In the wake of our nations greatest natural disaster and on the heals of today's war torn world, I can't help but dwell on the ever rising amounts of human suffering. War is political, natural disasters inevitable; death and injury are a part of life. To suffer is to live. We all have our own individual hurricanes in life, no one, less devastating than the other, a whirling chaos of events devastating our reality, changing our perceptions. It is the mass destruction Mother Nature can produce that opens so many eyes and hearts, bringing faceless people together bound by a common thread...to live. No matter the magnitude, selfless individuals come from all corners uniting to help ease the suffering. Helping does not only imply physically traveling to ground zero; as in my case that would be impossible. I for instance try to envision myself undergoing such a traumatic experience, to understand on a humane level the pain in so many lives, I then apply it to my day. Thankful for every breath, I pedal or push, pull, work, walk, talk and listen with the awareness of suffering. When I feel overwhelmed and at the verge of collapse I just visualize beyond my vision, seeing our world in its truth. Not everything is peaches and cream, life is not a cake walk, shit happens and I like to think for a reason. So have faith, in yourself, in humanity and in a greater purpose...join me, in positive thought for our fellow man, and help any way you can.

This entry is to inform everyone that I will be out of town until Sunday September 4th. I do not have a lap top computer, so I will not be updating my journal from the road. I will return with great stories to share with all. Enjoy the extended weekend. -Yours in health. ~Aaron

Carmel by the Sea...A spectacular part of the California Coastline and proudly my hometown. I struggled with the decision to travel over the weekend because one, we just began a new training cycle and two, gas prices are outrageous! I am happy we went though, seeing my childhood friends and their families brought back wonderful memories of my youth and the wild times they always remind me of. The primary reason for the trip was to join my friend Lindley Zerbe as he gave a power point presentation about his recent successful summit of Mount Everest. The presentation was awesome! Lindley explained in great detail the accounts of his journey, documenting with video, photograph, and journal. Being in the presence of such can do spirit, I was motivated to hike through the lush pines of Pebble Beach. Waking to a familiar foggy Carmel day, Dave and Adam (Lindley's fraternal twin brother) decided they would show me the new mountain bike trails they cut into the country side. I of course gave them my dirt bike opinion about the jumps and berms they had built and was impressed by the technicality of the terrain...definitely difficult for me to hike through. Overall, the combination of feeling the familiar coastal fog on Saturday and the tranquility of a sun lit patio during breakfast on Sunday made my $3.40 a gallon trip great! These people know me the best, and maintaining our connection is essential in my mind. Well done Lindley! Congrats Adam on the new Job. And Dave, lets beat the damn thing...together!

Symmetry...When I see myself in the mirror I see potential. I look at my muscular imbalances and ponder ways in which to improve my body's symmetry. I can stare for long periods of time at the effects of my spinal cord injury; I look at how amazing the human body is in its structure and movement. I glare at my imperfections...vain I know, but this type of visual feed back helps push me even further when it comes to maximizing my functional ability. I gain my confidence not through my physical appearance but rather the work put into it. When I know I've done everything I can in a day to better myself physically, mentally, and spiritually I am emotionally sound. I push myself, my body works hard for me, and I often step back in awe at how well my body actually works. Still though, to this day my function fluctuates depending on fatigue, spastisity, and stiffness. I plan on getting better with age, I'd like to be kickin ass at 75 years old, we'll see. Until then, I will continue kickin my own ass by writing myself threats on post-it notes, spending long hours on a bicycle seat, and sweating in the gym pushing plates of iron around enroute to a beautifully sculpted state of mind.

