Para Peeves

Let's get one thing straight here: I don't feel sorry for myself because I'm in a wheelchair. I am human like everyone else and have my moments of frustration. There are somethings however, that I have or will encounter that really bother me. On this page you will find my Para Peeves. Enjoy!

Definition:
A Para Peeve is a minor annoyance that a paralyzed individual identifies as particularly annoying to them, to a greater degree than others may find it.


Stalkers at Wal-Mart

I recently went to Wal-Mart with a friend and was reminded how annoying somethings can be. While I was trying to put my wheelchair together and get out of the car my friend pointed out that there were 2 different people watching me. I looked to my left and there was a car load of people watching. I looked behind me and there was a man standing there watching. All I wanted to do was get out of my car and go shopping. I know people are curious. I also know that people can be rude. Not knowing which of these would be true to the "stalkers" I decided to be nice. Once I put my chair together and got myself situated I turned to each "stalker" and waved. This was my way of letting them know "Hey, I see you watching me, now you can stop." There are alot of able bodied people who will never understand why this bothers me. Just imagine that people are watching you everywhere you go while doing everything you try to do. It's similar to having a stalker. Lesson of the day folks, if you want to stare please be discreet about it. Please don't gawk at people in wheelchairs. Just because we can't walk doesn't mean we don't see you.

Random objects in the floor

Ok, so this is probably one of my biggest para peeves. EVERYONE does this to me and doesnt realize it. It really annoys me when people who can walk leave stuff laying in the middle of the floor in my way. Note to able bodied people that know wheelchair users: Just because you can step over your dirty clothes in the floor doesn't mean that we can. My husband does this to me almost everyday. He will come home and take off his shoes and leave them in the middle of the floor. As soon as I need to speed around the corner to get the phone or a rambling child I am suddenly and without warning stopped by some nasty shoes. I'm suprized I have gotten whiplash by now. My son is following in his fathers footsteps as well. I can't tell you how many times I have backed up and almost flipped over backwards due to a toy truck being behind my wheel. When I was younger and lived with my sister I was constanly getting stuck on LEGOS that her kids left behind. It's because of this that I do NOT like LEGOS. Everytime I had a chance I was throwing away my nephews LEGOS. Being the nice sister that she is, my sister has bought my son LEGOS for both birthdays. Needless to say, he doesn't play with them much, because mommy can't seem to find them. Lesson of the day here folks is that #1-Babies, put your toys in the toy box please and #2-Husbands, pick up your mess! My life and yours is much safer that way.

Spit or gum on the ground

I know most people never think about doing this, but another para peeve of mine is when someone spits saliva or gum on the ground. If I am rolling along and not paying attention it is possible that I could wheel over this mess. I personally don't want to get another persons spit or gum on my wheels and hands. Note to wheelchair users: pay attention to the ground. I can't tell you how many times I have wheeled over nasty things. Lesson of the day people, PLEASE don't spit anything on the ground. Atleast try to aim for the bushes or something.