UPDATE: CSPD contacted me and informed me that Todd is not a police officer, however they do you know him quite well. He sounds like a menace to society, but unfortunately he is also friends with police officers so he feels entitled. BEST PART? The PD tracked him down AND THEY ARE TICKETING HIM!!!
Original Post:
I know I have not been on here for a while, but every once in a while a pretty crazy situation happens that I feel like I have to share.
I’m with my caregiver and her sister, two women in their early 20s enjoying lunch outside. Two men on motorcycles pulled up to park in the access aisle adjacent to accessible parking (where another individual was parked illegally).  He got off his bike and referenced the car parked illegally next to him and said, “I should find this guy and rearrange his face.” I responded to him that he was parked illegally as well.  He proceeded to tell me he is a police officer, the restaurant said he can park there, and he is not parked illegally...then continued to challenge me to call because he said “I know they won’t give me a ticket.”
We were not rude or hateful, and this man is the perfect example of who we do not need on the police force.
To top it off, he yelled insults and made political rants on his way out saying, “I’m sure you are Democrat! You should vote Trump!”
Please share this so that people like this can learn a lesson.
My shout out when I spun the wheel!
A few months ago Jaymi and I went on a last-minute trip to California and we decided to go to the Price is Right! BEST DECISION EVER!!!!
I knew I had an amazing opportunity so I had to do an amazing shout out. I was concerned that they were going to cut it, but I cannot even begin to express my excitement when I was watching today and I heard my shout out!!!
Waiting on you Elon Musk. 🥰❤️
Painting Update!
For those of you who saw my earlier video where I was live and just painting blue, this is what it has turned into so far...
Stuck.
Quarantine Routine!
Pelican Hill coming through!
I cannot get over how beautiful the room is here The Resort At Pelican Hill! 
Is this discrimation?
As I was with Jaymi getting gas I noticed this sign. First off I totally understand the reason for the sign, being that they only have one employee they are unable to assist.
However, I cannot help but wonder how people would feel if we put a race, age, or ANY other type of identifying factor and how people would handle that. I mean really, it could say we don’t assist people with Nike shoes on and people would be more upset. 
Again, I understand why. That being said just seeing this is so discouraging as somebody with a disability. Instead of ways to avoid helping or giving assistance, I wish we would figure out ways to make the world more accessible. 
This hotel room is so beautiful! You can’t even see it but the ceilings are so freaking high it blows my mind! I am like a kid in a candy shop!
Off to the rooftop bar!! Follow my stories to see what it’s like!
What’s it like dating a girl in a wheelchair?
Just ask Nick...Not too shabby. 🥰😘
Today has been interesting with people making hysterically false claims about me. I could not be luckier to have a man who helped me relax despite the chaos on social media that occurred today. It is hard for me to read things that I know could not be further from the truth, I think anyone can relate to that...BUT I KNOW WHO I AM THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I’m so lucky I have somebody who reminds me of who I am and he keeps me so grounded. 🙌🏻🙏🏻
STILL. 😐 I need to go ahead and address some of the things I have seen at a glance. 😂😂😂🤷🏻♀️
Saying how I don’t believe invisible disabilities exist (one of my favorites by the way), that’s just freaking ridiculous I totally understand that invisible disabilities exist. 🙄 I just don’t believe that every 👏🏻 single 👏🏻 disability 👏🏻should qualify for accessible parking, neither does the state of Arizona.  
Saying I believe that only wheelchair users should have Disabled Parking...that is ridiculous and I’ve NEVER said that. In fact I try and leave the spaces open that are closer for those who have a hard time walking. 🤷🏻♀️
The comments I was waiting to yell at people...I was literally enjoying dinner at a nice restaurant and the heater was my priority. 😂 I don’t even want to be yelling at people. Also, I’m 34 years old. At this point in my life I know I make a bigger impact changing the laws and creating these discussions on social media that reach thousands than I do yelling at individuals.  The amount of people that discussed this post today makes me so happy. 😆😁😆 I don’t care what side of the spectrum you’re on, as long as it’s being discussed! ABUSE needs to be addressed. 