Nutrition...Besides proper exercise and rest, nutrition is the foremost important part of a healthy life style. My stomach speaks many languages; I was introduced to a plethora of world cusines at a young age adopting a taste for quality foods. Live, unprocessed foods are my first choice, organically grown fruits and vegetables as well as eggs and poultry. I also love fish, red meats and the occasional pork...sausage/bacon, in moderation. The ideal timing for meals is every two hours, to maintain steady blood sugar levels (energy). A not so pleasant secondary complication of my injury is early satiety (feel full quickly). This has been an issue throughout my recovery. I expend tremendous amounts of energy with everything that I do, and replenishing those energy stores has been easier said than done. I have had to resort to a much more bland diet, far from the colorful plates I'm used to, eating basic proteins and carbohydrates. Only in recent months have I discovered the key to my stomach problems, I am consistently eating 6 sometimes 7 small meals throughout the day. Eating this way makes me feel great! I know my body is happy because of the way it performs, my muscle, skin, bowls and bladder feel good, it's a marked difference from an inconsistent processed diet. Tip: if you haven't seen the documentary "Super Size Me" see it! The film gives a little insight into the fast food world we live in. I won't lie, I indulge on a Whopper and shake from time to time, the secret is moderation. I like to remember that cliché saying - "We are what we eat", a statement cooked up by truth.

"Professionalism is in the details"...another quote by Taylor Isaacs. Documentation is one aspect of my program. I keep a thorough log of location, time, distance, heart rate, and intensity of our bike rides. This allows me to chart my progress or research past performance levels. In addition to the tandem bike information I also include my stationary bike workouts, which can sometimes be more intense and more specific. In the past I have kept detailed accounts of all food intake, calorie consumption and frequency of meals. I have been at this for so long now that only specific information gets written down. It's pretty cool to look over my notes to see what I've done, it really re-instills a feeling of accomplishment, but also shows me where there is room for improvement. I have decided; "if it's not written down it doesn't exist" pertaining to training, work, or projects. This discipline is a lesson for my future in business and health, making my health the number one priority and any business venture second. I look to see the day when the Aaron Baker Foundation is a staple of health and wellness providing the same opportunities I have had to individuals and their families across the globe. Christopher Reeves did it for research, so I am doing it for rehab, advocating the benefits of ongoing therapeutic exercise to improve ones quality of life. I am grateful for this opportunity to pave a new and much needed road and together we'll see it happen. Please feel free to contact me via mail, email, or phone, or drop me a message in the guestbook. See CONTACTS. I love building new bridges of friendship...

"Never give up", even when the odds are stacked against us. There are peaks and valleys even long stale plateaus in life. I have learned, no matter the landscape of a particular time we must continue forward, working, learning, loving. I sometimes become frustrated with the state of affairs in today's world and where I stand within it. I'll be damned if I'm a passive spectator in life, instead, I adamantly work to be an active participant somehow helping in a positive way with my presence. Today I was gifted a milestone in my recovery, further solidifying my path. Here I am 6 1/2 years later training harder than ever and once again proof of the saying "the possibilities are endless". For the first time I was able to pedal the stationary bike from a standing position. I began pedaling just over 2 years ago and have always remained seated without enough muscle innovation and strength to raise me off the saddle. I have spent many hours visualizing myself dancing on the pedals like the pros and today without warning I popped off the seat and sprinted for well over a minute. I felt muscles in my hips, upper legs and back firing in synchronicity for the first time. From the very beginning of my recovery I have placed NO time limit on the process, only potential through time and effort. I'm pretty tickled at today's milestone.

Sometimes life can be hard, challenges, tragedies. Tests graded by god, quizzing one's spirit. Independently we can sometimes be weak, flustered by doubt or insecurity. Collectively we are strong, reinforcing each other, boosting moral, rebuilding infrastructure. Tragedy strikes in some form every day, challenging the human faith and ability. It is the interconnected spirit of life that shines through during these times, bringing perfect strangers together in a moment of triumph, helping out of mere compassion. I don't feel right talking about myself in this entry today, but I told you I wouldn't hold anything back so...Right when things start to click and I set a major milestone on the bike Friday, my knee acts up again. I don't know what the deal is and frankly it's pissing me off! Yesterday I rested, restoring my energy for today's bike ride. I woke up this morning with a slight ache in my right knee; I got on my stationary bike to warm up my legs and then stretched. I had to make the decision not to ride the tandem to prevent aggravating my symptoms. I sat in the floor of the living room with ice, watching reflections of the 9-11 tragedy and rescue missions on the gulf coast. There was a slight heaviness to my afternoon as I contemplated all that's going on. Sure I'm bent at the fact my knee is less the perfect, and heavy hearted for those who suffer from loss, but it was the collective love of friendly phone calls and a reassuring conversation with my mother that shows everything is perfect the way it is. I believe things happen for a reason and seeing that reason is not always easy, sometimes never understanding it at all. It's faith in your path, in yourself and in the greater picture. Allowing life to unfold as it will, the only thing certain is uncertainty it's self. Remember! Every second of every minute is an opportunity to change the way we think. Sharing, caring, living and loving together as ONE...

