Good news. Just placed an order today for equipment for uni including a brand new MacBook Pro 17” via the equipment allowance part of my DSA .
It will take about three weeks or so to arrive and cannot wait… HURRAH!
Tuesday, 28 July 2009
Monday, 27 July 2009
Wembley Cup Weekend
On Friday and Sunday I attended the Wembley Cup w/ Sarah, an invitational football (soccer) tournament that took place between 24 and 26 July 2009 at Wembley Stadium, London. This was the inaugural year of the Wembley Cup, where each team played two matches, with three points awarded for a win and one point for a draw; and the four teams that played where Al-Ahly, Barcelona, Celtic, and Tottenham Hotspur.
In terms of accessibility it was very accessible w/ our seats on a platform w/ an excellent view of the field, and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. I was happy to see there was quite good services for disabled people at Wembley Stadium.
On Day 1 (24 July 2009) the first game was between Celtic and Al-Ahly (Celtic thrashed Al-Ahly by a final score of 5 – 0, but two of Celtic’s goals should have been offside) and the first game was between Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur (w/ a 1 – 1 draw). Day 2 (26 July 2009) was an interesting day w/ Barcelona beat Al-Ahly 4 – 1 and Celtic killed Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 (a great Anglo-Scot rivalry, indeed). Also, it was wicked to see Messi play for a bit on Day 2 during the 2nd Half of the first game, he’s amazing! Well, the final scores of the tournament where as follows:
Overall, I had a fab weekend at Wembley Stadium and hopefully I can attend next summer’s Wembley Cup too…
In terms of accessibility it was very accessible w/ our seats on a platform w/ an excellent view of the field, and all the staff were so friendly and helpful. I was happy to see there was quite good services for disabled people at Wembley Stadium.
On Day 1 (24 July 2009) the first game was between Celtic and Al-Ahly (Celtic thrashed Al-Ahly by a final score of 5 – 0, but two of Celtic’s goals should have been offside) and the first game was between Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur (w/ a 1 – 1 draw). Day 2 (26 July 2009) was an interesting day w/ Barcelona beat Al-Ahly 4 – 1 and Celtic killed Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 0 (a great Anglo-Scot rivalry, indeed). Also, it was wicked to see Messi play for a bit on Day 2 during the 2nd Half of the first game, he’s amazing! Well, the final scores of the tournament where as follows:
Overall, I had a fab weekend at Wembley Stadium and hopefully I can attend next summer’s Wembley Cup too…
Thursday, 23 July 2009
Work Experience
Today, I went to the office to continue my work experience at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign / Trailblazers HQ that I’m doing during the summer, as I was unable to go on Tuesday b/c I was unwell.
Anyway, it was a much more productive day than last week since Sana came w/ me to be my lovely personal secretary and I think I’ll get her to come w/ me on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I go to the office b/c she’s a big help. About 12:00PM or so, Bobby (Trailblazers Project Manager) kindly invited Sana and I to lunch with some of the people at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, so we both just walked up the road to a nice restaurant and had lunch w/ Bobby and the others, which was quite good and a fab time.
Once we got back to the office, we worked some more on next current Trailblazers campaign, access to and through education. Also, before I left the office me and two other Trailblazers recorded a video about our experiences w/ higher education that hopefully you’ll see on our website soon.
All in all, I had a brilliant day at the office (mainly thanks to Sana) and I cannot wait until next week!
Anyway, it was a much more productive day than last week since Sana came w/ me to be my lovely personal secretary and I think I’ll get her to come w/ me on Tuesdays and Thursdays when I go to the office b/c she’s a big help. About 12:00PM or so, Bobby (Trailblazers Project Manager) kindly invited Sana and I to lunch with some of the people at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, so we both just walked up the road to a nice restaurant and had lunch w/ Bobby and the others, which was quite good and a fab time.
Once we got back to the office, we worked some more on next current Trailblazers campaign, access to and through education. Also, before I left the office me and two other Trailblazers recorded a video about our experiences w/ higher education that hopefully you’ll see on our website soon.
All in all, I had a brilliant day at the office (mainly thanks to Sana) and I cannot wait until next week!
Wednesday, 22 July 2009
Dirty Harry Lives
Just watched “Gran Torino” that was directed by Clint Eastwood, and stars Clint Eastwood and Bee Vang. It was one of the great DVDs with a wonderful card that Sharon & John (my amazing friends from America) sent me for my birthday.
This film is really quite good, which I enjoyed a lot. Clint Eastwood is such a brilliant director and actor, and his facial expressions in this film were just wicked… Highly recommended, but not for the kids. *** FOUR STARS ***
This film is really quite good, which I enjoyed a lot. Clint Eastwood is such a brilliant director and actor, and his facial expressions in this film were just wicked… Highly recommended, but not for the kids. *** FOUR STARS ***
Sunday, 19 July 2009
On Top of The World…
I stayed up until 3:00 AM this morning in elation after last night I watched my cousin, British boxer Amir Khan , claim his first world title – the WBA light welterweight belt to become the WBA light welterweight World Champion...
HURRAH: Congrats, Amir! :-)
HURRAH: Congrats, Amir! :-)
Saturday, 18 July 2009
T Minus Less Than 60 Days
Guess what? There are 57 Days, 17 Hours, 06 Minutes and Counting until the first day of uni! HURRAH! I cannot believe how quickly the time is going and I’m getting quite excited/anxious in anticipation…
Paprika
Yesterday, Sarah and I watched ‘Paprika’ directed by Satoshi Kon and starring Megumi Hayashibara and Akio Ohtsuka, which is a Japanese animated science-fiction film based on a book of the same name.
It’s basically a film about a psychologist dealing with dreams and how to treat people’s illnesses through their dreams using a device that goes over the head by interpretation of the dream that the person is having. Sorry, that’s not a very good description of the film, but it’s a difficult film to describe. That being said, I quite enjoyed the film and though the animation was really interesting, it is definitely one animated film for adults over 16. Recommended must see. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
It’s basically a film about a psychologist dealing with dreams and how to treat people’s illnesses through their dreams using a device that goes over the head by interpretation of the dream that the person is having. Sorry, that’s not a very good description of the film, but it’s a difficult film to describe. That being said, I quite enjoyed the film and though the animation was really interesting, it is definitely one animated film for adults over 16. Recommended must see. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
Thursday, 16 July 2009
First Day of Work Experience
Today, I went to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign HQ where it was the first day of my work experience officially at office. I started my work experience since August 2008 w/ the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign / Trailblazers, but as I didn’t have a good wheelchair to go into the office I have had to do my work experience from home. Thankfully, now that I have a new wheelchair, I can hopefully start going into the office for my work experience one or two days a week during the summer before I start my University in September.
