A Lot to Learn

I've spent most of this weekend getting to know how to use my new electric wheelchair. I decided to name her Dori after the Greek sea Goddess. Also if you spell it Dory then it's from a famous Disney fish who likes to sing "Just Keep Swimming" which is a great motto.

My husband has been out walking next to me while I'm rolling. We even figured out how to hold hands! Most impressive. So far the hardest thing has been managing big curbs. My wheels either spin, or a I go too fast and give my husband a minor heart attack. YouTube videos have been helpful for me. The dude who dropped my chair off and adjusted it for me told me to go at a big curb at an angle, but the manual said to never do that. YouTube seems to agree with the manual and tell you to go at it straight. So much to learn!

I'm a busy bee

I also am practicing opening doors and maneuvering through small shops. That's going really well, though people keep trying to open doors for me while I'm practicing. In fact, people have been especially nice while I'm in my chair. That's something I noticed when using Meg (my rollator) as well, but not quite to this extent. 

I told my husband that if you use a store electric cart people can be down right rude. But use a mobility device that's yours, then they change their tune. And apparently the more disabled you appear to them the nicer they are. Why can't we all just be nice to everyone all the time despite health and mobility problems?

One of the things I love best about Dori is that I'm no longer at butt level with people like I was with Shirley. It's just a bit higher where my eyes are more at the small of their backs. That's an unexpected perk and comes in very handy in crowded places like our Farmers Market.

I still don't have any way to transport Dori other than to use her around town. I need to look into our bus system and van system for chair users in our town. I'm also waiting for my new blue tag for my car. My temporary red one expires in 7 days and I'm starting to feel a bit anxious about it. 

Buzz buzz, so much to do!