I rescheduled the one from last week for my SSDI claim because honestly I
woke up and couldn't deal with making the 35 mile drive through major
traffic.

Today I told myself, yes, you *will* do this.  I called for directions and
the man gave me directions down a very busy road but at least with which I
am familiar.  I was still a nervous wreck in lunchtime traffic but I made it
there and back just fine.

A plus about this is I didn't walk into a waiting room full of people and
have to just sit there.  There was no one there; I walked in, he greeted me
and the session began.  I was still a tad nervous from the drive.  Anyway,
he got info on my background, my medication, etc.  Then he put me through a
series of what he called "psychological exercises".  First he asked me to
repeat three words after him and he said "Lamp. Shoehorn." and something
else I don't remember.  I repeated them back to him at the time and he said
remember those, he'd ask me for them later.  I couldn't remember the 3rd one
when he asked me later.  I know the colours of the American flag.  I know
who the President is.  Then started the count back from 100 exercises.
First subtract 7 and then keep going backwards from there by 7.  Then by 3.
Then by 4.  Oh I so suck at this!  Is that a good thing?  And then, of
course, I couldn't remember that third word he told me to remember.  I also
had a hard time spelling WORLD backwards.

We talked about my normal day.  Well, what do I do?  I dunno.  If I have a
good day I'll get up and get dressed and run errands like a "normal" person.
Plan and cook dinner like a "normal" person.  He asked if I get dressed
every day.  No, I don't.  I stay in my PJ's unless I have to go out
somewhere.

Do I have help with household chores?  No; who would help me?  Do I do my
own laundry?  Yes, when I do laundry.  Do I prepare my own meals?  Yes, if
you count throwing something in the microwave on the days I can't bring
myself to plan and execute a meal.  Do I sweep and mop the floor?  I had to
chuckle and say, "You're assuming I do those things."

I have no idea what the outcome of this will be but I'm glad it's over.

Jill