I have recently been working on my application to university (commonly called uni here in the UK). I hopefully will start in September 2009 b/c of the stupid law that says you have to live in the country for the previous three years before you can start uni as a “Home Student” or I have to “International Student” fees about $22,000.00 per year!
I am applying to three universities:
A) University of East London (UEL), Docklands Campus to study their Communication Studies and Creative & Professional Writing Joint Combined Honours Programme
B) London College of Communication (LCC), part of the University of the Arts London to study their Creative Advertising Strategy BA Honours Programme
And C) King's College Cambridge, University of Cambridge to study their English Tripos
That’s about it. What do you all think? We’ll see what will happen.
Also, last Wednesday (3 September) I went to the UEL Open Evening at the Docklands Campus w/ Dad, and I enjoyed it very much. I REALLY like the campus b/c 1) it’s about 20 minutes away from my home, 2) the facilities are very accessible (as it’s a new campus only built in 2000), and 3) it has quite good courses (where you can practically combine any degree w/ another). However, I just want to visit LCC and King's before I decide which to choose.
Plus, I’m getting quite anxious b/c I have to apply by the end of September, but everything always works out for the best; and I CANNOT wait to be a university student again, which will begin to fulfil my life goals, though being accepted into Cambridge would just be a dream and totally wicked...
WISH ME LUCK!
Sunday, 7 September 2008
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Dinner w/ Friends
On Sunday night, Mum made dinner for Irfan and his new wife (whose wedding we attended throughout July), his parents (his mother, Razia, is one of Mum’s good friends), and Irfan’s younger sister.
Yet again, Mum made lots of tasty stuff to eat... Everyone really had brilliant time together, and it was another great dinner!
Yet again, Mum made lots of tasty stuff to eat... Everyone really had brilliant time together, and it was another great dinner!
Wednesday, 27 August 2008
I am the Son of Rambow
I forgot to tell you guys that on Monday night we watched ‘Son of Rambow’ directed by Garth Jennings that stars Will Poulter, Bill Milner, Neil Dudgeon, and Adam Godley.
It’s ‘Set in "a long, hot summer in the early '80s", the film is a coming-of-age comedy. It tells the story of two schoolboys who are inspired by the film Rambo: First Blood to make their own action-adventure film, which they hope will win them a young filmmaker competition...’ - Son of Rambow
I know it sound really rubbish, but trust me it’s really good! I just love all the excellent acting of the children, great effects throughout, and the brilliant British humour in the film...
Must see for all. ***FOUR STARS***
It’s ‘Set in "a long, hot summer in the early '80s", the film is a coming-of-age comedy. It tells the story of two schoolboys who are inspired by the film Rambo: First Blood to make their own action-adventure film, which they hope will win them a young filmmaker competition...’ - Son of Rambow
I know it sound really rubbish, but trust me it’s really good! I just love all the excellent acting of the children, great effects throughout, and the brilliant British humour in the film...
Must see for all. ***FOUR STARS***
Tuesday, 26 August 2008
‘Balloons’
Just found out that Sarah was finally able to get us tickets to the Foals gig at Carling Academy Brixton on 16 October 2008, and I cannot wait… HURRAH!
Monday, 25 August 2008
Olympics Departs
The 29th Olympic Games in Beijing is finally over, a true marvel to behold, and the Closing Ceremony on Sunday was just as spectacular as the Opening Ceremony! I cannot believe it’s over, I really enjoyed watching all the Olympic events and I’ve practically been up for 16 day straight… (-;
Surprisingly, Team GB did quite well and finished fourth on the Medal Table, and their achievements was such great momentum for the next Olympics; something I’m looking forward to. But, the only part I didn’t like about Closing Ceremony was the ‘Handover’ part to London at all, and I especially cannot believe that Brainless Boris is London Mayor and representing us. And I so hated the 8 min. or so London part of the ceremony: there’s so much more to London than a brand spanking new, ‘Transformers’ Red Bus, yobs, and David Beckham himself! Trust me…
London IS utterly a creative, humourous, funky, and edgy place to live that’s SO diverse, historic, and modern at the same time, and I strongly think London 2012 should use these things to build it into the Opening and Closing Ceremonies… That would be the dog’s bollocks! But, I hope they take note on this and not screw it up, and not make it embarrassing to be a Londoner like ‘Handover’ in Beijing.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the London 2012 Olympic Games b/c I really want to volunteer for the games and meeting people from all over world. And I think will just hopefully be a brilliant experience!
Surprisingly, Team GB did quite well and finished fourth on the Medal Table, and their achievements was such great momentum for the next Olympics; something I’m looking forward to. But, the only part I didn’t like about Closing Ceremony was the ‘Handover’ part to London at all, and I especially cannot believe that Brainless Boris is London Mayor and representing us. And I so hated the 8 min. or so London part of the ceremony: there’s so much more to London than a brand spanking new, ‘Transformers’ Red Bus, yobs, and David Beckham himself! Trust me…
London IS utterly a creative, humourous, funky, and edgy place to live that’s SO diverse, historic, and modern at the same time, and I strongly think London 2012 should use these things to build it into the Opening and Closing Ceremonies… That would be the dog’s bollocks! But, I hope they take note on this and not screw it up, and not make it embarrassing to be a Londoner like ‘Handover’ in Beijing.
Anyway, I can’t wait for the London 2012 Olympic Games b/c I really want to volunteer for the games and meeting people from all over world. And I think will just hopefully be a brilliant experience!
Saturday, 23 August 2008
Working in London
On Thursday I went to meet someone at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign HQ because they've started a new organisation called Trailblazers which is a young campaigners' network, which the MDC invited me to work with (within the communications and press team).
This would be a work experience kind of thing which would be brilliant b/c I would be working for a national organisation doing PR/Advertising! I'm SO bloody excited and cannot wait to get started b/c not only is it going to be a wicked experience, but also a fantastic way to make lots of new friends...
Check them out here!
This would be a work experience kind of thing which would be brilliant b/c I would be working for a national organisation doing PR/Advertising! I'm SO bloody excited and cannot wait to get started b/c not only is it going to be a wicked experience, but also a fantastic way to make lots of new friends...
Check them out here!
Monday, 18 August 2008
'Four Kicks'!
On 11 December 2008 Sarah and me are going to a gig: were going to see the Kings of Leon at the O2 Arena...
And it's my first ever gig, and so excited... HURRAH!
And it's my first ever gig, and so excited... HURRAH!
I <3 Fashion!
Yesterday, Sarah finally got me the tickets to see the renowned Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf in person for a one off special event after their three month exhibition, called 'The House of Viktor & Rolf' on 13 September 2008 at the Barbican Art Gallery.
I'm SO bloody excited! And utterly cannot wait... But, OH NO, what do I wear?
For more info click here.
I'm SO bloody excited! And utterly cannot wait... But, OH NO, what do I wear?
For more info click here.
Photos of My Friend’s Wedding
Hiya! Here are some photos of my friend Irfan's wedding from July, and the wedding was fantastic going on all through last month! Photos are of his henna (Mehndi) party and the last day of the wedding (of the his side, the boy's side). They can be found on my new Flickr account (Juicebox In The City; my profile) and click here (1) and here (2) to see the photos.
Check them out, and tell me what you think. And please do leave comments on this post at TRHL... CHEERS!
Best,
The Red Haired Londoner
Check them out, and tell me what you think. And please do leave comments on this post at TRHL... CHEERS!
Best,
The Red Haired Londoner
Sunday, 10 August 2008
Day with The Boosh Boys Photos
Here are some photos from the day with The Boosh Boys photos of The Mighty Boosh Series 3 DVD signing at HVM (Oxford Street) on 04 Feb. 2008 that I promised you ages ago:
Me in HMV Looking Pretty w/ my Wicked that Sarah Got Me from Camden Market =
Sarah & Me in HMV =
Us w/ Julian Barratt (left, who plays Howard Moon) and Noel Fielding (right, who plays Vince Noir) =
And Us w/ Noel =
Also, Sarah and me are going to see them at The Mighty Boosh Live Stage Show on 12 December at the new Wembley Arena... HURRAH! I just cannot wait: IT IS GOING TO BE BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!
Me in HMV Looking Pretty w/ my Wicked that Sarah Got Me from Camden Market =
Sarah & Me in HMV =
Us w/ Julian Barratt (left, who plays Howard Moon) and Noel Fielding (right, who plays Vince Noir) =
And Us w/ Noel =
Also, Sarah and me are going to see them at The Mighty Boosh Live Stage Show on 12 December at the new Wembley Arena... HURRAH! I just cannot wait: IT IS GOING TO BE BLOODY BRILLIANT!!!