The day at the office today turned out okay, and when I got home I was feeling a bit down because I was unable to do any physical activity (type anything on their computer and administrative work) needed and Dad ended up helping me doing the majority of the work, which made me feel quite bad. Talking to the Trailblazers Project Manager before I left the office, he said that they might be able to find a volunteer willing to scribe for me at the office, so I will see what happens.
I have so many great ideas that I just need to find a way to express them to others without much or any physical activity on my part. It’s so inspiring and wonderful to go into the office that I just need to do it more often, becoming productive and efficient for myself. Stay tuned for more exciting news from the office…
The day at the office today turned out okay, and when I got home I was feeling a bit down because I was unable to do any physical activity (type anything on their computer and administrative work) needed and Dad ended up helping me doing the majority of the work, which made me feel quite bad. Talking to the Trailblazers Project Manager before I left the office, he said that they might be able to find a volunteer willing to scribe for me at the office, so I will see what happens.
I have so many great ideas that I just need to find a way to express them to others without much or any physical activity on my part. It’s so inspiring and wonderful to go into the office that I just need to do it more often, becoming productive and efficient for myself. Stay tuned for more exciting news from the office…
Sunday, 12 July 2009
Friday, 10 July 2009
A Day at The Museum
Yesterday, I attended the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s 2009 Young Pavement Artists Competition (YPAC) Awards Ceremony at the Natural History Museum w/ Mum and Sarah.
Upon arrival, we went to a reception we mingled for a while and around 14:00 we into the theatre for actual awards ceremony to see the children who were the runner-ups and winners in each category received their prizes. It was so inspiring to see all the children’s amazing artwork!
Guess who was also awarding the children their prizes? Well, it was Chico of the “It’s Chico Time” fame! He is so funny and I met him afterwards as well when Mum was chatting him up…
About 40-45 minutes later, we went back to the reception area to have tea and cake and chat some more. Then at 16:30 the runner-ups and winners were given an exclusive tour of the museum, and I was offered to go on the tour too on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign; so Mum, Sarah and me followed the brilliant Matt (Learning Operations Manager at the Museum), who gave an excellent Museum Tour. The NHM was exclusively closed for us; he showed us all the cool parts of the Museum and he took us to a special room that not many know b/c it’s hidden where the had all kinds unique, interesting items that we could touch and explore – from fossils to bones and to butterflies to a taxidermy fox. The friendly Guido was our lovely museum guide; he showed me (and the me touch) all kinds cool items including a dried starfish, a head of a crocodile, a mold of a dinosaur’s teeth, Baleen from a Sperm Whale and so much more… It was just utterly amazing and I definitely plan to go back!
All in all, it was a wicked day that I really enjoyed. Plus, it was very nice to meet old and new friends from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign – Phil (Chief Executive), Adam (Designer), Abby (Director of Marketing and Communications), Sally (Marketing and Communications Manager), Eleanor (Web Manager), Laura (Volunteering Recruitment Manager) and twins Laura and Judith (Trailblazers National Ambassadors) – and others such as Jo (from the tictoc , the company that designed and manages our websites) and more interesting people at the ceremony. YPAC was a well dog’s bollocks of an experience that I’ll never forget…
Upon arrival, we went to a reception we mingled for a while and around 14:00 we into the theatre for actual awards ceremony to see the children who were the runner-ups and winners in each category received their prizes. It was so inspiring to see all the children’s amazing artwork!
Guess who was also awarding the children their prizes? Well, it was Chico of the “It’s Chico Time” fame! He is so funny and I met him afterwards as well when Mum was chatting him up…
About 40-45 minutes later, we went back to the reception area to have tea and cake and chat some more. Then at 16:30 the runner-ups and winners were given an exclusive tour of the museum, and I was offered to go on the tour too on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign; so Mum, Sarah and me followed the brilliant Matt (Learning Operations Manager at the Museum), who gave an excellent Museum Tour. The NHM was exclusively closed for us; he showed us all the cool parts of the Museum and he took us to a special room that not many know b/c it’s hidden where the had all kinds unique, interesting items that we could touch and explore – from fossils to bones and to butterflies to a taxidermy fox. The friendly Guido was our lovely museum guide; he showed me (and the me touch) all kinds cool items including a dried starfish, a head of a crocodile, a mold of a dinosaur’s teeth, Baleen from a Sperm Whale and so much more… It was just utterly amazing and I definitely plan to go back!
All in all, it was a wicked day that I really enjoyed. Plus, it was very nice to meet old and new friends from the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign – Phil (Chief Executive), Adam (Designer), Abby (Director of Marketing and Communications), Sally (Marketing and Communications Manager), Eleanor (Web Manager), Laura (Volunteering Recruitment Manager) and twins Laura and Judith (Trailblazers National Ambassadors) – and others such as Jo (from the tictoc , the company that designed and manages our websites) and more interesting people at the ceremony. YPAC was a well dog’s bollocks of an experience that I’ll never forget…
Birthday Wishes
Happy 18th Birthday to my younger sister, Sana! I hope that today is great day for her and she has a wonderful year…
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Funeral of the World
Just finished watch Michael Jackson’s funeral / memorial on telly live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Quite a varied extravaganza; May he rest in peace…
Meeting at The Department for Transport
This afternoon I went to the Department for Transport with Bobby ( Trailblazers Project Manager) and two other Trailblazers to meet the Minister of State for Transport, Mr. Sadiq Khan MP (no relation) to discuss accessibility on public transportation.
It was a very productive meeting and he's such a wonderfully, nice man.
Find out more about the meeting .
It was a very productive meeting and he's such a wonderfully, nice man.
Find out more about the meeting .
Monday, 6 July 2009
Wonderful Weekend
I had the most amazing weekend, chronicled as followed:
FRIDAY – Watched British No. 1 Seed (World No. 3 Seed) Andy Murray lose to Andy Roddick at the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Semifinals on telly. What a killer serve Roddick has! Interesting game; Murray played rubbish and just gave up winning…
Also, on Friday night my younger brother, Sufian (SOOF*YAAN), had to go the A&E (ER) via ambulance b/c he was feeling very ill w/ severe right eye/chest pain. Thankfully, I was nothing serious and he was home early Saturday morning. I just pray that he stays well since he’s a very lively 13-year-old and always running in to a wall or something.
SATURDAY – First off, Happy Independence Day to all my friends in the USA!
