The universal struggle of the job, career, employment does affect every single of us! I have written about it 50 times, even with some complaining. Ok, maybe a lot of complaining.
The fact that I'm a Dyslexic and have always been proud of it, never stopped me in the search for the perfect fit. However, I wasn't paying attention to my strengths and my weaknesses in the results of the test done 15 years ago. Finally accepting my true limitations like a low score in what they call Working Memory has always affected me on many of my jobs. It has always been a challenge for in my jobs in customer service. So, what I'm going to do is post the important scores to help anyone who is unsure of the limitations we may face. Now, my scores are my scores. They will be very different for each person who gets tested. The scores and percentages are all on the 100+ or 100% scale in skill level. Numbers listed will be Score, Precent with age group, and where I fall in the group.
Verbal IQ: 92, 30%, Average
Performance IQ: 98, 45%, Average
Full Scale IQ: 95, 37%, Average.
Verbal Comprehension: 94, 34%, Average
Perceptual Organization: 103, 58%, Average
*Working Memory: 86, 18%, Low Average
Similarities: 11, Average
*Analyze: 13, High Average
There are more scores, but these are the ones that matter. The ones on the surface and the ones not listed is who I am on the job market. No self pity, just finally a full understanding of my struggles for the past 30 years.
My lowest or biggest struggle is Passage Comprehension & Dictation at 11%. My highest or best assets are Science (analyze) at 46%.
Here is my message to all parents who have little ones who have been diagnosed or are struggling. Pay close attention to the scores and help them find work where their Strengths or Strongest areas are used on their career. And what ever you do, DO Not Ever Tell Them They Can't Go After that career choice because They Don't Have the Experience! My father did that to me and if he had been more supportive and realizing that the only way I can get experience is by doing it, I would be in a different place in my life right now. With his statement, it stopped me in my tracks that I would never be successful in the career I feel capable of making money at. Sadly, I've stayed in the wrong job market for the past 12 years (post-college degree)! Struggling with homelessness, financially broke and low self-esteem. Be careful of what you say to others.
My best asset is Problem Solving and coming up with solutions on the most basic of levels. We have become a nation where we only think about the bigger picture while ignoring the feet under the bigger picture or body. I've had conversations with politicians about the basic problems that face this nation and the people in it and they have forgotten the feet under the body of issues. That subject was about Affordable Housing. My point here is that the body can't get fixed if the feet are ignore. That is my best asset.
April 23, 2018
April 18, 2018
Tangible Rewards
The easy mistake is the thinking that you have to spend big money to treat yourself to something nice every once in awhile. The truth is, you don't. Case in point; the picture of flowers here is my self treat I bought last week for $4.42, down from $30.00.
April 16, 2018
Depression
There are lots of guesses and assumptions about why a person suffers from it. I read a quote this morning that got me thinking about it more closely. The quote put the blame on the person for being depressed. Know that a good diet is part of good health as well as mental health is important. Anyone who is growing up knows how difficult it is to get a perfect balance of foods into a child or even as an adult. Putting a traumatic event with a missing item in the diet can be enough to make change in the brain. I know it seems far fetched, but it could be the real reason why so many just can't get over what it bothering them. The change could be permanent in the brain. With this being the possible truth to it, work to be happy(er) most of the time is on the person. There are drugs on the market to help keep the serotonin in check. But thats only one thing out of many a person can do to help themselves.
A balance diet as often as possible, limited alcohol, plenty of sleep, at least a 20 minute walk everyday. There are excuses for all of those, but there are ways to do each of them. A small food budget, but spending it on junk food doesn't work. A small food budget means creating new ways to buy food smartly and making it go as far as possible. Living off ramen doesn't count... If buying fresh veggies is futile because they goes bad before you get it consumed, consider buying frozen veggies. They work great for soups, adding food to pizzas and other cooking ideas. Plus it has a long freezer life. Alcohol actually increases the depression symptoms 100-fold and makes it harder to come out of it. When you're really down, just stay away from it, its not worth it. Make a personal rule to only enjoy the adult beverages when you're having a good day. Now days, getting enough sleep with the demands on the job, many of us are lucky to get 6 hours a night. That isn't enough for anyone! Insomnia is a sign of a poor diet and not enough Magnesium. Unless you're physically handicap and bed ridden, there are no excuses to find a way to walk for 20 minutes. Stuck at home, you can come up with a path within the house where you can walk it for 20 minutes nonstop. A few extras, have your morning coffee outside in the fresh air. Open the windows to your house and let the fresh air in, the air inside is dirtier than it is outside. Enjoy some dark chocolate and a supreme pizza (with everything one it). Limit the bad carbs and replace them with good carbs. And lastly, give yourself some slack and be human. Buy yourself some flowers once a while, even discounted bouqets are still alive. Take a long hot shower, everyday, it does wonders.