I really appreciate the love and support I receive for sharing my thoughts in the form of this journal. My intention with my writing is as you know, to expose an intimate view of my life with a spinal cord injury. I am overjoyed at the response of the entries, knowing I have made new friends out there who work hard to overcome their obstacles. Like my last entry, "collectively" we stand together, supporting through positive thought, kind words, pro-action and an open ear. Thank you - this journal is not about me...it's about YOU.

Spinal alignment is important for correct posture, optimal neural innovation and structural integrity. I have explored chiropractic work in the past and have determined that spinal manipulation alone is ineffective for me. It is the integration of a muscular skeletal strength and endurance program, stretching, and deep tissue massage that has proven most beneficial in correcting my spinal misalignments. Today I researched a local chiropractor named Dr. Nathan Sklar. My main objective today was to discover the doctor's methods and procedures. I was most impressed with the thoroughness of the evaluation; most of the chiropractors I have been treated by have not been as detailed or willing to learn the history of my physical health. Manipulating a spine that has been surgically fused is not recommended and in my case my cervical spine is not being adjusted only massaged. I am adding minimal chiropractic work to my program for maintenance purposes, monitoring the condition of my spine for optimal health and longevity. (No stone unturned

These eyes of intensity peer into my soul, calmly gazing at the inner strength I behold...Not to be confused with a stare or a glare but rather a look inside astute and aware. A little nursery rhyme I came up with to rock my self to sleep as I visualize these eyes pushing me, convincing me I have what it takes. Despite a nagging knee and ankle injury I am happy, consistently happy. I attribute my joyful state of mind to my personal satisfaction. I have in recent months claimed primary responsibility for my health and wellness. For the last 6 years I have been mostly dependent on my family and clinicians for my wellness, only able to bring my motivation, limited by physical situation. Now, after years of learning my body, what it needs and doesn't need, and astute mental absorbsion of body mechanics, terminology, and nutrition "tutored by the best...Taylor" I have developed the confidence to guide myself through specific strength and cycling routines. Mind you, Taylor Isaacs is still commander and chief of my rehabilitation process and Roy Knickman oversees my cycling workouts, it's now a matter of personal responsibility to myself and my goals. I am simply taking myself to the next level. Able to conduct high intensity, highly personalized workouts with no assistance, I tap into the blazing furnace inside me on my own terms, kicking my ass to be better. We can all be better, there is a reservoir within each of us, a little glass jar of fury. If focused when opened, this resource can propel the mind and body to unseen heights. When discovered use sparingly and with great caution, because as in most mechanical instances the introduction of a volatile substance can be catastrophic. This entry is a loose metaphor for inner strength; sometimes this untapped resource needs the piercing eyes of another to see our hidden potential.

Control...Everyone wants to feel like they are in some kind of control of their own destiny. Control over something breathes a sense of power and independence into an otherwise chaotic existence. I have learned through my experience, we are ultimately "not" in control over our paths, only directors of our thoughts, words, actions and emotions. My realization of this fact, lead to a greater awareness and ultimately a more profound and true sense of control over myself. "I am responsible" for the choices I make, or don't make. "I am responsible" for my happiness, the way in which I perceive my circumstances. "I am responsible" for my actions, and except the equal and opposite reaction. I endorse profound writings and use them as guidelines for my own journey. One such writing is the "Serenity Prayer"; Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.  I use certain quotes, writings of wisdom, and documentation of great individuals as tools to strengthen myself in all aspects of life, provoking confidence in myself in this out of control world.

