Well, it’s the end of the year already! Where has the time gone?
This year has been filled w/ lots of highs and lows, very low lows and very high highs, for me. The first half of the year was really bad b/c of being in the hospital with pneumonia and all, but the second half of the year was so fab. Let’s hope the goodness continues!
I hope you had a wonderful year too, and have an even better 2009…
Love,
The Red Haired Londoner
XOXO
Wednesday 31 December 2008
Thursday 25 December 2008
Season’s Greetings!
Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Thanks for being brilliant friends… Stay well, have a fab year, and hope to see you soon in the New Year.
– THRL
– THRL
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Weekend of Music, Movies, and More…
A couple weeks ago, I have the most fantastic weekend… B/C:
1 – On 11 December, Sarah and me went to go see the Kings on Leon at The O2 Arena. It was it so wicked, and they were totally the dog’s bollocks! They probably one of the only bands that sound exactly same live as they do on their albums, superb, which is a rare quality in bands today. KoL we so good, and they play all my fav song all their albums not just their latest one; I also like the wheelchair seating at The O2 Arena b/c we had a great view of the stage and the entire place, and while they playing “Closer” I looked up at the balcony to the left of the stage that must’ve been at least 50 meters up, and this girl with long blond hair was standing (out of her seat right against the railing) suddenly caught my attention. She was going wild! Her hair was shaking everywhere and she kept touching herself, it was quite interesting indeed that I was glued watching her on the balcony and kept looking to/from her and the stage; I then looked back at the stage for a second and when I looked back the girl wasn’t there. Hopefully, she didn’t jump off the balcony! [-; Also, when I was looking down at the floor and saw one of the bouncers jump into the crowd to run after someone, and then grabbed a guy out of the crowd in a head lock and shoved him against the railing; this guy must’ve been a drunk yob or something b/c then four more bouncers dragged the guy, while he tried to protest, out of the arena. The best part was that two seconds later Kings on Leon then played “Four Kicks” and I laughed under my breath. It was a great night that was slightly dampened by having beer thrown on me three times by some git on the balcony above me: completely daft why someone would want to throw beer into the wheelchair area! But, I still really had an excellent time, and Kings on Leon are the best band whose gig I’ve gone to (that is considering they’re only the second gig I’ve gone to see in my life)… See photos shortly.
2 – On 12 December, Sarah and me went to see The Mighty Boosh Live at Wembley Arena. I really hated the layout Live at Wembley Arena b/c once we got there we found out that there was no assigned seating like at The O2, and upon arrival there were at least four wheelchairs in the “wheelchair cage” already; and we had to sit in the back of the “wheelchair cage” behind a brother and sister that both where in wheelchairs (both were at least 17) who strangely came with their parent. When we arrived the Mum then goes to the Dad, “Oh, it looks like we have to move…” looking at us. Funny, considering that they said they didn’t want come with their kids anyway; well, why did you? I felt like telling them please not to move on our account. Rude wankers! Nevertheless, I had a wicked time, and really enjoyed. I can’t tell you how blood hilarious it was! Very enjoyable… Photos to come soon.
And 3 – On 13 December, for Saturday Family Night we watched “The Dark Knight” directed by Christopher Nolan, and stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman. Where do I start? Best film of 2008! Full Stop. *** FIVE STARS ***
All in all, that was the best weekend I’ve had in a very long time, actually that week was a really good one! What an amazing weekend, and hopefully I can continue to have more like it!
1 – On 11 December, Sarah and me went to go see the Kings on Leon at The O2 Arena. It was it so wicked, and they were totally the dog’s bollocks! They probably one of the only bands that sound exactly same live as they do on their albums, superb, which is a rare quality in bands today. KoL we so good, and they play all my fav song all their albums not just their latest one; I also like the wheelchair seating at The O2 Arena b/c we had a great view of the stage and the entire place, and while they playing “Closer” I looked up at the balcony to the left of the stage that must’ve been at least 50 meters up, and this girl with long blond hair was standing (out of her seat right against the railing) suddenly caught my attention. She was going wild! Her hair was shaking everywhere and she kept touching herself, it was quite interesting indeed that I was glued watching her on the balcony and kept looking to/from her and the stage; I then looked back at the stage for a second and when I looked back the girl wasn’t there. Hopefully, she didn’t jump off the balcony! [-; Also, when I was looking down at the floor and saw one of the bouncers jump into the crowd to run after someone, and then grabbed a guy out of the crowd in a head lock and shoved him against the railing; this guy must’ve been a drunk yob or something b/c then four more bouncers dragged the guy, while he tried to protest, out of the arena. The best part was that two seconds later Kings on Leon then played “Four Kicks” and I laughed under my breath. It was a great night that was slightly dampened by having beer thrown on me three times by some git on the balcony above me: completely daft why someone would want to throw beer into the wheelchair area! But, I still really had an excellent time, and Kings on Leon are the best band whose gig I’ve gone to (that is considering they’re only the second gig I’ve gone to see in my life)… See photos shortly.
