Saturday August 30

Alright, let me rewind my memory tape to yesterday salient activities.
In the afternoon I went to the 24 fitness  gym on Gosford.
this is the entrance of the gym as seen from the parking spot.

There were no classes so I had the chance of working out by myself. I used light weights so I could do many repetitions without hurting my self. You see I learned to make sure my work out is enjoyable and funny. And so it was.

While at the gym I met Damian who mentioned to he was directly coming from his work at the Ford dealership here in town.
Damian is a nice and positive person always ready for a nice world.

At the gym I snapped a picture together with Jessica. She knows I like to snap pictures with them so at the gym everybody complies with me and particularly helps me by showing his support with my classic pose .. you guessed it is the  thumb up!

While leaving I met Larry and Janice who were coming in to work out.
They are both good friends of mine I trust them a lot.

Today is a Saturday so I am taking care of the apartment house cleaning of the weekend.

It is true that I clean as well during the week, the weekend is particularly devoted to the bulky items.

Today I feel fun and dandy as this picture shows. I am feeling everybody close to me: my family on my left hand side, then Sarah my Case Manager her at CNS. She is really taking a good care of her patients and I would like to thank her for thinking particularly about  me. 

Sarah is always busy, as she has a lot to do. At the clinic all Case Managers are so busy. But I see them as doing a great job. I acknowledge everybody's job as they are really working hard for what they believe is best for their patients.

In the morning as I like doing , I wrote a nice and positive letter to Chicco our eldest son. 

The letter is in English and Block letters as usual. Chicco was born here in US so has been schooled in US. He is attending IV grade elementary school  in La Canada Elementary School. So the letter is obviously written to him in English.

For our youngest kids Lapo I have prepared a simpler letter with some nice drawing for him. Lapo is 6 and this year he is attending Kindergarten. He is  leaning to read and write. So I normally make a simple letter for him.  I crafted the following letter for his enjoyment.  

At Trader Joe's I did my weekly grocery shopping.
As I was mentioning to you I am set on the following routine.

First of all I am taking flowers to everybody over there, second I am bringing my bags so Simona's number is entered in the raffle for the extraction ( today I had two tickets), finally I have got some stickers for Ian. Ian is the son of my wonderful Case Manger as CNS. Her name is Sarah. I know she is watching over me always so you are welcome Sarah! Here are the stickers, in case you wonder.. :). They will be on your desk on Monday morning.

At Trader's Joe Jamie had the same T-shirt color as mine, what a coincidence! Jamie is standing next to me on my left hand side. I am the one with the Caltech hat. The hat is from Simona my wife. She works at Caltech.
I love my wife, and miss her, but we all have to do to get buy. So I am doing my best at anyplace I go.

Anyway Jamie  is a big supporter of mine as well. She is always ready to help me out and to make sure I buy the right items. She is in charge of the shop after all. She knows what is available and what is not available.
I trust her knowledge and her grace with me. Besides she has always time to crack a joke with me  and for making my experience over there very enjoyable and amusing. This is way I like her good character and patience with me.

As usual after the shopping she had the time to snap a couple of funny pictures with me.

Today I ask her if it was OK to snap next to the flowers, she patiently complied with me.

For lunch I baked a wonderful pizza. Then I prepared a fantastic spinach salad with burrata and Chia Seeds.

Whenever I made a healthy salad like this I am always thanking Steve for his good advises.

Steve is the nutrition expert here at CNS.

Well It is all for today.

Today I am planning to go to the movie, I would like to see the movie called "The November man".

Enjoy the reading as I have enjoyed writing to you.

Thank you CNS, Sarah, Simona, Chicco, Lapo Lester, well everybody else.

Sincerely 

Giuseppe

Let me explain Lester is my former boss at AltaSens. He is a person full of understanding for me as well. He is coordinating closely with Simona my wife. So the both of them are really functional to my recovery.

:)

Wednesday August 27 2014

Alright, I would like to rewind my memory tape to my fun and salient activities of yesterday and of this morning.
In the evening I had the chance of going to the 24 fitness gym . I had to Personal Shopping outing so Renee, my RTC agreed to let me go to the gym instead. This is a picture of the gym from the outside.

