Considering I am no longer studying, I feel like I am constantly busy, but as the year is drawing to a close I have found some time to update this blog.
Adam Hills:
Back in October, how time flies, I saw the comedian and presenter of The Last Leg live at The Curve in Leicester. I have never been to a stand up show before and was pleasantly surprised. I spent the entire time in stitches and can safely say I enjoyed every second. Touch the frog!
Space Centre:
There isn’t really anything special about Leicester, but we do have The Space Centre. I have a vague memory of going when it first opened and recently went again. I was expecting it to be dull and to be quite honest the majority of it was. To be fair there are a few interactive things to experience, although a lot of it is just information printed everywhere. There was a film narrated by Rupert Grint about life on other planets, only I found I didn’t really care! Oh well, I feel like I have done my duty as a Leicester resident by visiting more than once now!
The Mouse Trap:
It has been a long time since I saw a non-musical at the theatre, so when I saw that The Mouse Trap was coming to DeMontfort Hall, I thought why not. It was a slow start to the play and I was feeling disappointed. However, by the interval I was gripped, trying to work out ‘who done it’. I won’t give the culprit away, I’ll just say I didn’t guess it correctly. Definitely worth a watch, a classic murder mystery.
5ive:
Everybody get up singing’...a week after The Mouse Trap I saw 5ive live at DeMontfort Hall. I had already seen them earlier in the year at The Big Reunion Tour so knew they wouldn’t disappoint. It was a great night to be nostalgic, singing and dancing the night away!
Airkix:
I like to think I am a bit of a dare devil. If someone asked me to do a sky dive though, I am not sure I would say yes. A simulated sky dive on the other hand, count me in! Airkix at Milton Keynes is where you get to do just that and oh my god was it amazing! You only get two goes, lasting around a minute, but it is honestly worth every penny. The whole concept of it fascinated me, you are not attached to anything, you just go into the wind tunnel and fly! It was a little bit daunting not being able to see or hear, but the instructors were great and it was nice to see that they weren’t fazed by visually impaired participants. The feeling of flying was epic and on my second go they spun me around and upside down, I feared for a split second that I might actually throw up! And now would I do a real sky dive? Maybe...
Goalball:
I have started playing the only sport designed specifically for the visually impaired again. I had only attended a handful of goalball training sessions, before taking part in a novice tournament for Nottingham. I really wish I could play without being competitive, after all I took goalball up as a hobby and not to take seriously like I do my athletics. Throw me into a competition situation and all I can think about is destroying the opposition! After doing a solo sport for so long, I do find the team aspect of goalball very difficult. I can’t destroy the enemy on my own, as hard as I try. I played centre all day, which was a huge responsibility and unfortunately due to a combination of nerves and inexperience my team lost the first two games, but we won the second two. Nottingham A finished fourth overall, whilst my team Nottingham B finished ninth (there were twelve teams in total). I have the bug for goalball now and look forward to the next tournament where I know we can do much better.
Calvin:
To think I used to write a week’s worth of posts about him! Calvin and I have now been a partnership for four years and I am not sure what I would do without him. He still has a mischievous personality and has gained quite a reputation for himself. It is very difficult to find someone who doesn’t fall for his puppy dog eyes and general cheekiness. Unfortunately, this year Calvin has had a few fits, which are horrible to watch. He doesn’t have an official diagnosis, but both the vets and Guide Dogs suspect epilepsy. Thankfully, he can still work on the days he doesn’t fit, which is ninety nine percent of the time, so all is good. He will never fit in harness, as they occur when the dog is at rest. Calvin does like to sulk afterwards, but I can’t blame him. Fingers crossed we have many more years together walking in wonky lines down the street!
F1 2013:
Yawn! Vettel, Vettel, Vettel! What a boring championship it was this year. It is sad to see Webber retire from the sport, always the nearly man and equally a shame to lose Massa from Team Ferrari. Nevertheless, we are getting The Ice Man Raikanan back, which means Ferrari are definitely going to be the most vicious team on the grid next year. It is going to be gripping watching who is the better driver between Alonso and Raikanan. Hopefully we can clinch the title too!
