Young Author Portrays a Unique Perspective

Through Her Life Living With Brittle Bone Disease

NEW ORLEANS, LA – For Katherine Klimitas, life was not easy as a child growing up with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), more commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease. From the very beginning battling broken bones and life-threatening situations was an unwanted arrangement. In fact, in her twenty-two years of life, Katherine has experienced having hundreds of broken bones and growing pains that take the phrase to a new dimension.

Looking Up introduces Katherine to the reader in first person as she illustrates her perspective when faced with illness, strange looks, not being able to walk amongst friends, and the many other obstacles that are dealt with on a daily basis. She also details the fortunate times, small and large accomplishments that may not have been possible without her disability.

Katherine wrote Looking Up to show others living with OI that it is possible to have dreams, and to live those dreams. “Even if I didn’t have this disability, I think my outlook on life would be the same: life is too short to dwell on the little things,” stated author Katherine Klimitas.

“Looking Up is an incredibly fresh and illuminating take on a life less ordinary. Katherine’s wry wit and honest portrayal of living with a condition that keeps her wheelchair-bound is an inspiration and a testament to the power of the human spirit. At times heartbreaking and hilarious, this is the narrative of a spunky, fiery, and uniquely talented young woman from New Orleans who defies all stereotypes and captures the pain of constant underestimation from the world around her, ultimately transforming it into pure joy. A must-read for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood – and isn’t that all of us?”

- Annie Clements, Sugarland

As written in her new book, Looking Up, Katherine credits her parents for giving her such a strong foundation, which gave her the courage to pursue a life of creating various types art. She began painting at the age of five and often depicts her favorite animals in watercolors and acrylic, giving them personality and character. Many of Katherine’s clients commission her to paint portraits of their pets from photographs. She has turned her passions into business prospects and continues to grow each line of her products. Katherine currently writes, paints, designs jewelry, and recently graduated with a college degree in graphic design.

About The Book:

96 pages, 9” x 7” paperback, MSRP $19.95, Published by Arthur Hardy Enterprises, Inc.

“Looking Up is an unforgettable glimpse inside Katherine Klimitas’s world. Born with Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease, she has endured more physical challenges in twenty-two years than most people will in a lifetime. But as Katherine is quick to point out–physical challenges are just that–challenges. And she has tackled them all with grace, strength, and a wicked sense of humor. Looking Up is Katherine’s story told through personal reflections, anecdotes, and photographs. But it is also an inspirational reminder of how important perspective is in one’s own life.”

About the Author:

Although Katherine leads a fairly normal life, she has Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bone Disease) and has been wheelchair bound all of her life. Her art career began at her grade school in New Orleans at Saint Paul’s Episcopal with a very talented and very gifted teacher and mentor. She graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School (ranked the 16th best public school in the nation), and has just graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Loyola University New Orleans. For more information on Katherine Klimitas, please visit: www.kakartnola.com.

Anyway, it’s interesting when you think about what you really want in life how some things are really big and seem impossible, while others are really minor and simple. I’ve always believed that if you really want it to happen, deep down, you can make your dreams come true in time. I’ve also been told that writing these things down often helps move them along. So, without further adieu, here is my Bucket List (in no particular order):

1. Do a graphic design job, paid or unpaid, for Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland, where I’d be working directly with them 

I said this list was in no particular order, but this is #1, hands down. (Besides #2, the rest of the list is in no particular order…LOL) This is my dream job. I have so much respect for these two; not only are they amazingly talented, but they are genuinely good people. They care about their fans. Their lyrics and passion inspire worldwide. If you haven’t seen it yet, go check out the Little Miss Project. You’ll see what I mean. To work for them would be a true honor, and so fun (my diehard SugarFan readers will get that one…LOL)!

