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Coats were my nemeses for years until I discovered the plush poncho. So much easier. A couple years ago I even found a heated one. I’d link it but I don’t think they sell it anymore. It’s large enough to cover my joystick on colder days. Funny though, kids think I have no arms and wonder how my chair is moving.

Have you seen the armless jackets football players wear on the sidelines in inclement weather? I’ve always wondered if they’d be big enough to cover my entire chair and not get tangled in my tires.

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Good question. My family struggles finding gifts for me. It’s hard for them to know what would actually be helpful. I don’t give lists either because I kind of enjoy seeing what they come up with on their own. It can be interesting to say the least.

Is there anything in particular you’re struggling with? Typically I try to identify a problem, then find if there’s a gadget that can offer a solution. On my wish list (even though I don’t make lists) is a towel warmer. I’m always cold after a shower and maybe a warm towel would be the ticket. Has anyone tried one?

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Hey Dave! Thanks for reaching out. When I was in school I rigged a messenger style bag to sit on my feet. It was easier for me to reach in front of me. Sometimes if a book was heavy I still needed assistance from a classmate to pull it out. After class I could just slide it off the table into the bag. I know some folks like using a wheelchair tray. Wasn’t my favorite but you could stack what you needed on the tray.

Since wheelchairs and abilities vary you just have to play around to see what suits them. Good luck! If you find what works we’d love to hear about it.

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Thanks for the encouragement! I haven’t heard anything after they checked my availability, so who knows if it’ll even happen.

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I purchased this <font color=”#00848e”>smart heater from Amazon on sale thinking I could use it like you’re describing and it’s compatible to use with Alexa. When I got it all the warnings say keep 3ft away from everything, so I’m afraid to use it. I have used a heated mouse before and a heated mouse pad cover that help when I’m using the computer. They’re usb plug in. The mouse is on the larger side, so not my favorite. I do like my rechargeable hand warmers though. Brand does make a difference. Couldn’t resist these cute Avacado ones. They’re fine but only hold a charge for an hour or so unlike my Ocoopa that last for hours. I’ve been known to shove a Hot Hands up my sleeve on occasion as well. Not for your arms but I love my Warmies microwavable slippers. Does your chair have a USB plug? They make various USB heated products you could look into as well. If you can’t tell I’m not a fan of being cold.</font>

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What’s your decorating style? White lights or color? Blinking or solid? I always like seeing what people are going for.

Christmas is kind of tough for me. Among other reasons I’m usually trying to fend off sickness and stay warm. As I’m typing my pca just texted that called out yesterday. Her fever broke but she has a scratchy throat. Ugh.

I do usually catch a Hallmark movie or two when I’m at Mom’s though. It’s not a Hallmark but last weekend we watched ‘Genie’ with Melissa McCarthy. Cute. I could pick it apart but if you’re just looking for something entertaining to watch it fits the bill.

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So far so good with my avoidance tactic. I’ve had my weekend gal call out three weekends in a row! Not ideal when I’m short staffed. Honestly I thought she was faking but she had to stop to sign her timesheet and she was really croaky. I kept my distance. This last weekend she said she could work but still had the cold. After talking it over with Mom, we decided not to risk it right before Thanksgiving.

On the bright side, you should be good for the holidays. Somewhere I heard it takes 3 days to recover for every day that you’re sick. In our case I’m thinking it’s more like 5. Not scientific of course. I’m impressed your sinus infection didn’t turn into congestion. Did you do anything in particular to avoid that?

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How’s the Airbnb going? Curious, do you find including accessible features in advertising attract more individuals or do you find some shy away feeling like it’s not for them? On the flip side, do you feel as an individual with a disability people who don’t need specific features shouldn’t take the space away from those who do? On the business side, do you not care as long as you fill the space? Interested to hear points of view on this. Looks like a cozy respite. You’re right though, the bathroom looks a bit snug. I don’t think it would work for me. I need enough width to have a chair over the toilet and to be able to roll under the sink. Sometimes I can open the cabinet door to get closer, but I can’t tell if that would work here. Thought maybe I could brush my teeth in the kitchenette sink, but doesn’t look like I can get under there either, darn it. Looks like I’ll be brushing my teeth with the bottled water at the table. Who’s the adorable doggie?

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Can’t say if the tube has anything to do with it because my skin has always been dreadful. I’m already dealing with “winter skin” and it’s only October. Okay November in a few hours. Do you get plenty of water? For me I think extra hydration would be helpful, but I don’t have an SPC or anything. Pee math doesn’t equate with extra h2o.

Have you tried face masks? I do find them soothing. My favorite is the Peter Thomas Roth Cucumber Mask. Of course it’s a little pricey. I had a free sample and my skin loved it, so I bought a tub on Prime Day. The downfall is you have to rinse it off but it comes off easily with a damp wash cloth. Haven’t found a moisturizer that I love.

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Glad, but not happy, to know I’m not alone.

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I guess the consent allows them to talk to the clinic and pharmacy if there are insurance or shipping issues. Sounds like without the specific consent they can still answer my general questions. Since I don’t feel motivated to do the consent I might just leave it at that.

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Don’t be too hard on yourself. I think we all get a little cranky when we’re in pain, or don’t feel well. It’s tough to be pleasant all the time. Your guy friend probably gets that but just doesn’t know how he should be responding. Thus the no response. Just keep pushing through, and if you need to vent we’re here for ya 🤗

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Sounds like fun! Any stand out recipes?

Love your movie reviews. Nothing like a twisted storyline to get you in the spirit. I prefer a little more lighthearted like The Holiday.

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How’s your knee feeling? Were you able to enjoy Thanksgiving festivities without too much pain?

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Well said. Sometimes I don’t think we do give our mind and body enough credit.

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Shoot! Sorry to hear it was a miserable experience that aggravated your injury. Hopefully in a day or so the brace will help immobilize it if you can tolerate it. Sending healing vibes your way.

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How frustrating! Have they given you a brace or anything in the meantime to help immobilize it? When my ankle was sprained it helped a lot. I’m glad to hear you’re seeing a specialist. Sometimes I feel like we can get brushed aside unless we make a fuss. How far out do you have to wait for an appointment?

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Give Sancho a belly rub! Such a cutie.

It’ll be an interesting endeavor for sure. You’ll definitely have to keep us posted. I agree, we need more accessible destinations.

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I like your train of thought but have no idea how to get something like that off the ground.

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Sorry to hear you’re struggling too. What avenues do you go through to find staff? Hate when we have to bend the rules just to survive, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. We shouldn’t have to live in fear of losing the good ones either.

Wages are a huge problem. May I ask what the average rate is for your pca’s? Right now I can only offer $15.25/hr starting pay. Stinks because like you said fast food pays more and it doesn’t bode well for the ones who have been here a while and make practically the same. Thank goodness it bumps up to $19 in January. What am I supposed to do in the meantime when I need the staffing now?

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Thanks Kev! Hope your staffing situation stays stable for as long as possible.

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Yeah, it usually works out how it’s meant to. I had my doubts with this one from the get go. It’s still frustrating when it doesn’t work out. Do you usually find people through word of mouth?

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This comment actually makes me feel better about not loving mine. Is there anything in particular you’re dissatisfied with? I’m realizing now that I’m wearing long sleeves it’s harder to access than my phone. Bummer.

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Good to know. I’ve noticed that with a lot of products. Sometimes the “cheaper” versions are actually easier to work with. In general are you liking the watch?