On Saturday, I attended Beyond Boundaries Live in Farnborough, Hampshire and I represented the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign / Trailblazers (where I do work experience). It was quite an interesting event for disabled people with wicked activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing and "Pimp My Wheelchair"; and Bobby (Trailblazers Project Manager) and I gave a presentation about Trailblazers, which went pretty well. Overall, it was a brilliant experience! Check out more here .
SUNDAY – Yesterday, was my 24th birthday: HURRAH! For my birthday I went to the cinema to see “Ice Age 3 Dawn Of The Dinosaurs” w/ my siblings (Sarah, Sana and Sufian) and Vaios (my Greek carer who kindly drove us). It was quite a funny film and the only film we could watch w/ my younger siblings. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
Afterwards, we watched the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. A very exciting final, indeed! When the game was over, we had cake that was so yummy. About an hour later, my one of Mum best friends, Razia (Aunty Roz), with her son (Irfan) and his new wife (who got married last July) came to visit to wish me a happy birthday. It’s always nice to see Aunty Roz and was especially nice to see Irfan as I’ve not seen him since September. We just sat and laughed, enjoying each other’s company. Once they’d left, we had dinner at about 22.30; Mum made Chicken Tikka Masala w/ rice and baked fish with spices, which was amazing… An excellent birthday, indeed!
Overall, my weekend was very enjoyable. A well good entire weekend!
FRIDAY – Watched British No. 1 Seed (World No. 3 Seed) Andy Murray lose to Andy Roddick at the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Semifinals on telly. What a killer serve Roddick has! Interesting game; Murray played rubbish and just gave up winning…
Also, on Friday night my younger brother, Sufian (SOOF*YAAN), had to go the A&E (ER) via ambulance b/c he was feeling very ill w/ severe right eye/chest pain. Thankfully, I was nothing serious and he was home early Saturday morning. I just pray that he stays well since he’s a very lively 13-year-old and always running in to a wall or something.
SATURDAY – First off, Happy Independence Day to all my friends in the USA!
On Saturday, I attended Beyond Boundaries Live in Farnborough, Hampshire and I represented the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign / Trailblazers (where I do work experience). It was quite an interesting event for disabled people with wicked activities such as scuba diving, rock climbing and "Pimp My Wheelchair"; and Bobby (Trailblazers Project Manager) and I gave a presentation about Trailblazers, which went pretty well. Overall, it was a brilliant experience! Check out more here .
SUNDAY – Yesterday, was my 24th birthday: HURRAH! For my birthday I went to the cinema to see “Ice Age 3 Dawn Of The Dinosaurs” w/ my siblings (Sarah, Sana and Sufian) and Vaios (my Greek carer who kindly drove us). It was quite a funny film and the only film we could watch w/ my younger siblings. *** THREE 1/2 STARS ***
Afterwards, we watched the Wimbledon Gentlemen's Singles Final between Roger Federer and Andy Roddick. A very exciting final, indeed! When the game was over, we had cake that was so yummy. About an hour later, my one of Mum best friends, Razia (Aunty Roz), with her son (Irfan) and his new wife (who got married last July) came to visit to wish me a happy birthday. It’s always nice to see Aunty Roz and was especially nice to see Irfan as I’ve not seen him since September. We just sat and laughed, enjoying each other’s company. Once they’d left, we had dinner at about 22.30; Mum made Chicken Tikka Masala w/ rice and baked fish with spices, which was amazing… An excellent birthday, indeed!
Overall, my weekend was very enjoyable. A well good entire weekend!
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Thursday, 2 July 2009
Sunshine
The weather has been so nice here in London for a change for past several days – being between 29 – 33 Degrees C (84 – 91 Degrees F). I hope we do have a nice summer like they’re predicted b/c I really miss the brilliant summers of America living there 10+ years and all!
So, as the weather was still fab today this evening I went for walk (well drive) to our local park about a mile away. Just a well good day out…
So, as the weather was still fab today this evening I went for walk (well drive) to our local park about a mile away. Just a well good day out…
Monday, 29 June 2009
Control The World
Today, an engineer came from Possum to install an environmental control system for me. Now w/ one controller and switch I control my entire room – A/C, telly, lights, fan, phone, and a pager to beep the carers when needed… Amazing!
Dreams of Africa
Last night, I watched the FIFA Confederations Cup final between Brazil and USA in Johannesburg. What an interesting game! Though, thankfully Brazil won 3-2, but the USA should quite proud of what they achieved by coming 2nd just to Brazil in a major international competition…
Day with my Cousin
Yesterday, my cousin from Manchester came to visit w/ her two sons and her new husband. It is the first time that I’ve met her since she got married back in January, and it was really nice to see them all and catch up. We spent the whole day together, just having a wonderful time and eating mum’s amazing food…
Sunday, 28 June 2009
Uni Update
Wow, time is just flying by… Just 77 Days, 19 Hours, 44 Minutes and counting until the first day of uni!
Friday, 26 June 2009
King of The World
Sadly, yesterday the legend that is Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest. Love him or hate him, you have to respect him for all he achieved: being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, as well as his other achievements that include multiple Guinness World Records—including one for "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time"—13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his solo career, and the sale of 750 million records worldwide.
He influenced so many bands more than anyone else I can think of (from rock to pop and everything in between), and what I find most interesting is the brand of Michael Jackson and how he had probably the biggest impact on global popular culture as a whole of a personal brand. This is quite fascinating, indeed.
May he R.I.P. and may his music live forever…
He influenced so many bands more than anyone else I can think of (from rock to pop and everything in between), and what I find most interesting is the brand of Michael Jackson and how he had probably the biggest impact on global popular culture as a whole of a personal brand. This is quite fascinating, indeed.
May he R.I.P. and may his music live forever…
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Day at The Office
This afternoon I went to the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign HQ (where I’m doing my work experience) in Southwark, London. I went there to meet w/ the Trailblazers Project Manager to get some guidance/support about troubles I’m having w/ my local authority (rather not go into it as it’s way too stressful and emotional to talk about right now) from the charity. Hopefully, we can get it sorted quickly as possible.
Anyway, it was just so nice to see everyone and chat to them all at the office today as well. I cannot tell how happy I was to meet them after quite a long time and hopefully I can start coming in to the office more to be helpful to the charity rather than stuck at home (and not being so useless to them) now I have my new wheelchair. They’re all such amazing people that every time I come into the office I'm so energised and inspired to keep fighting and campaigning for important issues relating to neuromuscular diseases / disability rights. So, keep up all the excellent work guys (and ladies)!
