"Fat to Fittie"

I got a bit of good news yesterday, though it does come with mixed feeling’s and if I had the choice, I’d give it up tomorrow. I’m talking about the Blue badge, the official sign that I’m disabled. I’ve been deemed enough of a cripple to be able to use one for the next 3 years, which allows me to park as close as possible to wherever it is I’m going. The thing is, I genuinely need this, not only because I can’t walk very far, but also because the parking bays are usually wider, which means I can get out of the car easier. Believe me even on a good day I struggle, usually looking like the Dukes of Hazzard sliding in, only through the door and not an open window. I qualify because I have severe osteoarthritis in both my hips, but the hope is that once I’ve had the operations, I’ll be able to walk again and won’t need a badge anymore. That’s what brings me to this weight loss journey, as I need to lose it in order to finally get sorted, I’m hoping about this time next year.

As I said at the beginning though, I would happily trade the badge for the gift of being able to walk, and it’s not only that. Bending down, would be good, anything below my knees is a problem. When I go swimming I have to wear shorts, cos I can’t dry my legs, so trying to put jeans on is a 20 min operation and no, using an air hand dryer is not an option, just leave it there. The floor is also a major issue, as almost everything ends up there and I have to walk around with a grabber sellotaped to my walking stick, either that or hope there’s furniture close by on which to lower myself down, before thanking god for my upper body strength and the ability to get back up from a kneeling position.

There can be the odd benefit to having a Blue badge though, free parking being one. It can also be useful when going to the theatre ETC, as you get a nice roomy seat with a good view, plus you get 2 for 1 tickets at most places. This of course can be a huge financial benefit, but you have to be careful how you use it, for instance, if you’re on a date, make sure she doesn’t overhear when you put her down as a carer.