Updates And Such

Hello All:

I have been very far removed from this site for a very long time. I finally got a post up a couple of weeks ago and it actually got a few hits. So it is nice to see some interest out there.

I have removed or revised a lot of the older post I have on here. Many of the links to videos were broken, other post I felt were irrelevant and other reasons.

I still have a lot of work to do. I need to revise my "Prosthetic Equipment" page as I am using totally different gear now.

Just wanted to give an update.


Next blog is on the changes I have experienced since switching to a vegan diet. 

As usual some current music I am jamming is included:

Greta Van Fleet - Highway Tune

The Importance Of Diet & Exercise

A little music. To listen to while reading if you want. A tune I have been jamming for the week. I love music. It keeps me motivated and helps me through my day. Music comes many styles I try very hard to be open minded and find worth in all of it's formats and genres. Another piece of advice I would give to anyone. Stay open minded it promotes mental and spiritual growth.






I wanted to talk about something that is very important to an amputees well being. Actually it may be the most important thing.

Unfortunately there are no shortcuts. Believe me I have tried.

YOU CANNOT BE A FULLY HEALTHY PERSON, LET ALONE AMPUTEE, WITHOUT FOLLOWING A SENSIBLE DIET AND PARTAKING IN SOME TYPE OF EXERCISE.

There is no substitute for a sound diet and moderate exercise to help you be the best you. Frankly if you are not striving to be your best you are wasting a precious opportunity. Each day that we get up and venture out into the world we actually create it.

I know it sounds cheesy, maybe even a little unreal to think that your life makes that big of a difference in the world? I don't think any of us realize the huge effect we have on others. Even if you feel like there are not many people in your life that depend on you, believe me they do. We each make a difference in others we often don't even realize. Someone you may not even think about, your smile, attitude of even casual conversation may have a major impact on. We just cannot realize our full potential if we do not take care of our own happiness and well being. This is not possible without good nutrition and exercise.

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Exercise What is the best?

The answer to this is often unclear. There are so many factors that no one can tell you what the best regimen may be for you. Age, physical capability, interest and so many other factors play into this decision. I would not even want to attempt to give you advice on what would be best for you. One thing I know for sure is doing something is always better than nothing. Setting goals, and listening to your heart will probably go a long way into helping you with this decision.

No matter what your situation may be I can guarantee there is something about it on the internet. In this golden information age I am certain you can find ample advice or examples of activities you are interested in pursuing.


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What diet is the best?

This is once again such a personal decision that I really would not be able to offer you good advice on what would be the best for you.

One thing is certain. Eating REAL unprocessed foods is the way to go. So called food that is packaged and has a bunch of ingredients, such as sodium, corn syrups and other man made chemicals should be avoided.

Another certainty is that water should be your main beverage. Sodas, diet drinks, fruit juices and even excessive amounts of so called 'health drinks' (which usually contain lots of sugar and sodium) would not be something I would recommend.

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One word of caution about the internet when it comes to diet or exercise. Proceed with caution. Sometime you can get information overload. There is so much advise that it can be confusing. I would definitely stay away from any advise or product that promises quick solutions.

Working out and being healthy is a lifestyle. There is no secret solution that will be found by doing one miracle exercise or ingesting a secret product.

If you look at people who lead truly healthy lifestyles they usually stick to basics and put in the hard work to get their results.

Remember just because there is hard work involved doesn't mean it cannot be enjoyable. Nothing in life that is worthwhile doesn't involve putting in work and effort. After all if it was easy there would not be such a health crisis going on in this world today. I am sure most of your are aware of the staggering statistics on human health, so I won't even go into them.

Be passionate. Live life to the fullest. Never give up. Do your best every single day. Make a difference in this world.

Next blog I will go into some of the lifestyle changes I have made to affect my health. 

Remember it is never to late to change the direction of your life.

Good to see you! make it a great day!

Why Not?

After losing my leg. I decided I was going to run. Of course, I had to learn to walk first. I was in pretty decent shape the time I went through my amputation, so that was a big help. I also faithfully did my exercises every day to build my leg strength. Honestly if I had not been able to work out I think I would have gone nuts. It was a great way to kill time at not "worry" about being an amputee...at least distract me from worrying for a while.