Aladdin:
Absolute torture! I know pantomimes are supposed to be light hearted and all that, but earlier this week I had the most bizarre three hours of my life. Ok Aladdin was played by a female, totally normal for panto. What I couldn’t get my head around was the show being set in China, two genies, a pet panda, getting soaked by water pistols and not even a hint of a magic carpet ride! Every time Wishy Washy came on stage he would say ‘hi guys you’re number one’ and we would have to say ‘Wishy Washy you are peng’! Weird! Aladdin you weren’t peng!
Piano:
Another activity I used to do back in the day was piano lessons. I only ever got my Grade One, how I don’t know. I seem to have so many musical friends and to be quite honest envy their talent for music, as much as I love to hear them all play. So I decided that I would try and be talented too! I can play Jingle Bells and Walking in the Air from The Snowman already, I am impressed with myself. I do like challenges.
Teaching:
Speaking of challenges, I have made the executive decision that I want to be a secondary school English teacher. I am currently in the process of submitting my application to begin in September 2014 and will keep you updated on my progress. Growing up is scary!
Athletics:
I am still training hard six days per week. I am doing indoors next year for the first time, which is quite exciting, mainly because I know I will run a PB!
Quote:
Just to finish off this post, my favourite quote of the moment is ‘don’t give up on what you want most, for what you want now’.
Season’s greetings!
Saturday, 21 December 2013
Sunday, 17 November 2013
3 Festivals 1 Weekend
From Friday 1 to Monday 4 November, I went on my third Victa weekend of the year.
Friday – Halloween
After aqua zorbing on the lake, which I had previously done in March, the Halloween themed activities began. Pumpkin carving was first on the agenda, something that I have never done before, I am not sure if this makes me deprived as a child. I have never been great with my hands, so my pumpkin carving skills were pretty non-existent. One of the volunteers actually did my face design for me under my instruction. I was feeling moody for some unknown reason and chose to have a pumpkin with a sad face. Turns out this was creative genius and I won £25 worth of ITunes vouchers. Can’t complain at that!
The evening was spent toasting marshmallows, drinking punch, singing and generally relaxing around a fire outside. We also had to do fancy dress, so I came as the devil.
Saturday – Christmas
The daytime activities included fencing, which naturally I kicked ass at and canoeing, which naturally I froze to death doing. Again, these were activities I had done on previous Victa trips. It definitely seemed far too early to be listening to Christmas songs however, it was quite an enjoyable night. Last Train Home provided the musical entertainment, the buffet was lush and we even got presents.
Sunday – Bonfire
We did random party games in the morning and the set activity was rock climbing in the afternoon. That evening we went to a bonfire display, which wasn’t the most VI friendly event. I saw a flash of light in about every hundred fireworks, more than what most people could see! Afterwards we had a nice meal at ZZizzi’s.
Monday – Reality
By the final day of Victa weekends I always feel dead on my feet after the consecutive late nights. We went for a morning stroll around the complex, I refused to let Calvin join us, as he had already rolled in fox pooh three times already and I wasn’t prepared to have to wash him yet again! The Victa team ordered in McDonalds for lunch, something I very very rarely eat these days.
Overall, it was a nice opportunity to catch up with old friends, make a few new ones and all at a ridiculously reasonable price.
Friday – Halloween
After aqua zorbing on the lake, which I had previously done in March, the Halloween themed activities began. Pumpkin carving was first on the agenda, something that I have never done before, I am not sure if this makes me deprived as a child. I have never been great with my hands, so my pumpkin carving skills were pretty non-existent. One of the volunteers actually did my face design for me under my instruction. I was feeling moody for some unknown reason and chose to have a pumpkin with a sad face. Turns out this was creative genius and I won £25 worth of ITunes vouchers. Can’t complain at that!
The evening was spent toasting marshmallows, drinking punch, singing and generally relaxing around a fire outside. We also had to do fancy dress, so I came as the devil.
Saturday – Christmas
The daytime activities included fencing, which naturally I kicked ass at and canoeing, which naturally I froze to death doing. Again, these were activities I had done on previous Victa trips. It definitely seemed far too early to be listening to Christmas songs however, it was quite an enjoyable night. Last Train Home provided the musical entertainment, the buffet was lush and we even got presents.