Stay tuned for more good times at the office…
Anyway, it was just so nice to see everyone and chat to them all at the office today as well. I cannot tell how happy I was to meet them after quite a long time and hopefully I can start coming in to the office more to be helpful to the charity rather than stuck at home (and not being so useless to them) now I have my new wheelchair. They’re all such amazing people that every time I come into the office I'm so energised and inspired to keep fighting and campaigning for important issues relating to neuromuscular diseases / disability rights. So, keep up all the excellent work guys (and ladies)!
Stay tuned for more good times at the office…
Monday, 22 June 2009
BALLS AHOY!
Today was the first day of the Wimbledon 2009 tournament. And what a day it was! Cannot wait for the final now…
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Saturday Family Night
After a much long unforeseen break, last night we watched “Push” directed by Paul McGuigan, which stars Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, Djimon Hounsou and Ming-Na.
This was a really fascinating film that I really liked a lot. I especially loved the soundtrack and some of the visuals, though I thought the ending was a bit disappointing and the concept could’ve been worked on a bit more…
Quite an interesting film; must see. *** FOUR STARS ***
This was a really fascinating film that I really liked a lot. I especially loved the soundtrack and some of the visuals, though I thought the ending was a bit disappointing and the concept could’ve been worked on a bit more…
Quite an interesting film; must see. *** FOUR STARS ***
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
UCA Farnham Day
Yesterday, I spent the day my uni (University for the Creative Arts at Farnham) to get the final details sorted for me to start in September. It was a very exciting day, indeed; and I’m so glad Sarah came too.
Upon arrival, when I got out of the van I couldn’t believe how sunny it was compared to up north in London and how much pollen was in the air at uni like giant dandruff everywhere, which stick to everything; well, the campus is on about 16 acres with lovely trees all around. So, I quickly walked out of the parking lot and into the main reception.
Anyway, I first met my Learning Support Assistant (LSA) who is like a note-taker but will be helping me with everything I need for my course and she seems very nice. We then met the Senior Accommodation Officer to check out my accommodation at uni. My dormitory is quite a good size with an en suite and a separate room for my carers. Just needs some posters and it should look much better. Next, we went Student Services Office and met with the Disability Support Manager to discuss in detail what support I’ll need during my course duration.
Once we finished there, we went to the cafeteria to eat some snacks. It was a good opportunity to start to get to know my LSA and to just hang out.
Also, after everything we met with my Year 1 Head tutor of my course (the one who interviewed me and offered me a place back in January) in a conservatory type structure with chairs and a sofa, which next to the cafeteria. He also introduced me to the other course tutor, as well. Sadly, I didn’t get meet the Course Leader b/c he was in a meeting, though hopefully I’ll get meet him soon in the future. But, the two course tutors were great to talk to and we discussed the course in greater detail. It was quite interesting to hear all the wicked things I get to in my course, even Sarah thought it was really cool. So happy that I got accepted on this course!
The day was just a wonderful experience and I’m glad I got everything sorted for uni; all I need to do now is prepare my mind for September. Well brilliant…
FYI: For you reference the course in September that I’m starting is BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Communication at UCA Farnham
Upon arrival, when I got out of the van I couldn’t believe how sunny it was compared to up north in London and how much pollen was in the air at uni like giant dandruff everywhere, which stick to everything; well, the campus is on about 16 acres with lovely trees all around. So, I quickly walked out of the parking lot and into the main reception.
Anyway, I first met my Learning Support Assistant (LSA) who is like a note-taker but will be helping me with everything I need for my course and she seems very nice. We then met the Senior Accommodation Officer to check out my accommodation at uni. My dormitory is quite a good size with an en suite and a separate room for my carers. Just needs some posters and it should look much better. Next, we went Student Services Office and met with the Disability Support Manager to discuss in detail what support I’ll need during my course duration.
Once we finished there, we went to the cafeteria to eat some snacks. It was a good opportunity to start to get to know my LSA and to just hang out.
Also, after everything we met with my Year 1 Head tutor of my course (the one who interviewed me and offered me a place back in January) in a conservatory type structure with chairs and a sofa, which next to the cafeteria. He also introduced me to the other course tutor, as well. Sadly, I didn’t get meet the Course Leader b/c he was in a meeting, though hopefully I’ll get meet him soon in the future. But, the two course tutors were great to talk to and we discussed the course in greater detail. It was quite interesting to hear all the wicked things I get to in my course, even Sarah thought it was really cool. So happy that I got accepted on this course!
The day was just a wonderful experience and I’m glad I got everything sorted for uni; all I need to do now is prepare my mind for September. Well brilliant…
FYI: For you reference the course in September that I’m starting is BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Communication at UCA Farnham
Uni Update
OMG, less than three months left until I start university! 89 Days, 23 Hours, 44 Minutes and Counting to be precise…
Saturday, 13 June 2009
A New Life, A New Me
Things feel like they’re starting to get better for the first time in my life. It totally is actually feeling as though I will be able to start achieving the goals for myself… Life’s good right now and I’m so thankful for everything!
Something has clicked and I’m ready to do what must be done with what I have to fulfill my dreams/goals. So world, stay tuned for greatness b/c it's a new life, a new me…
Something has clicked and I’m ready to do what must be done with what I have to fulfill my dreams/goals. So world, stay tuned for greatness b/c it's a new life, a new me…
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Uni Update
95 Days, 17 Hours, 19 Minutes and counting until my first day of uni… Oh man, time is just going so fast. HURRAH!
My Re-Awakening Begins…
Yes, my new wheelchair arrived yesterday for the final fitting and is officially now mine to keep: HURRAH! You all have no idea what this means to me, and how happy and alive I feel right now. Last night, I took for a spin outside just up the street and it drives like a BMW (well, it was made in Germany); it’s amazing, but I just need to get used to all the settings of my cool, new wheelchair. All in need to do now, is not rush anything and build up my tolerance of sitting in the wheelchair, as well as greatly taking advantage of the Power Tilt feature even more throughout the day than I used to b/c realistically I’m not ever again going to be able to sit completely vertically in my wheelchair for long periods due to the severity of my Scoliosis (and gravity being my worst enemy). It sucks, but I’m very thankful that at least I’m mobile at last.
It’s just so wicked and totally dog’s bollocks! Photos coming soon…
It’s just so wicked and totally dog’s bollocks! Photos coming soon…
Friday, 5 June 2009
Wheelchair Update
I just found out that my new wheelchair will be coming on Tuesday for the final fitting! I cannot wait and hope everything works out…
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Uni Assessment
This afternoon an Educational Assessor came to visit to assess my needs for uni study and for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) . Once the Assessor does some calculations, she will type a report of what equipment/support I need for uni and then send it to the student finance people. I think it went pretty well, so let’s hope for the best…
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Understanding My Condition
All day yesterday I attend the Living with MD Day London w/ Sarah, which was the pilot peer group program by the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to have adults dealing with muscle diseases to come together to discuss issues and find out where we can get the most appropriate needs.