Lunch with the Neighbours
On Saturday, we had lunch with our new neighbours, who moved in last July, but we just didn’t have a chance to invite them over. John, Louise, and the adorable baby Daniel (about 18 months) are from Ireland, and are just wonderful.
For lunch, mum made a homemade Lasagne and Greek salad with a cheesecake from Costco. Without doubt, that was another fantastic meal by mum, and our lunch with the neighbours went brilliantly as well!
For lunch, mum made a homemade Lasagne and Greek salad with a cheesecake from Costco. Without doubt, that was another fantastic meal by mum, and our lunch with the neighbours went brilliantly as well!
Olympics Arrives
The 29th Olympic Games in Beijing is here! On Friday, I watched the Opening Ceremony in Beijing, and I was utterly glued to the telly. It was so amazing and entirely spectacular!
Furthermore, the last two days I have been watching the coverage of the Olympics live on BBC, and it is very exciting.
I REALLY like the Olympic Games, and I think they are a fantastic way of many countries to come enjoy sports together in peace and for you to meet people from all over the world; and now I cannot wait for the London 2012 Olympic Games, as it will be only twenty minutes away from my home. That is if the London 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority gets their act together and stop keep increasing the budget by hundreds of millions of pounds that we, as London residents, are going to end up paying.
Furthermore, the last two days I have been watching the coverage of the Olympics live on BBC, and it is very exciting.
I REALLY like the Olympic Games, and I think they are a fantastic way of many countries to come enjoy sports together in peace and for you to meet people from all over the world; and now I cannot wait for the London 2012 Olympic Games, as it will be only twenty minutes away from my home. That is if the London 2012 Olympic Delivery Authority gets their act together and stop keep increasing the budget by hundreds of millions of pounds that we, as London residents, are going to end up paying.
Holiday in Kensington
I recently had a mini-vacation in Kensington. You see, Sarah for my 23rd birthday (5 July) booked me a hotel in Kensington for one night from 28-29 July, as I like going to see the cool attractions in ‘The City’ and Kensington and it is difficult for me to go there. But, because it takes so long to get there since traffic in London is shite, and I get so tried sitting in my current wheelchair by the time we get there, Sarah decided to book me a room at the Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington so I could lay down whenever I got tired; and it would be easy to see the unique attractions and shops in a good two days.
I REALLY enjoyed myself and had a wicked time! IT WAS SO MUCH FUN: we went to some wonderful shops (where I spent some of my birthday money on very stylish clothes from H&M), had a nice time in Kensington Gardens, and so much more... I especially like the hustle and bustle of Kensington and all the different types of people rushing around everywhere.
I REALLY enjoyed myself and had a wicked time! IT WAS SO MUCH FUN: we went to some wonderful shops (where I spent some of my birthday money on very stylish clothes from H&M), had a nice time in Kensington Gardens, and so much more... I especially like the hustle and bustle of Kensington and all the different types of people rushing around everywhere.
My Friend’s Wedding
On Sunday, 27 July I attended the last day of the wedding of my good friend, Irfan; his mum, Razia, is one of my mum’s best friend (that went to school and grew up together), they're basically like family, and we’ve all known each other for years...
The last day of wedding was the boys’ side, where the groom celebrates the arrival of his bride and has a big party. They had several WICKED events that went on all throughout July, and it was the most BRILLIANT wedding I have ever gone to! Really guys. It was the DOG’S BOLLOCKS with tasty food, bright colours, fabulous people, wonderful venus, fantastic professional singers and dancers, and so much more: it was a true Asian extravaganza! And I extremely enjoyed myself. Photos coming soon.
The last day of wedding was the boys’ side, where the groom celebrates the arrival of his bride and has a big party. They had several WICKED events that went on all throughout July, and it was the most BRILLIANT wedding I have ever gone to! Really guys. It was the DOG’S BOLLOCKS with tasty food, bright colours, fabulous people, wonderful venus, fantastic professional singers and dancers, and so much more: it was a true Asian extravaganza! And I extremely enjoyed myself. Photos coming soon.
Birthdays Galore
Sorry guys that I haven’t posted in a while, but it has just been hectic.
Anyway, in July it was a very expensive month b/c Sarah, Sana, and had a birthday all in the first week of the month.
5 JULY – MY BIRTHDAY (23 years young): On the 5th of July it was my birthday, and it was pretty good. In the morning everyone gave me their cards and stuff. Then in the afternoon, Sarah and I went to see The House of Viktor & Rolf, which is a ‘stunning new exhibition showcasing the work of Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf’ at the Barbican Art Gallery. It was such WICKED exhibition! It features their unique collection from their inception to their present collection. Check out this short video: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RNkUyrLofZo, and you must read this for more info: http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=7272. And later Sarah and me got some Chinese takeaway and rented ‘Babel’ directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu that stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Kōji Yakusho, Adriana Barraza, Rinko Kikuchi, Nathan Gamble, and Elle Fanning. Babel creates multiple stories taking place in Morocco, Japan, Mexico and the United States, and it’s very hard to describe, but very wonderfully enthralling and enjoyable. REALLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ***FOUR STARS***
10 JULY – SANA’S BIRTHDAY (17 years young): The 10th of July was Sana’s birthday, and since it was a weekday we didn’t do much. We just gave Sana her presents, had a nice meal together, and decided to do something over the weekend instead.
12 JULY – SARAH’S BIRTHDAY (24 years young): And on the 12th of July it was Sarah’s birthday, the oldest of us four rock stars. It turned out to be a not so perfect day. Sarah planned to treat us and take us all to our local cinema to see the new ‘Chronicle of Narnia’ film. However, after waiting in the que for bloody ages, the ticketer told Sarah that we couldn’t see the film b/c it was upstairs and there’s no wheelchair access to the screens. What made this a very upsetting situation is not the fact that they didn’t have wheelchair access (as most of the buildings in the UK especially in London are over 200 years old and it is difficult to get wheelchair access w/o destroying the architecture, and I have somewhat accepted this fact), but rather that how badly the employees treated us w/o even apologising or calling the manager to explain. They didn’t even bother to rectify the situation and basically I felt like they were like ‘next customer, please’ w/o a bat of an eyelash. So, we ended up going home feeling quite bitter, we decided to order some pizza and we rented ‘The Golden Compass’ directed by Chris Weitz and stars Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Ian McKellen, Ian McShane, Sam Elliott, and Eva Green. It is a rendition of the first of book trilogy, ‘His Dark Materials’ by Phillip Pullman. It was a pretty good film, but like most other films adapted from books, it doesn’t compare to the brilliance of the book. ***THREE STARS***
So, July is always an expensive month w/ our three birthdays; well, the first half of the year is quite expensive b/c dad’s birthday is on 2 April, mum’s birthday is on 9 May, and their anniversary is on 4 June. My younger brother, 12, (the youngest of us four rock stars) is the odd one out since his birthday is on January. As you can see, it’s very expensive indeed...
Anyway, in July it was a very expensive month b/c Sarah, Sana, and had a birthday all in the first week of the month.
5 JULY – MY BIRTHDAY (23 years young): On the 5th of July it was my birthday, and it was pretty good. In the morning everyone gave me their cards and stuff. Then in the afternoon, Sarah and I went to see The House of Viktor & Rolf, which is a ‘stunning new exhibition showcasing the work of Dutch fashion designers Viktor & Rolf’ at the Barbican Art Gallery. It was such WICKED exhibition! It features their unique collection from their inception to their present collection. Check out this short video: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=RNkUyrLofZo, and you must read this for more info: http://www.barbican.org.uk/artgallery/event-detail.asp?ID=7272. And later Sarah and me got some Chinese takeaway and rented ‘Babel’ directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu that stars Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Gael García Bernal, Kōji Yakusho, Adriana Barraza, Rinko Kikuchi, Nathan Gamble, and Elle Fanning. Babel creates multiple stories taking place in Morocco, Japan, Mexico and the United States, and it’s very hard to describe, but very wonderfully enthralling and enjoyable. REALLY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ***FOUR STARS***
10 JULY – SANA’S BIRTHDAY (17 years young): The 10th of July was Sana’s birthday, and since it was a weekday we didn’t do much. We just gave Sana her presents, had a nice meal together, and decided to do something over the weekend instead.
