Round House

A locomotive round house? Basically it is a turntable that rotates a locomotive around to various train tracks.

For me? This has been quite necessary for growth and to get me "ON TRACK" and one that actually "fits" or works, within my post brain injury limits.

Physicians were unable to understand some of my limits, and I have been unable to explain some key ones to them in a way, that they can effectively understand well enough, to help me come up with "another" track that "works."

ROA my TRIKE, and the environment she has placed me, HAVE done that-effectively being a "locomotive round house." 8-)

ROA has not "fixed" me, or increased my "speed" at anything.

I am brain injured.

Some things are the way they simply are, and must eventually after in my case, years of fighting, be accepted. HOWEVER-it is amazing how ones outlook can change when one changes the "the direction one looks OUT."

Or? Finds a "different track" that better fits the limits one now has...

Some tracks for me? Are somewhat new or different, others are from LONG AGO.

This month has been, and continues to be, one of "processing" besides other things.

It is finally starting however? To be once again-one of LEARNING.

A different type of learning, focused upon a different set of activities that do "remain in touch with triking and ROA," but are not specifically "triking related.

Hopefully-due to previous work over my past, this will not be "terribly long" nor quite as hard and results will show here and elsewhere soon.

For now? I will only choose to say here that they have all appearances of being positive and continuing. 8-)

Also? They will continue to relate in one way or another, with triking in my case.

I will take works of my last 3-4 years, combine them with those of past 6 months, AND with those much earlier in my life, and see if I can make something out of them others might find enjoyable...

I am for now? Hopeful with what I consider objective reasons. It DOES change my hoped for calendar schedule a bit. But then? It had always been a "hoped for," and never included the results of this months new learning, processing, and even I feel-solutions. 8-)

With that? I should take my meds like a "good little boy," and get to work doing the next things to enable me to at least learn enough of my new tools to get some bare or ruff, "initial" results sometime soon eh?

Miles of Smiles to you all,

Thomas...

Expectors can get out of hand at times-grin

"Expector? What is that?"

An "Expector" is that part of one, that "expects" an outcome or result. Sometimes it can get out of hand or unrealistic.

Sometimes it may be completely principled, yet it is still, "unrealistic" in the world we live in.

I just spent -for me, a terribly huge amount of effort and time, to achieve what i personally considered to be a "great achievement." Shared it with BROL and the result was? Really? Hhhhh... LOL! Nuttin'...

Effectively to be "ignored." LOL!

My "expector" sorta got out of hand a little... -grin. It was not too happy. After ALL-look at ALL I WENT THROUGH!!! Don't THEY UNDERSTAND???

Ummm... No, they probably don't, and there is no way they CAN-don't I understand that yet? Apparently not, at least sometimes.... LOL!!!! -Grins...

I live alone. I get no input from anyone. This was ONE TIME when I really, really wanted a pat on the back from someone besides myself. And? Didn't get it.

-shrug.

Ohhhh well. -grin.

But? I was also? Verrrrrry Low on my brain bank as well. Bad combination.

It made for a quite difficult time.

Nice thing?

I have BEEN THROUGH THIS BEFORE. I knew I would get through it, I may write a bit of blather, I may "feel bad," and I might want to sulk a bit. But I KNEW I WOULD GET THROUGH IT.

As I indeed did.

Part of solution was to "take some time off." With "brain bank" being LOW? Working HARDER was the OPPOSITE of what ought be done! Experience has taught me that one certainly!

I do NOT LIKE "taking time off." I don't LIKE it at all! Still? I know it must be done. With broken brain? I have NO CHOICE.

Result?

Coincidentally THIS TIME? I was nearing coming up on 50% in brain bank.

So-attitude, and "expector" was fixing its self a bit quicker, as well as-my need for taking time off was diminishing. Whew! At least for a bit.

I'll grab that and be happy for a bit! 8-)

Brain Injury, combined with ANYTHING is never "good and happy." -shrug. However? There can be happy times within it. If One WORKS FOR THEM.

Some folks refuse to.

I don't.

I have my reasons based upon my life even BEFORE my brain injury.