Over there I dd bootcamp with Silvia, she is the lady in yellow on my right hand side.

Next to me a good friend of mine, Maria, she is wearing a violet shirt. Yesterday it was her last day in California ;  she told me she is going back to Texas for good. So farewell Maria. Thank you for your kindness and patience with me.

At the gym reception I snapped this picture with David and Kayland .

At the gym I also greeted Naomui the Manager. She is always happy to see me working out over there.

At the gym I went with Jessica's coverage. She is acknowledged for her work.

Today is Maria's Birthday! So happy Birthday Maria..

God Bless you!

My breakfast this morning has been very fulfilling. 

Together with Simona and Sarah mu Case Manager.

They are both doing a wonderful job!

I had my CR session today (CR is PT for the mind!) and I did 50% precision improvement as well as 20% improvement in speed.

I Also did yoga today and I gave stickers to my yoga instructor Amy for her daughters She has two young daughters Oliva and and Madison. Olivia  is 4 and goes to preschool. Madison is 10 and goes tp 6th grade/

Well my Happy Meal  was really fulfilling and Happy!

After a nice coffee and complimenting Sarah my Case Manager -she knows that I am very grateful for her and to all CNS.

Anyway I need to go.

Sincerely,

Giuseppe

Monday 8 25 2014

Alright,
today I went to my Dr at the Retina Institute. Dr Castillo checked my eyes. The left eye were I had my vitrectonmy is fine. The right eye is well, but he found a small tear in my retina. So Dr Castillo has scheduled for me another appointment next week. To undergo a small laser surgery.
Simona my wife is on the look out to make sure everything is OK.
Well right now Simona is running the show and making sure it is all right.
I love you Simona and thank you every day for being here.

I need to go.
God Bless you and have a good day :)

Giuseppe

Sunday August 24

Alright, let's go back to yesterday activities.
I went to the movie theater after taking care of the normal activities of the Saturday.
We saw Let's be cop movie. A nice and entertaining movie about two people impersonating cops. While doing so they get involved in a real cop investigation with hilarious effects. The obvious morale is Try to do at your best what you believe is right. The cavalry is always coming to back you up. So DO THE RIGHT THINGS ALWAYS. :)

Today It is a day off from  the clinic.
Simona is taking care of our kids. She mentioned that Chicco had to do a research project so they spend the morning at home working on his project. In the afternoon they are planning to go to eat an ice cream. Well you see I know my wife and she likes ice cream. She must have found a goood place that she likes. She always find original and authentic place to enjoy life.

My brother Francesco sent me this picture. He has been making Marmellata (Jam) using the fruits from the tree in his garden.

According to the above picture he has enough to go trough a few months. I bet it tastes good.

In the afternoon I  have been doing recycling . It is a nice activity that takes me out of the house  and let Simona take care of our kids homework. In fact while I was out she helped our eldest with his research project (see above)

I did a good action for the environment and helped at my best CNS. I made a few bucks in recycling. Well it is all good, as mentioned to you I have enjoyed doing it.

Later today I will be going to church. It is Sunday and I always go to church on Sunday.
Well I am sure I have forgotten a few details of my day, but the most important aspects have been captured.

As I mentioned to you, I express my gratitude to CNS and to everybody else that is being close to me in this  journey of mine. As I mentioned it is not my journey, it is a family journey.
So let's be grateful to be here to write to you.
Sincerely,
Giuseppe

Sunday August 23 2014

I met Shane at the gym yesterday. He is fine. His girlfriend Nicole is doing fine. She keeps teaching at school.

As usual I worked out with Larry while Janice his wife was doing some bike work

In the morning today I took care of the house. Then I went to Trader Joe's. As usual everybody is fine.
I brought flowers to Jamie and greeted everybody else.
At the store they had an event. So I grabbed a couple of free dot dogs as it was lunch time.

With Jamie here Pictured next to me we had a lot of fun. This time we snapped a picture next to the flowers as Simona is appreciating the flowers more than anything else.

I have spend $83 and change, and also remembered to do my little routine.