I have my bad days too and have to remind myself take to care of me, even with tears running from my eyes.
A balance diet as often as possible, limited alcohol, plenty of sleep, at least a 20 minute walk everyday. There are excuses for all of those, but there are ways to do each of them. A small food budget, but spending it on junk food doesn't work. A small food budget means creating new ways to buy food smartly and making it go as far as possible. Living off ramen doesn't count... If buying fresh veggies is futile because they goes bad before you get it consumed, consider buying frozen veggies. They work great for soups, adding food to pizzas and other cooking ideas. Plus it has a long freezer life. Alcohol actually increases the depression symptoms 100-fold and makes it harder to come out of it. When you're really down, just stay away from it, its not worth it. Make a personal rule to only enjoy the adult beverages when you're having a good day. Now days, getting enough sleep with the demands on the job, many of us are lucky to get 6 hours a night. That isn't enough for anyone! Insomnia is a sign of a poor diet and not enough Magnesium. Unless you're physically handicap and bed ridden, there are no excuses to find a way to walk for 20 minutes. Stuck at home, you can come up with a path within the house where you can walk it for 20 minutes nonstop. A few extras, have your morning coffee outside in the fresh air. Open the windows to your house and let the fresh air in, the air inside is dirtier than it is outside. Enjoy some dark chocolate and a supreme pizza (with everything one it). Limit the bad carbs and replace them with good carbs. And lastly, give yourself some slack and be human. Buy yourself some flowers once a while, even discounted bouqets are still alive. Take a long hot shower, everyday, it does wonders.
I have my bad days too and have to remind myself take to care of me, even with tears running from my eyes.
April 15, 2018
Inflammation & Pain
The ancient spice from a root. One of the most over looked health aides in the western world is Turmeric. The health benefits are far reaching in every part of the body. Wikipedia denounces its medical benefits, which is pretty sad. There is plenty of evidence that it helps the body in a dozen ways. Its been used in India for thousands years and thats all the proof I need…
I have injuries from young adulthood from my neck to my feet. I suffer from joint pain, muscle tenderness, and inflammation everywhere in between. If it wasn’t for Turmeric attacking the inflammation head-on, I would be making over the counter pain medications companies very rich! Instead of masking the symptoms from the damage already done to my body, the spice is attacking the damage itself. I’ve been taking it for two years and it helps with chronic pain where nothing else did. Personally, I will take 1,000 to 1,500 mg every day. If I need the extra 500, Im in real pain and will take an over the counter pain killer (non-blood thinning) to help.
The health benefits from this spice with Curcumin are as necessary as breathing. It is a major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for all parts of the body. From the health of the brain, heart, lungs, joints, muscles, damaged tissue, depression, pms, skin care, and so much more. (Source: Organicfacts.net)
There is no specific dose that is right for everyone. Some can take 500 mg and others may need 2,000 mg in a 24 hour day. Pay attention to the side affects like dizziness or diarrhea.
*DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU’RE ON HEART MEDICATIONS OR BLOOD THINNERS.
When you go buy this spice in supplement form, only stick with well known brands. Some box store brands isn’t all spice and you can tell by the way it smells when you open the bottle. It should smell like a hot mustard and fresh. When in doubt, talk to you pharmacist or someone at your local health food store about the best quality.
Now, with that said, you know the saying; “You are what you eat!” The other part to fighting off inflammation is by watching what you eat. You remember the list of foods in the magnesium post that were the wrong cravings? Well, they’re also Pro-Inflammation foods, meaning they will attack your body and make you hurt… Red meat, potatoes, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, peanut butter, high sodium foods, white bread, processed meats, eggs, cereal, 90% of breakfast foods, and alcohol.
On the flip side, anti-inflammatory foods are out there to help you out. This is my food list. Some of the favorites are dark chocolate, almonds, ginger, walnuts, tomatoes, blueberries, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and lots of water. Some of the pricey items would be fatty fish, turkey, fresh cherries, in season fruits, and avocados. So, there is a real reason to eat healthy and clean.
Live on junk food and need pain killers that really won’t calm the pain. Or eat clean and have a mostly pain free life style with more energy to play outside. Treat yourself when you want, everything in moderation…
*When doing any kind of research about health online, you must have an open mind and don't take everything you read as fact. You have to keep looking until you find the right article or piece of information that actually feels right. It may take 20 minutes or it may take a few hours. Keep digging until it feels true.
