General Grumpiness

Here we are, day two already. 

I thought I'd start this blog because I wanted somewhere to vent about the things that just wind me up. Usually I can find lots to "grump" about within a 24hr period, however, the sun is shining and there isn't a lot of grumpiness flowing through me at the moment. 

Let's take it back then, something that irritates me on a regular basis, the general public. Yes, you, me and all those people around us. People in general have an uncanny ability to tick me off. Mostly through being rude or ignorant. Just recently, and hopefully only for a short while, I have been confined to a wheelchair when out in public. 

Now, because of this, I haven't really been out much so a trip to Tesco with my husband, is like an exciting outing for me. It never ceases to amaze me how many people are just plain ignorant. I used to accept this as just a part of how society has gone downhill, now that I'm one of those irritating girls in a wheelchair who can't see or reach anything from the third shelf up, I have taken on a whole new view of people. 

It's so easy to rush through our day without any thought or consideration for others, but when there's someone having difficulty reaching for something, or cannot get herself past an abandoned trolley, is it really that much effort to help?

We'd all like to think that we're decent human beings who wouldn't let another person struggle needlessly, but just check yourself next time your out. Common decency, as with manners and an occasional smile cost nothing yet can make such a difference to someones day. 

Now, a truly massive gripe I have developed since being poorly is the blue badge system. It's ridiculous and it sucks! So basically, I can't walk any further than my kitchen or toilet without being doubled over in pain. I've always been quite independent, so being confined to my house 24/7 just isn't an option. Like I said, 2 or 3 trips to the Supermarket each week makes such a difference. However, to do this I have to rely on the use of a wheelchair. I applied for Disability Living Allowance but was declined as I can make a sandwich and a coffee and I don't pose a risk to myself or others when I go out. Grrrrrrrr, I can feel my vein twitching at that already. You would think that if someone relies on a wheelchair to get around, that it would be easy to get a blue badge so that my husband can park more conveniently to where we're going. NO! Of course, you can't have a blue badge unless you're permanently disabled. 

I find this totally ludicrous. There are so many people out there with temporary mobility problems who cannot get help because they hope to get fixed. Now, surely it wouldn't be too much of an issue to make a "Green" badge for temporary use, that is reviewed every 3 months or something. If you agree, let me hear you shout, "I AGREE". 

So, there's my tame ranting for today. Don't think I've really offended anyone with that...Must try harder for next time ;-)