Sunday – Bonfire
We did random party games in the morning and the set activity was rock climbing in the afternoon. That evening we went to a bonfire display, which wasn’t the most VI friendly event. I saw a flash of light in about every hundred fireworks, more than what most people could see! Afterwards we had a nice meal at ZZizzi’s.
Monday – Reality
By the final day of Victa weekends I always feel dead on my feet after the consecutive late nights. We went for a morning stroll around the complex, I refused to let Calvin join us, as he had already rolled in fox pooh three times already and I wasn’t prepared to have to wash him yet again! The Victa team ordered in McDonalds for lunch, something I very very rarely eat these days.
Overall, it was a nice opportunity to catch up with old friends, make a few new ones and all at a ridiculously reasonable price.
Wednesday, 16 October 2013
Graduation
On 20 September I graduated at the Barbican in London. I think I am glad that I went to my graduation, although I wasn’t that fussed about going. It was an interesting experience. On arrival they gave you your certificate, which made me think, is there any actual need to go to the ceremony now?! I went to collect my gown and was disappointed to discover that we didn’t get a hat. However, for the official photos they let you borrow a hat and fake scroll.
They sat Calvin and me on the front row, I’m guessing so it would be easier for us to get on stage. What they didn’t pre-empt was that Calvin would sprawl directly in front of the steps exactly where everyone needed to go to walk across the stage. Several times I tried to move him, but he was having none of it therefore, everyone had to hop over him.
When Calvin and I were called up to exchange envelopes (that is the graduation part) I was fully expecting him to do something to make me cringe. Surprisingly, he strode across the stage in Guide Dog mode. The applause we received was much longer than most people, I wanted the ground to swallow me up, as I blushed with embarrassment!
Overall, I have had an amazing four years with The Open University and studying towards a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature has to be one of the best life decisions I have made to date. Getting a First was just a bonus!
They sat Calvin and me on the front row, I’m guessing so it would be easier for us to get on stage. What they didn’t pre-empt was that Calvin would sprawl directly in front of the steps exactly where everyone needed to go to walk across the stage. Several times I tried to move him, but he was having none of it therefore, everyone had to hop over him.
When Calvin and I were called up to exchange envelopes (that is the graduation part) I was fully expecting him to do something to make me cringe. Surprisingly, he strode across the stage in Guide Dog mode. The applause we received was much longer than most people, I wanted the ground to swallow me up, as I blushed with embarrassment!
Overall, I have had an amazing four years with The Open University and studying towards a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature has to be one of the best life decisions I have made to date. Getting a First was just a bonus!
Sunday, 15 September 2013
Swindon Shenanigans
I went on the Victa family weekend from 23-26 August, only I didn’t go with my family, as an over 18 I was able to attend alone. As always with Victa events, I had an incredible time, surviving on minimal sleep and laughing for 4 days straight!
Friday:
When arriving at the PGL centre where we would be staying, I knew instantly that it would be a challenge to find my way around the place. The venue is very large so it can cater for literally hundreds of people and felt quite maze like in its layout. It wasn’t too daunting though, as everybody was in the same situation and I knew I had friends willing to help out.
Somehow I managed to arrive last to my room meaning I had to settle for the top bunk. I don’t mind the top bunk too much, but without fail I’ll wake up in the night needing to spend a penny, so climbing up and down the ladder when half asleep is always a risky business!
Meal time reminded me of a school canteen where you had to queue up, get your own tray and select from the limited options. However, once I had collared someone to carry my tray for me (balancing a tray in one hand and controlling a Guide Dog who decided he didn’t fancy working for the entire weekend was never going to work,) I discovered the food wasn’t really too bad.
In the evening we had a welcome meeting before being split into our groups for ice breaker activities. There was a bar on site that sold very reasonably priced drinks so most people levitated there afterwards.
Saturday:
Activities started at 9 sharp. My group were on the low ropes to begin. I guess it was ok, it was basically a variety of tyres, beams, nets etc the sort of thing you find in a good park and you had to navigate your way over, under and through. Of course I managed to do the majority with ease. Next was rock climbing, as most people know one of my favourite activities. I asked one of my competitive friends if he fancied racing me, I honestly thought I would have a good chance of winning despite him being partially sighted and male. Unfortunately, I got beaten and demanded a rematch allowing me to have a 7 second head start to make it fairer. I felt the pressure, as I frantically raced to the top and managed to just beat him! I love racing!
In the afternoon our first activity was fencing. This was something I had never tried before and Calvin found quite distressing, as he clearly thought I was being killed. Initially it was pretty good fun, we didn’t really listen to the instructor and just tried to stab each other as much as possible! It was quite entertaining fighting a guy who thought he couldn’t hit me back because I was female! His loss! To finish the day we did zip wire. Calvin naturally wanted to run alongside me as I shot through the air! I felt sorry for whoever had to hold him!
Sunday:
Even though all of the information said to bring old clothes, spare clothes, spare trainers for wet activities, I never considered for a second that I would actually be getting wet! I still thought as I made my way to raft building that morning I would be able to get away with it. I left Calvin in the room, as I definitely didn’t want a wet dog! It was raining, which immediately made staying dry impossible. After constructing the most secure raft I was assured we wouldn’t fall in. I wasn’t taking any risks though and refused to get on. When one of my friends literally picked me up and plonked me on the raft kicking and screaming of course, I wished for a split second that I weighed a hundred stones so I could still have my feet safely on dry land. I’m not a strong swimmer hence not being good with water and despite having a life jacket when the instructor pointed out that the water would reach my shoulders I was freaking out. It was going to be ok mind, as we wouldn’t get wet as the raft nervously bobbed on the water. One of the volunteers thought it funny to splash us from the side. I got wet. He then decided to capsize the raft, I held on for dear life as everyone else toppled into the water. However, the second time I fell in, went under and when I tried to push up in a major panic, I found the raft was blocking my exit! It felt like an age that I was drowning for, although it was probably only a few seconds. I emerged and was chucked into the instructor’s canoe in order to recover from my ordeal. Typical! As some time passed I was waiting on the side. One of my friend’s said he’d guide me and the beep guided me into the water! I was far from impressed! On reflection after my near death experience I am glad that I did do it, as traumatic as it was. I used my hair dryer to dry my trainers too, so all was fine!
In the afternoon the sun came out. Aero ball was the first activity where you jump on a trampoline and try and shoot a ball into a hoop. I decided to skip this one with my detached retina, jumping isn’t the best for my eyes. Vertical challenge ended the day, which I really enjoyed, I guess because it involved climbing. A rickety ladder, tyres, beams and a cargo net got you to the top. I was a little paranoid, as the same friend who I raced rock climbing and plonked me on the raft thought it would be funny to fiddle with my harness straps making me get it checked a million times first! Calvin cried the whole time I was climbing, which made me wonder if he knew something I didn’t and at any moment I would plunge to my death. It was all good though!
The final night was a bit of a blur. A friend gave me a tube of Smarties to consume. I don’t eat chocolate much these days being a dedicated athlete and all, so I think they made me a little hyper. I broke all staying up records and didn’t go to bed until 4am. I have no idea how I functioned the next day!
Monday:
I really didn’t bring enough clothes. I had no idea we had activities on the final morning. The first one was trapeze. I went first in the group, too tired to protest otherwise and when I reached the top and held the bar I expected to fall to the ground. Yet to my surprise nothing happened! I just swung there. I got told to let go and again I thought I would fall to the floor, however, I was just held in the air. That was it! I couldn’t believe I had woken up for that! The last activity was the giant swing. To mine and the girl’s amusement who I went on with because she is bigger than me, the swing had a see-saw effect, I was sort of hanging in the air on my side whilst she was lower down. I pulled the cord to release us and my stomach did somersaults as we whizzed through the air, the wind whipping at our faces. It was fun! A fun finish to a fun filled weekend!
Thanks to Victa, all of the volunteers and all of my lovely blinkie friends!
Friday:
When arriving at the PGL centre where we would be staying, I knew instantly that it would be a challenge to find my way around the place. The venue is very large so it can cater for literally hundreds of people and felt quite maze like in its layout. It wasn’t too daunting though, as everybody was in the same situation and I knew I had friends willing to help out.