Since I am "stuck" here-I must make the best of it.

I try to, everyday.

It is NOT a "computer game" and is not instant.

There can still be growth over time however... And that is what I continue to DO. Slowly.

'Nuff of this blather too! -wink

Miles Of Smiles to ya...

Thomas...

In Other News...

I think... therefor I am... No-

I think-that Thursday/Friday was a turning point. I might have hit 50% Finally. Not great... but at least?

I am now finally doing things like RINSING DISHES. Smiling a bit more. PROCESSING things a bit more... whew...

There was not enough brains to do much of anything for any length of time until Friday-when I finally at least got going with tent, etc...

I am hoping I STAY at 50% and go from there. We'll see. Yesterday was a slow day and I even slept inside last night. So? I wonder.

I AM HOPEFUL HOWEVER? That I will at least-get ON THE ROAD THIS WEEK finally. How long, how far? Sheesh, I dunno.

Reflectors are on ROA. Same with Cycle Helmet. Cycle Helmet has been adjusted. As indicated-straps were adjusted for panniers. Looks much better and I no longer need to make spreader!

I would now like to consider making a small ramp for ROA's Room. One that can be removed as I choose. It would make things easier/nicer. I have the wood I think.

Perhaps install stop blocks on floor for wheels, I now have an idea where she sits regularly.

With black paint btw? The extra length doesn't look so bad on light frame.

I have a good Cane Can-nice and necessary of course.

Today will be a Good Day...

Miles of Smiles to you all...


Thomas...

When are Bicycle Helmets actually GOOD? [joke]

When are cycle helmets actually GOOD?

Well, at 45 mph going down hill?

A BASE BALL CAP will...

BLOW OFF!

Hhhhhhhh!

Miles of Smiles to ya...


Thomas...

Grocery Shopping For Trikers [joke]

Grocery Shopping hmmm...

What am I gonna get?

What do I have to get for my TRIKE?

"What the heck do you mean what do I have to get for my TRIKE?"

If you have to ask?

Ya ain't got that grin yet do ya?

-Grin. LOL!

Hhhhhhhh!

MoS... [Miles of Smiles to ya]


Thomas...

Three Letter Cuss Word in Brain Injury Community

Wanna hear about a "three letter cuss word for brain injured?"

I'll toss it at ya anyway-grin.

"NEW."

It is often, for an "undetermined length of time," considered a "cuss word" by many folks who got brain injured.

Why?

They got their hands full with OLD!

"But you have a NEW LIFE" folks might exclaim!

The response is almost invariably, "And I cannot even manage a little of my OLD ONE???"

Different or Changed, were acceptable, but NEW? "Kiss my behind..." Sorry... Hhhhhh!!!! LOL!!!!

"Different or Changed can LEAD TO NEW & BETTER THINGS..."

That apparently IS true...

THAT, is what TRIKING is for me... Actually a combination in toto, of all of that... "Different, Changed, and the result for me is indeed, NEW..."

Or becoming so...

If my life was a "ship," and changing course? It is only at this time, part way through its turn...

Sometimes ships, need lighthouses, to keep them from the rocks. If the lighthouse keepers do not light the lights so that the ships captain can see, or get some input in the fog?

Hhhhh... LOL! Yea. Crunch.

My ship is a sailboat I am sailing solo. I don't even have input from other crew members. LOL!

So I greatly appreciate it when I come across a lighthouse that is lit in the night.

One might say I do a lot of sailing since I bonked. Originally after bonk I was given some "bad charts" concerning places I had gone when younger. I had to fix them. Many said that was impossible.

Wrong-

"Those Charts" have been probably at least 99.9% fixed in those specific areas.

Else I would not be here today. -wink.

Many folks cannot fix them that is true.

I did.

Getting off my sailboat for a while and on a TRIKE has helped me put some of those charts in proper order.

NOW----> What the HECK was Thomas talking about?

I just shared with you a bunch of stuff, in a broad way, without details, about some of the importance of TRIKING and what I must have in the triking world...

-Grins...