Lastly, all of the reviews from people. Honestly, I derive a lot of joy from reading the reviews, good and bad. However I hate to break it to you hating, negative reviews making wildly false claims in ridiculously bad grammar are meaningless, I’m not a restaurant and nobody’s paying my bills but me. ♿️♿️♿️
Thank you for those of you showing
I have found that accessibility in spas can be a problem. Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia blew my mind! They had a fully wheelchair accessible private terrace room with an adjustable bed available that made this experience something extra special.
Here is a tour of the Joya Spa Terrace Room available for a full day and half day rentals. 
AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! Where is the pulling your hair out emoji?
I mean seriously this just happened today, just the other day it happened again. I know I live in Arizona and we have an influx of people who come from out of state, that being said everyone should know how to park correctly.
Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. it is illegal for anyone, even permit holders, to park on the access aisle...ANYONE. 
If I were alone I would have been in some trouble. I know I sound like a broken record, but for some reason it keeps happening.
PARK CORRECTLY!
THIS is what those little yellow lines are for...
My caregiver sent me this and at first I thought it was going to be a video of her apologizing for being late, boy was that not what I expected! 
😂😂😂😂😂 HOW?!?!?! 😂😂😂😂😂
Joe (owner) of Real Fast Auto Glass came through!!! Seeing them today obviously.
Had to share. 😂😂😂😂
I had a woman walk up to me and hand me her very generous offer! Just in time for my latest article! Thank you to the lady that gave me her four pennies, but the way you felt when you graced me with your $0.04 it was a little insulting. 
Just when you thought you’ve seen everything. Ironically they blocked ANOTHER ramp van user after us as well.
Here’s the deal, they have a power chair too but there are WAY more options than this that don’t block THREE PARKING SPACES!
Today we say goodbye.
Thank you to everyone who has shared pictures and loved it as much as I have. It is official, the wall is gone. 
WARNING!!! NOT WORK OR KID FRIENDLY. 😂
Sooooo I wasn’t going to share this because it’s not really disability related...HOWEVER it is sooooooooooo funny!
Laughter is the BEST medicine. I thought maybe you could do with a morning dose. Don’t worry my mom still loves me...and is plotting my payback. 😂😂😂
WTH?!
So what the heck was all that drama?!
Day 24: Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
How I actually drive...not just what I drive. I filmed this video a while back showing me in action driving and I feel now is the perfect time to share it.
I drive from my wheelchair because that’s what I prefer. Early on I was advised to transfer into the driver’s seat. I knew I’d never go anywhere, maybe one place and goodbye shoulder health! I fought to drive from my chair and I’ve NEVER regretted it.
I use a “U-cuff” to manage the steering wheel and hand controls for the brakes/gas. I use an EasyLock system to lock my chair down. I put in a shifter you just press down to shift instead of needed to push buttons (found it cheap online).
Driving was the best decision I ever made. It took me two years after my injury to finally drive. I remember like it was yesterday getting behind the wheel and being alone in the car for the first time in two years. I shut off the radio and just drove down Warner Road feeling pure pride and excitement at my newfound independence. I get excited at the idea of autonomous vehicles, because they will give so many people independence they never had. People with severe mobility disabilities that are unable to drive, elderly individuals, and individuals with vision impairment will be greatly impacted by this positive change...just to name a few groups. I am very excited about the future of transportation.
Probably the most ridiculous video of anyone showing a wheelchair accessible ramp onto the beach. 😂😂😂 
I guess technically it’s Pacific Beach, but it’s pretty much in the Mission Beach area. 
Sound on...
Day 14: Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month
Yes...I’m waxing my eyebrows. 😂
One of the most important aspects of my health is personal hygiene and grooming. I shower every day, EVERY day. Beyond that grooming is HUGE! I get my nails done, I shave my legs, do my hair/makeup, and I wax my own eyebrows! 😱
I have not had a pressure sore since my initial stay in the hospital due to medical negligence. My skin integrity is surprisingly great for a spinal cord injury almost 16 years out. I think that has to do primarily with the fact that I shower daily and have the proper equipment (like cushions and padded bath chairs).