12 JULY – SARAH’S BIRTHDAY (24 years young): And on the 12th of July it was Sarah’s birthday, the oldest of us four rock stars. It turned out to be a not so perfect day. Sarah planned to treat us and take us all to our local cinema to see the new ‘Chronicle of Narnia’ film. However, after waiting in the que for bloody ages, the ticketer told Sarah that we couldn’t see the film b/c it was upstairs and there’s no wheelchair access to the screens. What made this a very upsetting situation is not the fact that they didn’t have wheelchair access (as most of the buildings in the UK especially in London are over 200 years old and it is difficult to get wheelchair access w/o destroying the architecture, and I have somewhat accepted this fact), but rather that how badly the employees treated us w/o even apologising or calling the manager to explain. They didn’t even bother to rectify the situation and basically I felt like they were like ‘next customer, please’ w/o a bat of an eyelash. So, we ended up going home feeling quite bitter, we decided to order some pizza and we rented ‘The Golden Compass’ directed by Chris Weitz and stars Dakota Blue Richards, Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Ian McKellen, Ian McShane, Sam Elliott, and Eva Green. It is a rendition of the first of book trilogy, ‘His Dark Materials’ by Phillip Pullman. It was a pretty good film, but like most other films adapted from books, it doesn’t compare to the brilliance of the book. ***THREE STARS***
So, July is always an expensive month w/ our three birthdays; well, the first half of the year is quite expensive b/c dad’s birthday is on 2 April, mum’s birthday is on 9 May, and their anniversary is on 4 June. My younger brother, 12, (the youngest of us four rock stars) is the odd one out since his birthday is on January. As you can see, it’s very expensive indeed...
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Sarah Drives Again!
Today, Sarah passed her practical driving test... I am so proud of her, especially since she passed on a manual too not an automatic; now she can finally drive and get her full UK license within 21 days. CONGRATS, Sarah!
Friday, 4 July 2008
My Birthday
Tomorrow is my birthday, and I’m going to be the big 2-3. Hurrah! More birthday updates coming soon...
Monday, 30 June 2008
I <3 Football!
Not American that is, but rather “Soccer” as you call in the US and are quite rubbish at (no offence), and which the WHOLE world lives for...
Recently, I have been watching The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, and for the past three weeks I have glued to the telly in the excitement. However, as England lost to Croatia they didn’t qualify for Euro 2008 the this .
And last night was the final between lucky Germany (who somehow by sheer chance knocked out Turkey – who played absolutely BRILLIANTLY this year – in the Semi-Final) against the fantastically skilled Spain. It was an extremely enthralling game! Thankfully, Spain easily won 1-0. FOOTBALL IS THE DOG’S BOLLOCKS!
Recently, I have been watching The 2008 UEFA European Football Championship, commonly referred to as Euro 2008, and for the past three weeks I have glued to the telly in the excitement. However, as England lost to Croatia they didn’t qualify for Euro 2008 the this .
And last night was the final between lucky Germany (who somehow by sheer chance knocked out Turkey – who played absolutely BRILLIANTLY this year – in the Semi-Final) against the fantastically skilled Spain. It was an extremely enthralling game! Thankfully, Spain easily won 1-0. FOOTBALL IS THE DOG’S BOLLOCKS!
Monday, 23 June 2008
The Fountain of Youth
Earlier Sarah and me watched The Fountain directed by Darren Aronofsky staring Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz. It is a very difficult film to try to describe. Basically, The Fountain “...is a American science fiction/fantasy film that follows three interwoven narratives that take place in the age of conquistadors, the modern-day period, and the far future. The film stars Jackman and Weisz, whose characters' romance exists in all three time periods. The Fountain explores the themes of love and mortality, drawing influences from the The Fountain of Youth and The Tree of Life. The film is framed with visual language by using transition scenes, light, and shapes...” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fountain_(film).
It is one of those films that you either love or hate; it is kind of in the style of Memento, but I think that Christopher Nolan (director of Memento and The Prestige) would have done a bit better job. However, personally I liked the film, especially the wicked visually effects. ***THREE 1/2 Stars***
It is one of those films that you either love or hate; it is kind of in the style of Memento, but I think that Christopher Nolan (director of Memento and The Prestige) would have done a bit better job. However, personally I liked the film, especially the wicked visually effects. ***THREE 1/2 Stars***
Life is SO Beautiful...
On Sunday night Sarah, Sufian, and me watched Life is Beautiful (Italian: La vita è bella) directed by Roberto Benigni, and stars Roberto Benigni, Nicoletta Braschi, Giorgio Cantarini, and Giustino Durano. A surprisingly humorous film about a very dark time in history: Life is Beautiful is just BRILLIANTLY filmed, SUPERBLY acted, and DEEPLY enjoyed... Highly recommended for all. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***
Go Amir!
On Saturday night we watched my cousin, Amir Khan (Athens Olympic Silver Medal boxing winner) on telly for his 18 Pro Fight against Michael Gomez to defend his Commonwealth lightweight title. It was a very tough fight, but as always Amir won via K/O, of course; now Amir’s hopefully on way to a world title. Congrats, Amir!
Saturday, 7 June 2008
I love Rory!
Last night we watched Inside I'm Dancing (known as Rory O'Shea Was Here in the USA) that’s directed by Damien O'Donnell, staring James McAvoy, Steven Robertson, Romola Garai, and Brenda Fricker. I saw it several years ago on HBO in America when it first came out, but I had to watch again as Sarah had never seen it and it’s one of m fav films.
Inside I'm Dancing is about “Michael who is a 24-year-old who has cerebral palsy and long-term resident of the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, which is run by the formidable Eileen. His life is transformed when the maverick Rory O'Shea, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, moves in. Michael is stunned to discover that fast talking Rory, who can move only his right hand, can understand his almost unintelligible speech. Rory's dynamic and rebellious nature soon sparks a flame in Michael, introducing him to a whole new world outside of Carrigmore.” - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_I%27m_Dancing#Plot.
That summery just doesn’t do it justice, but trust me it’s such a well good film... Inside I'm Dancing is so underrated, and deserved a lot more recognition than it got; and as a person w/ muscular dystrophy (not Duchenne though) I think it was a bloody fantastic film, and James played Rory excellently! James McAvoy is just a brilliant and hilarious actor, who’s work I admire, and as he best said, “This is not a film about disabled people... it is rather a film about people who happen to be disabled...”
Also, I love Rory: Rory in some respects reminds me of a lot of myself; I know exactly how he feels, I feel just the same, and I think there’s hope for me yet seeing what Rory got up to... An absolute fav: GO RENT IT NOW AND WATCH IT TODAY OR FEEL MY WRATH! Highly recommended. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***
Inside I'm Dancing is about “Michael who is a 24-year-old who has cerebral palsy and long-term resident of the Carrigmore Residential Home for the Disabled, which is run by the formidable Eileen. His life is transformed when the maverick Rory O'Shea, who suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, moves in. Michael is stunned to discover that fast talking Rory, who can move only his right hand, can understand his almost unintelligible speech. Rory's dynamic and rebellious nature soon sparks a flame in Michael, introducing him to a whole new world outside of Carrigmore.” - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inside_I%27m_Dancing#Plot.
That summery just doesn’t do it justice, but trust me it’s such a well good film... Inside I'm Dancing is so underrated, and deserved a lot more recognition than it got; and as a person w/ muscular dystrophy (not Duchenne though) I think it was a bloody fantastic film, and James played Rory excellently! James McAvoy is just a brilliant and hilarious actor, who’s work I admire, and as he best said, “This is not a film about disabled people... it is rather a film about people who happen to be disabled...”
Also, I love Rory: Rory in some respects reminds me of a lot of myself; I know exactly how he feels, I feel just the same, and I think there’s hope for me yet seeing what Rory got up to... An absolute fav: GO RENT IT NOW AND WATCH IT TODAY OR FEEL MY WRATH! Highly recommended. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***
Return of the Granddad
Thankfully, on Wednesday my granddad arrived home after several weeks in the hospital and suffering from a massive brain hemorrhage. He’s doing much better, yet he’s still quite weak, but it will hopefully just take time for him to fully recover. I am just glad he’s back home...
Tuesday, 27 May 2008
Weekend of Film
Over the weekend Sarah rented two movies from Blockbuster for us to watch. They were Stardust and Eastern Promises, both of which I liked a lot.
On Saturday, we watched Stardust directed by Matthew Vaughn, and stared an ensemble cast including Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Rupert Everett, Ricky Gervais, Nathaniel Parker, Peter O'Toole, David Kelly, and Mark Heap. Plus, it’s narrated is by Sir Ian McKellen. It is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess and originally published by DC Comics.