Stickers for Ian (my Case Manager youngest son ) 

Finally as I brought the reusable bags I had a raffle tickets for Simona.
Speaking of my wife she told me that this morning she went with our sons to taekwon-do lesson.
Right now Chicco was working on a home work assignment while Lapo our youngest was playing.

I am sure this weekend is good for everybody. I guess that all of you are having a good time off.

I am going to catch a movie today. It is supposed to be a funny and entertaining movie.

I will let you know.

I called my mom in Italy she is fine and she is feeling the time that goes by, right now she is at the beach in Fano, Italy for her summer vacation. I heard her a bit mumbling about the passing of time. Well it goes for everybody. Well enjoy the reading.
Sincerely
Giuseppe

Saturday August 23 2014

Alright, today is a day off from Work.

Let me rewind my memory tape to yesterday. I had a lot of fun by going to the gym.
Over there I met Larry and Janice they are two good friends of mine,

While at the gym I met . Shane. Shane is the guy standing next to me without the hat.

Shane mentioned that his girlfrriend Nicole is fine and teaching at school.

Shane now works at a center for autistic children, so he is not with CNS any longer.

Here is me showing my mood while leaving the gym. Being active makes me feel strong and positive. 

Today is a day off from work, so I took care of the usual activities of the weekend. Taking care of my house first of all, cleaning and washing all my clothes.. as usual pairing my socks appear to be the longest activity of the day. But I managed to do it on time ..

Afterward I went to do Grocery Shopping at Trader Joe's. The healthy and organic food store I like very much.
Over there I greeted all my friends, in particular I greeted Jamie pictured here with me with an Hawaiian shirt.
I brought flowers to Jamie, Lisa and Kanvas. They might think I am nut but to tell the truth a gesture of kindness goes a long way in life.  In return they are having fun with me by allowing me to snap funny picture with them. It is a routine that I normally do whenever I am there.

At the store today there was an appreciation day so while there I took the chance of eating a couple of hot dog. Kanvas was kind enough to manning the stand outside the shop.

My usual routine over there is  among having a lot of fun and  greeting everybody is to retrieve as much as possible by myself. As I am bringing the Trader Joe's bag Simona's phone number is entered for the raffle, it is a nice way to do recycling. After that I have collected stickers for Ian. Ian is the youngest son of my Case Manager at CNS. My Case Manager Sarah is a wonderful person full of attention for everybody and for me as well. 

So the stickers for Ian are shown here:

I will give it to Sarah on Monday when I will be at the center. On Monday I will be a bit of late as I have a doctor op ointment before hand.

Well as usual Grocery shopping is always fan for me. Today I spent $86 and a few cents. Well I had $75 available to I went over by $ 11 .. What is done is done. Clearly I had no room to by any beverage..

It is all good.

I think I need to check on my sons. Alright, they are both at home. Simona was at home. They all went this morning to taekwon do as Tennis is over and will start in September again.

Lapo was playing at home, while Chicco was working on a research project for school.

They are all well. I was right, not to wake up them today as they were sleeping. 

Today I am going to catch a movie.

This is the poster ad. It is supposed to be a funny and entertaining movie.

I need a bit of a distraction, it is the weekend for everybody.. don't you agree with me?

Well to tell you the true I have always find some fun in every place I go.   The only place that I consider to be a serious place is church. Over there people go to pray and to stay close to their believe system. So I think that on Sunday a  church is a very different kind of fun; it is a spiritual vacation and a spiritual elevation. Beside the priest at church are always full of good recommendations and  good proposals for us. I like going to the local church. It is always  the S. Francis church in Bakersfield.

Alright, enjoy the reading, as I did my best in describing my little adventure.

Well, my hope for the weekend? 

Well let's start from what I know it is certain. I know my family is well, our bambini are busy at home with Simona. I know I did all my best for enjoying my Saturday. I know that Michael, Dusting and Sarah are doing their best to get along during their weekend. 

I hope that Dustin has finally decided to have a hair cut this weekend.

But then, there is always another weekend available after this one.. more hair in the cutting? 

Well I am sure Dustin will not look good without any hair left.