I did not provide details because it would simply be, "too much information." -grin.

Also? Because to a degree? I feel everyone is somewhat like above. At least Trikers...

If we were NOT able to "ride alone?" We could not continue riding. Yet at times at least?

We do enjoy input, interaction with others.

-Just not of course, all the time.

For it seems most of us? We do not "pick a route and STAY on that route ALWAYS, over and over." There is always ANOTHER route to try. A different path to explore.

"Ships with Wheels..." The concept or principle is the same however I feel.

I feel STRONGLY.

I dunno if this one made any sense at all... But I feel the parallel is there once one has indeed started to pedal, and run into "independent problems" one must fix on their own, and DOES.

Miles of Smiles to you all...


Thomas

Whale Hunting [Joke]

CAUTION:

As summer heat increases and the desire to remove clothing becomes more and more desireable?

PLEASE REFRAIN from REMOVING ALL CLOTHING!

Remember! Whale Hunting is Still allowed in Some Areas!

ACCIDENTS DO HAPPEN!

Hhhhhhhhh!

Miles of Smiles...


Thomas...

How come Trikes Suit ME???

TRIKES SUIT ME:

I walk with an EXTRA LEG called a cane don't I?

Why shouldn't I BIKE with an extra WHEEL?

"Gotta problem with that? Hmmm?" -wink.

MORE Miles of Smiles to ya...


Thomas...

Hey, how come THREE Tail Lights???

Why have THREE tail lights?

-I dunno, what is the reason CARS have them? -Ducking...

Miles of smiles to ya, even after dark...


Thomas...

What's the best COLOR for...

What is the best color for a trike?

Lessee, since it is simply a bunch of relatively small diamater PIPE for the most part? I guess that is mostly up to the rider isn't it?

But what do I know? Ya know when I go to sleep each night, everything that is in my head seeps out the holes in it anyway... LOL!

Miles of Smiles to yas...


Thomas...

Caution to Yuppie Trikers [joke]

CAUTION:

Trikers, please be aware that as Triking becomes more POPULAR? Even with the high cost of Trikes? More of the "common man" will purchase them.

The result will be more Trikers drinking more "common" refreshments such as "Pepsi" or "Mountain Dew," instead of "Double Cinnamon twist orange butterscotch chocolate latte's with obligatory whipped cream and sprinkles..."

Also-their PINKIE FINGERS will NOT be perched high in the air either!

PLEASE! Do NOT let this DISTURB YOU! Though they may not "appear so," they are "people too."

-Just for your own benefit? Finish your refreshment as soon as possible and leave quickly without too much obvious shuddering!


Miles of Smiles...


Thomas....

If Mom told me to quit... [joke]

If my Mom told me to quit riding a trike?

I would freak out and CHANGE MEDS!!!

Why?

-She died over ten years ago...

Hhhhh...

Miles of Smiles to ya eh?


Thomas...

If ya have a flat tire... [joke]

If ya have a flat tire on yer trike when ya go out to ride, what is the BEST thing to do?

A. Try pumping up the tire to see if it has just gone low...

B. Skip that and go for the tire patch kit!

C. Skip THAT because they are a pain. Just replace the whole tube!

D. Trade In the WHOLE TRIKE at yer LBS-NEW TRIKES ALWAYS have FULL TIRES!

ans: D. If you haven't figured this one out? You probably have enough money to go for this one, and don't "really ride" anyway...

LOL!!!

Miles of Smiles to ya...


Thomas

What is different in Triking?

Just as in the kayak world, "real men wear skirts..." In the Trike World, there is a dress code that is a bit "different than" other activities.

1. ALWAYS WEAR UNDERWEAR! Otherwise the result can be much like any other "back to nature" event, which of course is illegal in most areas of at least the 50 United States...

2. High priced super evolved material for clothing is NOT required, and in some circles, even frowned upon. One reason? Who the heck has any MONEY LEFT OVER for IT?

3. After purchasing your trike, do NOT attempt to immediately "take off on a 80 mile per day cross country tour. The results will invariably be painful and never be achieved. Experience in ALL RESPECTS is required.

