LIVE QUICKIE BLOG

As I grew older I understood hunting wasn't just about killing. The challenge was not only stalking and shooting your prey, it was about understanding your weapon and following the laws, too. Duck hunting was my particular favorite sport. After my dirt bike accident I was a quadriplegic and thought the sport I loved would no longer be possible. I'm happy to say that is not the case. With a little ingenuity and a lot of stubbornness, I am back in the duck blind.

As a veteran myself who also works with the VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) regularly, I hope I can help explain some of the process in obtaining a wheelchair from the VA. This is basic information; in-depth details of every aspect of this would take considerably more space than available on this blog. Please contact the VA directly if you're looking for more detailed information on any aspect of this process.

As someone entrenched in nerd culture, I've always been interested in learning more about the topic of cosplay (costume play). As a wheelchair user myself, I wanted to know more about the practicality of cosplay design for cosplayers with disabilities. So when I had the opportunity to do some research and write a blog about it, I knew it was going to be an interesting experience.

For many of us, it's October that is actually the "most wonderful time of the year." This month is the only time when it's socially acceptable to dress up like our beloved characters from our favorite TV shows, comics, cartoons, movies, video games, and even anime. However, if you enjoy creating and wearing costumes, you don't have to wait until Halloween. The cosplay (costume play) community prides itself on its craftsmanship and has a collective presence at various conventions and video game tournaments.

I was conspicuously out of my natural element. I was a professional NHRA drag racer by trade. Earned a living by going very, very quickly in a straight line. Now, 28 years after a 250 mph crash cost me an arm and the ability to walk, I shockingly found myself suited up and driving a NASCAR stock car, of all things.