*Im not a expert in the area of health; so please do you own research and talk to you physician before starting any vitamin supplements.
I have injuries from young adulthood from my neck to my feet. I suffer from joint pain, muscle tenderness, and inflammation everywhere in between. If it wasn’t for Turmeric attacking the inflammation head-on, I would be making over the counter pain medications companies very rich! Instead of masking the symptoms from the damage already done to my body, the spice is attacking the damage itself. I’ve been taking it for two years and it helps with chronic pain where nothing else did. Personally, I will take 1,000 to 1,500 mg every day. If I need the extra 500, Im in real pain and will take an over the counter pain killer (non-blood thinning) to help.
The health benefits from this spice with Curcumin are as necessary as breathing. It is a major anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for all parts of the body. From the health of the brain, heart, lungs, joints, muscles, damaged tissue, depression, pms, skin care, and so much more. (Source: Organicfacts.net)
There is no specific dose that is right for everyone. Some can take 500 mg and others may need 2,000 mg in a 24 hour day. Pay attention to the side affects like dizziness or diarrhea.
*DO NOT START THIS UNTIL YOU TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN IF YOU’RE ON HEART MEDICATIONS OR BLOOD THINNERS.
When you go buy this spice in supplement form, only stick with well known brands. Some box store brands isn’t all spice and you can tell by the way it smells when you open the bottle. It should smell like a hot mustard and fresh. When in doubt, talk to you pharmacist or someone at your local health food store about the best quality.
Now, with that said, you know the saying; “You are what you eat!” The other part to fighting off inflammation is by watching what you eat. You remember the list of foods in the magnesium post that were the wrong cravings? Well, they’re also Pro-Inflammation foods, meaning they will attack your body and make you hurt… Red meat, potatoes, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, peanut butter, high sodium foods, white bread, processed meats, eggs, cereal, 90% of breakfast foods, and alcohol.
On the flip side, anti-inflammatory foods are out there to help you out. This is my food list. Some of the favorites are dark chocolate, almonds, ginger, walnuts, tomatoes, blueberries, green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, and lots of water. Some of the pricey items would be fatty fish, turkey, fresh cherries, in season fruits, and avocados. So, there is a real reason to eat healthy and clean.
Live on junk food and need pain killers that really won’t calm the pain. Or eat clean and have a mostly pain free life style with more energy to play outside. Treat yourself when you want, everything in moderation…
*When doing any kind of research about health online, you must have an open mind and don't take everything you read as fact. You have to keep looking until you find the right article or piece of information that actually feels right. It may take 20 minutes or it may take a few hours. Keep digging until it feels true.
*Im not a expert in the area of health; so please do you own research and talk to you physician before starting any vitamin supplements.
April 12, 2018
LD & CS
Its not uncommon that adults with learning disabilities aren't interested in customer service jobs. On the flip side, some are awesome at it. I have great respect for anyone who can deal with the public on a daily basis for work. Not everyone is wired for that kind of work. Me included!
Going to discuss the job industry and a weak Working Memory. Never be ashamed if you have a low score in the Working Memory. When 99% of the jobs require a strong working memory, the rest of us are trying to find other ways to make a living. My whole working career has forced me to find work in the customer service industry, because there is little else. The trick is to find the perfect fit so it doesn't over stress you and force you to quit after a few months or even a couple of years. The right fit is out there, whether it be working on cars, building homes or computer work. There are lots of tests out there that can help you find a good fit, but listen to your gut. If it doesn't feel right from the start, it probably isn't. So, I encourage you to keep looking.
The strong Working Memory will open all kinds of doors for you. There are a couple of different ways i like to call strong working memory. The first is what I call a "Waitress Brain" because of the skill level in doing 15 things at once with 100% accuracy. Always, always tip the waitress! That is one tough job and the best make a great living at it. Whenever I dine out, I watch them in amazement on how easy they make it look. The second in a different industry is a "Receptionist Brain". That covers everyone who is on the front lines in the customer service industry, from Front Desk at a hotel to a Doctors office. Thinking on their feet, thinking ahead while doing 15 at the same time, again with 100% accuracy. You are greatly appreciated for what you do, that kind of skill in unique and be proud of it.
So, the best information I have for you is to really take a good look at your true abilities and seek out work in those areas. Even as a young adult fresh out of school, look for the one area that is perfect for you. Don't Give Up!
