job, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Find Your Job and Stay EmployedOnline job postings, word of mouth, “help wanted” signs on the windows of local retailers…there are so many different ways to find job opportunities. But how do you find the one that is right for you? For people with disabilities or other barriers, this task can be especially daunting.At Crossroads, we have nearly 35 years of experience in helping job seekers with special needs find appropriate employment. We seek and build relationships with local businesses that share our philosophy that hiring people with disabilities not only enriches our community, but also contributes to their bottom line.Crossroads has helped place quality job seekers with businesses like Safeway, Subway, Home Depot, JimBoys Tacos and other small and large local businesses. Depending on your needs and your eligibility, Crossroads may be able to provide additional services that will help you stay employed once you find your job, such as follow-along services to help coordinate employer accommodations. You may also qualify for transportation assistance, in which case Crossroads can provide public transportation vouchers.If you want to know if you qualify for job placement and ongoing support services, call Crossroads at (916) 457-1900 or email us at ces@crossroadsdiversified.com.Crossroads also a proud partner of Ticket to Work – an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket-to-Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999–legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain

Source: People with Disabilities – Crossroads Diversified