2. Have lunch with Jennifer Nettles

I told you people I love Sugarland…LOL If I had to pick a “famous person” to be my idol, it would be Jennifer Nettles, hands down. She’s smart, funny, talented, kind, and beautiful. I can’t even imagine getting to spend an hour or two with her, by ourselves, just talking. I think she’d be one of the most interesting people to have a conversation with on this earth. I’d probably be completely speechless half the time, but I think she’d just laugh. LOL

3. Spend a day at the zoo taking pictures

When I started this blog, I hadn’t done this yet. However, a couple weeks ago, I did get to spend a few hours at Audubon Zoo wandering around and taking pictures. We had so much fun! I’m leaving it on this blog because I would love to do it again.

4. Go see Hogwarts at Disney World

Any of you who know me know I am a Harry Potter freak. Totally read the last book straight through in two days. I was so excited to hear they were building Hogwarts in Universal Studios a couple years ago, but I have yet to get there. Hopefully in the next year or two.

5. Go back to New York

I’m actually making this one come true in August and I can’t wait. If you haven’t been to NYC, you have got to go. It’s not a place I’d ever really want to live, but it’s somewhere everyone should visit at least once. You’ll never go anywhere else like it on earth. So much fun, and there’s something for everyone there. A word of advice though: If you go there, check out this restaurant. They are open 24/7 and the food is reasonably priced and delicious.

6. Compete with my dog in agility trials (again)

I think I’m going to try to start classes with my new dog, Lexie, in the fall. She’s a sheltie/border collie mix and very smart. Think she’ll do really well. Definitely looking forward to that.

7. Ride in a Mardi Gras Parade

I live in New Orleans and have been to plenty of Mardi Gras parades, but have never ridden in one. Would really enjoy doing that one day.

8. Go to Europe, specifically Italy and Spain

I’ve always wanted to go to Europe, but the plane ride is really long and will be hard for me to physically handle. I’d love to see the art, eat the food, and just see a different way of living. One day.

9. Pet, or touch, a killer whale

Alright, most of you will laugh at this, but my dream job when I was little was to be a killer whale trainer. Kind of a 180 from working for Jennifer and Kristian huh? LOL Yeah, well….the dreams of a ten-year-old. I’d still love to touch or play with a killer whale one day. They are so beautiful, so majestic. I’ve always really liked them.

10. Sell my jewelry in a New York shop

This is one of those business dreams…I think if I was able to put my jewelry line in a shop on 5th Avenue I’d feel like I really succeeded with it. That would be amazing.

11. Get one of my friends on What Not to Wear (not saying which one or ones)

This would just be fun. And yeah, no elaboration needed…

12. Leave town for a spontaneous weekend with a friend, complete with wine, chocolate, and movies

Somehow I feel like this is coming, soon. And I really can’t wait. Have you ever just gotten away with a really good friend, on a whim? Those are really the best, most relaxing weekends. One day, soon, I hope.

13. Get back in touch with someone I haven’t talked to in years

There are several people I think about all the time that I haven’t seen or talked to in years, for one reason or another. If ya’ll are reading this, give me a call or drop me an email!

14. Learn how to do glass enameling

This is one of those art things I’ve always wanted to learn and just haven’t spent the time or money to pay attention to it. This will have to happen one day. I think it would be fun to work into my jewelry designs.

15. Be on a game show

I am actually pretty good at puzzles and game shows…I just think it might be a fun experience.

16. Have a girls lunch with Karen and Kimberly of Little Big Town

If you guys haven’t heard LBT yet, you totally need to go check out their album, “The Reason Why.” They are putting out another album in August as well, and they have a new single coming out in a couple weeks. I have been lucky enough to meet them a few times, and let me tell you, they are awesome people. The guys are great, but as a girl, I obviously connect more with Kimberly and Karen. Karen is so sweet, such a nice person. Kimberly is so cute! Always wearing the cutest clothes with that little mousey speaking voice. I have a lot of respect for these two because they travel on the road all the time with their young kids. That takes a lot of patience on a tour bus. They are amazing women.