2 – On 12 December, Sarah and me went to see The Mighty Boosh Live at Wembley Arena. I really hated the layout Live at Wembley Arena b/c once we got there we found out that there was no assigned seating like at The O2, and upon arrival there were at least four wheelchairs in the “wheelchair cage” already; and we had to sit in the back of the “wheelchair cage” behind a brother and sister that both where in wheelchairs (both were at least 17) who strangely came with their parent. When we arrived the Mum then goes to the Dad, “Oh, it looks like we have to move…” looking at us. Funny, considering that they said they didn’t want come with their kids anyway; well, why did you? I felt like telling them please not to move on our account. Rude wankers! Nevertheless, I had a wicked time, and really enjoyed. I can’t tell you how blood hilarious it was! Very enjoyable… Photos to come soon.
And 3 – On 13 December, for Saturday Family Night we watched “The Dark Knight” directed by Christopher Nolan, and stars Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Morgan Freeman. Where do I start? Best film of 2008! Full Stop. *** FIVE STARS ***
All in all, that was the best weekend I’ve had in a very long time, actually that week was a really good one! What an amazing weekend, and hopefully I can continue to have more like it!
Day at Parliament
On 10 December, I went to parliament because the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign invited me for a special inquiry, as I am doing working experience with them (being a Trailblazer and all).
"Trailblazers joined MPs and Peers at the Houses of Parliament where an Inquiry into access to NHS specialist care for people living with rare conditions was launched today.
The Inquiry, being undertaken by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy (APPG) will focus on access to specialist multi-disciplinary care; commissioning and funding; workforce planning and the role of care co-ordinators..."
This was a very interesting and informative panel discussion where the MPs questioned doctors/consultants who are working very hard to help people with neuromuscular conditions at top hospitals and organisations in the UK. At the end of the inquiry the MPs asked for written evidence relating to the topics discussed that have to be submitted by 3 February 2009, which hopefully I will be able to write up my evidence and send it back to the MP who is the chair of the APPG.
Afterwards in the evening my two carers and I left Parliament and walked to Westminster Bridge to look at the London Eye. As we were standing there Big Ben rang six times… It was brilliant!
Overall, the day was quite exciting and I cannot wait to help the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign further improve the conditions. Hopefully this can lead to something better…
Also, the night before I went to Parliament I dyed my hair and it looks fab!
"Trailblazers joined MPs and Peers at the Houses of Parliament where an Inquiry into access to NHS specialist care for people living with rare conditions was launched today.
The Inquiry, being undertaken by the All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy (APPG) will focus on access to specialist multi-disciplinary care; commissioning and funding; workforce planning and the role of care co-ordinators..."
This was a very interesting and informative panel discussion where the MPs questioned doctors/consultants who are working very hard to help people with neuromuscular conditions at top hospitals and organisations in the UK. At the end of the inquiry the MPs asked for written evidence relating to the topics discussed that have to be submitted by 3 February 2009, which hopefully I will be able to write up my evidence and send it back to the MP who is the chair of the APPG.
Afterwards in the evening my two carers and I left Parliament and walked to Westminster Bridge to look at the London Eye. As we were standing there Big Ben rang six times… It was brilliant!
Overall, the day was quite exciting and I cannot wait to help the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign further improve the conditions. Hopefully this can lead to something better…
Also, the night before I went to Parliament I dyed my hair and it looks fab!
My New Wheelchair
On 9 December, the wheelchair dealer and an excellent OT (the best I’ve ever had in my life, probably b/c she’s is an independent OT not NHS) came w/ a seating specialist to visit me, and brought a demo wheelchair/seating to try.
Words cannot express how elated I was to finally get the ball going in getting me a new wheelchair! The OT and the seating guy then set up the seating in the wheelchair for me to try, and it was amazing how support and stable they got me in the wheelchair w/ the seating… How brilliant it was, w/ the support I was sitting at least 12-inches tall, as currently (due to the severity of my Scoliosis) my spine collapses whenever I sit. Honestly, I’m really quite tall, despite what anyone thinks!
After then trying out the seating, we all decided that the wheelchair guy and seating guy would get quote for the wheelchair/seating, and then give it my PCT (Primary Care Trust) so they pass it to the “Special Equipment Panel” at the PCT; and then hopefully they’ll order it for me after all the bureaucratic procedures are out of the way. Once I have my final, actual wheelchair, I can try out seating for a good week or two, instead of trying it on a demo wheelchair for a couple of hours that doesn’t even have all the final features/gadgets.
The wheelchair is utterly the dog’s bollocks, and I cannot wait until I finally get it… Let’s hope the PCT orders my soon b/c I need to start living my life to the fullest!
PS: In case you’re wondering, the new wheelchair I’m getting is honestly called the Quickie® Groove™ (in the “mid-wheel” version)… I promise I didn’t make it up, but what a brilliant name!
Words cannot express how elated I was to finally get the ball going in getting me a new wheelchair! The OT and the seating guy then set up the seating in the wheelchair for me to try, and it was amazing how support and stable they got me in the wheelchair w/ the seating… How brilliant it was, w/ the support I was sitting at least 12-inches tall, as currently (due to the severity of my Scoliosis) my spine collapses whenever I sit. Honestly, I’m really quite tall, despite what anyone thinks!