Langtown!!! The countries most prestigious backyard mini bike race is anticipated by hundreds every year. The 21st annual event is held in a modest sized backyard at the Langin family home, tucked away in a quaint suburban neighborhood in Thousand Oaks California. I am privileged to know the Langin family, all whom welcome me openly every year. This year I felt even more at home with the family, having recently spent time with Michelle, daughter of Bob and brother to Bobby Jr. Last year I looked from afar as Michelle (trophy girl) presented the winners their awards. This year I was the winner, taking home pleasant memories of conversation I held with the lady. Today I spent most of my time learning a basic computer program; I collaborated with my pal Donovan on a business proposal. I figure, since I have yet to go to college, I'd better spend my free time learning useful tools for my future. Today's lesson had me at times chewing the eraser off my pencil, snarling at my computer incompetence. Perseverance paid off though, and now we have a quality finished product. I just got out of my hot tub and am now ready for a nice deep sleep. I look forward to a productive week

I am an Aquarius, which probably explains why I love the water so much. In the water is where I took my first steps for the second time in my life. For the first few years of my recovery, aquatic therapy was an integral part of my process. A perk to our new home, is the addition of a hot tub, or as in today's case, a cold tub. I used the 3 feet of water today to work on specific movements that are difficult for me on land. The water simulates a gravity eliminated environment, allowing for exaggerated movements that would otherwise be difficult to perform. In my mind, basking in the sun while exercising in water hardly counts as work. I obviously have forgotten how fatiguing the water can be. I remember now how tired I used to get from aquatic therapy. Water can flat ware you out! I'm am tired and sore and sun burnt. Overall, a good productive day for me, I will sleep with a smile. ;)

What a beautiful day. I awoke to the sound of thunder outside my window. Rain bathed Southern California last night and into this morning. The fresh smell of water on suburban streets is quite rejuvenating. Traffic seemed to fade as I drove in a classical music trance into the city. Three solid hours of work at Gold's gym satisfied my training for the day. I returned home for some lunch and a cat nap. At 4:30 pm as the clouds parted for a glorious afternoon sun, Toots and I met Taylor for a presentation he was giving at the University of Judaism on Mullholland Dr. in Los Angeles, for the Jewish Family Service, the volunteer recognition event. The topic of which Taylor spoke about was, "The Spirit of Volunteering". The banquet room was filled to capacity, every table intently listening to Taylor convey his message. The three of us are a team. We support one another in our individual endeavors, and shine when given the opportunity to speak together. Tonight was Taylor's night; he further displayed his passion for helping others by articulating his theories and methods for optimal caring, sharing and wellness. He proudly introduced Toots and me, from which we shared slight insight about my history and the work we do together. As the sun set, the painted skies of L.A. looked almost surreal from the vantage point atop Mullholland Dr. This day was magnificent! A joy to reflect upon... Let's do it again!

Just call me the Mexican food master!!! I gorged myself on carne asada tacos, for lunch, a snack, and dinner, yeah I'm stuffed! This morning was business as usual in the gym, a lighter, less intense workout this morning complemented yesterdays work nicely. The majority of my day was spent working with my friend and partner "Matt Armstrong". He and I are working to develop a clothing line called "Focus Denim". Matt and I used to race each other years ago, and have remained friends all this time. I enjoy spending my free time working on projects. "Focus" is a project I truly enjoy. I feel as though the Armstrong's are a second family to me, always there, interested in my well being, and happy to have me involved. A unique and creative aspect of starting a clothing line from the ground up is, the opportunity to create every little detail ourselves, on a limited budget. Today we were working on our line item sheets. In the past we shelled out a few bucks for professional photography and computer work. Now, through self reliant intention, Matt and I developed our own make-shift photo studio, computer generated graphics, and catalogue layout all of which was out sourced one year ago. At the dinner table tonight we laughed and joked about our unconventional ways of getten er' done. Neither of us are college graduates, so computers, cameras, even cell phones are a little technical...kidding ;) We sat, satisfied by our creative achievement today, realizing the power of working together. Back to that little acronym...TEAM - Together, Each, Achieves, More.