So we will see what the weekend brings to us.

In the meantime. 

Enjoy your reading.

Sincerely

Giuseppe

Sunday August 23 2014

Friday August 22

Alright, I need to rewind my tape to yesterday and focus on my salient and positive activities.
Yesterday I went to the 24 fitness gym on Gosford. I did cycle with Lolita and had a lot of fun over there.
Genoviva  took me over there and did my coverage.
Afterward I asked her to take this picture of me next to this nice bike, pretending it is my bike.. :)

At the gym I had the chance of greeting  Richard, Chris and Ramon, all good people that know me well. I learn to trust them  during this time. I also had the chance to greet Naomi the Manager, Jessica and Darlene. Darlene is a really hard worker she has many siblings and she is working hard to support her self in life.

When my coverage was over we left the gym on time.



Today It is a good Friday.
Simona is busy with running the house and the whole family.
This morning I called home and found Chicco our eldest, Chicco is now 9 years old and goes to IV grade. He is a smart and really good person at school.
Our youngest Lapo goes to Kindergarten and he is doing is best. Lapo is 6 years old. I called home at lunch as Lapo is at home for lunch and talked with him. He was playing at home. He had shrimp pasta and a side of broccoli.  It is important that our sons eats well.

Simona my wife is fine and very busy.
She has recently confirmed that she has renewed my subscription at the Economist magazine. My favorite Magazine.

Today at the clinic besides greeting Sarah, my wonderful Case Manager ( a huge supporter of mine)

I had my RT therapy. It is a wonderful feeling being able to run on the treadmill. I run smoothly and safely as Nick has recommended me to do.

I love running as it makes me happy and put me in a good disposition with the day.

Today is Jolie last day at CNS, she mentioned she is going back to school. So Best of  luck to you Jolie.

At the clinic I spoke to my counselor. Afterward I did my PT (see above for a snapshot) and later  I worked on the CNS blog. Finally I  had a good lunch: Tostadas from Simona and a good chicken salad that I made at home. I love cooking as it makes me happy. I cook every meal as I normally eat at home.

At lunch I snapped the below picture of me with a very noble and rewarding background. The Polycom camera that have my sensor inside. Yep before my stroke I designed many CMOS image sensors. 

I am very proud of this product.It sold well.  

Well today my plan is to go to the 24 fitness gym for Zumba and to have a lot of fun in dong so.

The weekend I will be off. I will have the normal activities of the weekend..

But I will let you know by then.

Sincerely

Giuseppe

Thursday August 21 2014

A lucky Charm for you Mon Amour!

Remember it is for you, for Sara, for all the other therapists here.

I should have purchased more, but what is done is done! (Sarah docet)

Yesterday I went to the gym 

I did cycle with Angie here pictured next to me.

Then I started doing body pump with Sylvia and it was time to go.

You see at the gym I had a lot of fun!

My day started in a fun way at the park. The Leprechaun is still alive!

Today also I had a lot of fun at the clinic.

I run nice and smoothly!

It is good to run for me a  lot of fun!

I need to go mon amour to eat.

Un bacio amore mio

Buona giornata

Wednesday August 20 2014

Alright let me rewind my brain to yesterday activities.
As I had no Personal Shopping I had the chance of going to the 24 fitness gym on Gosford. Over there I did first boot camp with Johnny and later after the class I did a step and strength class with Allie. I did it without the step but using only the mat as I am not step clear yet. Here is me having a good time when leaving the gym

For my balance is good to be active.
My breakfast has been really yummy: As usual. Since Simona was still sleeping in the other room I did not wake her up this time. She has a lot to do in life so whenever she can sleeps I let her sleep quietly.

You know the story of the sleeping beauty don't you? Simona is my beauty of course...

For my CR therapy we went with Erica-sama to buy some supply at the dollar store. So I took advantage of being there to purchase something for Simona . I got some lucky charm for her. As I had enough I started distributing it to all my friends here at CNS.  I  gave a couple of charms to Amy my Yoga instructor for her two daughters Olivia and Madison. Today Olivia and Madison send me a nice letter with some artwork. 

