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!

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***

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!

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***

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...

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 ***

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.

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.

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 =

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.

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...

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!

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.

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.

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…”

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!

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!

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!

112 Posts and Counting

HURRAH! This is my 112th post and counting: congrats all… Stay tuned for more greatness in London!

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***

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***

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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… ;-)

Christmas Greetings!

MERRY CHRISTMAS 2007 ALL!

Saturday Family Night

No Saturday Family Night today b/c Sarah is really sick w/ some kind of flu. GET WELL SOON, SARAH!

The Mighty Boosh – Series 3

Yesterday, Sarah and me watched the Series 3 finale of The Mighty Boosh. Where do I start? It was just bloody hilarious and brilliant! And I just can’t wait until it’s out on DVD!


I <3 THE BOOSH!

Au revoir Alexis

Sadly, on Wednesday Alexis left back for America after a wonderful week. Luckily, her flight was in the evening, so we ordered some pizza and watched The Mighty Boosh Live Stage Show in the afternoon. Fun…

Saturday Family Night

Sorry, I know that I haven’t posted in a while, but things have just been quite hectic lately and I’ve just been a bit busy working on different projects.


Anyway, on Saturday Sarah, Alexis, and me for Saturday Family Night watched Battlestar Galactica; I think it was the miniseries film that is part of the TV series, which Alexis brought from America.


It was quite enjoyable, and very much recommend it to you all. It is kind of like Serenity and how it was also a film that came from TV series as well, which was called Firefly. Battlestar Galactica, along w/ Serenity and Firefly, are definitely must-sees.

Go Sarah!

For Sarah: Good luck on the job interveiw today for the permanent position of your temp job at London College of Fashion. 


Everyone, let's pray and wish her the best of luck that she gets the job at LCF...


You can do it, Sarah, and I believe in you!

California: Here She Comes...

Alexis arrives today! YAY!!!

Amir’s Big Fight

For All My Friends Outside The UK – Here are some videos from my cousin Amir’s boxing fight on Saturday I just found:


Amir During the Fight =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ku7Bw2QsYw

Amir After the Fight =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c9Yd8Pt5gw&NR=1

And Bastard, Arrogant Graham Earl After the Fight =
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VPY7N0VU7k&NR=1


Tell me what you think.

The Mighty Boosh – Series 3

I only wanted to say that I just cannot tell you enough how BRILLIANT Series 3 of “The Mighty Boosh) is on BBC THREE! However, Sarah and me ALWAYS get interrupted while we’re watching it on TV every week. Sarah, we’re just going to have to wait for the DVD to come out, and enjoy it later...

Saturday Family Night

Last night, I watched my cousin’s, Amir Khan (who’s an Olympic silver medal winner from the Athens 2004 Olympic Games), at his 15th pro fight to defend his Commonwealth lightweight title against Graham Earl. It was so wicked: Amir won in 72 seconds of the 1st round, and also yesterday was his 21st birthday!


For more info check out this article in The Independent on Sunday about the fight: http://sport.independent.co.uk/general/article3236158.ece.

Some photos from the fight =

Dreams of Gael

My parents and my brother Sufian are coming back late from to Manchester, so Sarah, me, and Sana just watched “The Science of Sleep” directed by Michel Gondry (a pure genius), which stars Gael García Bernal (from “Babel” and one of my fav film’s “Y tu mamá también”), Charlotte Gainsbourg, Alain Chabat, Miou-Miou, Emma de Caunes, Aurélia Petit, and Sacha Bourdo. It is my new favourite film.


“The Science of Sleep” is basically “a playful, romantic fantasy set inside the topsy-turvy brain of Stephane Miroux (Gael García Bernal) an eccentric young man whose dreams constantly invade his waking life. Stephane pines for next-door neighbour Stephanie (Charlotte Gainsbourg), but she becomes confused by his childishness and shaky connection to reality. Unable to find the key to Stephanie’s heart while awake, Stephane searches for the answer in his dreams.” — From the official “The Science of Sleep” website.


It is BRILLIANT film that I thoroughly enjoyed, and really makes me want to produce a film for myself, seeing that even if you have a very small budget and little technological aide you can still make a creative masterpiece: exactly what this film is. I’m sure Sarah enjoyed it too, especially the scene where Gael is lying on a boulder... And Gael, who is very unique and talented, is just such a powerful and dynamic performer with great depth and quality characteristics as an actor, and he is quite admirable how excellently he can play characters in a vast variety of roles and give a fantastic, memorable performance. You all have to watch it, and I give it my ardent recommendation to everyone see. ***FOUR 1/2 STARS***


Anyway, earlier today Sarah, me, and my carers just watched Series 1 & 2 of “The IT Crowd” that’s another really funny TV show about the IT Department at a company. It’s up there w/ the Boosh, but in its own way, and I highly recommend it too!



Overall, it was an amazing weekend w/ my parents and Sufian gone for about 24 hours, it was so peaceful, other than my uncle being around. Most of all, I enjoyed spending time w/ my wonderful older sister b/c she rocks and we never get to do things together (like when we were younger) by ourselves in peace. Sarah, we should so do this more often...

Saturday Family Night

As my parents and my younger brother Sufian went to Manchester for 24 hours, for Saturday Family Night there was just us 3 siblings (Sarah, me, and Sana,), my carers, and sadly my daft uncle at home by ourselves.


