Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Still Van Hunting

Since the news from our insurance company that they wish to write our MB Vito Van off, we have been researching far and wide for a new vehicle. We are unable to get one like we had and have decided to try some new things while the unfortunate opportunities arise.
We haven't been able to find anything suitable that is already setup with wheelchair accessibility, so we heading towards a VW transporter LWB with a mid roof height this time, and looking to have the conversion done to our preferences. We think we may have found a suitable second hand vehicle and the converters will have to line the interior, put windows in, wheelchair grade flooring and tie downs, 4 single seats,some air in the back and a hoist or fold down ramp. Waiting on quotes for the conversion, but I'm guessing about 20K.
Hopefully we can get back to something with similar practicability to our Vito.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Leonid's - The Optimism Advantage

Leonid Blyum the ABR founder posted some inspiring notes in his New Years Greeting that I would like to share with visitors to Missy's Blog. The Optimism Advantage can apply to all walks of life and particularly to parents.
Here is the link to his blog, I have just grabbed snippets from it, it makes for some interest reading.
http://blyum.typepad.com/on_abr_and_beyond/2011/01/2011-new-year-greetings-the-optimism-advantage-.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+OnAbrAndBeyond+%28On+ABR+and+beyond...%29
I’d dare to encourage you to make an effort and even when it feels difficult to keep your optimistic stance – still to keep trying and keeping your internal ‘reality perception’ filters switched into the “Positive” mode.

I know it’s not easy. Sometimes the pressures of juggling all the challenges of bringing up a child with special needs and physical impairments mount up to such extremes that it appears impossible to keep looking at ‘the bright side of life’…

I understand it very well.

At the end of the day, I am Russian, right?

And by and large we are one of the most if not the most pessimistic nation on the face of the planet.

So when a Russian encourages you to take an optimism stance – it’s worth giving it a thought… :-)

The basis of my judgment is plain and simple – optimism pays-off; and I am not simply generalizing – I am talking about the ability of special parents to bring the maximum contribution towards the developmental advancement of the kids with Cerebral Palsy.

ABR is a coaching program for parents. The ABR works through you –- the progress of Cerebral Palsy kids depends on the skill and the ability of a parent to deliver consistent day-in day-out work of high technical quality.


Leonid goes on talk about the key elements that come into play that ensures Optimism pays off. Motivation - more aware of the signs of progress. Higher Energy Level - being optimism doesn't tax you like hesitance, indecisiveness and anxiety . Seeing opportunities rather than obstacles - this is really a point I'm endeavouring to take on board, as we search for a new vehicle, having our wonderful van written off last week. I'm hoping that a new van will provide different opportunities for us, once we jump over the pile of decisions and choices.

Leonid writes: I’d be happy if this little post with the praise for optimism is going to help you in improving your ‘inner game’ even just a little extra bit.
Consider it done, Leonid

Monday, January 3, 2011

Luck has got to change

HI All
Happy New Year to everyone and hope it will be a fantastic one.
Our recent week hasn't been so good, starting Christmas Eve with Missy's Powerchair charger blowing up, followed by 4 inches of rain on our hay, Christmas night due to be baled on Boxing Day. Boxing Day bought some localised flooding and our wheelchair accessible van got water damage to the engine and is now off the road. All this happens when everything is shutdown. Following this Missy's and H-Ho favourite pet chook died.

Anyway we are hoping for brighter start to the new year then the end of 2010.

I'll be back soon with some wonderful words from the ABR founder of Leonid Blyum - The Optimism Advantage