Officially the first day of autumn, and a late week slump, that's how my day began. I attribute my molasses like movement this morning to the excessive amounts of refried beans I ate yesterday. I'm kidding, that's not true, I had to tell myself something so I could laugh off my fatigue and put in some good work with Taylor. I staggered out of the gym with little energy; I was having trouble visualizing myself about to ride the tandem bike at Balboa Park. It took a good 8 miles to warm up to the point of feel good. At that point we were practically done, having ended at 10 miles. It's amazing how the body responds to rigorous activity. Before pedaling I could have fallen asleep in seconds, after our ride, I was fired up and ready to rock. I was very happy with how well my knee and ankle felt, progress! Tonight, I enjoyed Sushi with my pals Kenny, and Andy. There's nothing quite like a little raw fish and green tea to spark random conversations about hair duo's, rehab, and history. We were pleasantly surprised when a dear friend stopped by unexpectedly to pick up her order, a nice touch to a great evening.

I guess you can call Toot's and I "Gym rats". Spending as much time in the gym as we do, the term is quite appropriate. I have spent thousands of hours in a gym over the last six years for several reasons. One; to rebuild my paralyzed body. Two; to have piece of mind, knowing I'm doing everything possible to aid in my physical and mental growth. Three; self satisfaction, through a dedicated long term commitment; anything worth having takes time and hard work. Four; to elevate my sense of self, (confidence). And five; I continue to work, always raising my personal bar to show what's possible, to share the human spirit. I love the fact I have the opportunity to work, especially working along side my mom and friends. I am eternally grateful for my health...in the end that's all we really have right? Our health, in whatever form allows us the opportunity to share  "time" and "love", both precious gifts in life.

Have you ever seen a recovering quadriplegic ride a skateboard? Now you have! It has been a long time since I last stepped foot on a skateboard. Skateboarding was one of my favorite past times growing up, I carried a skateboard with me everywhere. I miss the free sensation of carving down a street, surfing the walls of an empty swimming pool, or flowing back and forth on a wood ramp. Today my pal Matt helped me realize some of those feelings once again. With sturdy hands, Matt pushed me back and forth, carving big 180 degree turns on a mini skateboard ramp that sits in the back of the Focus clothing office. A far cry from my old days as a ripper, but rolling none the less. I love my friends; I am so stoked to have a bro like Matt. Laughing it up as we flail about on the ramp, crashing harmlessly to the ground in a whirl of fun. Our little skate session was intermission for a day of office/studio work for the new clothing line. A very productive day! The Focus website is coming soon...   and yeah, it may be a little hazardous for me to ride a skateboard, but why sit back and watch? Get out and "Just Do It".

What's the difference between someone who is completely paralyzed and someone who weighs 1000 pounds? Well, from what I learned today while watching the National Geographic Channel, there are a few significant similarities. Both people obviously cannot move, literally trapped like prisoners in their own body. Both are totally dependant upon others for all personal needs. Severe social disconnect, is common among the disabled and overly obese. I found myself relating to this 1000 pound man as I watched him struggle to live. Early on in my recovery I felt a tremendous disconnect from the world as I knew it, paralyzed, lying face up for days, weeks, months on end. The man I watched today had not left his bed for 7 years. That is where I found myself slipping into frustrated curiosity. Yes, I know obesity is a disease; food can be as addicting as heroin coupled with depression and genetics all play a huge part in his downward spiral. But to think this man had no means of better control over his condition, progressing to a state of utter helplessness blew my mind. I am not judging this man or how he came to be at his current state, I am merely relating to a severely adverse situation in which he has the power to change, speaking from my own experience. I am very curious to understand the brain and how it works, what drives a person to such extremes, both in success and illness...when I go back to school. For now I'd like to be motivation for someone who lives with a chronic condition. Move that body! That's what it is intended to do. Oh man, I just visualized myself wearing a leotard with an afro hair-doo singin like Richard Simmons, No Way!

