Oh, but you shouldn't think you're intimidating. Maybe they think your attractive or just unique and not negatively.
Maybe? :idontknow: Unique, certainly. But I’ve never felt particularly attractive, like. But you’re probably right.
So you were born that way?
Oh, Christ no! I was born a few months premature. Ah actually weighted less than a bag of sugar when I was born – no joke. But I made up for that as I got older
Wasn’t until probably age 14 when I really started notice my body shape and size. And there was a bit of playful teasing about my weight from a couple of my cousins. But it never affected me negatively, since I’ve never been able to hide the fact I’m a big lad. Nor have I ever thought of myself being obese.
So how did you get in shape and loose the weight?
Well... I bought myself these:
And got myself into a regular workout routine, about half an hour each day. Or more, depending on how I was feeling and when I worked out. Since I never gave myself a set, particular time that I’d go on the pedal exercise or lift my weights.
Also, despite the many arguments it caused, completely changed my diet. Less fizzy drinks, less overindulging on chocolate or crisps in-between and after meals; picking a yogurt and, either, an apple or banana instead. Just wee changes like that, really.
You think your surgery helped your cerebral palsy then?
Oh, definitely. I’m not walking with a limp, and have a more upright posture. Where as before my operation I hunched over, because my right knee wasn’t straight, so it was always slightly bent. Meaning I had to go up on my toes to compensate for not being able to get my right heel down flat to ground. So, as far as walking, the surgery has help correct some issues relating to my cerebral palsy.
What do you do to help with the muscle spasms?
Exercises, mainly. To try and keep ma muscles from tightening up, since that tightness is what causes the spasms. And just staying as active as possible – walking about as much as I can. As well as not allowing my family to wait on me hand and foot like they used to insist upon doing.
Oh, did he run it before he died?
I think he might have. Though, knowing my dad, he probably did in fact. I mean, when one of his older daughters was diagnosed with a similar cancer to what he would get, my dad was annoyed at her for giving up her job.
I meant what grades are secondary school? Like 6th or 7th?
Oh right, get ya now. Like it is in America? Well... it is, kinda. Only we go by years, instead of grades.
The first and second years are continuation of stuff you learnt in primary. You take an exam at the start and end of those 2 years to see how well you're doing. As well as get advised by the teacher of the subject - beit English, drama, music, foreign languages whether you should continue on or not. But the decision usually left to you, as in the third and forth year you get to pick which subject you'd like to study - but you must pick either English or Maths are your compulsory subject. And you’ve also the choice to study something at yer local college
And by the end of forth year you can choice to leave or stay on into higher education. You spend the fifth and sixth years, continuing on with the subjects you did well in and see about job or career prospects and further education – ie. College or university.
College is free in Scotland?
Yes, it is. But I don’t think I’d cope with it, on top trying to be as independent as I can, despite my disability.
But didn't you both speak English, but it was hard to understand each other?
Yeah, the accents kind of got in the way of communicating and understanding each other.
That makes sense. Yea your dad could have helped with you dealing it racism. What racism did you go through?
Oh hell, eh… Just the typical slurs that most mixed / bi-racial folk hear from schoolmates in the playground and walking home, y’know? Got called the n-word frequently; called a “Paki” on account of being brown-skinned, which is hilariously to think about now. Just as far as the level of ignorance goes, since my dad was African. Oh, and I remember told to go back where I came from, this being the only racist remark I felt deserved a reply. And what I said usually shut my bullies up. Though, I learnt the hard way that it was best not to talk back when I insulted a lad’s appearance – which seemed fair to me since he insulted me first – and got punch in the stomach for it.
You got bullied until adulthood?
Well, aye. My family didn’t exactly let up with their putdowns and insults, and conveniently forgot I’d been bullied for most of my school education. With me being the youngest, it’s expected that I still get picked, teased and humiliated on within the family – mocked for everything, except my skin colour and disability.
Well I feel the same way even though I went to college for two years. I feel I'm a disgrace to the family as well. Don't think you're a burden to them.
Maybe not, but I can’t shake the feeling that I am. Given how they tend to treat me so dismissively whenever I suggest something or ask for help. Or how my mum tends to overact whenever I ask her a question.
Plus, I still feel some resentment towards me for my half-sisters that I grew up with and older member of my family. Since I was quite spoiled when I was a child.
Oh. I think you should still give it a shot, but I understand what you’re saying.
Aye, It’s easier said than done for the likes o’ me, though.
