I was born in New York on Long Island. We moved when I was 11 years old to California. Most of my school years were spent in Laguna Beach . My accident happened when I was on my way to check out my new job as a part time crew manager at a Hotel. I was waiting at a red light when there was a big crash. Unfortunately it was not the car beside me...it was me. A man behind me went to apply the break and instead got the accelerator and I got hit. Neither of us thought we were hurt really so we exchanged insurance company information and went our ways. That night when I went to bed I got really stiff and sore. I made an appointment to see a Doctor the next day and went to him for about 6 months of adjustments.

I kept working for the Hotel for about two years. I was at the same time going to school thanks to OCC but I had a difficult time with word problems and they would have me draw pictures. I needed glasses but did not have them and it was about that time that we moved to Prescott, Az..

The Vocational Rehab in Prescott was a great help. One difficult thing in Prescott was having to ride my bike everywhere and we lived out in Williamson Valley. I got involved in a Church in Prescott and they were a big help and encouragement to me. I wanted to try school again so took night classes at Yavapai College. But I still had too much time on my hands and in the process found a job at Little Caesar's Restaurant and worked there about 2 years.

I like working for myself so I could can control my own hours and get the rest I need. I experience a lot of fatigue sometimes. I like animals so I took up "dog sitting". It pays ok and sometimes I get "house sitting" jobs. I have stayed in some pretty nice homes. I really love the animals and now have some of my own which are very special to me. I still have a real issue with anger. Recently my cat got hold of a box of Cheerios that I was snacking on and they went everywhere. I have learned to say "so what" and just clean up the mess. I have learned to solve a lot of problems that way.

I now have a car and do enjoy the ease of getting myself and my animals around. Two of the people in the Brain Injured support group I attend are limited in their driving. I am able to pick them up on Wednesday nights and we all go to the group together. I do enjoy being able to help someone out and being a part of a support group.

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