We exchange simple gift in this way. 

I have also took the opportunity of giving to Sarah my Case Manager at CNS a lucky charm. She was happy and I was happy being able to give her back something of my own.

I have started distributing the charms here at CNS among all my friends and I let them pick the color that best fits their personality. You see it is all good. Among them Joline , Jessica, Michael and Dustin  all picked their favorite color.  I gesture of kindness goes a long way in life. They are all kind to my family and in particular to me.

Well after yoga I had lunch.

My lunch has been light and fulfilling. A crab cake salad with Tostadas and some Pasta.

Good source of protein and carbs for a good day 

Here is me acting happy after lunch. A full belly goes a long way in life...:)

During lunch I called Simona and I found her working at Caltech during her days.  Lapo our youngest son  is at home but I could not connect with him, he must have been outside to play with Marina our nanny.

Today I took the bus too early and came here at the CNS center too early before all the therapists were in. I was let in so I could read the newspaper and slowly but surely the center has started to come alive.
tomorrow I need to take the bus at 9 AM. 

Well being too early is OK once, at least I had the opportunity to see what the center is like that early...
Simply only the receptionist is here..
Tomorrow I need to take the bus as usual at 9AM.

Tomorrow I will definitely being on time.
Well you see it is all good and happy. 

Please enjoy the reading my friends, as I have enjoyed writing to you!
It is that time of the day again..
Happy hour!
Sincerely
Giuseppe

Tuesday August 19 2014

Alright, let's rewind to yesterday.

Yesterday the maintenance guy of CNS came in my apartment to fix what was wrong in my washing machine.

The top rack had a wheel that was missing, so Simona came to inspect the dishwasher and asked Renee if she could follow up on this matter.

And VOILA' .. the dishwasher is now working..

I am a proud owner of a working dishwasher.. thank you CNS :)

Let's focus on my dinner: Salmon from Simona and quick Barley salad.
All good and healthy.
Simona also gave me some Pita bread and Humus. I enjoyed the both of them very much.

I wrote a nice and positive letter to Simona, it is in my apartment for her.

Yesterday evening as I was home for the weekend I went to Albertson to do shopping. Normally I go to Trader Joe's this time though it was Albertson. I had everything I was looking for and I stayed within my budget. At the store they helped me to trim down my bill so I spend $70.66 and steered away from the obvious trouble..

While doing grocery over there I met Cassidy a therapist here at CNS. I was happy to bump into her, she was surprised as well to see me there!

This morning as usual I took care of the flower in my balcony, it is something I do for Simona every morning.

As this morning Simona was still sleeping I did not wake her up, when she is sleeping she is most definitely like the  sleeping beauty like the story..

So while she was dozing off ( La grasse matinee) I went ahead and had breakfast with her picture anyway.

it makes my day to start my morning with my wife and my Case Manager Sarah. 

They are both a awesome person.

\

In the morning at the center I did CR and worked at my bests.. seeing improvement in speed and a bit less accuracy improvement.

I did YOGA with Amy. I have brought for her two daughters- Madison and Olivia-  stickers. I normally bring something for her daughters, I know they like it. I would do the same with my family.

Afterward there is lunch..

For lunch we snapped the following pictures:

A green picture of me... 

And my Yummy Salmon salad with Barley. Also I had a few pieces of pizza and in the blue box a piece of cake from my son Birthday..

Well I will need to work out harder at the gym, or all the pounds I am putting will make me go back to have a larger than usual belly..

After all my belly is something to be proud off..

In Sicily they say 'omo de panza'  which loosely translates into a man of wise qualities... which is obviously well applied to me.. don't you agree? 

today it has been my payday at CNS, so I would like to acknowledge the CNS's  help and gracefulness. 

well you know you are making my day, everyday by knowing what to do and how to handle it.

I called at home and found our youngest son Lapo. He was home from Kindergarten. And he was as usual busy playing. At home he is with Marina our nanny.

Chicco - our eldest - will come home at 3 pm.

There are  3 years and 8 months between Chicco and Lapo.

Enjoy the reading.

It is time for me to go.

Sincerely,

Giuseppe