Stardust is about Tristan Thorn who is an 18 year old young man in love with the prettiest girl, Victoria in a small English town. And he’s desperate to bring her a newly fallen star by her birthday b/c that’s the only way she’ll agree to marry him. So, Tristan sets off to find the star, and there’s a twist when he does find it. Soon he’s off on a brilliant magical adventure, and discovers Victoria is not what she seems to be… Neil Gaiman is SO one of my fav authors and I’m DEFINITELY going to check out the novel b/c Stardust is just a well good family film, unlike many other boring family typical films, and I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended to watch w/ your family. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
Furthermore, on Sunday Sarah, me, and my two carers watched Eastern Promises directed by David Cronenberg, which stars Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Eastern Promises is about the interactions of a British midwife with the Russian mafia in London. It was yes very violent, but felt very realistic; and Viggo’s performance was fantastic, he really embraced that role, as he does on every role he takes. In addition, writer for Dirty Pretty Things, Steven Knight, wrote the screenplay too. Overall, Eastern Promises was a well brilliant film that was superbly filmed and acted, and is a very highly recommended as long as you’re not eating or by yourself in the dark (and definitely not with anyone under the age of 18). *** FOUR 1/2 STARS ***
Also, later on in the evening on Sunday, we (Sarah, Sana, Sufian, me, and my two carers) went to go see the new Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I thought it was quite a good film and I had a very fun time with my siblings b/c we hardly all go out together. And it has some well cool special effects, despite having a few bits that were annoying, but all in all a great film. Really recommended. *** FOUR STARS ***
On Saturday, we watched Stardust directed by Matthew Vaughn, and stared an ensemble cast including Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Charlie Cox, Sienna Miller, Rupert Everett, Ricky Gervais, Nathaniel Parker, Peter O'Toole, David Kelly, and Mark Heap. Plus, it’s narrated is by Sir Ian McKellen. It is based on the novel of the same name by Neil Gaiman, illustrated by Charles Vess and originally published by DC Comics.
Stardust is about Tristan Thorn who is an 18 year old young man in love with the prettiest girl, Victoria in a small English town. And he’s desperate to bring her a newly fallen star by her birthday b/c that’s the only way she’ll agree to marry him. So, Tristan sets off to find the star, and there’s a twist when he does find it. Soon he’s off on a brilliant magical adventure, and discovers Victoria is not what she seems to be… Neil Gaiman is SO one of my fav authors and I’m DEFINITELY going to check out the novel b/c Stardust is just a well good family film, unlike many other boring family typical films, and I really enjoyed it. Highly recommended to watch w/ your family. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
Furthermore, on Sunday Sarah, me, and my two carers watched Eastern Promises directed by David Cronenberg, which stars Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. Eastern Promises is about the interactions of a British midwife with the Russian mafia in London. It was yes very violent, but felt very realistic; and Viggo’s performance was fantastic, he really embraced that role, as he does on every role he takes. In addition, writer for Dirty Pretty Things, Steven Knight, wrote the screenplay too. Overall, Eastern Promises was a well brilliant film that was superbly filmed and acted, and is a very highly recommended as long as you’re not eating or by yourself in the dark (and definitely not with anyone under the age of 18). *** FOUR 1/2 STARS ***
Also, later on in the evening on Sunday, we (Sarah, Sana, Sufian, me, and my two carers) went to go see the new Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I thought it was quite a good film and I had a very fun time with my siblings b/c we hardly all go out together. And it has some well cool special effects, despite having a few bits that were annoying, but all in all a great film. Really recommended. *** FOUR STARS ***
Friday, 23 May 2008
My Granddad is Amazing
On Saturday my granddad had a massive brain hemorrhage to all of our great horror. It all started while Mama was in Pakistan a few before they were coming home, and she was crossing the w/ granddad when this idiot on a motorbike came and ran him down... That XXXX - XXXX! This is very shocking b/c the motorbike was quite a good distance away went he decided to cross and is about 86 (so he's not not going to walking fast making him hard to see from far and not going to suddenly run into the street), and the driver could've gone in front or behind, but instead decided to go through him! Thankfully, he only had lots of cuts and bruises, and was able to whack the teenage the teenage driver with his walking stick a few good times before he ran off...
Anyway, he seemed fine afterwards when all last week he was having a great deal of trouble walking and suddenly last Friday his blood pressure went excessively high (more worrying since he's Diabetic). By time Saturday morning came around, my granddad couldn't move his entire left side, so we quickly called GP, and once he arrived said my granddad had paralysis on left side (and was a bit too late), and called the ambulance to go to the A&E. Luckily, the paramedics agreed to take him to another, much better, much new A&E than the one I had to go to. Within two hours, he was being operated on by neurosurgeons. It took over four hours, and was largely successful. Thankfully, by Monday he was conscious, and relatively alert. But, he's really amazing, very strong willed and hopefully everything will work out for the best. Now we are waiting for him to make a full recovery before he comes home.
Anyway, he seemed fine afterwards when all last week he was having a great deal of trouble walking and suddenly last Friday his blood pressure went excessively high (more worrying since he's Diabetic). By time Saturday morning came around, my granddad couldn't move his entire left side, so we quickly called GP, and once he arrived said my granddad had paralysis on left side (and was a bit too late), and called the ambulance to go to the A&E. Luckily, the paramedics agreed to take him to another, much better, much new A&E than the one I had to go to. Within two hours, he was being operated on by neurosurgeons. It took over four hours, and was largely successful. Thankfully, by Monday he was conscious, and relatively alert. But, he's really amazing, very strong willed and hopefully everything will work out for the best. Now we are waiting for him to make a full recovery before he comes home.
Mum's Birthday
On 9 May it was Mum's 50th birthday, and we had a surprise party for her. Went really well, considering how many times it nearly went wrong. On the day of, we sent mum and dad out and told dad to bring her home at seven to give her two best friends time to get over to ours with the food, decorations etc. Unfortunately, at around 6:30pm, dad called and said they were coming home because mama needed the loo and refused to go anywhere but home. We panicked and tried getting decorations up etc. Somehow we made it in time. She came in just as Sarah was lighting the sparklers she'd bought for mum's birthday cupcakes. The wax on the sparklers kept dripping on the cupcakes so she had to get them all and put them in a glass and light them like that. Mama came in and looked shocked when we all shouted SURPRISE. While she chatted with her friends about how shocked she was, Sarah tried to light the candles that said "49" because the shop had run out of 0s, and she didn't want to make mum 51. While she was leaning down she hadn't realised that the sparklers had caught fire in a big way and were burning near her hair. She glanced down, did a double take and shrieked. Everyone started shouting at once, while she blew on them frantically. They wouldn't go out so she spat on them (haha sexy!) which did the trick.
We all had a really good meal and took pictures. I looked good if I say so myself. I wore a black shirt and Luxe jeans with a really nice silver tie from Topshop.
Overall it was a really good evening and mum had a really nice time.
We got mama this: http://www.johnlewis.com/230172060/Product.aspx
Photos of party coming soon.
We all had a really good meal and took pictures. I looked good if I say so myself. I wore a black shirt and Luxe jeans with a really nice silver tie from Topshop.
Overall it was a really good evening and mum had a really nice time.
We got mama this: http://www.johnlewis.com/230172060/Product.aspx
Photos of party coming soon.
Voting is Wicked
London voted on 1 May for Mayor of London, and for the first time in my life I voted too for my local council member and London Mayor. It was so bloody exciting, and the first step to me becoming a productive and efficient global citizen. Sadly though, London elected Boris Johnson as Mayor: so, let's all pray that in four years London is left in tact...
Mum's Holiday
On 25 March - 28 April, Mum went back to Pakistan to visit her dad, my granddad (my only remaining grand parent). She really needed this trip, and was good for her. Also, she brought my granddad back w/ her as well to stay w/ us again b/c he wasn't that well, and was over there since last June just to take of a few things. Anyway, it's just nice having him here.
Sharon & John Visit
On 20 April - 27 April, Sharon & John who are my really good friends from America came to visit me. Sharon is Kim's (who came to visit last July) mum, and a lovely woman. John is a very clever and nice man. On Sunday we had a really lunch with them at home which was wonderful, with lots of laughing. On the following Friday night, me, Sarah, Sharon and John went out to an amazingly good seafood restaurant in Wanstead which was wonderful because of the company, but also because of the restaurant. The food was really nice, and it was a very enjoyable evening with the four of us together. Lots of catching up with each other, sharing funny stories, and lots more laughter. I wasn't even done with the starter when the main course came, both of which I ended up taking home with me. On the next Saturday, they came over to our house for a very lush brunch, which involved pate, eclairs, strawberries, a selection of bread and cheeses, quiche, and fizzy lemonade. It was brilliant. They also brought loads of really thoughtful, lovely gifts for me and my family, which was not necessary but very, very much appreciated. I really hope they can come back soon. Photos below:
Photos of Sharon + John w/ Sarah & Me at Seafood Restaurant on 25 April =
Photos of Sharon + John w/ Sarah & Me at Seafood Restaurant on 25 April =
Comedy Night at the Royal Albert Hall
On 9 April, me and Sarah went to the Royal Albert Hall for a comedy night. Proceeds went to the Teenage Cancer Trust. Unfortunately, my wheelchair broke down, so Sarah had to push me in manually, which was much faster than I usually go (only b/c my wheelchair hasn't been working lately not b/c of her driving, just wait until I get a new wheelchair... HA HA HA). Luckily we got in just as it was starting. It started well with Mr. Noel Fielding warming us up. The next act was bizarre. Noel came back and made us laugh loads, the next act (the guy who plays "Johnny Two Hats" in the first series of the Boosh), was hilarious. I remember Razorlight doing an acoustic performance at some point, which was very well received. Noel kept us laughing throughout. At the very end Julian came on with the Boosh Band. We were lucky enough to witness the first Boosh Band gig, which was amazing. At the end of it all, I wanted to go on all night. It was incredibly funny and hugely entertaining. Everyone (above 18) should definitely see Noel Fielding perform stand up live once in their life. I really he hope he comes out with a stand up DVD at some point.