All in all, there were 12 of us w/ Muscular Dystrophy in total who attended the peer group b/c the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has to have a small group of attendees otherwise the charity can’t offer a free event, but I think it is much relaxed and intimate that way. That being said, I learned so much and made some great friends too. I had had a fab time and everyone was so wonderful, and I definitely plan to stay in touch w/ them all!
All in all, there were 12 of us w/ Muscular Dystrophy in total who attended the peer group b/c the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign has to have a small group of attendees otherwise the charity can’t offer a free event, but I think it is much relaxed and intimate that way. That being said, I learned so much and made some great friends too. I had had a fab time and everyone was so wonderful, and I definitely plan to stay in touch w/ them all!
Friday, 29 May 2009
Think Beyond Your Boundaries
Today, I also booked tickets for the whole family and me to attend Beyond Boundaries Live 2009 on 4 July 2009, which looks like an awe day out and a brilliant experience…
Check this video to learn a bit more (below):
Check this video to learn a bit more (below):
Football Days
Just booked tickets for the Wembley Cup taking place on 24 July 2009 and 26 July 2009 at Wembley Stadium. I’m going to be supporting Barcelona (and will be sitting in there side) and I cannot wait…
Thursday, 28 May 2009
New Champions of Europe
Last night, I watched the UEFA Champions League Final on telly between Manchester United and Barcelona .
What an amazing game! Thankfully, Barça thrashed Man U by beating them 2 – 0. HURRAH! Hopefully, they can win the Champions League again next year, though it’s never been successfully defended twice, but Barça is the team that could probably do it if it was too happen…
What an amazing game! Thankfully, Barça thrashed Man U by beating them 2 – 0. HURRAH! Hopefully, they can win the Champions League again next year, though it’s never been successfully defended twice, but Barça is the team that could probably do it if it was too happen…
Wheelchair Update
Yesterday, my new wheelchair finally arrived today! The seating people and wheelchair dealer guy come at 10:00 and were here until about 17:00 working on getting the seating to best work w/ me on the new wheelchair. Sadly, though they had to take the new wheelchair back b/c the severity of Scoliosis makes it quite complex to get the seating right since once I start sitting vertically gravity is my worst enemy (by me collapsing so much due to not being able to hold myself up), and work on it more to get a better chest harness and headrest. Hopefully, it won’t take too long to get it.
However, I’d rater wait a bit longer to get my new wheelchair in perfect order, than to get it right away and it doesn’t really fit my needs. Just feeling quite down today, as I’m so closer yet so far from getting my new wheelchair, but at least it’s in the same country and only a short while to wait now…
However, I’d rater wait a bit longer to get my new wheelchair in perfect order, than to get it right away and it doesn’t really fit my needs. Just feeling quite down today, as I’m so closer yet so far from getting my new wheelchair, but at least it’s in the same country and only a short while to wait now…
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
New Wheels, New Champions...
What a day today was! Lots to tell you, but am quite knackered right now. Will try to fill you in tomorrow or as soon as I'm able. Stay tuned... ;-]
Monday, 25 May 2009
111 Days, 5 Hours, 31 Minutes and Counting…
Until my first day of Uni… HURRAH!
I so just cannot wait and think that it’s going to be an utterly amazing experience…
I so just cannot wait and think that it’s going to be an utterly amazing experience…
Saturday, 23 May 2009
3 Days, 10 Hours, 48 Minutes and Counting...
Until my wicked, new wheelchair arrives… It’s about time. HURRAH!
Friday, 22 May 2009
Day at Tesco
As I previously mentioned, the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign (where I am during my work experience, working with the Press and Communication Team and as Trailblazers' London Ambassador) has been named Tesco Charity of the Year 2009. As such, I also volunteered to be a ‘Tesco Buddy’ and this afternoon I went to my local Tesco to give my support because all the Tesco stores in the Southeast of the country were having a ‘Wild West Weekend’ event day of fundraising.
Sadly, my local Tesco completely did a horrible and shameful job of managing and running the event. Where do I start? Well, firstly when I called up my local Tesco store yesterday to talk to the manager just to introduce myself and find out the agenda of the event, but when I called she was not even there and I ended up talking to another lady who supposedly was knowledgeable of the event. Yet, she had no idea what was happening during the event and when I mentioned that a volunteer from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is coming to assist, she had no idea who it would be, but when I told her my name she suddenly remembered that was the person’s name. I just took it with a pinch of salt and thought today would be better. However, I was greatly mistaken.
Upon arrival, I was quite surprised that there no sign showing that we were Tesco Charity of the Year 2009, only one small ceiling sign that you could barely read. As the lady on the phone said yesterday, I walked over to the Customer Service desk to let them know I had arrived as one of the staff behind the counter called the lady who was helping with the event, since the manager was not there. 15 minutes later, a lady (the one who I spoke to yesterday) came up to me and I introduced myself; she basically said she wanted me collect money from customers and told me to sit by the main entrance and ‘look pretty.’ So basically the whole time, all I did was collect money.
