I thought I would update you all on my weight loss journey as I have hit a few big milestones since June. I joined Weight Watchers back then, believing they would have a wheelchair scale (that’s what the lady on the phone told me). But when I arrived for my first meeting there was no scale – not until October when I officially started to get weighed. Weight Watcher’s costumer service was wonderful – I received two free months and some free snacks for my patience – but I wasn’t following the plan as well as I am now that I am getting weighed. Read More

Here we are in 2012 and I am thinking, where on earth did 2011 go? The year went by so incredibly fast. It just seems like yesterday it was Halloween and now we are starting a new year.

2011 started out bad for me, with my broken femur, again. Then I was stuck in bed or the recliner for two months waiting for the swelling to go down. A year later it’s almost 100 percent healed. I’m on Forteo now and I hope that increases bone density and I don’t have any more breaks. Read More

Like a lot of folks these days, I live on a budget and can’t afford to buy the gifts I’d like to around this time of year for my loved ones. That’s why I lean towards giving a gift that is made with my very own two hands. One of my hobbies is crafting and one of my favorite things to make are customized photo frames. I started making these a few years ago and they are a huge hit with my friends -- so much so they want me to sell them. They are fairly simple to make, budget friendly, and the sky is the limit and what you can pick for a pattern for the frame when it comes to scrapbook paper. And who doesn’t love a gift from the heart? Read More

Halloween is my most favorite holiday. If I had it my way Halloween would occur once a month. I start prepping my costume months ahead of time. Read More

Some say we only have two seasons here in South Dakota – winter and road construction But one thing I love about living here is that we get seasons. All four of them. Read More

It was a dream come true. I met the Dallas Cowboys a couple of weeks ago. I have been a fan of this team since I was 10 years old; I do not miss a game on TV and I try and get to see them play live at least once year. Read More

One of my biggest pet peeves is encountering a shopping cart left in or near an accessible parking spot. I know these lazy people don't believe that the access isle and the handicap sign are places for shopping carts, but this doesn't stop them from putting them there. What really ticks me off about these people is that the door and the cart cartels are within a very minimal walking distance. They have to walk to and from their vehicle, to and from the store, why not walk your cart back to one of these designated areas. It will only take a few moments of their time, yet seems like such a chore to do for some people. Read More

I just got back from the annual Paralyzed Veterans of America North Central Chapter fishing trip in Chamberlain, SD, on the Missouri River. This is my second year and won't be my last. It’s great that PVA opens allows anyone in a wheelchair to attend this fishing event. Read More

I dusted off my crown and sash this past weekend and did an appearance as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota for the 2011 Special Olympic Summer Games. Last year I appeared on the last day; this made such an impression on me that I just had to be there again this year. Read More

There is nothing like the rush of a rock concert, live and in person. This is one of my favorite things to do. If I am not sitting at a Dallas Cowboys game, I want to be in the presence of my favorite bands. Listening to your favorite artists on an iPod doesn't compare to seeing them live. I have been to well over 250 shows in my 31 years. I was born to rock! I have memories to last me a life time of all the fun I have had backstage, at VIP parties, and even onstage in front of 100,000 people at Music Midtown in Atlanta -- possible because I’ve met some amazing musicians who have taken me under their wing. Read More

My reign as Ms. Wheelchair South Dakota has come to an end and I have bittersweet emotions about this. I am going to miss being the one representative for the wonderful state of South Dakota and I am saddened that I am not passing the crown and opportunity onto another woman this year. After numerous attempts by many to find two candidates to run for this year’s South Dakota pageant, we were unsuccessful in finding anyone to compete. In this small state it is hard to find enough candidates; it is my hope we will have contestants next year. It is too great of an opportunity for women to pass up. Read More

I was hospitalized twice this year at two different hospitals and the care couldn't have been more different. One was very good. The other one, I hope to never set foot in as an inpatient ever again. A stay in the hospital is never fun, but as I have learned, it is up to each of us to determine how we are treated during a stay. Read More

As noted in my Ski for Light blog, I broke my femur during my trip to Deadwood, SD. To say my luck had been bad in getting to see the west side state is a major understatement. I thought I was destined to never visit there - EVER. I have always wanted to see it, but someone or something was telling me not to go out there. Read More

Ski for Light is an all-volunteer non-profit that teaches visually and mobility-impaired adults to cross-country and downhill ski. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Ski for Light, with programs is several states, in Canada and even Japan; this was my first year in attendance, at the Terry Peak Ski Resort near Deadwood, SD, but it definitely won't be my last. It truly was a life-changing event for me. Read More