How Summer's Going

Summer 2025 is more than half over and it's going very well. The less animal products I eat the better I feel physically. I'm also have a lot less pain, especially at night. This is a huge leap from the person I used to be. Someone who would lay in bed at night and cry from the pain. 

I very quickly went from using a motor cart to shop to not even using my handicapped parking. And this...

I haven't seen the dimple in my "bad leg" in at least six years. It's usually always swollen no matter what I do. But now it's almost as strong as the other one. I've been biking and swimming, so I'm sure that combined with my diet is why.

This is how I feel. Like I'm "almost me again." It's the best feeling in the world.

I've been pushing myself, but paying close attention to my limits. I did a mile and a half walk with my husband yesterday and made 10,000 steps for the first time since I became ill.

Right now I eat a vegetarian diet with minimal dairy. And the dairy I do eat is usually fermented, like yogurt. I use oat milk in my smoothie and just eat a lot of Buddha bowls and Mexican with no cheese. The biggest dairy I eat is eggs, which don't seem to bother me.

I've gone from riding my wheelchair to the pool to swim with my mom to riding my electric bike! And yes, I do peddle. 

I work out with pool noodles and water weights about three days a week.

Another accomplishment this summer, no fear of being in the pool alone.

My mom observed that both of us usually feel our best during the summer. I agree. I think I am the most physically active, despite the horrible heat. I also tend to naturally eat a bit lighter and not quite as much.

I have felt hungry almost every night in bed. But I'm down to 281, which is a big deal for me. I'll be so happy to break through the 280's. What a wonderful summer of success!

From six wheels to two

Eight months ago I was using six wheels. My beautiful Permobil pink wheelchair and I owned the streets. She got me from A to B in style and speed. Topping out at 7mph she was ahead of her class. Now she is parked in my garage, lovingly draped in my favorite shower curtain (occasionally holding laundry for me to pay attention to.)

I love this picture my mom took of me last year.

I now have two wheels. My stunning new Lectric bike tops out at 20mph. I've only taken her 15 because I'm a big scaredy cat. Even though I always wear a helmet.

Shopping online, but I bought her in person at a REAL brick and mortar store.

My first day out.

I wanted an electric bike since I became mobile again. I originally thought I would get a three wheel trike. It turns out when I went to test ride them I hated it. I felt much less unstable on three wheels then I did on two. Maybe it's because I used to be a recreational bike rider, so it is what I was used to? It's amazing how muscle memory really works. 

Test rides were important for me.
My first time on her!

I feel so fortunate to be able to ride a bike again. My bike not only helps you pedal as much as you need, but you can also ride it like a moped with just the throttle engaged. So if I ride it somewhere and get too tired I can just sit there and cruise.

I feel like I'm 10 again when I get on it. So free. My next purchase will be a rainbow pinwheel for my handlebars. Don't be surprised if you hear me zoom past you house yelling "Wheeeeeee!!!"

From Electric Wheelchair to Electric Bike!

Seven months ago I was an electric wheelchair user. Any time I left my home I relied on my chair to be my legs.

Now after selling Pablo I'm in the market for an electric bike.

We went down to being a 1.5 car family. The 0.5 is my mom's Jeep that I can borrow any time I want.

But I don't like relying on other people. Even my mom. I want to be independent. I also always loved bike riding. 

An electric bike is the perfect solution for me. I can use power assist for hills or full electric if I get too pooped (like on my way home from the gym.)

These bikes don't come cheap, so it's a big investment in myself.

At first I thought I wanted a three wheel bike for sure. But after looking in person I'm not as convinced. They're harder to pedal (because of the extra weight), harder to turn and take up much more space to store. There are also much fewer to test ride.

Cargo bike?
Maybe.

A three wheel model that has potential.

The benefits of having three wheels are the added stability. After brain surgery and a muscle disease that means a lot. If I do go two wheels I want them to be big and fat! (Like meeeeeee.)

My husband found this site where you can 100% customize your eBike.

The artist in me is really in love.

We will be going camping with friends for the first time ever soon after my road trip return. I may wait till after that to decide. A sportier model would be able to come with us on such adventure. A big three wheeler would have to stay at home. I'm not buying a truck to carry my bike.

It all comes down to how will I use it the most.

• Tooling around town from the gym to the store
• Carrying the dogs out to local parks and for rides
• Camping and biking along oceans on adventures

I'm not totally positive yet.

Until I am I don't want to make such a big financial investment. In the meantime I'm having fun looking, learning and test riding.

honk honk! Move it cars!

A pricy cargo bike