To Hell and Back. Literally.
Hi guys,
I am sorry that I haven't updated my blog in a very long while, but it's due to quite difficult circumstances. I was really sick and I ended up in hospital for about 15 days, which was a much more horrible experience than it needed to be.
In the early hours of the 26th Feb, I was getting very short of breath and getting severe chest pains on the right side. I called my GP in the morning and asked him to get me an ambulance to the specialist respiratory hospital in S. Kensington. When he called the hospital they said there were no beds there, so instead the ambulance took me to the local general hospital, which is a complete disgrace. We got there around 1pm. They took me to the A&E (aka ER). We waited for four hours for the doctor to come. He decided they needed to draw blood. Because my veins are so thin, they tend to collapse and then roll if the needle is lucky enough to even find it on the first try. Which is fun. Really fun. So when my mum told this to the nurse and asked how experienced she was, the nurse got pissed off and defensive and accused mum of undermining her. After the doctor took my blood, we waiting until 11pm in the A&E before they took us up to the ward.
At 7am the next morning the nurse comes and wakes me up for a full towel bath, which was horrible and awkward, insisting that the doctors don't like untidy patience. To be frank, I was a hell of a lot tidier than her. We waited in this small room with two carers and my mum until Thurs morning when they transferred me to the respiratory ward. Amazingly it was an open ward. At that point, the hell began. Because it was an open ward with 40 elderly patients coughing and sneezing and breathing their germs all over the place. In my condition, and with my immune system, you can imagine how terrible it was. On my left, was a patient with TB, and on the right there was a patient who spent much of his night going:
CRAHWAWHAHWAHA3y595edshfs <-- Imagine that as the sound of an elderly man farting and snoring at the same time. Well. You can imagine.
The patient on the left kept screaming "DOCTOOOORR" all night.
Within three hours of being in the open ward, I started vomiting uncontrollably. To make matters worse the Diarrhea began. The doctors tried to tell me I brought them home. I was like no I bloody well didn't you liars. It was pretty severe.
Thursday afternoon, the doctors added even more antibiotics to what I was already taking (in addition to the three courses I took before for a chest infection). This served to make the diarrhea worse. The doctors and nurses were absolutely horrible. They would come stick needles in my arteries to test blood gases, tried to get it from my wrists, which was very painful; as well as taking blood from veins. The breathing got worse, the diarrhea got worse. On Thursday afternoon, when I was alone, one of the doctors came and said they would need to put a trache into my throat. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a tube that goes into your throat to help you breathe. My understanding of it was that it was a painful procedure, and life-changing as well. I figured it would send my quality of life down the toilet. He asked how I felt about the trache. And I told him I don't need that, and that it would be the very last thing that I would want. I told them there is no reason for me to use it, as there were plenty of safer alternatives that they hadn't even tried yet. They just said, we'll see.
By Friday I was fed up beyond belief. They started me on a full face ventilator. On Friday night, one of the ICU doctors came and said my condition had deteriorated and that I should be in the ICU.
They transferred me on Saturday with my parents, Once we got there, these bitches in the ICU wouldn't let anyone in, even though I am dependent on my parents or carers to take care of my basic needs (i.e. moving etc). When they transferred me from the stretcher to the bed the head was raised too high, which meant I couldn't breathe. It was a pulsating bed to prevent pressure sores. I kept asking them to call my dad but they ignored me and instead put a full face ventilator on me, through which it's very hard to understand anything I say. I hardly have any mobility so I rely on my ability to speak to allow me to be safe and comfortable. You can imagine how difficult this was. This stupid nurse kept saying "it's okay!" and I wanted to tell her to shut up and get my dad so he could lay me down properly so I could breathe.
They finally let him in, but tried to insist that he couldn't stay overnight. Considering how poorly looked after I was without him, this was a problem.
When my mum came on Sunday, they wouldn't let her in at first.
Meanwhile the care company and my family were desperately trying to get me transferred to the specialist hospital in South Kensington. Sarah spent Saturday by my bedside, because dad got really sick with severe diarrhea himself, and mum had spent the whole day with me and was exhausted. On Saturday, my nurse Jarek (who was actually really good) looked after me along with Sarah. All the other nurses and doctors were stressing me out by refusing to tell me anything. Because of the full face mask, I got a really painful pressure sore on my nose... I've still got the scar. It also made my mouth really crusty and blocked up so that I would need a little suction thing every half an hour (like at the dentist). At around 2am, I shouted at Sarah that I needed suction. She jumped up and tried to understand but couldn't. I got more and more frustrated, and stressed. Jarek stood right next to Sarah and couldn't understand either. It went like this:
Me (muffled): SUCTION. SUCTION.
Sarah: I can't understand you darling, say it again!
Me: SUCTION
Sarah (half asleep, half panicking): Sexing?
Me: ...
Jarek: ...
Then it clicked, and she understood. "Suction?" "YES!!"
Also catheters are sooo horribly and undignified. I hope I never need to go through that again, no guy should ever have to go through that.
At some point. a doctor came and said they needed more blood. He kept poking me, but no joy. So he goes, okay we'll just draw it from your groin. I was quite resigned to this, and wanted to get it over with. He stuck the needle in a few times, but still no luck. That was really fun, trust me. As he was trying to find the vein, he was commenting on how difficult my veins were. I was trying to be casual about the whole thing, and before I could stop myself I said, "Yeah, I'm very hard...." I then panicked and finished it off with "...to draw blood from." (This is even funnier considering he was trying to take blood from my groin and was feeling around my groin find a good vein to get blood from when I said that! ;-0 But, in my defense I was SO tired and was out of it b/c my blood oxygen level was dropping rapidly hourly...)
After Sarah stayed with me on Saturday night, my mum told the nurses that I can only have a maximum of 750mls of feed via my peg (a tube through my stomach that feeds me special milk all night to make sure I get enough calories), because any more will make me ill. Sunday night they very rudely and aggressively kicked my dad out of the hospital saying I would be fine without him. Sure enough they gave me a full 1200+ ml feed that night which sent the diarrhea into overdrive. Luckily the vomiting stopped after a bit. Jarek was the one to find out that I had had too much feed because my stomach was bloated. He had to get the excess feed out. As he was doing that, another senior nurse yelled at him... I'm not sure why. When my mum found out she blew her top.
The night they kicked my dad out, was really truly awful. I got stuck with this rude Chinese nurse, who insisted on keeping some windows open. She also insisted on giving me a towel bath with cold water, and wouldn't understand what I was saying. I was freezing cold that whole night and no one could understand me through the mask.
On Thursday, after eleven days of torture, they finally transferred me to the specialist hospital. I stayed over the weekend, where I received much better treatment from the specialist hospital, and went home on Tuesday, 11 March. I was very happy to go home especially after my ordeal at the first hospital. Thankfully, I'm doing much better. Slowly but surely, I am recovering.
I am sorry that I haven't updated my blog in a very long while, but it's due to quite difficult circumstances. I was really sick and I ended up in hospital for about 15 days, which was a much more horrible experience than it needed to be.
In the early hours of the 26th Feb, I was getting very short of breath and getting severe chest pains on the right side. I called my GP in the morning and asked him to get me an ambulance to the specialist respiratory hospital in S. Kensington. When he called the hospital they said there were no beds there, so instead the ambulance took me to the local general hospital, which is a complete disgrace. We got there around 1pm. They took me to the A&E (aka ER). We waited for four hours for the doctor to come. He decided they needed to draw blood. Because my veins are so thin, they tend to collapse and then roll if the needle is lucky enough to even find it on the first try. Which is fun. Really fun. So when my mum told this to the nurse and asked how experienced she was, the nurse got pissed off and defensive and accused mum of undermining her. After the doctor took my blood, we waiting until 11pm in the A&E before they took us up to the ward.
