Our adventures over the week of 5-17-09

Greetings everyone!

It has been quite a while since my wife and I made it out to Universal Studios in Hollywood. Perhaps it was the fires last year at Universal that kept us away, but, hey, let's give it a chance.

We were very lucky to have our staff with us for this getaway and she certainly gave us quite a few memories to laugh, and joke about for years to come. Let me elaborate a little more. For anyone who has ever been to Universal, you probably remember a mechanical bull located by the Ranch House Restaurant. Well, our dedicated staff showed us just how adventurous she really is. Not only did she stay on the bull for nine seconds, but she wanted to do it again. My husband and I couldn't stop laughing.

We then took the backlot tour and no matter how many times we take this tour, the excitement still brings joy and a slight bit of terror to our hearts.

Besides the fun and excitement of Universal's backlot tour, we are proud and excited to see that some of the trains have dedicated two seated spots for wheelchairs. This is still an on going process, because more trains could be designed this way. In a previous blog, we were happy by the steps Disney has taken to accomodate wheelchairs, but there is still work to be done.

The fun doesn't end just yet....

On Friday we took both our staffers to the LA Zoo for a day of education and recreation with the animals. It was a beautiful day and we were able to cover every square foot of that zoo. After lunch, my husband had an idea in regards to helping others as well as ourselves. Cathy and I love to get out into the community and the LA Zoo is a great place to do all of these activities, but, taking several trips can be a drain on anyone's wallet. So, my husband with his impeccable negotiation skills spoke with a customer service manager and we are able to bring up to five guest with us for no charge.

Stay tuned for next week as we are going to the Ability Expo in Anaheim and another trip to our favorite place on Earth....The happiest place on Earth...I think you all know =)

Randy and Cathy.

Disneyland Trip 5-15-09

Greetings from California Adventure:

After a long ride on I-5 and countless "Access" pick-ups, my wife and I finally made it to our destination. The thermostat is reaching 95 degrees in the Valley, so we high-tailed it out of there, and went to cooler, greener pastures.

Around noon on this day Cathy and I made our first stop at the gift shop to meet a long time friend and repairman. Cathy and I needed some routine maintenance done on our cup holders, after that, it was off to lunch.

On this day, my wife and I had a craving for a Big Mac, a Big Mac with Cheese! Accompanied by a hot fudge sundae. Rather then traveling four five blocks to Starbucks, my wife tried one of the new Mocha chocolate lattes from McDonalds. Cathy couldn't believe how strong the espresso was and may choose a different drink next time =).

After a great meal, my husband and I toured our usual spots to visit friends and employees and our first ride of the day was the, "Tom Sawyer Boat Ride". As usual, the ride was pleasant and breezy.

We are both very pleased to say that Disney has created more wheelchair friendly rides, so that no one has to leave the comfort of their chairs. This makes us both very happy.

My wife and I are looking forward to other major parks and attractions that will follow what Disney has done at their parks.

My husband was surprised on this evening to run into two old friends from his old church both of which he hadn't seen in years. I was very excited to finally introduce my wife Cathy to them both. After some time catching up with old and new friends, my wife and I made our way out of the park and back home.

May 12 2009

**UPDATE**

Here we are heading into summer and my wife and I have been married for six months.

Our lives are so much more stable right now. My wife finally moved in last month...officially. Now we are just telling people about our great life and journey together through these tough times, but "tough times don't last, tough people do."

Through it all, Cathy and I are coming along together and being more active in the community as well as advocating for other disabled adults throughout the San Fernando Valley.

our wedding

December 7 2008: