As I'm sure many of you are aware by now, I am a disabled individual. I get from place to place mostly using a wheelchair with the occasional use of crutches for harder to reach places. Normally, this isn't anything I need to think about apart from watching out for any stray feet that might wander into my path...but then, snow decides that it wants to show up towards the end of the year and mess up everything. I guess that's what I get for living in New Hamshire, right?
You see, wheelchairs, or at least my wheelchairs, have very thin wheels. They are mostly built for getting around on wooden floors, pavement, concrete or, if I'm feeling adventurous, cobblestone (but very roughly). What they are not built for is materials that are more pliable like sand, grass, rugs, loose dirt or snow. Thankfully, most of these things can be avoided but trying to avoid snow in New England is like trying to avoid Dunkin' Donuts in New England: it ain't happening. Unfortunately, unlike Dunkin' Donuts, snow is not delicious.
So what does that mean for my day to day? That means that, for starters, if I want to even leave my house, my back ramp needs to be shoveled by my PCA (personal care attendant/assistant), a helpful friend or family. If I can't get in touch with any of them, I'm out of luck until the snow melts to the point where I can traverse it. Even then, if I'm able to leave my house, you can almost guarantee that the driveway isn't going to be completely snowless, meaning that I need to remember gloves (something that I frequently do not do) or else my hands are going to be freezing while I move myself around. It's bearable but it's not something that I enjoy putting up with.
You're probably thinking by this point that once I've made it out of the driveway, I'm all set now, right? Not necessarily. You see, my household is something that I can somewhat control. If I need help shoveling, I can just call someone in to do so and if I forget my gloves, that's my own stupid fault. Once I'm out and about, however, I have to start relying on other people to have previously shoveled their storefronts, streets, what have you in order for me to get around there. If any snow is left, it is at best an unpleasant, multiple minute long trek to enter a building that should have taken me seconds and at worst a complete roadblock keeping me from obtaining whatever goal I had set out to accomplish that day. I went to the movies recently and the entire sidewalk in front of the theater was cleaned off EXCEPT for the wheelchair ramp I needed to get up there. That really made me angry.
The point I'm trying to get at here is that I have no idea why I'm still living in New England. The other point I'm trying to get at is that if you are going to run a business or have a guest who has trouble getting around, please shovel for us. If you don't, you might not see us for a couple of months in the year.
Recommended for you
1. When you see each other after a hiatus it is like no time has passed.
Regardless of what you may have gone through, nothing can change the banter and personal communication you and your friends share. Nothing feels awkward or forced because you are having too much fun catching up!
2. You plan your outings around each other's schedules.
Your friend's work schedules or class schedules are memorized like the back of your hand. They are your priority, and you will do anything you can to get them to join you on adventures when it is convenient to do so.
3. You say 'I love you' on the phone.
Yes, you may say it in real life too, but saying it after a phone call means it has become a customary for you to validate your appreciate for one other. Like a significant other or family member, you feel the desire to express your love at the end of a conversation.
4. Nothing is boring when you are together.
No matter what you do together, you always have a good time. Why? Because your friends' company is all you need. With the right people, you can make any situation memorable.
5. You share weird inside jokes no one else understands.
And you would like to keep it that way. If you are anything like my friend group, we share a strange family dynamic that has lasted as a running joke forever. No matter what it is, your inside jokes and sly smirks will keep the spirits up for ages.
6. You plan to hang out for a couple hours but end up together the entire day.
So now you just expect it and prepare for a 24-hour long get-together. Naps are often a part of the agenda.
7. The hugs say a thousand words.
Perhaps you do it a little too much, but the hugs you share are always meaningful and comforting. Gotta love those group hugs especially!
8. You go on spontaneous adventures together.
It is where your favorite memories come from. Even though you might not be able to do them as much as you would like, you are always down for a trip, big or small, with the group.
9. You consider each other family.
Because you consider each other family, you treat each other like family. Constant love, constant support, and a tremendous amount of meals spent together.
10. They make you a better person.
It is not a special friend group unless you learn from one another. You had to be selective when choosing your friends and when you did, you felt like they could teach you a thing or two. Their actions influence who you are and you could not be more thankful.
11. You can't imagine life without them.
The very thought scares you and sends your heart racing. Thankfully, the ultimate friend group is right there with you so you never have to second-guess their loyalty. Instead, you can bask in the glory that is your ultimate friend group. #squadgoals.
1. No school = no stress.
There are no essays to write, no books to read, and no deadlines to meet. The only worry in the world is keeping track of putting sunblock on.
2. Country music is more fun to listen to.
All true fans will listen to country music 365 days a year, but we all know that it's so much better in the summer when you can roll down the windows.
3. Your skin looks and feels better.
Even if you don't have the type of skin that tans, there is more color there than in the winter ... maybe. Freckles, tan lines, peeling burns and clear skin make for a happier camper. You'll forget all about the ghost version of yourself that was shedding dry skin like a snake over the winter.
4. Being barefoot 24/7 is an option.
Obviously wearing no shoes in the middle of a blizzard isn't acceptable. You know what is, though? Wearing no shoes in the summer ever because why not?
5. Ice cream is an acceptable snack.
For people like me who can't resist ice cream even on a 10 degree day, summer is a giant ice cream blessing. Not only does it taste like heaven, it's actually refreshing.
6. Minimal clothing is required.
Is there anything worse than having to put on layers in the wintertime only to sweat to death the minute you come back inside? No need for more than a tank top and shorts in the summertime.
7. Going to the beach daily isn't weird.
Now that it's hot, it's beach season. If you live near the ocean there is an excuse to drive there day or night, rain or shine. Staying there all day is an option for those who don't burn, and for those who do, you can always come back at night for a bonfire.
8. Cookouts.
Even when they lead to disaster, summertime cookouts are the best. Nothing completes a cookout more than watermelon and corn on the cob.
9. Night swimming.
Oh the thrill of jumping in freezing cold water in the middle of the night. Good thing the air becomes colder than the water, making the pool like a giant bathtub.
10. Spontaneous adventures.
Summertime gives you the freedom to wake up in the morning and decide to do something totally out of the blue that you've never done before. Hiking to a waterfall, rock climbing, going to a museum, or even road tripping are all great summer options.
Even if the heat isn't really your thing, it's undeniable to admit that life really is better in the summer. There's so much more free time, opportunity, excitement and sunshine. Only four months to go!
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Lifestyle![RBF]()
![12 Things To Do On A Snow Day]()
![a room with boxes and a window]()