At 7am the next morning the nurse comes and wakes me up for a full towel bath, which was horrible and awkward, insisting that the doctors don't like untidy patience. To be frank, I was a hell of a lot tidier than her. We waited in this small room with two carers and my mum until Thurs morning when they transferred me to the respiratory ward. Amazingly it was an open ward. At that point, the hell began. Because it was an open ward with 40 elderly patients coughing and sneezing and breathing their germs all over the place. In my condition, and with my immune system, you can imagine how terrible it was. On my left, was a patient with TB, and on the right there was a patient who spent much of his night going:
CRAHWAWHAHWAHA3y595edshfs <-- Imagine that as the sound of an elderly man farting and snoring at the same time. Well. You can imagine.
The patient on the left kept screaming "DOCTOOOORR" all night.
Within three hours of being in the open ward, I started vomiting uncontrollably. To make matters worse the Diarrhea began. The doctors tried to tell me I brought them home. I was like no I bloody well didn't you liars. It was pretty severe.
Thursday afternoon, the doctors added even more antibiotics to what I was already taking (in addition to the three courses I took before for a chest infection). This served to make the diarrhea worse. The doctors and nurses were absolutely horrible. They would come stick needles in my arteries to test blood gases, tried to get it from my wrists, which was very painful; as well as taking blood from veins. The breathing got worse, the diarrhea got worse. On Thursday afternoon, when I was alone, one of the doctors came and said they would need to put a trache into my throat. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's a tube that goes into your throat to help you breathe. My understanding of it was that it was a painful procedure, and life-changing as well. I figured it would send my quality of life down the toilet. He asked how I felt about the trache. And I told him I don't need that, and that it would be the very last thing that I would want. I told them there is no reason for me to use it, as there were plenty of safer alternatives that they hadn't even tried yet. They just said, we'll see.
By Friday I was fed up beyond belief. They started me on a full face ventilator. On Friday night, one of the ICU doctors came and said my condition had deteriorated and that I should be in the ICU.
They transferred me on Saturday with my parents, Once we got there, these bitches in the ICU wouldn't let anyone in, even though I am dependent on my parents or carers to take care of my basic needs (i.e. moving etc). When they transferred me from the stretcher to the bed the head was raised too high, which meant I couldn't breathe. It was a pulsating bed to prevent pressure sores. I kept asking them to call my dad but they ignored me and instead put a full face ventilator on me, through which it's very hard to understand anything I say. I hardly have any mobility so I rely on my ability to speak to allow me to be safe and comfortable. You can imagine how difficult this was. This stupid nurse kept saying "it's okay!" and I wanted to tell her to shut up and get my dad so he could lay me down properly so I could breathe.
They finally let him in, but tried to insist that he couldn't stay overnight. Considering how poorly looked after I was without him, this was a problem.
When my mum came on Sunday, they wouldn't let her in at first.
Meanwhile the care company and my family were desperately trying to get me transferred to the specialist hospital in South Kensington. Sarah spent Saturday by my bedside, because dad got really sick with severe diarrhea himself, and mum had spent the whole day with me and was exhausted. On Saturday, my nurse Jarek (who was actually really good) looked after me along with Sarah. All the other nurses and doctors were stressing me out by refusing to tell me anything. Because of the full face mask, I got a really painful pressure sore on my nose... I've still got the scar. It also made my mouth really crusty and blocked up so that I would need a little suction thing every half an hour (like at the dentist). At around 2am, I shouted at Sarah that I needed suction. She jumped up and tried to understand but couldn't. I got more and more frustrated, and stressed. Jarek stood right next to Sarah and couldn't understand either. It went like this:
Me (muffled): SUCTION. SUCTION.
Sarah: I can't understand you darling, say it again!
Me: SUCTION
Sarah (half asleep, half panicking): Sexing?
Me: ...
Jarek: ...
Then it clicked, and she understood. "Suction?" "YES!!"
Also catheters are sooo horribly and undignified. I hope I never need to go through that again, no guy should ever have to go through that.
At some point. a doctor came and said they needed more blood. He kept poking me, but no joy. So he goes, okay we'll just draw it from your groin. I was quite resigned to this, and wanted to get it over with. He stuck the needle in a few times, but still no luck. That was really fun, trust me. As he was trying to find the vein, he was commenting on how difficult my veins were. I was trying to be casual about the whole thing, and before I could stop myself I said, "Yeah, I'm very hard...." I then panicked and finished it off with "...to draw blood from." (This is even funnier considering he was trying to take blood from my groin and was feeling around my groin find a good vein to get blood from when I said that! ;-0 But, in my defense I was SO tired and was out of it b/c my blood oxygen level was dropping rapidly hourly...)
After Sarah stayed with me on Saturday night, my mum told the nurses that I can only have a maximum of 750mls of feed via my peg (a tube through my stomach that feeds me special milk all night to make sure I get enough calories), because any more will make me ill. Sunday night they very rudely and aggressively kicked my dad out of the hospital saying I would be fine without him. Sure enough they gave me a full 1200+ ml feed that night which sent the diarrhea into overdrive. Luckily the vomiting stopped after a bit. Jarek was the one to find out that I had had too much feed because my stomach was bloated. He had to get the excess feed out. As he was doing that, another senior nurse yelled at him... I'm not sure why. When my mum found out she blew her top.
The night they kicked my dad out, was really truly awful. I got stuck with this rude Chinese nurse, who insisted on keeping some windows open. She also insisted on giving me a towel bath with cold water, and wouldn't understand what I was saying. I was freezing cold that whole night and no one could understand me through the mask.
On Thursday, after eleven days of torture, they finally transferred me to the specialist hospital. I stayed over the weekend, where I received much better treatment from the specialist hospital, and went home on Tuesday, 11 March. I was very happy to go home especially after my ordeal at the first hospital. Thankfully, I'm doing much better. Slowly but surely, I am recovering.
Monday, 25 February 2008
Saturday Family Night
On Saturday for Saturday Family Night I watched the next 6 Nations rugby game on telly between England and France in Paris. It was such a exciting and buzzing game, yet always brutal game, which I really enjoyed: a wicked kick-off between these best of rivals!
Thankfully, England beat France 24 to 13. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! Rugby is just so much fun to watch, and it's so violent, but I just love it...
Thankfully, England beat France 24 to 13. YAY!!!!!!!!!!! Rugby is just so much fun to watch, and it's so violent, but I just love it...
1 Year Anniversary
I cannot believe that suddenly it was 1 year yesterday I posted my first post, and embarked on this adventure that is my blog... I just want to thank all you who have liked my blog, and have supported me. Mainly, I just want to thank my older sister, Sarah, who got me started in blogging. Stay tuned for a BRILLIANT 2008 with even more greatness... CONGRATS!
Friday, 22 February 2008
Day with The Boosh Boys
Two Mondays ago something extraordinary happened to me and Sarah. Or rather we happened to something extraordinary. Thanks to beautiful Alexis, we found out that a certain Mr. Fielding and a distinguished Mr. Barratt would be languishing at the HMV on Oxford Street along with their shaman and gorilla. We got there late due to some serious wheelchair malfunctions and almost didn’t get to meet them because they were already midway in signing 300 copies of the series 3 DVD and we were told by the stroppy security man that it would be very hard to get them off the stage to meet us until the signing was done. At this point I was having trouble breathing. In any case, he settled me and Sarah right next to the Boosh. In order of those closest to us we had Bollo, then Naboo, then Julian, then Noel who looked as fabulous as always.
We stood there for a while feeling more and more anxious. Then suddenly this gorgeous PR woman stops and asks us if we’re okay. Sarah explains, and the woman is nice but reasserts that it would be difficult to get them off the stage. She disappears for a few minutes, comes back and asks Sarah the most unbelievable question:
“Is it okay if it’s only Noel?”
Sarah nods frantically, with big eyes, and squeaks something incoherent and starts to sway.
I start coughing.
Suddenly I see him leap of the stage and walk past the area we’re standing in. Out of nowhere he seems to appear in front of us. He says hello to me first. I say “Hi. How are you?” He says “Fine.” All this time, Sarah is presumably wetting herself. She finds her tongue and says “Sorry we’re late, his wheelchair broke today.”
Noel goes, “Oh no!!” with a grimace. Then Julian appears and Noel says to him, “His fucking wheelchair broke today!” I can’t remember what the reply was. Sarah has gone limp so Noel says, “Shall we take some pictures?” He said that we should take separate ones, but Sarah got confused and joined the three of us in our photo. Then they signed our copy of the DVD and Sarah managed to babble out a request for them to sign her white converse high-tops, which they both did, even though they we were being shouted at to get back on the stage. Sarah quickly gets another shot with Noel, her and me and then they disappear AFTER NOEL KISSES ME ON THE CHEEK and manages to get Sarah on the side of her nose. And then they’re gone.