Somehow I managed to arrive last to my room meaning I had to settle for the top bunk. I don’t mind the top bunk too much, but without fail I’ll wake up in the night needing to spend a penny, so climbing up and down the ladder when half asleep is always a risky business!
Meal time reminded me of a school canteen where you had to queue up, get your own tray and select from the limited options. However, once I had collared someone to carry my tray for me (balancing a tray in one hand and controlling a Guide Dog who decided he didn’t fancy working for the entire weekend was never going to work,) I discovered the food wasn’t really too bad.
In the evening we had a welcome meeting before being split into our groups for ice breaker activities. There was a bar on site that sold very reasonably priced drinks so most people levitated there afterwards.
Saturday:
Activities started at 9 sharp. My group were on the low ropes to begin. I guess it was ok, it was basically a variety of tyres, beams, nets etc the sort of thing you find in a good park and you had to navigate your way over, under and through. Of course I managed to do the majority with ease. Next was rock climbing, as most people know one of my favourite activities. I asked one of my competitive friends if he fancied racing me, I honestly thought I would have a good chance of winning despite him being partially sighted and male. Unfortunately, I got beaten and demanded a rematch allowing me to have a 7 second head start to make it fairer. I felt the pressure, as I frantically raced to the top and managed to just beat him! I love racing!
In the afternoon our first activity was fencing. This was something I had never tried before and Calvin found quite distressing, as he clearly thought I was being killed. Initially it was pretty good fun, we didn’t really listen to the instructor and just tried to stab each other as much as possible! It was quite entertaining fighting a guy who thought he couldn’t hit me back because I was female! His loss! To finish the day we did zip wire. Calvin naturally wanted to run alongside me as I shot through the air! I felt sorry for whoever had to hold him!
Sunday:
Even though all of the information said to bring old clothes, spare clothes, spare trainers for wet activities, I never considered for a second that I would actually be getting wet! I still thought as I made my way to raft building that morning I would be able to get away with it. I left Calvin in the room, as I definitely didn’t want a wet dog! It was raining, which immediately made staying dry impossible. After constructing the most secure raft I was assured we wouldn’t fall in. I wasn’t taking any risks though and refused to get on. When one of my friends literally picked me up and plonked me on the raft kicking and screaming of course, I wished for a split second that I weighed a hundred stones so I could still have my feet safely on dry land. I’m not a strong swimmer hence not being good with water and despite having a life jacket when the instructor pointed out that the water would reach my shoulders I was freaking out. It was going to be ok mind, as we wouldn’t get wet as the raft nervously bobbed on the water. One of the volunteers thought it funny to splash us from the side. I got wet. He then decided to capsize the raft, I held on for dear life as everyone else toppled into the water. However, the second time I fell in, went under and when I tried to push up in a major panic, I found the raft was blocking my exit! It felt like an age that I was drowning for, although it was probably only a few seconds. I emerged and was chucked into the instructor’s canoe in order to recover from my ordeal. Typical! As some time passed I was waiting on the side. One of my friend’s said he’d guide me and the beep guided me into the water! I was far from impressed! On reflection after my near death experience I am glad that I did do it, as traumatic as it was. I used my hair dryer to dry my trainers too, so all was fine!
In the afternoon the sun came out. Aero ball was the first activity where you jump on a trampoline and try and shoot a ball into a hoop. I decided to skip this one with my detached retina, jumping isn’t the best for my eyes. Vertical challenge ended the day, which I really enjoyed, I guess because it involved climbing. A rickety ladder, tyres, beams and a cargo net got you to the top. I was a little paranoid, as the same friend who I raced rock climbing and plonked me on the raft thought it would be funny to fiddle with my harness straps making me get it checked a million times first! Calvin cried the whole time I was climbing, which made me wonder if he knew something I didn’t and at any moment I would plunge to my death. It was all good though!
The final night was a bit of a blur. A friend gave me a tube of Smarties to consume. I don’t eat chocolate much these days being a dedicated athlete and all, so I think they made me a little hyper. I broke all staying up records and didn’t go to bed until 4am. I have no idea how I functioned the next day!