17. Go see a taping of a TV show

I’d love to be in the audience once for American Idol or the Voice, or Jay Leno or Jimmy Fallon. I just think that would be so much fun to watch and be a part of!

18. Go to a music award show and be a “seat filler”

I’ve known people who get to sit in the stars’ spots while they go up on stage and get their awards or perform at the CMAs, Grammys, etc. That would be so much fun! To get to mingle with all those stars?? And see the show live? So cool!

There are several people in this world that I would love to meet, mostly because I think they are good people who make a difference in the world. Here is my list, in no particular order:

Sandra Bullock:

I think this woman is brilliant and incredibly talented. I love what she does for New Orleans. I love her movies.

Reba McEntire:

My first CD I bought myself was Reba’s “Read My Mind” album when I was seven. I remember buying it with my allowance money. To this day, I still know it front to back. I grew up with Reba’s music and absolutely love her…another strong, incredible woman. Would love to spend some time with her as well.

Ellen Degeneres:

I don’t even know where to start here. Ellen is amazing. She has made it okay to be different…she has defied all odds. She’s freaking hysterical. She’s different and she’s respected. She’s smart. She makes a difference in more than one person’s life every day. I hope that one day I can do a fraction of the good that she has done in this world.

Wanda Sykes:

I’ve seen Wanda once or twice do live stand up, and anyone who names their belly fat and gives it a personality must be an awesome person. I absolutely love her! She seems like a really kind, smart woman as well. Another person who has defied the odds and become successful. Have a lot of respect for her.

Jay Leno:

Oh Jay. I’m so a Leno person rather than a Letterman fan. He cracks me up! He is also one of the only famous men I really respect. He’s not scandalous, he’s funny, smart, and he’s been married for thirty-something years (or more) without a huge commotion. Gotta be a pretty good guy.

Meryl Streep:

I don’t think I can say enough good things about Meryl. So talented, and such a good person. Without a doubt, she is one of the best actresses to date. I also think she would be an interesting person to sit down and have a conversation with. She’s been through a lot, and persevered despite her tough start in the acting business…She is what happens when you work hard to achieve your goals.

Matthew McConaughey:

Does there really need to be explanation here? Ladies, who doesn’t want to meet him? LOL

Adam Lavine:

See prior description.

Look back at this blog often, because I am by no means finished. It will be added to and amended, often. But this is a start…stay tuned!

Lately though, I’ve become interested in taking “nature shots” around my neighborhood and backyard. Springtime is the perfect time for doing this; the squirrels are constantly running around, the caterpillars are getting ready to transform into butterflies, and all of the flowers are blooming. It’s amazing how interesting a single flowerbed can be if you just take the time to really look at it.

For Christmas last year, I asked for a new camera so that I could not only start photographing my own jewelry to sell on Etsy, but also to take to concerts and other events. I researched a lot of cameras/companies, and ended up with the new Cannon Elph. OMG is about all I can say. This is by far the best camera I’ve ever owned, and it’s definitely not the most expensive. For a small camera without detachable lenses and all that fancy stuff, it’s incredible. The pictures are super crisp, and the color balance is usually just right. I think that sometimes it over-eposes a little, but that’s easily fixed in any photo editing program. All I can say is, so far, I am extremely impressed with it. So, if you’re looking for a new camera, I couldn’t recommend this one enough!

I thought I’d share my favorite pictures with you guys that I’ve taken so far. These are mostly taken in my backyard or in the park near my house. Enjoy! (You can see more on my Facebook page too.)

For those of you who do not have a copy of my newly published book, Looking Up, here is another little sneak peak as to what you can find inside!

WHAT? 

The most annoying thing about having my disability is the preconceptions that others have about me just because I’m in a wheelchair. It seems that being in a wheelchair either equals being retarded, deaf, or both. The fact that I’m short makes people assume I’m a toddler.  It just amazes me how stupid people can be sometimes. Really? A retarded, deaf baby driving an electric wheelchair? I am aware that some people aren’t educated and don’t know what to do with someone like me, but hey, you gotta learn sometime, right?

These are the ridiculous comments/questions I get most often because I’m in a wheelchair. See my comments below.

“How adorable! Look at that baby!”

I am cute, but not in the baby sort of way. I can be wearing a strapless dress, jewelry, and a decent amount of make-up and people still think I’m two!

“God Bless You!”

What exactly do you say to that that isn’t considered a sin?

“Oh, how old is she?”

Hello! I’m right here people! See, little blonde, seemingly innocent girl in the wheelchair? Yeah, still here! Anyone who is with me knows that they better keep their mouth shut and let me handle the situation. As soon as I open my mouth and speak as an adult, it becomes clear that I can answer the question.

To read more about me and my unique perspective on life, please purchase Looking Up today!

Let’s get some background on Mr. Nathanson, shall we? If you haven’t heard his music, you should definitely look him up. His new album, Modern Love, is one of the best I’ve heard as a cohesive album in a long time. I was introduced to him a couple years ago when he opened for Sugarland and Little Big Town and have followed him since. Do you know that song, “Come on Get Higher?” That’s his. I personally love “Faster” and “Queen of the Knots” on the new album the best. Not only does he have a great voice and look great (ladies, we love to watch him wiggle), but he is also hysterical on stage. I don’t think he’s managed to get that really big break yet, but it’s coming. He’s touring with Kelly Clarkson this year and is getting great exposure. He’s got the full package.

My friend drove in from Alabama for the show Monday night, met me at my house, and we left very early for Baton Rouge to make sure we had plenty of time to get there, eat dinner, and be the first ones in the door and at the front of the stage. The entire concert was standing, general admission, so getting in the venue early was key. Or so we thought. My friend had called a couple days before to ask if the venue had easy wheelchair access and if I’d be able to see, and we were assured that I would be able to go down the two top levels to the floor and get right up on the stage. Not so much.

For those of you New Orleanians, the Varsity Theater is sort of like Tipitina’s (that I love), though the majority of the audience is college-age people. There are three bottom levels in the building, each level increasing in height by two steps. There’s also a balcony level with tables that you have to climb a flight of stairs to get to. It’s a very nice venue, but the wheelchair access is horrible.

When we arrived, we were told that, even though we were three hours early, we’d have to sit on the third (top floor) level on the guardrail because my wheelchair couldn’t get down the steps to the bottom level of the floor. Now, remember, we were told by someone who worked there that we would have absolutely no problem getting right up next to the stage a few days before. We were a little bit surprised and aggravated to say the least. We tried to explain to the manager that we had ramps we could use in the car with no problem to get down the two steps, but he would not allow it due to “fire code.” He would not allow us to use one of the back doors with our ramp that only had one set of steps to climb. I was also not allowed to be carried up to the balcony level so that I could see. As people shuffled in, I soon realized there was no way I was going to be able to see the show at all. The problem is that, even with my seat raised, I am at least six inches shorter than most people in wheelchairs. Even though the people in front of me were standing on a platform two feet below mine, there was no way I could see. And on top of that, the guardrail happened to be right at my eye level.

Does this look like a good view to you?

When my friend tried to explain to the manager that I couldn’t see, he turned to her and said, “Ma’am, she has a great spot with a great view, and there’s nothing else I can do.” Now, does this look like a great view to you?

When the opening act, Rachel Platten, (who is adorable and super talented), came out to sign merchandise near us and saw that I couldn’t see at all, she even tried to get the manager to do something about it. That didn’t work either. If the entertainment couldn’t do it, how could we?

