Hey, 2026!
After being a Social Media ghost for the last few months* I have been slowly getting back online. What I missed was the real connection with many of you. Why I went away was because of the overexposure I was feeling. When it comes to Social Media, always remember that YOU are in control of what you choose to share but also be aware that when you DO share stuff, it can be repurposed by people with shady intentions**.
If you’re ever looking to connect with me, please always make THIS website (you’re currently looking at) the number one spot! You can e-mail me through my Contact page and I can confirm whether or not you’re actually interacting with me on Social Media.
I have, quasi-reluctantly and uber-cautiously revived an online presence with Instagram (@amyvolume) and also Facebook (AMYV0LUME). I think my LinkedIn is still there but I’m honestly not very active with it.
So far in 2026 health news, I’ve:
Made it 1 year post op with my latest joint replacement (blog post) and 3 years with the new hip (news article, video)! Hoping to chill out and avoid any planned surgeries for at least 12 months!
Unfortunately had a rough go with viral season. Them’s the brakes when you A) have an autoimmune disease that is B) treated/managed by meds that wipe out your immune system. The struggle is REAL.
Living in a body that gives constant feedback is a mighty challenge but I’ve been doing this since 1988 and will continue to move forward, sometimes with accommodations or adaptations as needed, because science (& nature) is awesome! And kids being diagnosed with idiopathic/rheumatoid arthritis don’t have to be as limited or destined for joint replacement procedures thanks to modern medicine.
Thanks for reading and if you know someone who could use a little inspiration in spite of health setbacks or challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out!
* link to Blog Post about me quitting Instagram, Jan. 28, 2025
** link to Blog Post about my profile being cloned by a scammer, May 18, 2023
Skiing at Mount Pakenham:
Went skiing for the firs time at Mount Pakenham. What a wild ride! Had a blast. Being physically disabled (and a total newbie at this), I had some concerns… but their staff and the entire atmosphere put those to rest. Highly recommend!
It’s our second winter season living near Mount Pakenham. Since my foot was “in repair” last year, I am happy to finally be able to experience downhill skiing. I’ve only ever gone once during a class trip either with Lourdes or Bishop (elementary v. high school; can’t remember).
Click here to visit Mount Pakenham’s website. As a complete beginner living with a physical disability, plus the added challenge of bringing my 8 year old (who’s never been downhill skiing before), I wasn’t sure what we were in for. From start to finish; the greeting and walk through from Front Desk staff, to the hands on help in the Equipment Rental shack, to all the kind, smiling faces and words of encouragement from employees and other skiers/boarders (of all skill levels); it was an awesome night.
In fact… the whole family just purchased skis, boots, helmets over the weekend (thx Play it Again Sports - Kanata)! It was a wonderful experience and we can’t wait to get back out there.
More than happy to answer any Qs you may have about mobility challenges or other health concerns that may be a perceived barrier to outdoor adventure. Just message me but note, I can only share what my experience was. Yours may vary!
Rink of Dreams: Nope.
Excited to take the kids skating on the Rink of Dreams at Ottawa’s City Hall, we reserved our spot online no problem and arrived at our check in time promptly.
It’s just me who skates, my husband doesn’t. Our daughter who is 4 is learning, and our son, 7, has a pretty good form but also needs help from time to time. As I wait for a total hip replacement and foot fusion, in spite of my constant pain, I do my best to stay active.
We gear up and get on the ice with our new chariot stroller. We go right to the middle so as to not be in anyones way. When my husband arrives to drop off my daughters gloves (he was parking), we make our way over to the boards to grab them from him.
This is when I was approached by someone tending the rink. He informs me that I am not allowed on the ice with my stroller. I explained that it is for my youngest (who mostly is not skating; she was in it at the time) and I also use it as a mobility aid to which he says wheelchairs are permitted. I explained that while signing up, I read the rules and they indicated that strollers are permitted so long as the wheels are clean.
This stroller is brand new. I bought it for this purpose: to skate with the kids.
I agree to leave. We had been on the “Rink of Dreams” for less than five minutes.
While taking off our skates, the rink attendant again approaches me and apologizes. He says he was mistaken and that we are allowed on the rink.
By this point, I am exhausted and fatigued. I am mentally checked out. We are done. My son is crying. It is a stressful time (for many reasons) and tonight was a Rink of Shit.
