June 27, 2023

Hi everybody. Welcome to my blog where I talk about the present.

I’d like to dedicate this blog to all of you single mothers out there. You see, Father’s Day came and went. Basically, you become the mother and the father. So this blog is dedicated to you guys, cause you guys do twice the amount of work.

Now, I’m on the fence about the celebration of fathers day. On one hand, you have my situation. In 2009, I had the brain bleed and a brain operation that put me in the ICU (intensive care unit). My wife at the time split, taking out child. That basically deprived me of being a father. I did go down to Texas to see my child in 2010, but that triggered another brain bleed and subsequent brain operation. So, no more flying for me. I guess it limits my vacations, right.

Then, on the other hand, I had an amazing father. He was a great artist and a great father figure. We had some great adventures. One of my fondest memories was in Brooklyn Heights. Sundays was to be my day with my dad. I could pick anything I wanted to do with Dad. All I wanted to do was go to Central Park and climb rocks. Highly intellectual, right?

We’ve had a low pressure system here for a few weeks. And, it definitely affects my therapy. For example, I had a real hard time at walking. Everything seems to be out of sync. It’s all very discouraging, but you gotta remember, you’re gonna have good days and bad days. I should know, I’ve been doing this “trying to get better” for about 13 years now. You just gotta keep plugging away.

That’s it for this week. I just had to vent a little and to give you a little update.

Love and miss you guys. Love, B. Nice

June 7, 2023

I think it was Clint Eastwood that said it best, “A man has to know his limitations.”

I wanted to have a barbecue for two reasons: one was to celebrate the opening of my film 45 Degrees (link below); the other was to see if I could have a party with a large crowd. Well…let me tell you - I definitely can’t have a large party. It was good to test the waters, but a large crowd does not work for me. I think next time, I’ll have four people over, max. You see, because of my brain injury, everything hits me all at once. For example, I can’t focus in on isolated conversations. It’s all a bit overwhelming. But, if I didn’t try it, I wouldn’t know. Right?

You know, I often forget how I am. For example, the way I perceive myself from inside out is one way, but when I see footage or I hear sound of the way I am, it kind of freaks me out. I can see I’m clearly messed up. It’s all a bit of a shocker each time that I see it. But I’ve learned how to adapt.

On a positive note, I did really well in physical therapy. I walked really well. Normally I have to look down at where I place my feet. But this time I looked out - which forces you to stand up. I let my feet fall where they may. I have to trust where they land. You’d think learning how to walk would be easy, but it’s tough, man. I’m always amazed I ran across the United States of America and I can barely make it down the hallway right now. Crazy.

On another note. I have a new therapist. She asked me what would be my dream. I said, “Well, I’d love to sit up, get out of bed, walk to the kitchen, have a glass of water, walk back to bed and go to sleep. How’s that for a dream?” I’m gonna leave it at that.

Oh, one other thing, why did the scarecrow win an award…? Because he was out standing in his field.

Love and miss you,

B. Nice

https://watchlocal.hudsy.tv/programs/45-degrees?category_id=134718

Watch 45 Degrees by Julia Barrett-Mitchell

May 31, 2023

Hi everybody. Welcome to the blog where I talk about the present.

I’ve had health assistants for about 15 years and I finally figured out that the best ones are health aides professionally. They’re not people looking for a paycheck. This is very important if you’re looking for a home health assistant.

On another note, my mini documentary came out. It’s gonna premiere at this event. Go check it out!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beyond-the-screen-tickets-620604594047?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=escb

Best, B. Nice

May 17 2023

Hi everybody. Welcome to my blog where I talk about my present.

Man, I had an awesome mom. Happy belated Mother’s Day. It was Mother’s Day on Sunday, and it reminded me of how awesome my mom was. I remember when I was in hospital, and she said to me, “What do you want to do when you get out?” I said, “Man, after being in bed for so long, I want to take a road trip.” And she said, “Ok, let’s do it. Where do you want to go?” and I said I wanted to go as far away as I could. “Let’s go to L.A.”

So, when I got out, off we went to L.A. My friend here was part of it, who also, by the way, is an awesome mom. The trip was amazing. Check out this link: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/offset/166734041

Anyway, it reminded me that when you go through a traumatic event, all you want is your mom. Maybe it’s a basic instinct. A survival instinct. I don’t know, but at that point, all I wanted was my mom, and she took good care of me. I definitely got better quicker because of her. Anyway, happy mother’s day.

Man, sometimes you’re gonna be tested. Right now, I’m at one of those points. You’re gonna get tired pushing on and pushing on. It’s inevitable, but you gotta keep working hard. You gotta keep telling yourself to work hard. It’s the only way you’re gonna get results. I found out that I actually do well when there’s a high pressure system. When there’s a low pressure system like a storm or rain, I don’t do so well. It’s little observations like these that are gonna help you get through your battle. For example, the other day, at therapy, there was a high pressure system over the area. I walked with a walker really well. It’s encouraging. Anyway, that’s about all for this week.

Oh, yeah, one other thing: my therapist is gonna put me in a body harness with a rope attached to a track so I can walk on my own, which is pretty cool. It’s a little costly, but it’s cheaper than getting a therapist. That will feel weird to walk on my own. All I can do is think of the flying nun. Does that date me or what?!

Love and miss you guys, hope you watch the documentary, B. Nice

May 10, 2023

Hi everybody. Welcome to the blog where I talk about my present.

Now, I have some advice for people that are like me. You know, traumatic brain injury. That sort of thing. The first thing I’d do is buy yourself an iWatch that’s synced up to an iPhone. You’re gonna need this. I’ve had several aides either pass out, and I’ve even had one OD in my bathroom. So, it’s good to have some back-up in case you need it.

The other thing I want to mention is, no matter what, do not give up hope. You gotta keep working and working. It’s tough. I know. I trained as a competitive runner for many years, and I know what it’s like to keep pushing. It’s kind of like being stranded in a lifeboat. If you’re in a lifeboat, the first thing you do is you establish a routine. The second thing you do is keep your mind occupied with what you do. And the last thing is, no matter what, you never give up hope. Just some words of wisdom from a guy in a wheelchair.

One last thing. Don’t confuse your anger of your condition and put that on other people. Being in a wheelchair certainly is a drag, but taking it out on other people makes things even worse. It’s easy to do. I know. But just be mindful of this.

I’m gonna check my email. Here’s my email if you ever want to email me. briannice@me.com - I’d love to hear from you, but if I don’t get back to you right away, it’s because I’m a man of few words these days.

Love and miss you all. Love, B. Nice