Personal hygiene/grooming directly impacts my happiness. When I feel gross, I don’t feel good about myself. When I’m all cleaned up, shaved, and manicured I feel great! As you have seen from my previous days, things like make up are important to me, and one of the other things was being able to wax my eye brows... so I decided to share that with you.
What is my absolute biggest fear in the world? Subcutaneous ulcers a.k.a. pressure sores.
Pressure sores occur in the area of paralysis that has constant pressure and subsequently kills the tissue in that area. They can be inches deep and wide, and they set you up for infection. Not only that but often times you are a prisoner in your own bed as you are put on bed rest often for months.
These are a major concern of spinal cord injuries. I have had one, and only one in the last 16 years. I got it when I initially had my injury and was hospitalized at Santa Clara. I needed to get x-rays of my neck, they placed me on a hard padded adjustable rolling cot. They happened to be especially busy that day so I was waiting an hour and 45 minutes sitting on a hard surface, reclined at a 45° angle so all of my weight was on my tailbone. Subsequently I got a pressure sore. It wasn’t too bad so it healed pretty quickly, that being said I still have a scar from it and a fear of pressure sores lingers.
My heart goes out to all of those out there on bed rest. Just know it’s only a matter of time before you will be up and out again. It can be frustrating and isolating, but there are people out there ready and willing to chat you just have to reach out. I hope all of you are able to keep a positive mindset and know this is temporary.
As you can see cushions are very important. I feel like I could’ve done a better job explaining the chambers. 😂 I figure you can Google it if you’re curious. 😜😘
Much better!!!
Follow up to my last video.
😂😂🤣🤷🏻♀️
I feel the need to share this side of disability too. I know often I have so many wonderful things going on my life it’s hard to imagine that I struggle.
Raging and crying over tape! Freaking tape! I struggled so hard with tearing it so that it wouldn’t fold over, I never really succeeded. Next I’m thinking I have to struggle to get a top on and I’m about to scream...then Nick called AND HE’S COMING TO MY RESCUE!
This is one of those times I that I just absolutely hate this disability. These are the times that make me feel full of rage and anger at my limitations. That being said, these are also the times that I am so grateful for the support that I have. 💗
BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE! Feet, hands, and heads really matter.
Don’t worry I’m feeling better now. I just needed a moment to rage, cry, and throw the tape. 😂😂😂
I know I have been shying away from personal things, but I am going to work on sharing that more. I wanted to share with you a piece I recently finished and a little background story about me getting back into art. 👩🏻🎨
When I was first injured in the hospital I found it extremely difficult to attempt any type of artwork with the limited use of my hands after my spinal cord injury. I remember feeling so discouraged as I came back to you a piece I was working on and could not even recognize or remember what it was. It literally was a bunch of scribbles. I could barely hold a pen. This was especially difficult to accept considering prior to my accident I could effortlessly paint anything I put my mind to. I would spend my lunch is in the art room during school, I was responsible for entire set designs for our school play, and I had spent countless hours in art classes outside of traditional school. Art was one of my passions.
I was given a tenodesis splint (a device that trains your tenodesis grip, aka the wrist movement that causes my hands to close) when I left the hospital and I would utilize that to draw and paint. Slowly over time I was able to control the stroke of my pen or paintbrush. That being said, it took years of practice before I was able to paint something like this.
Fast forward 16 years after my injury and I have people requesting pieces of art and I am so touched. While I struggle to paint larger pieces much more than I did before, I feel a greater sense of accomplishment when I finish something like this now. Art was...and IS one of my passions. People ask me why I like drawing snakes, and to be honest I don’t really know... I do enjoy the lines and the challenge. However I laugh and joke, maybe it’s because we both don’t have working legs. 😂
Thank you to everyone who has sent encouraging and kind messages. I appreciate every single one of you. ❤️
Now to name this piece...🤔