Even though the manager at the Varsity was less than polite and not easy to deal with, I understand that he has rules that he has to play by when it comes to having patrons in his establishment. However, these rules should be changed, in every venue, and it’s people like him that should fight for people like us. I have said it time and time again, but I wish people who build these arenas and clubs would sit in a wheelchair for a whole day and just get an idea of what it’s like. They need to understand what it feels like not to have the option to stand up when someone else stands up in front of you, or not to be able to fit into a regular sized bathroom stall. Then maybe there would be a spot closer to the performer with access to the front of the stage for people in wheelchairs, as well as decent-sized, semi-private bathrooms for us.

This is all I see when people stand up in front of me.

It would not be difficult for places like the Varsity to make these accommodations either. All it would take in this particular venue is two ramps on one side of the steps so that wheelchairs could drive down them. (These ramps might even be beneficial for drunk people.) They could even be removable, like they are in the House of Blues in New Orleans. HOB has accommodated wheelchairs by buying a set of long ramps to lay on the stairs before and after each show to let any wheelchair-bound patron attending get into the front of the venue. It required no structural change and was probably fairly inexpensive. You can even buy these ramps in standard lengths online. We have them for our cars.

Let’s put it this way: I’ll never go back to the Varsity until they make some changes. Nor will I recommend it to any of my friends in wheelchairs. Their loss.

I’m not saying that everyone should work out every day and eat nothing but the healthiest foods, but I do think that sometimes we need to prioritize a little. If what you need is a healthy meal to keep from getting sick, take the time to cook it every once in a while instead of picking up Papa John’s on your way home from work to save time. Even if it just means five minutes in the morning to take a few extra vitamins, wouldn’t you rather spare those five minutes rather then be in bed all week with the flu? Isn’t ten minutes of stretching in the morning preferable to three days of back pain? An hour in the gym is better than a stiff back, isn’t it

Again, don’t take this as a tirade to never sit on the couch at night and veg out while eating a bowl of popcorn with a large glass of wine. We need that too sometimes, right ladies? I know I certainly do. I don’t always take care of myself like I should either. But it wouldn’t hurt to be a little more health-conscious sometimes for all of us.

I know how hard it is to budget time in our busy lives to take care of ourselves. With work and families, there is rarely any time left to ourselves. But we need to make time, for our own sakes (and sanity). I hate giving up an several hours a week to physical therapy and massage. There’s usually so much I feel like I should be doing or want to be doing. However, I realize that I have to in order to maintain my body function. If I don’t, I literally break bones and have a much longer recovery period. If I eat a lot of sugar for several days in a row, I find that I am more likely to spontaneously break something and am much more achey. The more I swim and exercise, the better I move and the better I do my job. Obviously my situation is a little more extreme than most people’s, but doesn’t the same idea apply to everyone in some way?

In closing to this little rant (LOL), remember how lucky you are to be able to move by yourself. You are so fortunate to be able to get out of bed, brush your teeth, drive your car, make a sandwich, and pick up a glass of water without help. As hard as it is, try not to take your bodies for granted. One day they might not work like they do now, and then where will you be? Your family and friends depend on you and want to see you healthy and happy. Preserve your health as long as you can.

Drunk Blonde: Oh my goodness! She (me) is just too adorable! (to whoever I’m with) How old is she?

Me (cutting whoever I’m with off), flatly: Twenty-two

DB: Oh how cute is she!? (still to whoever I’m with) She just knows every word!

Me: *eye roll*

Whoever I’m With: Yes she does.

*now I am completely out of the conversation, thank God*

 DB: You know, I have a *fill in family member here* with *fill in disease* and it is so good to see her having a good time. You are such a good mother! So blessed.

Whoever I’m With: Oh, I’m not her mother just a *either aunt or friend*

DB: Oh but god has just blessed you SO much…

Blah, blah, blah. At this point, I have left whoever is with me to fend for themselves and am having fun again at the concert. I’m good like that.

Not too long ago, a bunch of friends and I went to a local concert at a small venue in New Orleans. I knew a couple of the musicians playing, and I try to go see them whenever I can. The venue is pretty big as far as bars go and is always a good time.