Furthermore, things I really hated about this event and thought should have happened are as follows:
1) The manager was not even there: First rule of good event management, the manager should always be there during an event
2) There was no signage or visuals in the store: Customers have no idea that we are the charity of the year or who we are
3) There were no special activities during the event for customers to enjoy: We as a charity provide Tesco stores with balloons, stickers, posters, materials etc. for events and as it was ‘Wild West Weekend’ I was expecting my local store to have all that as well as activities for all like country music and lime dancing, but there was none of that
4) Staff were completely oblivious: I was basically left by myself and after half n hour, the lady just came back to give me a box with presents in it for a lucky dip (20p per a gift) and staff didn’t really seem to know what they were doing; through some were wearing cowboy hats
5) There were no auditory PSAs: That’s public service announcements for all non-advertising people out there. There was only one announcement on the PA System 50 minutes after I arrived by this idiot guy who basically said, ‘Dear Customers and Staff…as you can see some of our staff are wearing cowboy hats and outfits today. This is for ‘Wild West Weekend’…’ and that was it, he failed to mention that it for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and what it was about. What should of happened is that someone should have made a PSA every 15 minutes, since the average customer is only in the store for about that long
6) There was nowhere for customers to donate money when they wanted: Despite each checkout point having a collection box, it was quite hidden away from customers and cashiers never mentioned it. For example, as I was leaving to go home after I’d given the lady my collection box, one 80-something sweet little lady followed me back to my vehicle to give me a donation, but I told her that I’d already given back the box and my Dad added she could make her donation in the collection box at every cashier; she then said she didn’t know where it was, so my wonderful Dad stopped traffic to help walk her back to the store to make her valuable donation. What should happened is A) the collection box at each checkout should be more visible, B) each cashier should ask customers at the end of each purchase if they would like to make an donation for their charity of the year and have a coupon like notepad where they could just scan it to add £1 to their purchase as most people use credit not cash and C) they should be a large collection box with large signage in the main entrance for customers to donate what they like when they like
7) Some customers were quite obnoxious: One lady came up to me and was looking for change to put in my collection box and as she put coins into the box, I thanked her very much and she quite patronisingly said to me, ‘It’s okay, it must be quite hard for you…’ looking at me with pity; as I just bit my tongue and took her money, remembering I was representing our organisation, but swore internally when she was gone. Another scenario that happened was after I gave this guy’s grandkids some free stickers, they put a few coins in the collection box and got some presents from the lucky dip, the man goes, ‘Oh, you don’t get anything for nothing…’ and walked off while he smiled at me, as I smiled back and said thank you to him. Though some people were really nice, especially the kids and elderly who were so cute; one guy came up to me and said that he’d be right back from getting some coins from his car and when he came back, he gave me a whole jar of coins telling me he’d just found it under the stairs of the new house he’d just moved in to. So it pays to be nice
8) The event was utterly rubbish in the way it was organised and run: My local Tesco store did an absolute bad job of the event. I have a keen interest in event management too, and as an advertising student I think could have created a much better event. What should have happened at this event is Tesco should have A) had a marketing plan, B) advertise it in the local media, C) set up activities and visuals in the store for the event, D) invite local media to the event, E) have a manager on site during the actual event who can supervise everything, F) train staff to better participate in the event, G) have PSAs every 15 minutes during the event, H) incise customers to participate in activities during the event and to make a contribution, I) enjoy the event and J) get feedback from customers and staff how to better future events
And 9) This year is quite unlucky for us to be charity of the year: This year it really is a very bad time for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to named Tesco Charity of the Year 2009 because of the credit crunch and all. People are losing their jobs and really don’t have much money to give away to charities, even if they do people are becoming quite stingy. Through, there are still lots of kind people out there who will always help others
That’s about it. There are just so many things I would have done better for this event instead of making it so bullocks! I just hope that future events at Tesco stores across the country can be fixed to produce a better outcome and keep our good reputation intact…
Sadly, my local Tesco completely did a horrible and shameful job of managing and running the event. Where do I start? Well, firstly when I called up my local Tesco store yesterday to talk to the manager just to introduce myself and find out the agenda of the event, but when I called she was not even there and I ended up talking to another lady who supposedly was knowledgeable of the event. Yet, she had no idea what was happening during the event and when I mentioned that a volunteer from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is coming to assist, she had no idea who it would be, but when I told her my name she suddenly remembered that was the person’s name. I just took it with a pinch of salt and thought today would be better. However, I was greatly mistaken.
Upon arrival, I was quite surprised that there no sign showing that we were Tesco Charity of the Year 2009, only one small ceiling sign that you could barely read. As the lady on the phone said yesterday, I walked over to the Customer Service desk to let them know I had arrived as one of the staff behind the counter called the lady who was helping with the event, since the manager was not there. 15 minutes later, a lady (the one who I spoke to yesterday) came up to me and I introduced myself; she basically said she wanted me collect money from customers and told me to sit by the main entrance and ‘look pretty.’ So basically the whole time, all I did was collect money.
Furthermore, things I really hated about this event and thought should have happened are as follows:
1) The manager was not even there: First rule of good event management, the manager should always be there during an event
2) There was no signage or visuals in the store: Customers have no idea that we are the charity of the year or who we are
3) There were no special activities during the event for customers to enjoy: We as a charity provide Tesco stores with balloons, stickers, posters, materials etc. for events and as it was ‘Wild West Weekend’ I was expecting my local store to have all that as well as activities for all like country music and lime dancing, but there was none of that
4) Staff were completely oblivious: I was basically left by myself and after half n hour, the lady just came back to give me a box with presents in it for a lucky dip (20p per a gift) and staff didn’t really seem to know what they were doing; through some were wearing cowboy hats
5) There were no auditory PSAs: That’s public service announcements for all non-advertising people out there. There was only one announcement on the PA System 50 minutes after I arrived by this idiot guy who basically said, ‘Dear Customers and Staff…as you can see some of our staff are wearing cowboy hats and outfits today. This is for ‘Wild West Weekend’…’ and that was it, he failed to mention that it for Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and what it was about. What should of happened is that someone should have made a PSA every 15 minutes, since the average customer is only in the store for about that long
6) There was nowhere for customers to donate money when they wanted: Despite each checkout point having a collection box, it was quite hidden away from customers and cashiers never mentioned it. For example, as I was leaving to go home after I’d given the lady my collection box, one 80-something sweet little lady followed me back to my vehicle to give me a donation, but I told her that I’d already given back the box and my Dad added she could make her donation in the collection box at every cashier; she then said she didn’t know where it was, so my wonderful Dad stopped traffic to help walk her back to the store to make her valuable donation. What should happened is A) the collection box at each checkout should be more visible, B) each cashier should ask customers at the end of each purchase if they would like to make an donation for their charity of the year and have a coupon like notepad where they could just scan it to add £1 to their purchase as most people use credit not cash and C) they should be a large collection box with large signage in the main entrance for customers to donate what they like when they like
7) Some customers were quite obnoxious: One lady came up to me and was looking for change to put in my collection box and as she put coins into the box, I thanked her very much and she quite patronisingly said to me, ‘It’s okay, it must be quite hard for you…’ looking at me with pity; as I just bit my tongue and took her money, remembering I was representing our organisation, but swore internally when she was gone. Another scenario that happened was after I gave this guy’s grandkids some free stickers, they put a few coins in the collection box and got some presents from the lucky dip, the man goes, ‘Oh, you don’t get anything for nothing…’ and walked off while he smiled at me, as I smiled back and said thank you to him. Though some people were really nice, especially the kids and elderly who were so cute; one guy came up to me and said that he’d be right back from getting some coins from his car and when he came back, he gave me a whole jar of coins telling me he’d just found it under the stairs of the new house he’d just moved in to. So it pays to be nice
8) The event was utterly rubbish in the way it was organised and run: My local Tesco store did an absolute bad job of the event. I have a keen interest in event management too, and as an advertising student I think could have created a much better event. What should have happened at this event is Tesco should have A) had a marketing plan, B) advertise it in the local media, C) set up activities and visuals in the store for the event, D) invite local media to the event, E) have a manager on site during the actual event who can supervise everything, F) train staff to better participate in the event, G) have PSAs every 15 minutes during the event, H) incise customers to participate in activities during the event and to make a contribution, I) enjoy the event and J) get feedback from customers and staff how to better future events
And 9) This year is quite unlucky for us to be charity of the year: This year it really is a very bad time for the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign to named Tesco Charity of the Year 2009 because of the credit crunch and all. People are losing their jobs and really don’t have much money to give away to charities, even if they do people are becoming quite stingy. Through, there are still lots of kind people out there who will always help others
That’s about it. There are just so many things I would have done better for this event instead of making it so bullocks! I just hope that future events at Tesco stores across the country can be fixed to produce a better outcome and keep our good reputation intact…
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Uni Update
About an hour or so ago, I just received a phone call from the head of the first year of my course at university, who was the one that interviewed me and offered me a place on the course. He called in reply to my email as I had some queries about my course. We talked for quite a while, he told me more details about my course (including timings and first term courses I’d most likely be having) and gave me some very cool links to check out, such as the course website. It was just really great to talk to him and I cannot wait to begin my course!
