Justin, young man in his 20s seated in power wheelchair with big smile, ramp behind to a stage in the MN Capitol Rotunda
Advocacy, Music, Political

Ready to go

Legislative Session coming up Last year, I appealed the self-directed budget I receive that helps pay for my direct support staff and some other things not covered by Medical Assistance. This funding makes it possible for me to live independently with the care I need. The problem is, it doesn’t cover all of the staffing… Continue reading Ready to go

Screenshot of weather forecast on Google Chrome showing temps from -18 to 20 below Sun, Mon, and -7 by next Sunday in Celsius
Advocacy, Health, Music, Sports

Hibernating

It’s finally winter in Minnesota so I’m hibernating this week when temps are going to be below zero Fahrenheit. For my friends in other parts of the world, that would be -18 to -20 Celsius. Even colder with the wind chill! I had fun presenting as part of a panel to 3rd year medical students… Continue reading Hibernating

Concert stage
Accessibility (#A11y), Music

There will be sorrow

Saw the surgeon last week to talk about what’s next for my toes. Essentially, my muscle tone can get so strong that it’s bending and curving my toes on my right foot. I had surgery for both of my big toes about 6 years ago for this. The plan is to have a surgery where… Continue reading There will be sorrow

Molly Tuttle Band on stage, Outlaw Music Festival banner behind, giant monitor with band members playing guitar, fiddle, bass, and mandolin
Accessibility (#A11y), Music

Somerset Amphitheater & the Outlaw Music Festival: “I’m MELTING!”

 For those of you folks who love the Wizard of Oz, this quote is the literal interpretation of Friday’s Outlaw Music Festival in Somerset, Wisconsin. This goes out to Live Nation and the Somerset Amphitheater for the embarrassing accessibility conditions. I know that outdoor music festivals in the summer are risky and you don’t know… Continue reading Somerset Amphitheater & the Outlaw Music Festival: “I’m MELTING!”

Musicians on stage at Eventim Apollo theater, blue lights
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, Sports, travel

Voyage on – what worked well on my England travels

This is brilliant! Caregiver tickets for free! Personal Care Assistants or caregiver tickets to everything we went to from concerts to AFC Wimbledon to museums were free. This was also the case when we went to Toronto about 5 years ago. So, England, Ireland, and Canada have this figured out! We do NOT have it… Continue reading Voyage on – what worked well on my England travels

Guitars on stage at Turf Club
Music, Reviews

From Blues to Gala – Wild Month!

I went to a lot of concerts this month and I have two more before my trip to England and Ireland. Here were 2 of my favorite shows over the past month. Buffalo Nichols @ the Turf Club Just awesome. I first saw Buffalo Nichols in Austin, Texas and my parents and I agreed –… Continue reading From Blues to Gala – Wild Month!

Quote by Ida B. Wells on wall: "The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them."
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, travel

Part 3: Fun things I did in DC & Philadelphia

Finally, here’s part 3 of my road trip blog posts. The top five things I did when I was in DC and Philly are as follows: Ben’s Chili Bowl (DC): AWESOME!  This diner was a great spot to eat with my parents. The coolest part was Mister Keith. The tour group that was supposed to… Continue reading Part 3: Fun things I did in DC & Philadelphia

Wombo band on 7th street entry stage, Justin in wheelchair watching band
Accessibility (#A11y), Music

Double concert awesomeness

I went to two “new-to-me” venues last month. One of the shows was at the 7th Street Entry and the other was at a jazz supper club. Two wildly different experiences! Crooner’s Supper Club Last month, I went to Crooner’s Supper Club in Fridley, MN to see Ben Sidran. He is an amazing jazz piano… Continue reading Double concert awesomeness

crowd at concert at the Armory, purple lighting
Accessibility (#A11y), Music, Reviews, Writing

Time for some music!

I went to three shows in 10 days in early/mid-June. Just haven’t had time to write up my Live Music Review until now. Two were at the Armory and one was in an outrageously hot bar. All three shows were awesome! The Armory Accessibility Report Update This is an update to my terrible experience at… Continue reading Time for some music!