Since it’s nearly Christmas, I thought I would begin with some challenges related to Christmas shopping!  Firstly, parking – what a nightmare!  As I am only in my early thirties people are always surprised to see me pull into a mobility park, these days I have oxygen and so instead of the yelling and abuse I have had in the past I am relieved to only deal with people staring.  (see Howick and Pakuranga Times article for further information.)  Do you think that mobility cards with photos on them would prevent this?

Having never been that computer savvy I am delighted to find on investigation that there is so much you can do without having to face the parking, walking and carrying dilemmas associated with hitting the shopping malls.  I order my groceries on line every week through Woolworths, they can deliver them or you can go and collect your pre packed and pre paid trolley (a job for family or friends).  Many shops these days have online purchasing available, its always exciting to receive a parcel in the mail and even better you can try things on in your own time (very slowly in my case) in your own house and return them if they do not suit.  Sometimes however it’s nice to get out and about if you are able.  I try to get dropped off as close as possible to where I am going.  Other times I use my wheelchair, most malls and large stores (Briscoes etc) have wheelchairs available for those without their own.  For anyone in the Auckland area the botanical gardens (located in Manurewa) have mobility scooters free of charge, you can ring and book ahead or just chance it.  They are quite good fun for a change.

PH A-UK has some good ideas – http://www.phassociation.uk.com/living_with_ph/guide_homelife.asp

Please add any other ideas or tricks that make your life easier.