Sunday, 17 May 2009
Europe Rocks!
I don’t how I can tell you this, especially to my American friends, but I just utterly love living in Europe b/c there’s always so much to see and do – including the cuisine, sports, events, sights, museums, languages, creativity, and the music – it’s bloody amazing! It is like a giant, diverse mixing pot of society; well, that’s the ideals I hold the EU to, though it’s not perfect no thanks to likes of the BNP and Neo-Nazi wankers across Europe…
To that end, about the music: Last night, we watched the Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 that was really a spectacular feast for the eyes, which was in Moscow, Russia this year b/c there was voting block by Eastern European countries who voted for Russia to win at last year’s event.
So, this year they “Changes in the voting procedure were made with the re-introduction of a national jury alongside televoting…” for the Final. Here are the top five songs that won:
1) “Fairytale” by Alexander Rybak (Norway)
2) “Is It True?” by Yohanna (Iceland)
3) “Always” by AySel & Arash (Azerbaijan) (I really do NOT like this song b/c it’s so irritating!)
4) “Dum Tek Tek” by Hadise (Turkey)
5) “It’s My Time” by Jade Ewen (United Kingdom) (Don’t ask me why)
Here’s Norway’s final performance after he’d won (below):
And here’s the song from this years host country, Russia, “Mamo” (Mother) by Anastasia Prikhodko (below):
Additionally, here are some more songs from Eurovision that I thought were quite interesting too (in no particular order):
A) “Jan Jan” (My dear) by Inga & Anush (Armenia)
B) “La Noche Es Para Mí” (The Night Is For Me) by Soraya (Spain)
C) “Rändajad” (Nomads) by Urban Symphony (Estonia)
D) “What If We” by Chiara (Malta)
E) “Et s'il fallait le faire” (And if it had to be done) by Patricia Kaas (France)
F) “Todas as ruas do amor” (All the streets of love) by Flor-de-Lis (Portugal)
G) “Lose Control” by Waldo's People (Finland)
And H) “Miss Kiss Kiss Bang” by Alex Swings Oscar Sings! (Germany) (Check out his wild trousers…)
I also really loved the interval act of the show a lot as well. It was by Fuerzabruta (Argentinean dance/music/visual experience group) and was so amazing! Check it out (below):
How fab it was, the event was quite a creative piece of magnificence and was visually stunning to view! As an advertising student, having a keen interest in event management too, I’d love to create amazing events like this sometime in the future to like hobby on the side of my advertising career…
So, it was just a utterly brilliant show and I cannot wait for next year’s ESC in Oslo!
To that end, about the music: Last night, we watched the Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2009 that was really a spectacular feast for the eyes, which was in Moscow, Russia this year b/c there was voting block by Eastern European countries who voted for Russia to win at last year’s event.
So, this year they “Changes in the voting procedure were made with the re-introduction of a national jury alongside televoting…” for the Final. Here are the top five songs that won:
1) “Fairytale” by Alexander Rybak (Norway)
2) “Is It True?” by Yohanna (Iceland)
3) “Always” by AySel & Arash (Azerbaijan) (I really do NOT like this song b/c it’s so irritating!)
4) “Dum Tek Tek” by Hadise (Turkey)
5) “It’s My Time” by Jade Ewen (United Kingdom) (Don’t ask me why)
Here’s Norway’s final performance after he’d won (below):
And here’s the song from this years host country, Russia, “Mamo” (Mother) by Anastasia Prikhodko (below):
Additionally, here are some more songs from Eurovision that I thought were quite interesting too (in no particular order):
A) “Jan Jan” (My dear) by Inga & Anush (Armenia)
B) “La Noche Es Para Mí” (The Night Is For Me) by Soraya (Spain)
C) “Rändajad” (Nomads) by Urban Symphony (Estonia)
D) “What If We” by Chiara (Malta)
E) “Et s'il fallait le faire” (And if it had to be done) by Patricia Kaas (France)
F) “Todas as ruas do amor” (All the streets of love) by Flor-de-Lis (Portugal)
G) “Lose Control” by Waldo's People (Finland)
And H) “Miss Kiss Kiss Bang” by Alex Swings Oscar Sings! (Germany) (Check out his wild trousers…)
I also really loved the interval act of the show a lot as well. It was by Fuerzabruta (Argentinean dance/music/visual experience group) and was so amazing! Check it out (below):
How fab it was, the event was quite a creative piece of magnificence and was visually stunning to view! As an advertising student, having a keen interest in event management too, I’d love to create amazing events like this sometime in the future to like hobby on the side of my advertising career…
So, it was just a utterly brilliant show and I cannot wait for next year’s ESC in Oslo!
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
Transportation Report Launch
Yesterday, I attended the Trailblazers Transportation Report Launch at Parliament. I arrived in Westminster around 11:30 and walked over to Westminster Abbey where other Trailblazers were waiting. About 12:00, we had a press conference in front of Westminster Abbey where we took lots press photos and were interview by the media. I was interviewed by ITV and was on London Tonight later in the evening yesterday; it was very exciting since it was my first telly interview, but I forgot what I learned at the Media Training Days back in December at Muscular Dystrophy Campaign HQ by remembering that even before the camera starts rolling you ask the reporter what the first question and format will be, so you have a 20-30 second buffer period to brace yourself before the lights go on; although, I think I did pretty well considering I’ve never done this previously and hopefully I’ll be even better next time. Highly enjoyed indeed, but it was so windy in Westminster!
