When you talk to your doctor, let them know exactly what symptoms you've been experiencing and for how long. Let your doctor know the date you were bitten, and how long after the bite each symptom occurred.  There are many varied symptoms of Lyme disease, and each patient may not get all of them. Describe any differences in your mental or physical condition since you were bitten by the tick, even if you don't think the difference is related. Even if you've experienced no symptoms, it's still possible that you've contracted Lyme disease. Don't be afraid to insist on an initial screening to rule it out if it's something that worries you. The standard initial screening test is an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) blood test. It measures antibodies produced by your immune system to combat harmful substances. This test is similar to blood tests you would take to identify allergies. Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory and the blood will be introduced to a testing solution. If the antibodies produced to fight Lyme disease are present, the solution will change color. Depending on how far away your doctor has to send your blood for testing, you could get your results in as little as day. The test will be positive, negative, or "indeterminate."  If the result is negative, you likely don't have Lyme disease. Your doctor may order further testing, however, if you are symptomatic. If the result is positive, the doctor will order additional blood testing to confirm the result. An indeterminate result may also require further testing, especially if you are symptomatic.

Summary: Discuss your symptoms with your doctor. Have a blood sample taken. Go over your results with your doctor.


Turn the skateboard over so it is resting on the deck, with the wheels facing up. Use a ½ inch or 13mm socket wrench to twist and remove the axle nuts on the outer sides of the skateboard wheels. Keep all wheel materials (nuts, washers, etc.) together in one place so you can easily find and attach them later. Once you have removed the wheels from the skateboard, use the metal rod to which the wheels were attached (called the truck axle), to pry the bearings from the wheels. Position the wheel on the end of the truck axle so the metal rod is slightly inserted through the wheel, to the first bearing. Allow the axle to catch on the bearing, and pull the top of the wheel away from the board. This leverage movement is similar to using a bottle opener to remove a bottle top. Once the bearing is removed from one side of the wheel, use the same prying technique to remove the other bearing on the other side of the wheel. Repeat this process for all of the wheels. Keep the wheel bearings and the wheels separate from each other.  If you can manage to remove the bearings in this way, you can also try using a screwdriver to pry out the bearings. Simply hold on to the sides of the wheel out in front of you, insert the tip of the screwdriver in the front of the wheel, and pull the screwdriver to the side to release the bearing.  When you remove the bearings from the wheels, a bearing spacer will fall out from the center of the wheel. Keep this in a safe place so you can reassemble the wheel and bearings later. Use a rag to wipe the surface of all the wheels. Use your fingers to loosen any rocks or gravel that may be stuck in the wheels. In a large container such as a bucket or bowl, create a mixture of water (approximately ½ a gallon) and a couple teaspoons of dishwashing soap. Stir this mixture until the water gets sudsy. Add all the wheels to the soapy water, and allow them to soak for approximately 10 minutes. Be sure that you are only soaking the wheels of your skateboard, not the bearings. Remove the wheels from the soapy water and use a soft rag or a soft bristled toothbrush to gently scrub the wheels and remove any dirt and debris. Once all the wheels have been gently cleaned, use a paper towel to completely dry the wheels. Because dirt can get trapped in any small nook and cranny, be sure to clean the inner part of the wheel along with the outer surface.

Summary: Remove the wheels from the board. Remove the bearings from the wheels. Remove any embedded material. Soak the wheels in soapy water. Wipe down the wheels.


A rug can tie a whole space together, so try putting one beside your bistro table or in front of your bench. Be sure the rug is labeled as either “outdoor” or “indoor/outdoor.” If it’s going to be outside, it must be weather-resistant, or it will retain water and get moldy. Wherever you can, add outdoor pillows and cushions. Put them on your bistro chairs, your bench, or your reading chair. You can even toss them on the floor for extra seating. They’ll soften the space and make it feel more inviting so that you actually want to go out there. Even if your cushions are weather-resistant, it’s still important to bring them inside or stick them in a storage bench before it rains. This will prolong the life of your cushions. You may want neutral tones for big things like tables and chairs, but accessories are your chance to add color. Choose blues and greens for a beachy or spa-like feel, or go with pinks and purples for a vibrant Caribbean flair. If you love to grill for your friends, you’ll probably want to make this the highlight of your balcony. Check your lease to see if there are any restrictions on grills on your building. For instance, some landlords may not allow charcoal grills. If you don’t have room for a big gas grill, look into a portable grill that you can stow in the corner or in an indoor closet when not in use. Wrapping a string of Christmas lights around your railing can give your balcony a charming touch. If you don’t have any outdoor access to electricity, then buy some solar-powered string lights. You can also add some candles to your bistro or side table for a more romantic vibe.
Summary: Lay down an outdoor rug. Add pillows. Go bold with color. Set up a grill. Add lighting.