So, after I starting walking I began riding a bicycle. Even with two legs I never had the right body type to be a great or competitive rider. I didn't care. It was a great and positive way to deal with my new lifestyle. I eventually did several 100 mile bike rides. I even finished in some pretty decent times. I spent the better part of a few years climbing some of the biggest hills Austin and San Antonio Texas has to offer. There is no better feeling than climbing over that top crest of a huge hill. Even better I helped encourage other people I was riding with. When they were down or thinking about quitting they would see the dude with one leg still trucking along. It was a great feeling.

Finally, I started running. It was slow going. I remember my prosthetist going out to adjust and setup my leg. He was able to lightly jog and keep up with me while I was giving it everything I could and going as fast as I could muster. It was very discouraging. Slowly I started to get a little faster. I think my best time in the 5k ended up being around 27 minutes. Still very slow, but almost as fast as my time when I first joined the military. I ended up running several 10k and 5k event. I even ran a half marathon once...finishing at about an 11 minute mile pace. I was a little disappointed with my time, but proud to finish.

I have come to find out that if you want to do something bad enough...you can. Even some things that seem impossible. Before becoming an amputee I never had run a half marathon or pedaled a bike for 100 miles. Those goals are behind me. I really have not run in a while or done much distance bike riding. I certainly think if I wanted to I could definitely do either again. Now a days I tend to spend my time in the gym doing a combination of free and machine weights. I also spend a lot of time cruising on my bike around town, here in Sarasota, FL.

I recently built my first fixed gear bicycle. I had an old mountain bike frame that had the right traits to be turned into a fixed gear. The two most important being a real wheel drop down that slides back and forward for the back wheel and clearance for road bike size tires to fit. So I bought a fixed gear wheel and chain and built the bike.

I am also a big music fan. I used to play bass in a band when I was in my 20's. I also have been messing with music gear of all types for many years in my spare time. Speaking of time, it is the main factor when pursuing your interest. Making time to do the things you love can be tough. It's funny that we often spend a lot of our time coping with living. Working to pay bills or other task we must do to make it through the day. This seems so backwards to me sometimes. Wouldn't be nice if we could all spend most of our time doing the things we love?

You have to ask yourself why not? Why don't we do the things we love? Are we scared of failure? I don't know how many of you have met someone that does their dream job for a living? I think a lot of people out there tell us and themselves they do...but often it is a lie. We tell ourselves we love what we do to 'sell' ourselves the path we have chosen to follow. If it is not a path you actually chose though...Is it the right one? I have met a few people that I knew did exactly what that wanted for a living. There were very content and happy people. Happy living a simple life because of their ability to pursue their dreams. Yes it does take sacrifice to do your own thing. It can often be a lonely road. I think that is part of the fear we have. Being alone, worrying other may see us as odd. Remember you only have one life. Shouldn't you pursue the things that make you happy?

Building a bike I have thought about building for over 6 years was an awesome feeling. Even though it is just a simple machine (as a fixed gear bike is meant to be) it feels so good to take it out on the road. The bike is nothing fancy. Darn it I built it!

I recently recorded a song in my studio apartment. It is a cover tune that I have always liked called 'Simple Man'. Messing around and recording music is something I have envisioned doing since being a kid and first getting into music. I can't claim it is a great recording or my talents are superior. Same answer though. Darn it I did it! It was a lot of fun. Why should care if someone likes it or not?

I think if you are doing something and it is a little scary you might be on the right track to finding true happiness.

Included is a picture of the bike.

My question to you is WHY NOT? You can do anything you want if you envision it. This isn't to say that everything will always come out how you want it to. It really comes down to how much time and energy you wish to put into your vision.

Keep Dreaming. You can do it!!!

Special Thanks To Northeast Cycles, St Petersburg, Fl for helping get the gear I needed and the advice. Likewise to Paradise Bicycles Ft Myers.

Putting Yourself Out There

It seems like eons  since I last put up a post. Excuses aside...I am helping foster a child, in the middle of remodeling the house, hectic work schedule..you know the usual.