This all took over 1 1/2 hours to get done, and then around 14:00 we walked to House of Commons for a conference w/ Ministers and I got to the Committee Room I was the last one the b/c getting security always takes ages and I had go right through the back of Parliament to get to the Committee Room since there are stairs in the main entrance up to room. When I got to the room, everyone had already handed our report over to MPs and Peers, and were discussing the findings of the report and recommendations for “future courses of action to improve accessibility on public transport for disabled people.”
Sadly, during the discussions my rubbish current wheelchair started hurting really badly, so much so that I had severe breathing difficulties and had to get Dad to leave the room w/ me to lay me down in the hallway, reclining me flat in my wheelchair so I could breathe. After resting for a bit, I decided to go home early b/c I didn’t want to risk my health further. Despite this, everyone from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign were really understanding and lovely about it. Oh, how wonderful they all are at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and how much I love working there…
Anyway, it was just a brilliant experience and it was very nice to meet Trailblazer friends and other wonderful Trailblazers from across the UK. Also, we got the attention of the country’s press and were covered by 12 national and regional telly and radio broadcasts…
This all took over 1 1/2 hours to get done, and then around 14:00 we walked to House of Commons for a conference w/ Ministers and I got to the Committee Room I was the last one the b/c getting security always takes ages and I had go right through the back of Parliament to get to the Committee Room since there are stairs in the main entrance up to room. When I got to the room, everyone had already handed our report over to MPs and Peers, and were discussing the findings of the report and recommendations for “future courses of action to improve accessibility on public transport for disabled people.”
Sadly, during the discussions my rubbish current wheelchair started hurting really badly, so much so that I had severe breathing difficulties and had to get Dad to leave the room w/ me to lay me down in the hallway, reclining me flat in my wheelchair so I could breathe. After resting for a bit, I decided to go home early b/c I didn’t want to risk my health further. Despite this, everyone from Muscular Dystrophy Campaign were really understanding and lovely about it. Oh, how wonderful they all are at the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign and how much I love working there…
Anyway, it was just a brilliant experience and it was very nice to meet Trailblazer friends and other wonderful Trailblazers from across the UK. Also, we got the attention of the country’s press and were covered by 12 national and regional telly and radio broadcasts…
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Day at The Market
Earlier today I went to Walthamstow Market w/ Dad, as it was such a beautiful day for a change and I just needed to get out of the house. Once we arrived, we walked to the market from a side road where we had parked and I couldn’t believe how bustling it was; it was just how I remembered it when I was younger. Walthamstow has the longest outdoor market in London, possibly even the UK, and is wonderful because there are so many different types of people that go there.
We first went to the main entrance of the outdoor market, where they had a merry-go-round and fun fair type activities for families and a giant screen showing the scores from to Match of the Day . After walking through the market for a bit, we went into the mall that right next door and looked around for a bit in a bookshop and BHS , exiting out into the outdoor market when finished. Exploring the market some more, I was just taking in all the amazing sights and sounds – from Reggae to Bhangra and from Fish ‘n’ Chips to Chicken Tikka Masala. Also, the market is the best local market in the country because there are people here from every part of the world and all connecting with the East London language, raw Cockney English; for example you have all the animated Cockney market-sellers shouting out “Pound ya bananah” and “Lovely jubly darling, tah!” at their stalls. The diversity of the market is really quite surprising, though the BNP or UKIP would really hate there.
Overall, it was a great day well spent in great weather…
We first went to the main entrance of the outdoor market, where they had a merry-go-round and fun fair type activities for families and a giant screen showing the scores from to Match of the Day . After walking through the market for a bit, we went into the mall that right next door and looked around for a bit in a bookshop and BHS , exiting out into the outdoor market when finished. Exploring the market some more, I was just taking in all the amazing sights and sounds – from Reggae to Bhangra and from Fish ‘n’ Chips to Chicken Tikka Masala. Also, the market is the best local market in the country because there are people here from every part of the world and all connecting with the East London language, raw Cockney English; for example you have all the animated Cockney market-sellers shouting out “Pound ya bananah” and “Lovely jubly darling, tah!” at their stalls. The diversity of the market is really quite surprising, though the BNP or UKIP would really hate there.
Overall, it was a great day well spent in great weather…
Friday, 1 May 2009
Uni Update
I cannot believe that there’s only about four months left until I start university! I’ve just been so busy lately working on uni stuff (getting accommodation set up, applying for support and sadly applying for student finance, etc.) and all… Wish me luck!
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Wheelchair Update
I recently found out that I have to wait until the end of May not the end of April to receive my new wheelchair b/c the manufacture didn’t actually put the order on their system until 31 March (NOT two weeks earlier like I was told)… Buggers! Oh well, at I’m definitely getting it, but I hope sooner rather than later…
100 Days and Counting…
Today is the day of President Barrack Obama’s first 100 days in office. Congrats! Keep up all the excellent work…
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
UEFA Champions League Semifinal
I just finished watching the UEFA Champions League semifinal round, first-leg game between Chelsea and FC Barcelona at Camp Nou in Spain on telly. What a brilliant game it was and the way Lionel Messi played was just utterly amazing! He’s only 21 too, no wonder he’s considered to be the best player in the world right now.
Though, frustratingly the score ended up 0-0 at full-time, no thanks to the bloody referee, but hopefully Barcelona can kick Chelsea’s arse on the return leg that will be played in London on Wednesday, 6 May…
Though, frustratingly the score ended up 0-0 at full-time, no thanks to the bloody referee, but hopefully Barcelona can kick Chelsea’s arse on the return leg that will be played in London on Wednesday, 6 May…
Day at Parliament
This morning I went to Parliament to attend the next evidence session for the Inquiry of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy (APPG). Today’s evidence session was about “Research, Treatment and International Perspective.” It was quite interesting and I cannot wait to attend the next one…
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
United We Stand…
Happy Earth Day everyone! My prayers and thoughts are with everyone in world who are alone and suffering, and I hope that we as society can better take care of our planet and all of its people in the next year more than we did in the previous year…
Love,
The Red Haired Londoner
XOXO
"Shalom" (in blue) and "Salaam" (in green) mean "peace" in Hebrew and Arabic respectively.
Peace flag, a series of seven rainbow colors (red on bottom) with the word PACE (Peace in Italian and Romanian, derived from the Latin word pax, pronounced pah-chay) boldly printed across the middle.
Love,
The Red Haired Londoner
XOXO
"Shalom" (in blue) and "Salaam" (in green) mean "peace" in Hebrew and Arabic respectively.
Peace flag, a series of seven rainbow colors (red on bottom) with the word PACE (Peace in Italian and Romanian, derived from the Latin word pax, pronounced pah-chay) boldly printed across the middle.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