After then trying out the seating, we all decided that the wheelchair guy and seating guy would get quote for the wheelchair/seating, and then give it my PCT (Primary Care Trust) so they pass it to the “Special Equipment Panel” at the PCT; and then hopefully they’ll order it for me after all the bureaucratic procedures are out of the way. Once I have my final, actual wheelchair, I can try out seating for a good week or two, instead of trying it on a demo wheelchair for a couple of hours that doesn’t even have all the final features/gadgets.
The wheelchair is utterly the dog’s bollocks, and I cannot wait until I finally get it… Let’s hope the PCT orders my soon b/c I need to start living my life to the fullest!
PS: In case you’re wondering, the new wheelchair I’m getting is honestly called the Quickie® Groove™ (in the “mid-wheel” version)… I promise I didn’t make it up, but what a brilliant name!
Sunday 7 December 2008
Everybody Do The Robot…
Yesterday, for Saturday Family Night we watched Pixar’s computer-animated-science fiction-romance film ‘WALL-E’ that’s directed by Andrew Stanton, and stars Ben Burtt, Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger, Kathy Najimy, and Sigourney Weaver.
The film is basically about a robot named WALL-E who is made to clean up a polluted Earth. He one day falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her on an adventure into outer space.
This is a bloody fantastic film, and in my opinion it’s probably the best animated films of 2008! Another Pixar success; a must see for all… *** FOUR 1/2 STARS ***
The film is basically about a robot named WALL-E who is made to clean up a polluted Earth. He one day falls in love with another robot named EVE, and follows her on an adventure into outer space.
This is a bloody fantastic film, and in my opinion it’s probably the best animated films of 2008! Another Pixar success; a must see for all… *** FOUR 1/2 STARS ***
Saturday 6 December 2008
Trailblazers Training Days
On Thursday and Friday (4-5 December), I attended some training at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (MDC) HQ in Southwark, London for Trailblazers (a young persons campaigning network that part of MDC), where I’ve been doing some work experience. As a London Trailblazer, the MDC paid for a hotel for me on Thursday night since it would be easier b/c I had to be there quite early (the training was from 9.30-16.30 on Thursday and Friday) and I’d be closer to the MDC HQ office.
The Trailblazers Training was really enjoyable, and several people I met previously from the Microscope Ball in October and the MDC National Conference in September where there too that was quite nice.
On Thursday, the trainer was a lady (also a wheelchair user) from NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) who taught us about Media Skills – Top Tip on Campaigning in the morning, and background on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) / disability legislation and contacting the media/local authorities/MPs/etc. in afternoon after lunch. Then, on Friday a guy who was a director of his own communication company cam to teach us some hands on skills about Media Skills – Best way to be interviewed by radio/TV media with us all practicing our interview skills on a recorder in the morning, and after lunch in afternoon the PR Manager and Communications Team of MDC presented Website and Press Release Training, etc. – They showed us how to use our new Trailblazers’ website and how to write a Press Release to the media, et cetera. Also, both the guest trainers were really interesting and informative…
All in all, the Trailblazers Training Days opened my mind up a great deal to knowledge I fine quite exciting, and was very fun too… Just a brilliant time, indeed!
The Trailblazers Training was really enjoyable, and several people I met previously from the Microscope Ball in October and the MDC National Conference in September where there too that was quite nice.
On Thursday, the trainer was a lady (also a wheelchair user) from NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) who taught us about Media Skills – Top Tip on Campaigning in the morning, and background on the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) / disability legislation and contacting the media/local authorities/MPs/etc. in afternoon after lunch. Then, on Friday a guy who was a director of his own communication company cam to teach us some hands on skills about Media Skills – Best way to be interviewed by radio/TV media with us all practicing our interview skills on a recorder in the morning, and after lunch in afternoon the PR Manager and Communications Team of MDC presented Website and Press Release Training, etc. – They showed us how to use our new Trailblazers’ website and how to write a Press Release to the media, et cetera. Also, both the guest trainers were really interesting and informative…
All in all, the Trailblazers Training Days opened my mind up a great deal to knowledge I fine quite exciting, and was very fun too… Just a brilliant time, indeed!
Monday 1 December 2008
Kung Fu Fighting…
For Saturday Family Night, we watched ‘Kung Fu Panda’ that is an American animated comedy film directed by John Stevenson and Mark Osborne. The film stars the voices of Jack Black as the panda, Po, along with Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, David Cross, and Ian McShane.
Set ancient China, it’s basically about a clumsy panda who aspires to be a kung fu master. What a brilliantly funny family film this is! I really enjoyed this, and think it’s one of the best animated films of 2008… Very recommended… *** THREE 1/2 STARS***
Set ancient China, it’s basically about a clumsy panda who aspires to be a kung fu master. What a brilliantly funny family film this is! I really enjoyed this, and think it’s one of the best animated films of 2008… Very recommended… *** THREE 1/2 STARS***
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