The band did a lot of oldies, including Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart”, as well as a bunch of Radiator songs. For those non-New Orleanians who do not know who the Radiators are, go look them up. Their music is really fun.

Anyway, there were about nine of us in my group, and everyone was having a really good time. About halfway through the show, I noticed this guy, maybe about fifty years old, blatantly staring at me. Usually when I look at someone who is staring at me and smile, they look away. Not this weirdo. He continued to do it! And he was smiling a very creepy smile.

This went on for about a half hour, when he suddenly started moving closer. Now, remember, the concert is still going on and we are in the front row. A friend of mine’s husband took a very large step towards me, his body language obviously saying “back off dude.” The guy then tried to get around him, now within two feet of me, when another of my friends stepped in. This friend is a tad taller and broader and can be very intimidating if he wants to be. He’s much closer to “body guard” material, thank goodness. I now had two men standing next to me with their hands folded in front of them like the Secret Service. The guy finally got the message and backed off.

The whole thing was just too weird. I don’t know if this guy was drunk or stoned or just curious or what. I was very glad I had lots of people around me who were watching!

PS-The concert itself was awesome, as usual. We had a great time, minus Ding Dong! Plus, I got some killer pictures! (see below)

I’ve always said that one of my greatest pet peeves is lazy people. There’s really no polite way to say it. It drives me crazy when I see perfectly healthy, smart people failing to live to their full potential. Where is their work ethic?

Disclaimer: All of these examples could be feminine as well. For simplicity’s sake, however, I’m using the masculine.

Example Number 1: The kid who drops out of high school or college because he doesn’t feel like doing his homework and going to class.  Now, I’m not including kids that have some kind of disaster happen in their lives or have some kind of physical or mental disease (besides laziness). These are the kids that just want to have everything handed to them on a silver platter and don’t care about working for a living. They want to party all the time. They don’t care about pulling their own weight. Unfortunately, they eventually grow into adults that have no skills to contribute to the functioning of society. Now is that really fair to the rest of us who support them?

Example Number 2: The person who has a decent job and refuses to do it. There are people in this world that are never content with what they have and refuse to see how good their life really is. If you are lucky enough to have a job in this economy, then do it! There are so many people out there with ridiculously high qualifications that are welcoming people to Wal Mart or flipping burgers because that’s the only job they can find to put food on the table for their families. More than likely, if you were given a job by an employer, you are competent enough to do it. I understand that there are people who are unhappy with their jobs for one reason or another, but don’t just sit there and pout because you’re not where you want to be. Your job must matter to others, otherwise it wouldn’t exist. Either find a new job (if you can) or suck it up. It’s not fair to make life miserable for everyone else around you just because you have chosen to let yourself be miserable.

Example Number 3: Those parents that expect everyone else to take care of their kids. This drives me completely nuts. If you’re going to have a child, then you need to accept all of the responsibilities that come with raising said child. It’s not the teacher, the neighbor, or the grandparents’ job to raise your children! Don’t have them if you can’t take care of them. I know there are certain situations that require unavoidable help from an outside source, but while receiving that help, you should be doing all that you can to function on your own. I know a single parent that went to school, worked, and raised two kids all at the same time. And let me tell you, I know the kids as adults now, and they turned out just fine and had a really great childhood. This woman did all that she possibly could to make sure of that. Now that’s work ethic people.

I’m not saying that if you put your all into everything, it always turns out perfectly, but isn’t it worth it to at least try? Don’t you want to feel good about earning what you own? Doesn’t that make it mean more? Don’t you like that sense of accomplishment?

I can’t imagine not working or at least volunteering; that’s just not how I was raised. I was taught that work ethic matters. It’s not enough to just do your job; to make others feel good about you and, most importantly, to feel good about yourself, you have to do your job well. I learned that at a very young age when my mother accepted nothing but A’s from me in grade school. Even with the physical challenges I have, I was not allowed to just sit around and feel sorry for myself, and I’m thankful for that. By the time I was in high school, Mom had to keep telling me to stop obsessing about my grades. I promptly blamed her for my complex.