We exchange hugs with the nice PR people and then stagger out like dazed drunkards, both deciding to never wash our faces again.
So…that was that.
Photos to follow.
We stood there for a while feeling more and more anxious. Then suddenly this gorgeous PR woman stops and asks us if we’re okay. Sarah explains, and the woman is nice but reasserts that it would be difficult to get them off the stage. She disappears for a few minutes, comes back and asks Sarah the most unbelievable question:
“Is it okay if it’s only Noel?”
Sarah nods frantically, with big eyes, and squeaks something incoherent and starts to sway.
I start coughing.
Suddenly I see him leap of the stage and walk past the area we’re standing in. Out of nowhere he seems to appear in front of us. He says hello to me first. I say “Hi. How are you?” He says “Fine.” All this time, Sarah is presumably wetting herself. She finds her tongue and says “Sorry we’re late, his wheelchair broke today.”
Noel goes, “Oh no!!” with a grimace. Then Julian appears and Noel says to him, “His fucking wheelchair broke today!” I can’t remember what the reply was. Sarah has gone limp so Noel says, “Shall we take some pictures?” He said that we should take separate ones, but Sarah got confused and joined the three of us in our photo. Then they signed our copy of the DVD and Sarah managed to babble out a request for them to sign her white converse high-tops, which they both did, even though they we were being shouted at to get back on the stage. Sarah quickly gets another shot with Noel, her and me and then they disappear AFTER NOEL KISSES ME ON THE CHEEK and manages to get Sarah on the side of her nose. And then they’re gone.
We exchange hugs with the nice PR people and then stagger out like dazed drunkards, both deciding to never wash our faces again.
So…that was that.
Photos to follow.
Weekend of Films
Hello!
On the Saturday before last, we watched A Mighty Heart starting Angelina Jolie and some guy (both of whom were wonderful). The film was about the kidnapping and murder of WSJ journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi by some absolute bastards. It tells the story from the perspective of his wife Marianne, who was pregnant at the time. Angelina plays Marianne beautifully. It was a very interesting film that was not as depressing as I was expecting, due to a solid performance from Angelina, and the whole cast really. I really liked Captain, and Marianne’s Indian friend. There were some warming scenes that lightened the mood periodically, and even though we all knew the outcome, there was still a good level of suspense. Highly recommended. Four stars from me.
On Sunday we watched Atonement starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightly. Set in the twenties-thirties, it is about the doomed love of Cecilia (Knightley) and Robbie (McAvoy). Knightley is not as annoying as normal, and McAvoy was thoroughly likable and just as good as he always is. The involvement of Cecilia’s younger sister Bryony is what complicates the affair. The film was a very unique film in that it was played out of sequence (not chronologically), which only added to the suspense. After watching Atonement, I want to buy a camcorder and make my own films because the cinematography was beautiful as was the storytelling. Another great film (though very sad). Four stars for this one too.
THIS IS SARAH: Hello Brother of Mine. Sorry for being so cranky about typing for you. I think it might make you feel a teensy bit better when you read this and realize that I’ve just bought us two tickets to see Noel Fielding and special guests perform some stand up comedy at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm. Proceeds go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. Should be a good night during which I have no intention of throwing a spare pair of knickers at the stage. At all. You’re welcome, sugar.
On the Saturday before last, we watched A Mighty Heart starting Angelina Jolie and some guy (both of whom were wonderful). The film was about the kidnapping and murder of WSJ journalist Daniel Pearl in Karachi by some absolute bastards. It tells the story from the perspective of his wife Marianne, who was pregnant at the time. Angelina plays Marianne beautifully. It was a very interesting film that was not as depressing as I was expecting, due to a solid performance from Angelina, and the whole cast really. I really liked Captain, and Marianne’s Indian friend. There were some warming scenes that lightened the mood periodically, and even though we all knew the outcome, there was still a good level of suspense. Highly recommended. Four stars from me.
On Sunday we watched Atonement starring James McAvoy and Keira Knightly. Set in the twenties-thirties, it is about the doomed love of Cecilia (Knightley) and Robbie (McAvoy). Knightley is not as annoying as normal, and McAvoy was thoroughly likable and just as good as he always is. The involvement of Cecilia’s younger sister Bryony is what complicates the affair. The film was a very unique film in that it was played out of sequence (not chronologically), which only added to the suspense. After watching Atonement, I want to buy a camcorder and make my own films because the cinematography was beautiful as was the storytelling. Another great film (though very sad). Four stars for this one too.
THIS IS SARAH: Hello Brother of Mine. Sorry for being so cranky about typing for you. I think it might make you feel a teensy bit better when you read this and realize that I’ve just bought us two tickets to see Noel Fielding and special guests perform some stand up comedy at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday 9 April at 7:30pm. Proceeds go towards the Teenage Cancer Trust. Should be a good night during which I have no intention of throwing a spare pair of knickers at the stage. At all. You’re welcome, sugar.
Sunday, 3 February 2008
Rugby’s a Riot!
Earlier this afternoon I watched the next Six Nations Championship rugby game between France and Scotland. Another enthralling game where France thrashed Scotland, 27 - 6. GO FRANCE!
Saturday Family Night
Last night around 22:30 we watched my cousin’s (Amir Khan) at his 16th pro boxing fight on tele for Saturday Family Night.
It was his toughest fight yet, but thankfully Amir beat “…Australian Gairy St Clair in the match that was for the Commonwealth lightweight title. This was his first fight to last all 12 rounds and was won (retaining his title) via a unanimous 120-108 scoring from all three ringside judges…”
It was his toughest fight yet, but thankfully Amir beat “…Australian Gairy St Clair in the match that was for the Commonwealth lightweight title. This was his first fight to last all 12 rounds and was won (retaining his title) via a unanimous 120-108 scoring from all three ringside judges…”
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Wild Saturday
I had quite a busy day earlier today. This afternoon, I watched the Six Nations Championship first two rugby games on tele; the games were Ireland vs. Italy, and England vs. Wales. They were REALLY great games, but in the end it was Ireland 16 - 11 Italy, and England 19 - 26 Wales. I’m really getting into rugby lately, I think I love just as much as I love football: it’s just such a wild, brutal, and exciting sport!
Later, we celebrated Sufian’s birthday and we gave him his cards and gifts. And we ate some really good chocolate cake. Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUFIAN!
Later, we celebrated Sufian’s birthday and we gave him his cards and gifts. And we ate some really good chocolate cake. Once again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUFIAN!
Thursday, 31 January 2008
Sufian’s Birthday
Today is Sufian’s birthday, my little brother, though he’s not so little anymore. He’s 12 years young, and I can’t believe it; it seems like yesterday that he looked like monkey after he’d eat chocolate yogurt when he was a baby, and suddenly he’s grown into a lanky (other than his Pillsbury dough boy tummy) cheeky monkey. And as today is a weekday, we’re celebrating his birthday over the weekend. HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUFIAN!
Sunday, 27 January 2008
My Hair & My New Jeans
HIYA! I’ve been doing something new lately: I been growing my hair out for the first time in my life. I haven’t cut my hair since last July, and now it’s almost up to my shoulders! This is partly b/c I wanted to see how what I’d look like, but mainly b/c I cannot find a good hairstylist like my brilliant Jenna in America (well, I can find them, but all the great places Sarah goes to get her hair done are in “The City” and don’t have wheelchair access). It’s times like these that I could at least hop and swing on walls/doorframes/signs like in a dream I once had…
In other important news, Sarah (thankfully) finally recently bought me some new jeans, 3 pair to be exact! The first are a pair of dark blue jeans by Lux (yeah I know they’re women’s jeans, but they fit great on me so bugger off) from Urban Outfitters, and a black and green pair of jeans from UNIQLO (a really wicked Japanese store) on Oxford Street. They are all skinny fit, and so stylish… And I look bloody amazing in my new jeans!
In other important news, Sarah (thankfully) finally recently bought me some new jeans, 3 pair to be exact! The first are a pair of dark blue jeans by Lux (yeah I know they’re women’s jeans, but they fit great on me so bugger off) from Urban Outfitters, and a black and green pair of jeans from UNIQLO (a really wicked Japanese store) on Oxford Street. They are all skinny fit, and so stylish… And I look bloody amazing in my new jeans!
112 Posts and Counting
HURRAH! This is my 112th post and counting: congrats all… Stay tuned for more greatness in London!