4. Mirrors: Pretend you now have a pickup truck and cannot turn your head very much. Oh yea, 'cause ya can't. So no matter WHAT yer LBS "says?" Ensure you have Mirrors where you can actually EASILY SEE THEM before you leave. Or you will be rigging something up yourself later unless you intend to only take your Trike to shows... Hhhhh lol

5. Best way to go fast is find a HILL... Yea they are slow going UP-but they are sooooo fun and easy coming back DOWN!

Those who live on flats? Just Pedal harder... -wink.

6. Ya wanna go ride with some folks? Might want to consider riding WITH some folks. Silly idea. Slow person sets the pace. If that bothers ya? Find OTHERS to ride with-some other time. Something called consideration for others involved when being with others-silly principle I know. :grin: -grin.

7. Check List. Silly idea. Until... you find yourself on a ride and ya forgot something. Doesn't matter who you are, how many things are on YOUR check list. It is a sincere drag when that "thing" on the list was neglected.

These are just some ideas and what the heck, I was going to publish them at BROL but changed my mind...

Miles of Smiles to ya...

Thomas

What caused you to consider Triking?

What caused me to consider Triking?

Initially? It was a "spiritual thing..." I can say that here. -wink.

Yea-over the holidays I was at a sort of "spiritual crisis." I was trapped in a world which clearly had no real "use or purpose for me," and in which I felt no sense of positive in. I was at a "bottle neck" of sorts. It was clear and I knew it.

I asked The Father for some help. Once again being willing to turn everything I had, everything I owned, over to The Father... For certainly I needed help beyond which was available to me.

The ANSWER? As generally happens? -wink.

Did not happen "over night," or even in the next few days. Hhhhhh!

Nor was "it," one that I had even really considered seriously even "possible."

Yet IT, of course WAS POSSIBLE, with The Fathers help. -And some deeply spiritual WILLINGNESS on my part. As well as I feel a bit of an open mind.

TRIKING is an ENTIRELY NEW & DIFFERENT WORLD, from which I come from.

To even consider managing this CHANGE? I had to be willing to give up almost everything, certainly ANYTHING, to get here.

That takes Deep Personal Inventory or what some might call, Deep Personal Self Evaluation.

Finding out what is "on the shelf" and then? Offering it to a Power Greater Than Ones Self.

A simple concept... Terrifically DIFFICULT for most people to do. Impossible one might say, and is I feel evidenced on a daily basis by the majority of the human race. -shrug.

I felt this way before my injury, and continue to feel this way today.

TRIKING if not being a result of the above process, can I feel? Help it along.

One MUST face facts on the road. One must evaluate things on the road. One has TIME to do this on the road at times. Some times? One has little else to do but that depending upon where one is riding.

Triking offers rewards and pain, and can run one through a gamut of emotions, while also providing one with continued solutions in one form or another for one item or another.

It is AVAILABLE to almost anyone, even PARAPLEGICS. [eventually I am sure quadriplegics will also join us]

And? For myself and others? It has provided a joiner, between the spiritual and the physical...

That is a pretty kool thing I think...

All because, I found myself in a position that I had to face some facts a bit more brutally than I have in the past for a while... -wink...

Miles of Smiles to ya...

Sincerely,

Thomas...

What about me as a triker?

What about me as a triker?

If I said, "I have holes in my head and ought be dead," would that help?

Naw, I guess not... -shrug. -grin.

True though.

I was in an auto accident in '98, hit my head on a curb around 30 mph, was not expected to survive, was operated upon, had half the top half of my skull removed, then medicos said IF I did survive? I would be a "veggie..."

Fooled 'em. -grin.

Now... I do happen to use a cane. I am indeed fully disABLED. -shrug. Sorry to tell ya that. But might as well and be honest from the start.

I live independently today, in my own little home. I have worked very hard to learn how to do these things. Most of my brain damage was left side.

THE SIDE OUR WORLD USES ON A DAILY BASIS.

-sigh...

That part of my life is one stone darned bear. I admit. -shrug.