Monday:
I really didn’t bring enough clothes. I had no idea we had activities on the final morning. The first one was trapeze. I went first in the group, too tired to protest otherwise and when I reached the top and held the bar I expected to fall to the ground. Yet to my surprise nothing happened! I just swung there. I got told to let go and again I thought I would fall to the floor, however, I was just held in the air. That was it! I couldn’t believe I had woken up for that! The last activity was the giant swing. To mine and the girl’s amusement who I went on with because she is bigger than me, the swing had a see-saw effect, I was sort of hanging in the air on my side whilst she was lower down. I pulled the cord to release us and my stomach did somersaults as we whizzed through the air, the wind whipping at our faces. It was fun! A fun finish to a fun filled weekend!
Thanks to Victa, all of the volunteers and all of my lovely blinkie friends!
Thursday, 15 August 2013
Devon Delights
Last Wednesday until Saturday Calvin and I went down to Teignmouth to stay at the Cliffden Hotel. The Cliffden is one of four Vision hotels in the UK that specialise in catering for the visually impaired. I have stayed at the hotel once before, but not in the actual building. For my friend’s hen do, we stayed in the self-catering Coach House. It was therefore nice to experience another side of the hotel and Teignmouth itself.
I only stayed for three nights, but everybody I met up with excluding one other stopped for a week. I thought a week would be far too long, yet on reflection, the time flew by before I knew it. Five out of the nine in our group I met back in March on the Action residential, so it was lovely to catch up with them all again and make a few more new friends too.
Wednesday:
After missing my connection at Birmingham New Street by the skin of my teeth, an unwelcome extra hour was added to my train journey. On the bright side, this gave me time to finish the third book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series (those books are over rated in my opinion, but a must read nonetheless). Calvin and I arrived in the late afternoon and a few wanted a light or in some cases a substantial snack before dinner. We therefore took the short walk to the beachside cafe where we hoped the dogs could have a free run too. Unfortunately for Calvin and Mitsey, the tide was in, so we couldn’t let them off.
In the evening some went back to the beach, only I’m a bit of a wimp or sensible, you decide (I don’t like going out at night) and chose to have a quiet drink in the hotel instead.
Thursday:
I was stupidly excited about going to the beach! What was more exciting was that the weather was lush! After some people struggled to drag themselves out of bed, we made it. It was the first time I had taken Calvin to the beach since his dog attack, so I was wary about letting him off. Much to Calvin’s disappointment, I kept him on the long lead, as the beach was very busy and he had no Guide Dog friends to protect him. Calvin displayed his disapproval by digging holes in the sand that we took turns to fall in to. We had lunch at a tasty chip shop and went back to the beach in the afternoon. I left Calvin at the hotel for the afternoon session.
One of my new male friend’s amused me in the afternoon by purchasing a pink bucket with a pirate crab pictured on the front with a yellow spade to match. He then proceeded to try and build a sand castle on a slope, although to be quite honest, I’m not sure it would have been much better on a flat piece of sand! I thought I could do better, only when I tipped the bucket over to make the castle, the sand ended up more in a pile than a solid shape, fail! The remainder of the afternoon’s entertainment slash panic was provided by another friend who is totally blind and was left to fend for himself in the sea! When you go away with other visually impaired people, you really have to trust in each other! Around half an hour later, after I had had several heart attacks with worry, said friend casually emerged out of the sea and wondered towards us, oblivious to the frenzy that he had caused. He had gone for a long paddle, none of us could see him and feared he was lost at sea!
That evening I did venture out since we had a set destination in mind, a local bar. One thing that has to be said for Teignmouth as a town, they are just as VI aware as the hotel. People seriously go above and beyond to help you out, which makes everything that much more enjoyable. So a pleasant evening was had.
Friday:
A relaxing morning was spent on the beach, (Calvin got to have a free run with Edey) followed by most consuming more chips. I was saving myself for afternoon tea that has to be done when you’re in Devon! We caught the bus to Dawlish, a nearby town and found a tea room. I did have my sights set on cheese scones, only they had run out so I had to settle for sweet ones. I won’t moan, as they were pretty scrummy. I donated my tea after hearing how inviting the hot chocolate was, it came with cream, a flake and marshmallow. So naturally, I had to have one, it was worth it!
