«
»

14 Nov

How Does He Do That With Only One Hand?

Posted November 14, 2011 by Ryan in Daily Life. Tagged: .

What would you guess is the #1 thing people want to see me do one-handed?

Giving you one guess is generous.

The answer is…

Tie my shoes.

Well, I’m about to make dreams come true.  Ok, maybe that’s overstating it a bit.

I’m getting ready to start a video series of me doing things one-handed.  Hopefully it will be informative as well as entertaining.  I’m going to do them over the course of the next several months and I’m pretty dang excited about it.

Here’s where I need your help: What do you want to see?  What makes you think, “Wait, how does he…?”  For example: Cutting steak, starting a lawn mower, riding a bike, etc.

76211 10150292540060403 533490402 15553411 5202649 n 300x225 How Does He Do That With Only One Hand?

Getting eaten by a goose...one-handed.

If you’re new here, checkout this post about what I’m doing.

While you’re at it, could you leave a comment about what kinds of things you’d like to know about my experience as a one-handed person?  What are you curious about?  What would be helpful for you to know?

Thanks for your help!

Prepare to have your two-handed minds blown.

Again…overstating.  Sorry.

UPDATE: If you’d rather email me your ideas instead of posting them, that’s totally cool.  Send them to me at: ryandhaack (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks!

No related posts.

  • http://www.luckyfinproject.org Molly Stapelman

    Ryan you’re the best. Thank you for being willing to satisfy the curious but most importantly show anyone who might be worried that a limb difference might hold them or their child back, that a full life is as possible for the one handed as it is the two handed. Feel free to show off Ryan :)

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Thank you so much, Molly.  You’re too kind.  :)   Thank you for everything YOU do!

  • Kamaile Waltz

    Awesome Ryan!! How about how you would open a milk carton?  ZIP a jacket? Shoot a bow & arrow or shoot a rifle?  Thank you for this my son Hunter (10) has been following you online and he is very inspired by you :-)

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Thanks, Kamaile!  These are ALL excellent ideas!  Tell Hunter he’s awesome.  :)

      • Kamaile Waltz

        Push ups would be great – Tae Kwon Do classes they do push ups and Hunter has some difficulty, I give him credit though he pushes through them.  We are lookin to get him fitted for a release for a compound bow (daddy is thinkin about makin one)  He is very very excited – he doent want a prosthesis he feels its cheating GO FIGURE LOL Keep up the GREAT work!!

        • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

          Thanks, again!  Yeah, push-ups are a bear.  I actually don’t do them anymore because I’m not sure it’s good for me physically.  Instead, I plank (on my elbows) and use tension cords.  That seems to do the trick.

          So funny about his perspective on the prosthesis.  Sounds like a determined young man you have there!  :)

  • http://www.onegoodleg.com BJ

    Kudos for this whole idea. It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out there like that and satisfy peoples curiosity. I am also a little different when it comes to limbs, and I know how I feel sometimes trying to balance blending in vs putting myself out there to show people that missing a few digits or limbs doesn’t really make you that much different.

    I will be following along, and look forward to seeing you show off!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Thanks, BJ!

  • SheriQ

    : )  Can’t wait to see what you come up with.  And, after school today,  I’m really anxious to ask my one-armed wonder what he’d like to see you do. 

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Can’t wait to hear his request!  :)

  • Deb E

    This would be awesome, not only for my 8 year old son who needs to learn but also for us and his aides at school who must help teach him! Looking forward to your videos :) . He’d also like the bow and arrow tips as he is a scout. He’s got the milk carton figured out though-he even teaches his two handed friends to do that!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Ha!  Your son sounds awesome!  Thanks for the kind words. 

  • Tony M

    Fun idea! How about archery! As a fellow limb-different citizen, this was a unit in Phy-Ed growing up that always prompted a lot of questions.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      One word: Crossbow.  Seriously, I always wanted one, but never got one.  Legally, I bet I could totally use one.  I’ve never used an actual bow and arrow, though.  There’s a first time for everything, though, right?  Thanks, Tony!

      • http://www.onegoodleg.com BJ

        As another fellow limb different person that is into hunting, crossbow is the way to go. I have a long bow that is fun to play with, but for hunting I decided to use a crossbow just to make things easier on me. The fact that they are way cool is a bonus.

        • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

          Nice.

      • ErikH

        You NEED one… and a concealed carry permit so you can carry it around town. You’d be the coolest guy on the block for sure.

  • ErikH

    This may or may not be relevant, but I’d like to see you learn to walk a tightrope. Granted, there’s not much arm action necessary for tightrope walking, but I’ve got to imagine your left side is about 7 pounds lighter than your right. That’s got to affect something, right? That, and basically I just think you should get a tightrope so I can practice on it, too.

  • http://www.facebook.com/pdahlquist1 Pam Dahlquist

    got a little Grandaughter that is amazing also…I hope her Daddy and Mommy keep up with you…it’s cool!  way to go!!!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Thanks, Pam!

  • http://jenleereeves.com Jen Lee Reeves

    I love this! Here are some ideas: Using a knife (Jordan has a funky way that I should document), skiing (do you ski?), tennis, baseball, zippers, typing… I’m sure I have other ideas.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      These are great!  I loved seeing/reading about Jordan tying her shoes today!

      I’ve actually never gone skiing.  I’m not sure if that’s weird or not.  I guess I’m adding it to the list of stuff to try!

  • Mitch George

    How about jumping rope?

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      I think the last time I jumped rope was in elementary school.  Jump Rope for Heart.  This could get ugly.