I did want to touch on something that I think is very important in life. A subject that is necessary to be a success. When I define success, I mean being happy with who your are. It is taking a chance. Not being scared to try something, no matter the odds, the shyness you may have or the obstacles in your way.

I love art. I especially like raw, unfinished, low tech music and film. I also dig homemade construction projects. To me, the unique touch someone (even an amateur) can put on a home project is always better than the usual cookie cutter , paint by number way. I think what draws me to this type of work is passion. Someone being so excited about something they use whatever means they can find to get the it done. I believe this is probably one of the many factors that stretch an individuals imagination. Remember the phrase necessity is the mother of invention? I think we can all learn a lesson from this type of persistence. If you really desire to do it. You need to go for it.

I have a few examples. There is a movie callled  The Room. It is knows as one of the worst movies of all time. The acting is terrible, the story is full of holes...and you know I love it. It is so terrible it is bad. Some of my friends think I am crazy when I show them clips of it. The movie has become a Cult Classic and is considered the biggest cult film of the decade. I just adore that attitude. The director had a dream, he chased after it and (maybe not the way he wanted) it had become a huge success. To me, this is what makes life exciting.

Another music album I enjoy is Beck's One Foot On The Grave. From what I understand the album was recorded in a house using very low tech equipment. I think it is fantastic. Though the sound quality is not great there are a few great songs, Rowboat - covered by Johnny Cash on his 'Unchained' Album & Assh**e - recorded by Tom Petty on his 'She's The One' album. Not bad for a low tech album. One Foot On The Grave along with the song Loser (of course recorded in someones living room) actually led to Beck landing one of the most lucrative record deals of the 1990's.

So what Am I trying to sell here? I'm trying to push you into taking a chance and going after something you are passionate about. Life can be boring or it can be full of adventure. It really depends on how you look at it, what you spend your time doing, your attitude on what others think, and if you are willing to go for it.

Will your project always work out? Will others enjoy it? Of course, the answer is no. But does that realy matter?




I doubt if I will return here before the end of the year..but you never know? I want to wish everyone an Awesome Holiday Season! Best wishes in the future, but remember to live in the present. TyGuy

Amputee Views Prevail

As those who have stopped in here from time to time have probably noticed I can sometimes get on a rant. I am a very passionate person, especially when it comes to my personal viewpoints. I will always be a fan of individual responsibility, keeping an open mind and being steadfast in your principles.
While I feel there is nothing wrong with me having those beliefs, I do not think it is useful to use this forum to push them on anyone.

Obviously, You don't have to be an academic to tell we are going through some changing times. Change, while inevitable, can sometimes be painful. I have to admit I don't always accept change without some complaining along the way. So I rant and get on a soap box once in a while. For that I strongly apologize.

This site is about being an amputee. It should always be this blogs goal to help inform people looking for information about being an amputee. It is not my duty to tell others how to believe or think. This site should be used a resource.

As far as my music, science, religious and political views go I will try to exclude them in future post. For those who may have some interest in that area of my life I will continue to include my 'Personal Links' section. Just keep in mind it is just that, an incomplete set of links that delve into things I am interested in. No agenda pushing, just other areas of my life I find interest in.

The rest of this site will contain post about amputee issues, useful amputee links, amputee support group information, prosthetic equipment and so fourth.

Looking forward to chatting at you soon....
Ty W

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

The intended purpose of this site is about facing life as an amputee. Even though some of my blogs lately have not focused as much with general amputee issues as as they have on critical thinking and societal concerns. Over time I have come to the conclusion that I would not be a responsible blogger if I did not use this platform to touch on other everyday matters. I strongly feel exposure to alternative viewpoints makes us all better people. I don't expect everyone to agree. I do hope it may give cause to think and look at things from different vantage points.
When faced with adversity, such as being an amputee, It is not wise to always accept all the advice you get without questioning it. Prosthetics and the medical field in general are big business. Anytime you have big money and people that are in a vulnerable state there is a good chance of corruption or being taken advantage of. I do think most people are in the medical field to do the right thing. I would not be a true 'Patient Advocate' if I didn't advise people to be aware and ask question. After all, YOU are your own best advocate when dealing with limb loss or when making other daily living decisions.