For nearly eleven years? Most of my life has been that, and I dared not look at it that way too much. -shrug.

Then? It was suggested that I take up triking, and I found a way to get a TRIKE THAT ACTUALLY WORKED FOR ME! 8-)

And finally? I found something that I was told early on in brain injury rehab to find...

FUN.

Hmmmm... Fun?

Yea...

For me, "fun" is not "just" pleasurable, but ALSO it is "something that does NOT REQUIRE SO MUCH LEFT BRAIN!!!!!

Even WOOD CARVING for ME, requires left brains, or far more than is "easy" or "fun."

It was simply... a "way past the nine way stop" I was at with my doctor my last day at hospital. I had no other answer-I was BRAIN INJURED-and he had no other to OFFER ME. But I was REQUIRED TO GIVE HIM ONE.

So today? I carve a little bit of wood. I think I draw better. At least a little bit.

Really? I don't know what the heck I do "good."

I finally, after ELEVEN YEARS though? Found TRIKING, and to me? THAT IS FUN! Finally-some FUN!

The rest of my life? Nah, not really... But I got holes in my head and screws holding it together... Hhhhhh... What do I EXPECT? -shrug.

Now that I have FINALLY found some FUN though? It is "teaching me" some stuff about my brain injury, I have not been capable of looking at before. -there was no "safety zone to fall into" when looking at it.

Some of that I will share in the future.

For now? Short version is that, it appears there I have MORE LIMITS than I previously thought IN SOME AREAS.

ELEVEN YEARS OF WORK ON THEM has NOT "grown" or "fixed" them to any "measureable" degree.

I always thought I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO CONTINUE WORK ON THEM THOUGH.

It appears NOW? YES, there ARE OTHER choices, OTHER "avenues." TRIKES! 8-)

Trikes "open doors I thought were slammed shut!"

That "may..." not be completely, true... At least not in some cases...

So?

Not only is there "FUN?"

But there is also?

"HOPE!"

Pretty Kewl I think... 8-)

Right now I am working my way out of a "brain-crash zone." It will take me some time. Most folks will find it hard to understand why. I continue to try to explain, but I have troubles with wording. I still try however.

It will also? Get BETTER. 8-)

To a degree at least. I am, after all, adding a big section to my life. 8-)

Miles of Smiles to ya,

Thomas...

Trikes, what about them

Trikes?

What about them anyway?

Huh?

Are trikes just for "old" people?

Of course not! Matter of fact if I had been aware of Recumbent Trikes back when I got into seakayaking? I probably would have actually skipped seakayaking and gone for "bent trikes!"

With a bent trike? I can travel long distances, with a trailer, with many gears-good enough to get up yes, a mountain and ACROSS one, and CONTINUE ON!

Should I get tired halfway up a hillside or mountainside? I can do something much different than a bicyclist-I can... STOP. Yea, I can simply stop and take a break as required. Imagine that.

There are a large individual variety of trikes available. Trikers tend to be quite individual.

Trikes can further? -And often ARE? MODIFIED to suit the rider! This is an important issue for many Trikers. It is for myself.

But aren't most Trikers "Handicapped?"

The short answer is NO.

MOST Trikers are NOT "Handicapped" or "disABLED."

Some ARE, but experience indicates THEY are ACCEPTED as "brothers & sisters" none the less!

Trikers DO however tend to have at least a small "practical" streak inside them. After all-get a flat tire 20 miles from any help-and it can be a case of either "get practical or sit and cry," and of course, "sitting and crying" gets one no closer to anywhere.

One can become more self-dependent upon a trike, there are presently fewer of "us" than of others, and that can also make us a bit "special" I feel.

But what do I know anyway eh?

This and a little bit of money will get ya a cup of coffee almost anywere in the U.S.A.

I wish you all, "Miles of Smiles" as you go through your day, because SMILES? Can help one find that little four letter word soooo important. HOPE! -grin...

Sincerely,

Thomas...

Welcome to Trike2Lights

I am about recumbent triking and lighthousing...

Yea, I like them both... -shrug...

"Miles Of Smiles" to ya...

-Thomas...