On the last night some went to Spray Point, I can’t remember what is special about that place, as I didn’t go, whilst a few of us tortured ourselves listening to the karaoke. None of us participated, just judged. After we got our hearing back, we played a few party games to pass the time, which worked well until the others returned.
Saturday:
Everybody went swimming, except for me. This is because I met up with Calvin’s puppy walkers who live nearby. I met up with them the last time I was in Teignmouth too, a few years before. Calvin recognised them, which is lovely for them and filled me with pride, well, I was just pleased he didn’t show me up and make out that they were complete strangers! Calvin had an epic run on the beach and splash in the sea, which tired him out nicely for the train journey home.
Overall, it was a great few days to unwind, chill out and have some laughs with some fun and funny people. One of the guy’s I met helps run a radio station called Dodge Radio. I like their slogan on their website, which says ‘dodge the world, enjoy the music’! I am a bad friend and haven’t yet taken a listen, I’m assured they play a wide variety to suit all though, just click here to take a listen.
I only stayed for three nights, but everybody I met up with excluding one other stopped for a week. I thought a week would be far too long, yet on reflection, the time flew by before I knew it. Five out of the nine in our group I met back in March on the Action residential, so it was lovely to catch up with them all again and make a few more new friends too.
Wednesday:
After missing my connection at Birmingham New Street by the skin of my teeth, an unwelcome extra hour was added to my train journey. On the bright side, this gave me time to finish the third book in the Fifty Shades of Grey series (those books are over rated in my opinion, but a must read nonetheless). Calvin and I arrived in the late afternoon and a few wanted a light or in some cases a substantial snack before dinner. We therefore took the short walk to the beachside cafe where we hoped the dogs could have a free run too. Unfortunately for Calvin and Mitsey, the tide was in, so we couldn’t let them off.
In the evening some went back to the beach, only I’m a bit of a wimp or sensible, you decide (I don’t like going out at night) and chose to have a quiet drink in the hotel instead.
Thursday:
I was stupidly excited about going to the beach! What was more exciting was that the weather was lush! After some people struggled to drag themselves out of bed, we made it. It was the first time I had taken Calvin to the beach since his dog attack, so I was wary about letting him off. Much to Calvin’s disappointment, I kept him on the long lead, as the beach was very busy and he had no Guide Dog friends to protect him. Calvin displayed his disapproval by digging holes in the sand that we took turns to fall in to. We had lunch at a tasty chip shop and went back to the beach in the afternoon. I left Calvin at the hotel for the afternoon session.
One of my new male friend’s amused me in the afternoon by purchasing a pink bucket with a pirate crab pictured on the front with a yellow spade to match. He then proceeded to try and build a sand castle on a slope, although to be quite honest, I’m not sure it would have been much better on a flat piece of sand! I thought I could do better, only when I tipped the bucket over to make the castle, the sand ended up more in a pile than a solid shape, fail! The remainder of the afternoon’s entertainment slash panic was provided by another friend who is totally blind and was left to fend for himself in the sea! When you go away with other visually impaired people, you really have to trust in each other! Around half an hour later, after I had had several heart attacks with worry, said friend casually emerged out of the sea and wondered towards us, oblivious to the frenzy that he had caused. He had gone for a long paddle, none of us could see him and feared he was lost at sea!
That evening I did venture out since we had a set destination in mind, a local bar. One thing that has to be said for Teignmouth as a town, they are just as VI aware as the hotel. People seriously go above and beyond to help you out, which makes everything that much more enjoyable. So a pleasant evening was had.
Friday:
A relaxing morning was spent on the beach, (Calvin got to have a free run with Edey) followed by most consuming more chips. I was saving myself for afternoon tea that has to be done when you’re in Devon! We caught the bus to Dawlish, a nearby town and found a tea room. I did have my sights set on cheese scones, only they had run out so I had to settle for sweet ones. I won’t moan, as they were pretty scrummy. I donated my tea after hearing how inviting the hot chocolate was, it came with cream, a flake and marshmallow. So naturally, I had to have one, it was worth it!