Going to discuss the job industry and a weak Working Memory. Never be ashamed if you have a low score in the Working Memory. When 99% of the jobs require a strong working memory, the rest of us are trying to find other ways to make a living. My whole working career has forced me to find work in the customer service industry, because there is little else. The trick is to find the perfect fit so it doesn't over stress you and force you to quit after a few months or even a couple of years. The right fit is out there, whether it be working on cars, building homes or computer work. There are lots of tests out there that can help you find a good fit, but listen to your gut. If it doesn't feel right from the start, it probably isn't. So, I encourage you to keep looking.
The strong Working Memory will open all kinds of doors for you. There are a couple of different ways i like to call strong working memory. The first is what I call a "Waitress Brain" because of the skill level in doing 15 things at once with 100% accuracy. Always, always tip the waitress! That is one tough job and the best make a great living at it. Whenever I dine out, I watch them in amazement on how easy they make it look. The second in a different industry is a "Receptionist Brain". That covers everyone who is on the front lines in the customer service industry, from Front Desk at a hotel to a Doctors office. Thinking on their feet, thinking ahead while doing 15 at the same time, again with 100% accuracy. You are greatly appreciated for what you do, that kind of skill in unique and be proud of it.
So, the best information I have for you is to really take a good look at your true abilities and seek out work in those areas. Even as a young adult fresh out of school, look for the one area that is perfect for you. Don't Give Up!
Magnesium
The discovery i made was shocking. My food craving where all energy fatty foods that so many of us spend huge money on. Hamburgers, fries, pop, too much coffee, lots and lots of sweets, etc... I was moody, tired all the time and hungry for the wrong foods. One night, I was woken up with extremely warm ears and it concerned me. So after about 20 minutes of researching online for something concrete, i learned i was suffering from Adrenal Fatigue at extreme levels. Learning that the low levels of magnesium in my body surprised me. Both women and men can suffer from AF if a better balance diet isn't addressed. My job at the time had me working long hours and no time to cook, which forced me go spend way too much many at fast food joints trying to eat healthy. It wasn't enough! This was a wake up call that i had to do better and that meant putting my foot down to actually get some real food in me while sitting down. They didn't like it much, but there isn't a job out there that is worth more than my health. I started to say ‘no' to covering everyone shifts so i could get control of my health. You can too!
With further research, i discovered that every part of the body needed it on a daily basis. From managing stress, sugar levels, sleep, and body aches. I take 500-750mg a day, depending on how i feel that day. I do take 500mg right before bed every night, which allows the body to fully absorb it. My personal reasons for taking it are back/neck pain, muscle cramps, family inherited health issues (diabetes & heart issues), and sugar cravings.
The long term damage done to the body when there is a constant deficiency is diabetes, depression, weaken bones, RLS, heart health, lungs, brain health and others. It maintains the health of the tissue in the body and allows absorption of proteins and other minerals. Please pay attention to your food cravings and see if you're getting enough magnesium. [source: organicfacts.net]
If you already take certain supplements by a certain company and you trust the company & product. Then you can add this so your daily needs can be met.
Not everyone reacts well with a pill form of mag and needs to get it from food. Which means, the daily intake is more work to ensure enough is getting into the body. Be sure to find what works best for you and your life style.
*Im not a expert in the area of health; so please do you own research and talk to you physician before starting any vitamin supplements.
With further research, i discovered that every part of the body needed it on a daily basis. From managing stress, sugar levels, sleep, and body aches. I take 500-750mg a day, depending on how i feel that day. I do take 500mg right before bed every night, which allows the body to fully absorb it. My personal reasons for taking it are back/neck pain, muscle cramps, family inherited health issues (diabetes & heart issues), and sugar cravings.
The long term damage done to the body when there is a constant deficiency is diabetes, depression, weaken bones, RLS, heart health, lungs, brain health and others. It maintains the health of the tissue in the body and allows absorption of proteins and other minerals. Please pay attention to your food cravings and see if you're getting enough magnesium. [source: organicfacts.net]
If you already take certain supplements by a certain company and you trust the company & product. Then you can add this so your daily needs can be met.
Not everyone reacts well with a pill form of mag and needs to get it from food. Which means, the daily intake is more work to ensure enough is getting into the body. Be sure to find what works best for you and your life style.
*Im not a expert in the area of health; so please do you own research and talk to you physician before starting any vitamin supplements.
Success & Support
This may be the most important piece I will write. The dynamics of the family can make or break the success of a school age student as an adult. There can be resentment from the other family members when it becomes clear that the student with learning disabilities starts to get extra attention from everyone around them. It’s No one’s fault! There can be frustration from the lack of support from the school administration or not knowing the right questions to ask to find the right help. As a parent of a student who is showing signs of struggling in school. You are the front line of defense for your child. You can make some calls to the area Psychological offices looking for someone who does Psychological Evaluations for Learning Disabilities. It is an all day test and does cost, but worth every dime. Minors as young as 18 months old can be tested to see where they’re struggling and strengths are. Once the test has been done and report is in hand, you now have some very important information for their success.
