July 20, 2004
More Movement Better Feeling
Well, me actually.
I finally finished putting together my wife's bicycle last night. When you have PD, trying to screw nuts on bolts and other fine motor type tasks can be pretty difficult.
Neither of us had been on a bicycle in years and years so my wife was a little nervous about getting up on it.
But someone had to test the bicycle out, right?
(raising my hand)
So there I went, hopped up on that thing and wobbled off tentatively.
Did I mention it was after midnight?
Well, I think that was a good time because the evening was cool and the streets empty.
It's a one speed bicycle so peddling is strenuous but once I got going I was surprised how quickly I took to it.
At first there was a rush of disorientation which I think is the body's balancing system asking "What is going on???"
But it soon found it's level and memories of my last bicycle ride probably 25 years ago kicked in and I was peddling away.
Don't let me make this sound like it was a breeze, I still wobbled and had to stop a lot to get my bearings. Being on a bicycle is a very different feeling.
With a bit of practice I was going up and down the street to the point that I could drop the hypervigilance and just enjoy the cool night air on my skin and the coasting of the bike.
After I parked the bike, my wife told me I had a big smile on my face.
Yeah, I guess I did.
I had acomplished something pretty major.
I had put a bicycle together... one that came with instructions missing... thanks Walmart.
And, after a few adjustments the bicycle actually worked.
And I found the gumption (how's that for a Southern word?) to get up on the bike and ride around the neighborhood.
Okay, so maybe I may have looked to the one truck that passed me on the road that night like one of those bicycle-riding Russian bears you see in the circus, but I didn't care.
I had a great time.
Posted by Lalo on July 20, 2004 10:36 PM
I struggle with those same weight demons. You can do it. Lighten up on your self a bit. Buy new clothes
Posted by: Danno Book'em at July 18, 2004 01:07 PM
As a fellow blogger here I've been reading your diary entries. I just wanted to express my admiration for your strength and bravery. Life may not always be fair, but the quality of a person's life is based upon how they deal with their burdens.
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TITLE: Who Was That Bald Man On A Bicycle?
AUTHOR: Lalo
DATE: 7/15/2004 05:20:33 AM
Posted by: Ken Albin at July 18, 2004 08:44 PM
LAlo Have u tried Physical Therapist to keep things moving?
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TITLE: Weight Loss Ponderings
AUTHOR: Lalo
DATE: 7/17/2004 05:55:21 AM
Posted by: Danno Book'em at July 21, 2004 03:17 PM