Ron's POZ Blog

Recent counts: 743 up from 650 and my viral load went from 200 back to undetectable – I am very happy!!

I have my driver’s license back as of 5/31/07 as you might already know from my previous, very excited e-mail or BLOG.

Today (6/6), my father and I went to begin talking to the dealer/ conversion company today about a mini-van. We got to look at different models today – a Dodge and a Ford, but we are going back tomorrow or Friday to look at their new Chevy Uplander which he highly recommends for price & quality. I already had a brochure on it and liked it because it has a high Consumer Reports grade too. We talked about Toyota, which he didn’t recommend because they just started doing vans for conversions 2 years ago and they still have to work their kinks out yet.

So, I think the Uplander is the one and when we see it and go over details – then I’ll confirm it.

The very idea of being able to drive and get a hand-controlled mini-van is emotionally overwhelming when I realize, I am doing this!! So many activities I will be able to participate in and on my own!

I did buy an Ab Lounger so I can concentrate on my stomach and it is much easier on my back. I like it a lot. I do 100 full jackknife crunches, followed by 50 mini-crunches. I have been adding this to my routine, Monday, Wednesday and Friday right after the stationary bike.

With my rolling walker, I have made a concentrated effort when I walk that I keep my weight in my hips and not brace with my arms. I also walk as much as possible without using the handbrakes which makes my walking smoother. Also, on the parallel bars, I am focused on balancing exercises and then try free walking maybe 3 times the length of the bars (maybe 12 feet). When I feel pressure (aches) in my tail bone, I take it easy because I’d hate to aggravate my back! Better careful than sorry and laid up for a few weeks. So far so good and I feel like I am accomplishing more. As I say, just because of the van, I don’t plan to give up my hopes to walk!

My book is still out to as many literary agents that I could find, and am still hoping it gets picked up this year. If not, then I’ll start again!!!

I am still doing my reading aloud every day, but my biggest enjoyment is reading poetry. I believe the cadence and the use of obscure words is more helpful. Right now – Aurora Leigh by Elizabeth Barrett Browning – and loving it!

My tan is good again this year between making the time to sunbathe on the gorgeous, sunny, non-humid days and playing ball and Frisbee with the dogs.

I did manage to find a few more knickknacks from my NYC apartment in the storage shed here. I mainly got more decorative bowls, a lamp and my Cuisinart! So, I was able to freshen up my room AND with the Cuisinart – I make potato pancakes! It makes grating sooooooo much easier.

I am continuing my Spanish and French still everyday when I practice my handwriting. Level 3 Spanish and Level 2 French now. Reading and writing are still the easiest for me with my speech and all.

I wrote Marlon an e-mail that basically told him to leave me alone, no calls, no more bullshit stories and just forget he ever knew me. Well, that was on 4/14 and nothing – not that I care, but I guess I hit the truth and embarrassed him enough to not even answer back. Oh, well, good riddance for sure!

I hope hoping the next Update will give me the chance to tell all about my mini-van and how great my latest counts are.

Ron