  • http://goinswriter.com/ Jeff Goins

    Type.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      On the list.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jacob-Clevenstine/6602422 Jacob Clevenstine

    I always wanted to know how you were better at almost every sport than me and I have 2 hands!?! I’m specifically impressed with your ability to swing a bat and chop wood. 
    However, I’d really like to see you row a boat and paddle a kayak. Have fun on the water!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Jake!!!  So good to hear from you, dude!

      I really have never done either of those things.  I guess they’re going on the list of things to learn!  :)

      • Jacobcleven

        It’s been too long, and inexcusable, given our current geographical locations. I’ve gotten married and we’ve both added kids from what I see on your page.
        As far as the boating, I’ll lend my kayak for entertainment/practice. Can’t help you on the row boat.

  • http://www.doctorsterry.com katie

    push-ups?  that’s kind of mean — i mean, i can’t even do them two-handed.

    also, i’ve always been curious when you say you used to play piano, so i’d LOVE to see that!  =)

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Piano is on the list!  :)

      And push-ups are not cool.  These days I just plank on my elbows and use tension cords.  Booyah.

      • Michelle

        You can do push-ups, with a passive prosthetic arm!  Or, just 1 handed like Demi Moore from G.I. Jane!  I have to use my prosthetic arm and only from my knees, typical of a girl, I know!

        • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

          Wuss.  jk jk  Thanks for participating, Michelle!  My wife taught German to high schoolers for years!

          • Michelle

            Really? Interesting…I’m learning it now, while living here.  I’m only prompted to speak German when I have to!

  • http://twitter.com/justinsuperstar Justin Johnson

    Juggle!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      OH SNAP.  Done.

  • http://twitter.com/jeremy480 Jeremy S

    Play Super Mario Bros on the original Nintendo.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Done.

  • Itisjimmy

    Clap

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      YES!

  • Emily Griskavich

    Trimming your fingernails.  (Pardon my two-handed ignorance.)

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Good one!

  • Mike Schneider (Grant’s Dad)

    Cutting food, monkey bars, controlling a 2 year old (I could have 4 hands and I would continue to fail at that one), buttons, tie a tie, pound a nail, climb a tree, shovel, rake.  That’s it for now.  Get to work!!!

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Dang, dude…these are good.

  • Mziebell80

    I know Becky at work wants to see you tie your shoe, but since we have the same type of Vibram 5 finger shoes, how do you maneuver that thing on with one hand Sir Ryan? Haha I have a hard enough time do it with two hands.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Ha!  It’s very tricky.  :)

  • Dennis

    Brush your teeth, wash dishes, wash your hair. I lost my left leg over four years ago

  • Itisjimmy

    Thought of another one this morning that I, as a 2 hander have a hard time with.  Putting or taking a key off of a key ring.  I was struggling with it and thought “damn, how the heck does Haack do crap like this?”

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Seriously!  This one is awesome.

  • http://www.facebook.com/dgcaston Demetria George Caston

    I am a mom of an 8 month old who is also left limb different. I want to see you do anything and everything. Dylan is so active right now I can’t imagine that he will let hardly anything hold him down like you. It has been a hair pulling experience for me already, no because of his arm but he is my ifrst babdy and he seems to be fearless like his Dad who is 22 year active duty army. Poor Mommy! :-( LOL

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      This is so great!  Thanks for your kind words!  :)

  • MCJ

    Coolest idea EVER!!! Cannot wait

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Thanks!

  • MCJ

    opening a jar? with a can opener or without one? 

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Yes!

  • Angie VH

    Crack an egg
    Put a ponytail in your daughter’s hair.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Oh, man…these are great!  I’m not sure my daughters will like the second one, though! hehe  Thanks for sharing your ideas!

  • SheriQ

    My 7 yr old one-armed wonder wants to see you jump rope, fly a kite, mow the lawn, a handstand & chin-ups.

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Ohhhhhh, good ones!  On the list they go!  :)  Thanks, Sheri!

  • BLCollins

    I’m loving the responses and I can’t wait to see them all checked off the list. My husband and I are adopting a toddler with a limb difference (missing right hand) and I can’t wait to see all she can do. Just gotta getnher home first! I’ll ask my sons what they’d like to see you do

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      That’s awesome!  :)  Thanks for sharing!

  • Philly

    Ryan – I was peeling some carrots and potatoes yesterday and thinking (from reading your blog) how does Ryan do this?  So how do you?

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Nice!  The truth is, I rarely do!  hehe  But, on the list they go!  Thanks!

  • SheriQ

    Ok, my son has another request…putting up a tent.  : )

    Sheri

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      Great one!  I put up some tents while I was in Haiti last April.  It was quite the sight, I’m sure.  lol  Thanks!

  • Marc

    Hello Ryan, I accidentaly browsed to you’re site and it is nice to reed about a compagnion. I’m single handed for eight years now and I get allong quit well. I was just wondering where I can view you’re movies? Or am I missing something?

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      I’m glad you found me, Marc!  I’m in the beginning stages right now and am just collecting ideas for the videos.  My plan is to start making them VERY soon!  Please subscribe and when I start to put them up, you’ll be notified!  Thanks so much for asking!

  • Laura Erlich

    I have an amazing one handed four year old who loves to play tennis and hit baseballs.  Can you show us how you serve a tennis ball and how you catch-then-throw a baseball?  Thanks!
    Laura

    • http://www.ryanhaack.com Ryan Haack

      I can’t wait to!  Thanks, Laura!