Why I want to walk

Cerebral Palsy is a condition that is disease that affects "brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing, seeing, and thinking" ("Cerebral Palsy"). This disease is caused by "Bleeding in the brain, brain infections, head injury, infections in the mother during pregnancy, and severe jaundice" during infancy. The affect of Cerebral Palsy is "seizures, speech problems, muscle tightness, pain, and abnormal gait". I am an individual diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy who is currently bound to a wheel chair, but that is soon to change because assistive technology is becoming available to me to help me walk again.
I want to walk because it is a good workout for me. It will help my legs become stronger and I will be able to better aid those who help me with my daily care. Hopefully, one day I will be able to independently care for myself.
It would also better my mental health because I would be proud of myself. With being in a wheel chair independence is harder to come, while I appreciate individuals helping me with tasks; I would appreciate it more to complete them myself. I would also feel better physically because I could stretch my legs, which sometimes become cramped after sitting a long period of time. I think if I had some assistive technology like a standing walker that I can be strapped into and some assistance in case of a fall my life long dream of walking will come true; even if I need help to do so. I walked for the first time in quite some years a few weeks ago at work with a walker and assistance from a co-worker. It felt great after a long time of not walking since my long lost walker has not been recovered, so I cannot walk at home, nor at work.
We have attempted to begin the process of trying to get me some assistive walking tools to help make this possible. I think this will help me become stronger and live a better healthier lifestyle.

"Cerebral Palsy." Disease and Conditions 09 16 2009. n. pag. Pub Med. Web. 9 Aug 2011. .

My perfect world

What my perfect world would be like
By Charlie Rachel

In my perfect world I would be married to Tonya and helping her raise our daughter. I would also be working as a Newspaper Reporter. I wouldn’t want to change much about the way we live and the freedom we have, but I have always been a bit interested in some of the ways of the Royal lifestyle. If I could have a little of this even if for only for a day and have it not seem as odd as it might sound to others I would be happy living in my own perfect world.
I would like to see what it would be like to live in a castle. I would like to meet a real prince or princess and see how their life is different from ours, a lot I’m sure.

If I could change something

If I had the power to change something
By Charlie Rachel

If I could change one thing it would be to get up and walk as easily as everyone else, but I am grateful for my friends, family and places like the Arc that are able to help me through it all. There were times when my Doctors said I wouldn’t live long, but I have proven them wrong. I keep dealing with thing the best way I can. Because I am a fighter. That’s who I am.

There once was a chance I didn't take

I once had a chance when I was in school to go camping, but I didn’t take it because I was not used to being away from home. The teachers tried to talk me into it, but I kept saying no. As I look back on it today I wish I had taken the chance just once and gone. I realize now how much fun it would have been. If I should ever get the chance to go camping again. I will take it and have fun.

Results from my first Career Planning Meeting

My first Career Planning Meeting was held on Friday April 15, 2011 at Mug Shots inside the Town Mall of Westminster. My team and I came up with lots of good ideas of types of jobs I would be good at and some places to start looking. Such as working as a security gard, writing for the Carroll County times or another type of smaller Newspaper company. I like these types of meetings because they provide lotsof great information and ideas that I may not have thought of on my own. I look forward to continuing these meetings gaining as many ideas and as much information as possible to help me choose just the right job and career that best fit my intrests and lifestyle.

The Computer Wiz Kid

    Learning about and learning how to use the computer was one of my favorite subjects in school. I have learned how to use many different types of computers and computer programs over the years. I have used Apple, Dell, and IBM computers - each with different features that I enjoy using and working with. I have also learned how to use Microsoft word to help me write stories and articles about my life as well as using the internet as a tool for communication and research. I got so good at it that I became known as the Computer Wiz Kid during my time in school. If the teachers had trouble getting the computer to do what that they wanted, they would pull me out of class to them fix the problem. 
    Today using the computer is one of my favorite past times. I like the computer for many reasons such as using it to express myself through my writing. It allows others to access my writing to better learn about me. It also allows me to communicate with people I may not be able to communicate with otherwise.

- Charlie Rachel

Orioles 2011 Season Preview

    The Orioles will try to end their streak of 13 straight seasons with a losing record, during the 2011 season. The Orioles made some key additions to their lineup and pitching staff that should make them a contender in the AL Wildcard, if not the AL East and help them build off their strong finish to the 2010 season under Buck Showalter.
    The Orioles addressed a lot of holes in their offense during this past offseason. They added Mark Reynolds and Vladimir Guerrero to provide power to a line-up that has not had a true power hitter in a few seasons. J.J. Hardy was also added as an upgrade at shortstop. He will provide a little power and solid defense to the Orioles 2011 lineup. They also added veteran first baseman Derrek Lee. Lee has been a solid defensive first basemen and provides another quality batter to the lineup. The additions of these veterans to the lineup will continue to further the development of Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Matt Weiters. If veteran Brian Roberts is able to remain healthy for the entire season, then the Orioles' lineup has the making of a feared lineup.
    The Orioles also added some key pitchers to strengthen their pitching staff, which showed improvement as the 2010 season ended. Closer Kevin Gregg was added to finish out games for the Orioles in 2011, which was an adventure in 2010. Justin Duchscherer was added to strengthen the rotation and provide veteran experience to a young group. 
    If things are able to come together for the Orioles in 2011, then it could be a special year. I look for the Orioles to have a very good year, building on the strong finish to last season. I think if they play as well as they did after Buck Showalter took over, they have a shot at making the playoffs and even contending for a World Series, which would be a fete that has not been accomplished since 1983. It is great to see the optimism back in Baltimore.    

- Charlie Rachel