Now with a better understanding of how their brain works, the next step is on the adults and their approach. Especially word usage when it comes to emotional support. Whether your student wants to be an artist, an electrician, an astronaut or anything they want to be. Support them 1,000% on what ever it is, even if you don’t agree.
Here is an example; If they want to become a florist and you joyfully tell them to go ahead and do that. Then later on in their venture when learning all things plants and start to question them on their approach to success, question them on their ability on being successful at it to see if they’re serious about it or not will affect their self trust. It may seem minor while being the devils advocate thinking it would help them to open their eyes to be more successful. The problem with that thought process is you’re questioning their ability to be successful and instead talking them out of going after that dream. Don’t play the devils advocate with your children, no matter who they are. Don’t talk them into a business and then question them on their motives, approach and ability. They will spend their life working dead end jobs because they were questioned on everything they tried to do.
Here is another example; If the young adult wants to go to college and work towards a dream, say, small business management and the college degree is going to help them go after it. Do not make this statement: “Why, you don’t have enough experience!" Especially when the family is paying for this new found college degree. With so much question and doubt stated in those six words, the student (with low self-esteem already) won’t even bother trying. Why should they, the family doesn’t think they can be successful at it, why bother! Don’t be cruel.
For a student and adult with learning disability, there is no such thing as Positive Criticism. To us, it is an oxymoron and not proper english! It can either be criticism or compliments. Cant have both! So, the lesson here is word usage is very important to the success or failure of your student or adult! Don’t give up!
Now with a better understanding of how their brain works, the next step is on the adults and their approach. Especially word usage when it comes to emotional support. Whether your student wants to be an artist, an electrician, an astronaut or anything they want to be. Support them 1,000% on what ever it is, even if you don’t agree.
Here is an example; If they want to become a florist and you joyfully tell them to go ahead and do that. Then later on in their venture when learning all things plants and start to question them on their approach to success, question them on their ability on being successful at it to see if they’re serious about it or not will affect their self trust. It may seem minor while being the devils advocate thinking it would help them to open their eyes to be more successful. The problem with that thought process is you’re questioning their ability to be successful and instead talking them out of going after that dream. Don’t play the devils advocate with your children, no matter who they are. Don’t talk them into a business and then question them on their motives, approach and ability. They will spend their life working dead end jobs because they were questioned on everything they tried to do.
Here is another example; If the young adult wants to go to college and work towards a dream, say, small business management and the college degree is going to help them go after it. Do not make this statement: “Why, you don’t have enough experience!" Especially when the family is paying for this new found college degree. With so much question and doubt stated in those six words, the student (with low self-esteem already) won’t even bother trying. Why should they, the family doesn’t think they can be successful at it, why bother! Don’t be cruel.
For a student and adult with learning disability, there is no such thing as Positive Criticism. To us, it is an oxymoron and not proper english! It can either be criticism or compliments. Cant have both! So, the lesson here is word usage is very important to the success or failure of your student or adult! Don’t give up!
April 11, 2018
Life Changes
Well, this blog sees more traffic in a 72 hr period than the other one, so this one will be the only one I will be working on. I will post here what I had at the other one tomorrow. Its ok!!! Night all!
April 3, 2018
New Challenges
Well, I took the plunge and credit a new blog. It is very different from this one and I feel good about it. At some point down the road, I will connect the two. But for know, I will be working hard to improve the new one. It will be my secondary income, fingers crossed... Currently today, I'm fighting off some bug. With a bunch of tea and warm soups, get some rest I need on my only day off and feel better tomorrow to go back to work. Working 96 hours a week, half of which I am on-call. A good nights rest isn't possible. So, for me to wake up sick today makes me wonder why it took so long. The 72 remaining hours in a week is my free time for sleep and going to the store and other misc errands. There are days I feel like I'm in prison, because i can't leave. I have to stay here. Or I have to give up some sleep between 7am-3pm to go get food, etc... Its actually 7am-3:45pm, but the extra 45 minutes is to eat and get ready. I asked for a second evening off from being on-call so I can get some sleep and was told to sleep during the day. Which is impossible because of where I live. Yes, depression is always knocking on the door. Not sure how to get the changes I need so I feel like a human and not prisoner who gets yelled at a lot. Guess I needed to vent some. Time for more soup!
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