Sarah and me spent whole day together, and was wicked. In the afternoon we watched “Serenity”, and about 16:00 us 3 siblings and my carers went to Belgique, my most favourite café in world; especially since my favourite Magda works there, a really hot waitress from Poland with the most sexiest and adorable Polish accent that I’m secretly in love with... Once we got home me and Sarah watched some episodes from Series 1 & 2 of “The Mighty Boosh”, and we ordered pizza for dinner.


Then, around 20.30 Sarah and me watch the Special Extended Edition of “The Lord of The Rings: The Return of The King” and stayed up to about 01.00.


I just had a really nice time w/ Sarah.

90th Post and Counting...

My Dearest Friends in The World:




Congrats, this is my 90th post! And all in about in the last 8 months or so... Hopefully, my next 90th posts will be better and funnier that ever! ;-)


I just want to thank each and everyone one of you for reading and like my blog: it makes me feel so l<3ved.


Plus, I’d like to dedicate this special time in my life to my birds, my agent, my new bodyguards (6 of 10 that I’m going to fire due breaching of contract), and last but not least to Jesus Christ... And to Muhammad... And to God... However, most importantly, I want to dedicate this honour to my much loved and adored older sister: Sarah, who thankfully got me started on my own blog, and is utterly the best older sister in the universe!!! That is whenever she’s not drooling over all the pretty boys, which is quite hard for her here in London...


Anyway, stay tuned all for more greatness... Take care of yourselves; talk to you soon.




Your friend always,
The Red Haired Londoner

California Waiting

My and Sarah’s friend, Alexis, who is a budding director rubbing shoulders in Hollywood, in coming to visit us here in London on Tuesday (11 Dec.) from California; and I cannot wait b/c I love when friends visit... HURRAH!

Carers Meeting

I just had my first monthly care meeting w/ the Care Facilitator and about 5/10 of my carers. On the whole, it went well, but I need to get back to the Care Facilitator to get rid of these shite night carers and hopefully soon...

Day at The Royal Brompton

Today, I spent most of the day at the Royal Brompton Hospital to just get a check up on how I’m getting along w/ my ventilator at home.


I went there w/ Mum and two of my carers on a stretcher via non-emergency ambulance transport, and it was nice to admire all the great architecture b/c the hospital is located right in the heart of South Kensington. And thankfully I had the same wonderful ambulance crew that took me to the Royal Brompton last time, Brian and Francis. Brian (the driver) is the older of the two, and is REALLY humourous and a bloody crazy driver (especially as speeds while swearing at the other drivers and in The City), but somehow you always arrive safe and alive. Francis is much younger, at 19 (w/ the one of the most amazing eyes and eyelashes) is the more mellow one of the two, but is quite fun in his own; and he has the cutest baby girl who’s about 11 months old.


Anyway, Brian is a right laugh, and is just like The Hitcher from The Mighty Boosh; and Francis being more quite that than Brian, just adds subtle sarcastic comments. For example a funny exchange that took place, was when on the way back home Francis got a call from his wife, and while he’s talking to her Brian (from the front of the ambulance) shouted, “He’s got a pretty woman back there...” (referring to my Mum), and Francis snippily replied, “SHUT UP!” It was just so hilarious to listen to. And you are always guaranteed a brilliant time w/ Brian and Francis, and always a riot!


Overall, my trip to the Royal Brompton Hospital went ok, and they said I am well, well as much as can be expected.

To My Jenna – The World’s Best Hairstylist. Literally.

I was checking out Sarah’s updated blog, and just decided to check out Jenna’s blog, which is linked to Sarah’s blog. I haven’t checked out Jenna’s blog since last December, but there was just something calling me to click on the link to her blog.


Jenna is whom I got my haircuts from in America, and used to work for Paul Mitchell – The Academy in McLean, Virginia. She is amazing, and looks amazing too; not seeing her and not getting my haircut from her are probably among the things that make me sad that I don’t live in the US anymore.


Anyway, I found out that Jenna has several new posts since I last checked her blog, and I discovered several new things. First, Jenna got a tattoo, which looks quite nice; and that she ran away to Texas after just having lots of shite in her life. Mainly, A) having a bastard of a boyfriend (thankfully he is gone now); B) her car broke again; C) her Christmas was not very good; D) she lost my job, apparently it was nothing she did; E) she’s still job searching; F) she has basically no income; and G) the icing on the cake: her parents told her that she’s pathetic, and that she’s as big as a house.


Oh my Jenna, I’m SO sorry that life has been quite tough lately, but don’t worry things will get better, I promise. And the latter upsets me the most: YOU ARE NOT pathetic and big as a house. You are amongst the most outgoing, fun, and vivacious people I know... What brought tears to my eyes even is that she also said on her blog that the only good thing she had to say was that the fabulous Sarah and me sent her a Christmas card in the mail and she literally fills with tears; and that she has it now to read whenever she’s down, which is a lot lately...


Not to worry, I’ll be praying for you, everything always works out for the best. And remember, my Jenna, YOU’RE TOTALLY HOT (NEVER LET ANYONE TELL YOU ANY DIFFERENT) AND I HAVE A HUGE CRUSH ON YOU! SHUT UP ME... SHITE, SHITE, SHITE: I DIDN’T JUST SAY THAT!!!


Me go now...

Saturday Family Night

Yesterday, for Saturday Family Night we didn’t do much, and everyone was just off doing their own thing. We really didn’t do anything, I don’t know why, but just didn’t do anything.