Yesterday I wrote about a topic that apparently disturbed me a bit. Today, thoughts of the unfortunately obese man stirred in my head. My workouts today were subconsciously intense. I had not planned on working myself as hard as I did. My morning began with Taylor stretching my lower extremities, defacilitating my knee and ankle. I chose not to ride the stationary cycle at the gym because my plan was to take it easy. I returned home and immediately cranked up the hard rock music in my garage/gym. I don't know what came over me, I found myself cranking the arm cycle ogometer at a furious pace, laughing, looking at my joker face in the mirror as sweat beaded my forehead. Two hours worth of CD's played while I forced my body to perform. From there it was a quick lunch and then a cool dip in the Jacuzzi tub for some aquatic therapy. I stopped kicking when my fingers showed water wrinkles; I then leaned back in awe at the sky, completely spent of energy. Clouds of thought whisked through my mind as I lay next to the tub staring into the infinite blue. I was as the trees sway; conscious, aware, connected and grateful. Reflections of my actions soothed my ache, because I know, I did what I did, because I CAN!

"Collective Voices" I've been thinking about creating a new page on this website that allows my many friends a platform from which to share their stories of adversity, achievement, wisdom, and resources. I have been introduced to so many great people through my injury, people like my pal Jarred Evans who have much to share with the world. A catastrophic injury has a way of opening one's eyes to a greater truth, an understanding of real. These voices need to be heard by our own account; I want to create a network of real life words, shared monthly, weekly, even daily if one's so inclined. I invite anyone who has thoughts they wish to share, to email me- (aaronbaker@comcast.net). Word documents and email format will do just fine. Please include a photo if possible. I am excited to see what we can create together.

Well look what the wind blew in...The infamous Santa Ana winds huffed and puffed and tried to blow us off the bike, to no avail. Toots and I braved the gale force gusts as we pedaled head long around Balboa Lake, sailing with a tail wind and slowing to a crawl with it ahead. Our month of cycling has consisted of stationary spinning and controlled efforts at the well know Balboa bike path. I'm quite frankly pretty tired of riding short circles around the lake; I'm looking forward to our 30+ mile rides along the coast. However, today's effort in the wind proved my knee is improving, but not yet 100%. I have to be confident my knee and ankle joints can handle the intervals of intensity a road ride with undulating hills promotes. So far so good, I will continue with my program, it seems to be working nicely. I will be taking an active rest break from this training cycle soon, key word "active".

Tsunamis, Hurricane's, Tornado's, and now Fire's. 2005 has been filled with what seems to be quite a few natural disasters. We Californians are used to our two most common natural disasters, fire, and earthquakes. Every year some part of California goes up in smoke or shakes to the beat of the earth pulse. Luckily our new home sits 12 or so miles from the blazing hills, there have been no evacuations in our area. The heavy smoke and ash filled air is making it's way over our town, dumping burnt, black ash onto the streets and into my freshly cleaned jacuzzi. I didn't feel any ill effects from the smoke this morning as I blasted an upper body work out routine in the gym. I don't know what it is about Thursday's, It's hard to get the fire going (pun intended) to start my workout. Once I warmed up I felt pretty good minus some lower body tightness. I really hope our firefighters can contain this fire soon, and return families back to their homes safe and unhurt.

Where do race fans like to eat? Drrrrrrrrrrr, Hooters of course. My pal Josh and I meet occasionally for some hot wings and hooters, discussing the latest topics in the racecar industry at the Hooters restaurant in Burbank. It's usually just a guy thing, for obvious reasons, but this meal was made special by an old friend, Molly. My sister Arielle and Molly were close girlfriends in their early teens; I of course befriended all of Arielle's girlfriends because that's what a brother is supposed to do right? So needless to say I've known Molly for a very long time and is a dear friend of mine. The three of us enjoyed platefuls of spicy chicken wings and were quite entertained by a less than articulate waitress who tried to sells us every piece of Hooters memorabilia in the store, carrying armfuls of merchandise unsolicited to our table, while we ate. My belly burned from the hot wings and my cheeks hurt from Josh crackin jokes about our car sales man of a waitress. Good times! A fun evening to cap off a productive week of work.