So you were probably just like me a couple of weeks ago. It seemed as if I couldn’t pull myself away from the TV. Michael Phelps’ quest for 8 gold medals (among other mesmerizing story lines) completely dominated my life for two weeks.

But now with a much smaller portion of the world watching, China has kicked off another Olympic games. It’s time for the paralympians to take center stage. Once every four years, I become completely inspired by what can be accomplished by those who have suffered significant disabilities.

A one-legged Chinese athlete climbed a 40-meter rope using only his bare hands to light the Olympic torch to begin the Paralympic Games. Afterward he said, “When I climbed up the rope, I knew that the whole world was watching and I wasn’t alone. It was a journey to show the indomitable spirit of mankind, and I want to send the message to the world.”

And what about Oscar Pistorius of South Africa. He was turning in sprint times earlier this year that forced track and field’s world governing body to rule whether he could compete in the non-disabled Olympics. You see, Oscar was born without bones in his lower legs. In the end, they banned him. They considered his prosthetics an unfair advantage. Seriously. I’m not making this up. (You can read about it here: www.nytimes.com/2007/05/15/sports/othersports/15runner.html.)

I hope that I can follow the Paralympics a little on the internet. It certainly doesn’t get the coverage of the regular Olympics. And I hope to find a few new heroes. Heroes in wheelchairs.

As the weather gets warmer, it’s easy to start feeling that familiar tickle: the urge to get out a bit more, the need to get moving, be more active, or just use your brain and body a bit more than you do during the cold winter months.

A hobby can be a great way to spend your time this spring, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor pastime. Being in the middle of a project you enjoy working on is a pleasing and motivating feeling. In fact, recent studies have shown that:

* Participating in a regular hobby can improve your state of mind and mental health.
* Older adults who stay busy by being mentally and physically active live longer, happier and healthier lives.
* Older adults with hobbies that exercise their brains are less likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s disease than adults who do not have a hobby.

But what hobbies are appropriate for individuals who may suffer from limited mobility? See below for just a few suggestions.

Create art with your camera

Photography is a satisfying pastime that can be done indoors or out, taking action shots, nature studies, or portraits, black and white or color. Many people who take up photography as a hobby find that they benefit from classes, although there are a number of self-taught photographers as well. Take up this hobby and you may find yourself appointed as the group photographer at every gathering or special occasion!

To get more information about photography, you can contact a local community college or recreation center. There are also many sites that can help beginning photographers. See below for just a few.

Grow herbs, plant a flower garden, or create a beautiful container garden

A great way to get outside this spring is to take up gardening. With so many different types of gardening to choose from, you’re bound to find something that suits you. Grow a small herb garden on your kitchen windowsill, or, if you have sufficient mobility in your hands and arms, create a container garden on your deck or patio. Container gardening is a great solution for individuals who cannot stand or walk to enjoy gardening from a seated position.

Your local home improvement store is a great place to get information about gardening tips and classes. More information about container gardening, herb gardens and more can also be found online. See below for some examples.

Get crafty,­ start a scrapbook, make scented soap right in your home, or take up painting

For those with an artistic side, a crafty hobby is the perfect way to spend your time. Scrapbooking allows you to revisit and relive cherished memories, while creating a beautiful piece of art. It’s also a great way to make friends ­ many scrapbookers enjoy throwing parties where their friends can all scrapbook together. Making scented soap is also rewarding ­ once you’ve created it, you get the enjoyment of using it or giving it as gifts.

Visit a craft store in your area to ask about crafting supplies, classes, or parties, or look online for more information. Some suggested sites can be found below.

Become a volunteer

There are thousands of ways you can volunteer your time, and volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to your community. Contact your local hospital to see what opportunities are available, such as greeting patients and guests, comforting newborn babies, or visiting sick children. Call your local library to find out if there are literacy programs you might become involved in. Your local church may also be a good resource to find the perfect volunteer position.

The United Way in your area can also provide you with you information on many volunteer opportunities. See below for more resources you can find online.

The benefits of hobbies are far-reaching and numerous ­ find the hobby that’s right for you and go for it! Your physical and mental health will improve and you’re likely to make new friends as well as discover talents you didn’t know you had!

So my family (extended family - read crazy uncles and cousins and all) wants to go camping this summer. They’ve made a reservation at a developed campground. They’ve reassured me that it’s wheelchair friendly.

But I just don’t know. Does anyone have experience trying to get around a campsite in a wheelchair? I know I’m probably being a baby here. I’m certainly not the first person to try to figure this out. But I just don’t know if it’s worth the aggravation to haul all my “stuff” out into the wilderness. And then basically be stuck because there’s only so far I can get around.