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Holiday Cheer!

Here we are approaching Christmas again. Even though it is supposed to be a joyous time, I know it can be difficult for many. Admittedly I find joy in some parts of the season and the festive mood. It also makes me sad because it often appears much of the holiday season seems to be hijacked by commercialism. 

Of course there are the same old cliches every year like, "I can't believe how early they are putting out the Christmas decorations this year". "Only ------- more shopping days left"...and so fourth. Yawn, that's up there with weather references we make trying to fill conversation other months of the year.

My main rub is the shopping and the pressure to buy. As time goes on I seem to get more cynical about commercialism, endless advertising, and out of control corporate greed.

The unending pressure placed on society to buy things year round is enormous. I guess what's most appalling is how we are made to feel like we 'need' many often useless and materialistic items. Because you know, we got to have the latest, greatest, electronic devices that often seem to be outdated within weeks of purchase by the 'new and improved' versions. Or hey the neighbors and friends have it, so we got to get it as well...and the cycle of buying things we are made to think we need continues. All of this shopping pressure appears to peak during the final months of the year in Christmas shopping. I know this fact is easily understood by most, but also ignored and overlooked as we mindlessly shop our hearts away.

What I want to do with this blog is point out the ridiculousness that has seemed to overtake us. I think the point can definitely be argued that we are brainwashed to buy and be 'good consumers'. I know brainwashed is a strong term, but I think the examples I will reference make a strong point.

What is sad about the video below is it's truthfulness. I can't tell you how many women in my life from my mother, former girlfriends to current girlfriend that pick up the Sunday ads and and without missing a beat reliably leaf through them. Looking for that deal that they didn't even know they needed until they saw it. Advertising definitely works. Don't even get me started on Groupons or home shopping networks such as QVC. I strongly feel it is a sickness. Even though I have often pointed it out...it seems to make no difference. My comments appear to fall on deaf ears as the mindless years of 'programming' work their magic on the engrained gatherer part of our Hunter-Gatherer DNA.


Lee Camp - Advertisements Are Assholes


Black Friday. To me, this next video is the saddest. It displays the whole brainwashing advertisement, materialism values that unfortunately seem to be the norm. I really have no comment, just a question, "What the hell have we become?"


Black Friday Madness

Lastly, the next clip features comedian George Carlin as he points out some hard hitting truths about society. What I find interesting is his rant is several years old and more relevant (check out the social security comment) than ever.


George Carlin - Consumerism

With all of this in mind I want to wish everyone a very happy holidays season. I don't want to be a total cynic. It is my hope this may cause some to reflect on what the real meaning of the holiday season should be. Things do not bring happiness. Enjoying the people in your life, being grateful for how blessed we are and finding honest genuine happiness that can't be bought it was I feel we should focus on. Going into debt to by trendy gadgets or live beyond our means is no way to live. It certainly cannot lead to lasting happiness.

I am looking forward to a promising 2013. I plan on drastically changing the format of this blog. It is my goal to make this site more than just a hobby. I am seriously considering writing a book and posting more media based blogs...with accompanying self produced videos and so fourth. I have a lot of ideals. I feel it may be the right time in my life to take action on some of them.

Times are changing...So am I.
TyW

Please feel free to contact me with comments or to say hello:
tyswilson@gmail.com

The Lee Camp video is take from the
Peter Joseph series Culture In Decline Episode #3 C.V.D.

George Carlin Official Website

Arrogant Self Promotion

I still have a few loose ends that I have to tie up before I can post the personal blog that I want. It is a project of the heart that I feel I really need to share. As I think my experience and story can be beneficial to many. So that will definitely be fourth coming

Until that time I figured I would throw out a promo video that I participated in.

My employer, Orthotic and Prosthetic Centers, recently shot a video. It was a lot of fun.

I need to state this site is a distinct and different entity than O&P Centers. In no way do the views I express here represent the views of O&P Centers. I just thought it would be fun to add the video, as it shows some of what is possible to those that wear prosthetic devices.

Thanks. Happy Holidays! TyW