The next big thing

Hey everybody - its been awhile!  I've been keeping busy the last 7 months - still exercising a lot and going to my aphasia class in Albany.

But the biggest, most exciting thing is I'm starting up my own woodworking business!

I've been meeting with a voc rehab counselor for several months who has been helping me figure out how I can get back to work in some capacity.  We explored lots of options, but it made me realize that forestry doesn't work for me anymore - there is too much thinking, writing, and communication involved - processing it all is too overwhelming. Nor am I physically able to do landscaping or tree climbing anymore.  While thinking about skills I have retained and what type of work I am able to do, we figured out that a woodworking shop is the perfect thing for me.  I have made several one-handed things as I have needed them since my accident, including one-handed card holders, that I want to make available to other people struggling like me.  Having made a few cardholders for friends in my aphasia group, someone mentioned that I should be selling them . . . and thus Northend Woodworking was born.  I plan on making one-handed bookholders & cutting boards soon, too, as well as Shaker-style furniture (like the table previously pictured on October 15, 2012). Simple & elegant - my kind of thing.

My counselor helped me write a return-to-work plan that is in process of approval and just waiting for one more signature.  Since I just received the okay, it will be awhile before everything is up and running, but soon I will have a website, business cards, etc. to share. 

I know that this is just part time for now while I am still recovering, attending my aphasia classes and in need of a lot of down time, but it is such a great feeling to have something that is mine again.  Something that gives structure to my days, helps me value my time and gives me a glimpse of my old self.