Research is defined as human activity based on intellectual application in the investigation of matter. The primary aim for applied research is discovering, interpreting, and the development of methods and systems for the advancement of human knowledge on a wide variety of scientific matters of our world and the universe. Research can use the scientific method, but need not do so. Wickipedia

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Why the definition of research today? Because, I am in the last two months as a subject in a nursing study out of Rochester, NY. I have participated as a subject in three additional studies, two for dissertations. I can say definitively that being a subject is much easier than being the researcher!!! Interesting how, in an instant, I switched sides! Maybe this is one of the things I am supposed to do in my lifetime. Perhaps human knowledge needs to be advanced in the area of outliers!

Each year, there are around 12,000 new spinal cord injuries. There are approximately 255,000 people in the USA living with an SCI. The average age at injury used to be around 28, however, 39 is the new average age as of 2005 (the year of my accident - I contributed to these stats!). Males are most commonly affected (75%-80%). Etiology of injury in order of occurrence - motor vehicle accidents, falls, acts of violence, and recreational sporting events. Type of injury starting with the most common - incomplete tetraplegia, complete para plegia, complete tetraplegia, and incomplete paraplegia. Most of those injured are single, employed, and discharged alive to a residential situation.

Many times I feel like a complete anomaly, however the stats say otherwise. The points that are similar to the predominant characteristics are that I was hurt in an automobile accident and am an incomplete tetraplegic. I was single (divorced) at the time of injury, employed (3 jobs), and was discharged to my home. Guess it helps to review the stats!!! I'm not such an odd duck after all!

Biorhythm definitely on a down swing today!!! Gloomy, rainy, chaotic...

Just received news that rent increase cannot be changed to within my budget. Oh, well...it was nice staying in one place for 18 months. This has been such a nice, healing place. We have moved five times in six years - six if we count Haley's move to live with our church friends and mine for five months in the hospital. Maybe next move will be one that will allow a longer stay. Time to start another search and figure out how to orchestrate another move.

One good piece of news today, but have been sworn to secrecy until after tomorrow. I'm happy to get a good news flash for a change! Yeah!!! God is good!