I just don’t understand how people can go through life and not feel like they are making a difference in the world, even if it’s only to one person. It’s just…boring!

True friendship is one of the most important gifts we can possibly be given. It is far more important than any material object of any value. Over the past year and a half or so, I’ve learned that there are several different caliber of “friendship” and that some really shouldn’t be called “friendship” at all. Here they are, in my opinion:

1. The Convenients: There are those people who are “convenient friends,” those that are your friends as long as they are getting enough out of the relationship. It doesn’t really matter to them what you get out of it as long as they get what they need. These are the people who suddenly disappear when you are faced with a real obstacle and need to confide in them. Perhaps if you suddenly lose a certain status or wealth, they leave. Not really friends in my opinion.

2. The Posers: There are those people that you thought were friends and suddenly realize are not. These are the ones that really hurt. We’ve all been in this situation. Perhaps you knew her for several years, confided what you now realize is entirely too much in her, and she’s currently either ignoring you or using everything you’ve told/given her against you. Suddenly everything she says is a lie and you can hardly believe it. You don’t know whether to feel hurt, angry, or a completely different emotion entirely through the shock of loss. Perhaps she is part of the reason I’m writing this blog. (You’re all nodding your heads now. Good.)

3. The Casual (but Valuable) Acquaintances: There are those people you know from school, work, and different organizations. Maybe you’ve had lunch with them a few times, maybe been to a few events with them. They are a great support system and you have a few key interests in common, but they don’t really know YOU. They keep up with you through word of mouth or Facebook, but you don’t have direct conversations often. You’d never want anything to happen to them, but you also don’t go telling them your deepest secrets or greatest fears. However, a lot of times, these people can turn into really close friends (see point 4) if you’re lucky.

4. The Essentials or Usuals: Then there are your true friends, the ones that you’d trust with your life, or more importantly, with your dog’s life. They are at every major event in your life and show up at your house often. Usually you can count these friends out on one hand; I’m very lucky that it takes both of my hands. These are the ones that are there when you need to vent, hear a word of encouragement, or just spend a girls’ night out with. They are the ones that can make you stop banging your head against a wall (literally or figuratively) after a long, frustrating day. These are the ones you speed-dial as soon as something momentous (or not so momentous) happens. They’re the ones you hurt for when something goes terribly wrong in their lives. They’re the ones you can always count on to make you laugh, even if they don’t mean to (yes, you know who you are). They are the ones that make life so good and full of good memories. They are practically family.

I don’t know where I’d be without my friends (except those that are classified as numbers 1 and 2…y’all can go…LOL). You guys keep me sane while adding just the right amount of insanity to make life fun and interesting. Aside from family (dogs included), you are the most important entity that keeps me functioning, even on bad days. In a nutshell, y’all rock!

Hope everyone has happy holidays!

Katherine

Unfortunately, this restaurant, like several others I’ve encountered, does not follow proper handicap accessibility code.

The building has approximately a four inch bump at the entrance, too big for any electric chair to climb. Now, this is a very easy fix. First, there is the obvious “make a permanent concrete ramp” option. The problem with this is that often the sidewalks in front of businesses are owned by the city, and it is illegal for the businesses to alter the sidewalks in any way. If this is the case, an even easier fix is to get a short, removable,  metal or wooden ramp that can be kept right inside the door and put down when necessary. These ramps are not expensive, and certainly one of the most well known restaurants in the city can afford one. We own several from this company.

Though this is the first time in a while I have seen a restaurant be incompetent, it is just another example of how ignorant some people are of those of us in wheelchairs. A lot of us don’t have the option to get up and walk up a step, and there should be accommodations made for us in public places. Practically every day, I deal with not being physically able to get somewhere I want to go due to a lack in ramps, elevators, or parking spaces. It gets to be very frustrating.