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Saturday Family Night
Sorry that I haven’t posted in awhile, but I’ve just been a bit busy.
Anyhow, last Saturday for Saturday Family Night we watched “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”; which is directed Andrew Adamson staring William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, and Liam Neeson’s voice. Sarah and me just really wanted see it again b/c we enjoy it, and as we hadn’t seen it in awhile we wanted refresh our memories in high anticipation for the next film “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” that’s out this summer.
Plus, earlier today we watched “Casablanca” for Saturday Family Night, a great classic film that I’ve never seen before I thoroughly enjoyed it; it was brilliant and so funny. I love classic films, and next time I have to watch West Side Story! ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***
Anyhow, last Saturday for Saturday Family Night we watched “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”; which is directed Andrew Adamson staring William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Tilda Swinton, James McAvoy, and Liam Neeson’s voice. Sarah and me just really wanted see it again b/c we enjoy it, and as we hadn’t seen it in awhile we wanted refresh our memories in high anticipation for the next film “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian” that’s out this summer.
Plus, earlier today we watched “Casablanca” for Saturday Family Night, a great classic film that I’ve never seen before I thoroughly enjoyed it; it was brilliant and so funny. I love classic films, and next time I have to watch West Side Story! ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***
Monday, 14 January 2008
Saturday Family Night
On Saturday for Saturday Family Night we watched “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” that’s directed by David Yates, which stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, and Ralph Fiennes among others.
Where do I start? Well, as you probably know “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is film 5 of 7 that is based on the novel (book 5 of 7) of the same name. My first feelings are that I absolutely hate it… The plot was so messed up, they cut out major pieces in the film crucial to the next 2 films, they screwed Harry up again (no “brilliant green eyes,” no persistent black messy hair, and a barely visible scar on his forehead, etc.), the majority of acting was terrible (somehow even making veteran great actors like Alan Rickman and Dame Maggie Smith act badly), hairstyles that just made me cringe, the film didn’t flow w/ events in wrong order and they didn’t even keep to any kind of adaptation of the book, and much more rubbish!
However, there were some good sparks of greatness that I liked, and a few nice FX, but that doesn’t really matter b/c whole film was shite; and the minor good sparks of greatness were pointless since they didn’t make sense (they didn’t give any background) and someone who hasn’t read the books yet again would be like WTF. J.K. Rowling is a genius writer, The Harry Potter series is BRILLIANT, but I just don’t what she’s thinking saying she supports these film and likes them. I would have waited at least a few years until after the final book (book 7) was published before adapting them into films, and I would give that task to a good foreign independent film studio not a massive, America capitalistic film studio… And I would never ever hire Chris Columbus and Steve Kloves!
Overall, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” was just quite disappointing, once more from another Harry Potter. Watch at your own wasted time, time better spent rereading to books… ***TWO 1/2 STARS***
Where do I start? Well, as you probably know “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” is film 5 of 7 that is based on the novel (book 5 of 7) of the same name. My first feelings are that I absolutely hate it… The plot was so messed up, they cut out major pieces in the film crucial to the next 2 films, they screwed Harry up again (no “brilliant green eyes,” no persistent black messy hair, and a barely visible scar on his forehead, etc.), the majority of acting was terrible (somehow even making veteran great actors like Alan Rickman and Dame Maggie Smith act badly), hairstyles that just made me cringe, the film didn’t flow w/ events in wrong order and they didn’t even keep to any kind of adaptation of the book, and much more rubbish!
However, there were some good sparks of greatness that I liked, and a few nice FX, but that doesn’t really matter b/c whole film was shite; and the minor good sparks of greatness were pointless since they didn’t make sense (they didn’t give any background) and someone who hasn’t read the books yet again would be like WTF. J.K. Rowling is a genius writer, The Harry Potter series is BRILLIANT, but I just don’t what she’s thinking saying she supports these film and likes them. I would have waited at least a few years until after the final book (book 7) was published before adapting them into films, and I would give that task to a good foreign independent film studio not a massive, America capitalistic film studio… And I would never ever hire Chris Columbus and Steve Kloves!
Overall, “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix” was just quite disappointing, once more from another Harry Potter. Watch at your own wasted time, time better spent rereading to books… ***TWO 1/2 STARS***
Saturday, 5 January 2008
Saturday Family Night
Sorry guys, we are not having a Saturday Family Night today b/c since Wednesday I’ve had such a bad sinus and flu, and I’m feeling very sick. I just hope I get better soon, as I don’t need to get sick again! So, friends, please pray for me…
Friday, 4 January 2008
Irfan’s Birthday
This afternoon we had a surprise birthday party for Irfan, Mum’s school friend Razia’s son, who is 26 today. We wanted to do something for his birthday b/c his parents and sister are out of the country w/ his grandfather, and he’s here by himself; moreover, while away his grandfather’s kidney failed ending up in the I.C.U. (and has been there for several weeks), and Irfan has been down lately.
Anyway, the party went quite well. We ordered pizza, and Sarah got a cake from Konditor & Cook the great bakery in “The City.” And we got him a really nice black wool/cashmere, single-breasted coat, and I think he liked it. It was just a good relaxing, casual few several hours…
Anyway, the party went quite well. We ordered pizza, and Sarah got a cake from Konditor & Cook the great bakery in “The City.” And we got him a really nice black wool/cashmere, single-breasted coat, and I think he liked it. It was just a good relaxing, casual few several hours…
Tuesday, 1 January 2008
New Year with The Nutcracker
Earlier I went to the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, w/ Sarah and Sana to see the matinee programme of The Nutcracker. It was wicked! I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I hope Sana did too b/c I wanted to treat her since she works very hard getting A’s in school, and has always ended up w/ the bad end of the stick of our family.
The Royal Ballet gave a magnificent performance, and all the costumes were exquisite. And I can’t believe how high the male ballet dancers can jump, and how flexible they are; it’s expected of female ballet dancers, but when I watch the male ballet dancers it’s just like wow that’s amazing: in tights and all…
Overall, The Nutcracker was incredible, and everyone at Royal Opera House (ROH) treat all the disabled patrons excellently (and they always treat me very well); plus, everyone should go to the ROH to see a ballet and opera at least once in the lives b/c they give the premier fantastic performances. Also, the Sugar Plum Fairy was SO hot, and going to marry her! ;-)
P.S.: Photos coming soon…
The Royal Ballet gave a magnificent performance, and all the costumes were exquisite. And I can’t believe how high the male ballet dancers can jump, and how flexible they are; it’s expected of female ballet dancers, but when I watch the male ballet dancers it’s just like wow that’s amazing: in tights and all…
Overall, The Nutcracker was incredible, and everyone at Royal Opera House (ROH) treat all the disabled patrons excellently (and they always treat me very well); plus, everyone should go to the ROH to see a ballet and opera at least once in the lives b/c they give the premier fantastic performances. Also, the Sugar Plum Fairy was SO hot, and going to marry her! ;-)
P.S.: Photos coming soon…
New Year Greetings!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008 TO ALL MY FRIENDS! May all of you have a brilliant year that’s filled w/ fortune (health and wealth), love, happiness, success, peace, and most of all humour…
Monday, 31 December 2007
British Comedy Rules! W/O DOUBT…
I LOVE BRITISH COMEDY! Last night, I watched The Big Fat Quiz Show of The Year 2007 on tele. I CANNOT TELL ENOUGH HOW FUNNY IT WAS!
And it had Noel Fielding (from The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd) again like last year too, and he has thankfully been confirmed next year’s show.
The Big Fat Quiz Show of The Year is just one of the great British comedies, which when you watch you laugh so hard that you end up w/ a migraine… I just highly recommend you watching it on YouTube…
And it had Noel Fielding (from The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd) again like last year too, and he has thankfully been confirmed next year’s show.
The Big Fat Quiz Show of The Year is just one of the great British comedies, which when you watch you laugh so hard that you end up w/ a migraine… I just highly recommend you watching it on YouTube…
Saturday, 29 December 2007
Saturday Family Night
Today, Dad, Mum, and me went to Romford Market since I’ve never been there; it was quite nice, but it was bloody cold, as it’s mainly an outdoor market w/ three inter-connected malls. Though, a good place to visit in the summertime.
Later for Saturday Family Night, as Sarah’s gone to “The City” w/ Sana and Sufian, tonight Mum and me just finished watching Tomb Raider. I’ve seen about four times already, but as it stars my Angelina I’m quite partial to her… ;-)
Later for Saturday Family Night, as Sarah’s gone to “The City” w/ Sana and Sufian, tonight Mum and me just finished watching Tomb Raider. I’ve seen about four times already, but as it stars my Angelina I’m quite partial to her… ;-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
