I am sitting here at the computer thinking alot about how much to say. This is a tough one. I suspect I’ll save it as a draft first and re-read it a couple of times before either trashing it or publishing it.
This is a real account of things I have to think about, find difficult to do, or just plain cannot do because of all the extra weight I have piled onto my frame.
I came up with 16 of some of things that fat people can’t do.
1) putting my socks on is difficult because I can’t bend enough.
2) ditto for tying shoes.
3) I don’t sit at booths at restuarants because I so often don’t fit… which means I have to arrive early and grab a table before the other people with me get there.
4) If there are more than two people travelling in a car, I try to grab the backseat for fear that the front seat belt might be too tight.
5) airline travel is a whole thought process and I will drive given the choice: I have to make sure I’m on an aisle. Hopefully there is an empty seat next to me (which I am usually able to negotiate with the people at the ticket counter). I get a seatbelt extension (interestingly this one doesn’t bother me at all). I have to arrange all my in-flight reading, etc. – because of the bending 
. I am worried about the tray table not being able to come down properly for lack of room (again that empty seat comes in handy, and they don’t do meal service on short hauls anymore). I often opt for business class becaue of the roomier seats, although the Air Canada cubicles aren’t the most comfortable.
6) I love swimming, but will not if there are other people around. Although I do suck it up at Black Butte because my friend’s young daughter loves swimming… but I do avoid the public hot tub.
7) I already mentioned the dancing thing.
I cannot ride a bike comfortably anymore.
9) Skiing? Forget it.
10) Even going to places like the PNE or other amusement parks aren’t as much fun. I love rides, but don’t fit.
11) Going to watch a hockey or football game is tough; again because of the seats.
12) Seats again factor in at the movie theatre.
13) Camping is off the table because of many of the above reasons.
14) Clothes shopping is it’s own private challenge – nothing off the rack fits.
15) My golf swing is impossible – and as a kid I golfed virtually every day – not any more.
16) I rarely have a relaxing bath because standard bath tubs are too small.
Well as you can see I did publish it. I know I will think of more things, so I will post those later.
There are a lot of reasons to release this weight. Maybe putting it down in black and white will help me remember more clearly the goal that is my optimal health.
From the very minute I met you, I liked you. Art, you are a strong, kind, open, honest person and I admire that a lot. You are filled to the brim with great qualities and I am grateful to count you as a friend. Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. Somehow by you doing this it lifts me up in the struggles I face and gives me strength. One day at a time, right?!
A mutual friend suggested that I read your blog as an example of how to write a good one. I had no idea that what I would find was an article about how weight has affected your life. The reason I want to comment is that I have the same issues that you do and it is like someone has read my mind and put it out on a blog.
I wish you great success on your journey and will be following your blog to further motivate me in my weight loss goals.
Hey Melissa,
I hope it’s going really well with your own goals. Thanks for you poignant thoughts. Go for it and you too will succeed! When you get your blog going, send me an update
Art
Art, this is typical of you – just put it out there and see what happens. As you said, this is about getting back to a place of optimal health. You have many long time friends, me included, who would love to see you with us for a long, long time to come, and to see our children grow up, so know how much support you have out there. We love you and support you in whatever you choose to do, but if you are ready to release (great word) and be healthier, this is good for you, and for us. Go for it!
Sure Tahira throw in the kids… major guilt trip or what? Just kidding of course
Thanks for your observation. I do indeed want to see your kids become adults. One of the coolest things in my life has been to have known 3 of my grandparents and many of my great uncles and great aunts as an adult. And I mean ME being an adult. It is a totally different and amazing experience to hear the real stories over a cocktail or two. I want to be able to be alive to tell your kids kids about 45′s, rotary dial phones, phone booths, albums (and the fantastic artwork on album covers), getting up to change the channel, hearing Sinatra live, hearing Frank Zappa live, watching Yul Brynner in “The King and I” live on stage, typewriters… you get the picture. The only way this will happen is if I get myself healthy. So thanks for the support my friend. Wanna go for a walk?
I too struggle with overeating and my weight. Probably not to the extent that you have. Recently I have started a non processed food diet, which I cannot eat any type of processed food. In short, anything in the ingredients that I cannot find naturally, I do not eat. I have also been exercising more.
I enjoy playing with my little nephews. I thought how terrible it would be if I would become so large that I would not be able to play with them anymore. No more uncle Christopher going bike riding, playing basketball or baseball, goofing around in a swimming pool with his nephews…
I can’t imagine the sort of pain you feel. I will pray for you. Declare TOTAL War on this, failure is not an option. I struggled also through college, the main reason why I got through it is that I “declared TOTAL WAR” All my resources, all time even spent with friends, studying EVERYTHING was used to help me graduate. That became the number one goal. Find a way to properly do this with your weight. I pray earnestly for your success.
Thanks Christopher. It’s a struggle, but you know, I am finally good with relaxing my obsession a bit about it and just letting it happen more naturally.
Hi Art, I am so very proud of you!
If you need a walking partner call. although I do not walk very fast as you know the weight and the MS slow me down but I would love the company! I may be moving to Kentucky ,the middle of October so, call me soon !
Your friend , from wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Back
Shari
Shari,
I have three big events on the 11th, 12th and 13th. Send me an email and we’ll get that walk in.
Art
I want to take you dancing now.
(I hope that is not bad)
Love,
Andreea
Thanks Andreea… and that’s all good!