On the last night some went to Spray Point, I can’t remember what is special about that place, as I didn’t go, whilst a few of us tortured ourselves listening to the karaoke. None of us participated, just judged. After we got our hearing back, we played a few party games to pass the time, which worked well until the others returned.
Saturday:
Everybody went swimming, except for me. This is because I met up with Calvin’s puppy walkers who live nearby. I met up with them the last time I was in Teignmouth too, a few years before. Calvin recognised them, which is lovely for them and filled me with pride, well, I was just pleased he didn’t show me up and make out that they were complete strangers! Calvin had an epic run on the beach and splash in the sea, which tired him out nicely for the train journey home.
Overall, it was a great few days to unwind, chill out and have some laughs with some fun and funny people. One of the guy’s I met helps run a radio station called Dodge Radio. I like their slogan on their website, which says ‘dodge the world, enjoy the music’! I am a bad friend and haven’t yet taken a listen, I’m assured they play a wide variety to suit all though, just click here to take a listen.
Monday, 5 August 2013
First Class
I started my degree with The Open University when I was 21, the year most of my friends graduated. It took me 4 years to complete a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature. Despite being late to the party, I am glad that I did it. I never expected to actually get a First Class degree! I don’t know if it sounds boastful of me to say, but I feel like I deserve the grade. I have always been regarded as an intelligent individual, but cleverness has never come naturally to me. My ethos with anything is to continuously work hard and you will be rewarded in the long term. Ok, enough with my attempt to be modest since I am clearly failing. I am amazing! I don’t usually play on my disability however, on this occasion I am not ashamed to say to achieve a First as a non-disabled person is excellent, but to achieve one after gradually losing your sight is simply exceptional! I am so so so proud of myself!
EA300 Children’s Literature module results:
TMA 01 – 75%
TMA 02 – 82%
TMA 03 – 85%
TMA 04 – 85%
TMA 05 – 85%
TMA 06 – 80%
OCAs – 82%
EMA – 86%
Overall – Distinction
Degree Classification – First Class Honours BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
My graduation is on 20 September in London!
EA300 Children’s Literature module results:
TMA 01 – 75%
TMA 02 – 82%
TMA 03 – 85%
TMA 04 – 85%
TMA 05 – 85%
TMA 06 – 80%
OCAs – 82%
EMA – 86%
Overall – Distinction
Degree Classification – First Class Honours BA (Hons) English Language and Literature
My graduation is on 20 September in London!
Wednesday, 24 July 2013
Dog Attack
Since having Calvin, I have heard a lot about Guide Dogs getting attacked and know that lots of work is being done to try and change the law, so that dog owners are prosecuted for not controlling their pets. However, in the nearly four years I have had Calvin, I never really expected him to be a victim with his bolshie attitude. How wrong was I!
Last Friday, we went down to Dorset, as on Saturday it was my birthday and I have dreamed of going to Monkey World for years. I love monkeys! Recently, the weather has been amazing and therefore it seemed logical to spend some time on the beach. Naturally, Calvin was beside himself with excitement as soon as he smelt the sea air. He was puppy walked in Devon and so spent a lot of the time free running by the sea.
Conveniently, our hotel appeared to be across the road from the dog section of the beach. So we let Calvin off the lead, as we followed the ramps down to the shore. When we got on the beach, Calvin clocked the sea and went bounding towards it. Another dog was playing in the sea with its owner, nowhere near where Calvin was heading. For no apparent reason whatsoever, the dog aggressively pinned Calvin down on the sand before he could make it to the water and attacked. The owner was fairly swift to restrain his dog, but Calvin came limping over with a heart breaking cry. Calvin didn’t even try to fight back.
The beach was packed and therefore herds of people came over to check if Calvin was ok. The owner of the dog also came to check, only after the initial shock Calvin seemed fine with no visible injuries. Much to Calvin’s dismay, thereafter I kept him on the lead. I hate going in the sea, but went in with him so he could have a little paddle. It must have been around twenty minutes later, my mum noticed that Calvin was bleeding on his back.
We asked the lifeguard, some people from the council and other dog owners if they knew where the nearest vets were. Nobody was helpful. I called Guide Dogs to see what I should do, thankfully, it was just before five. I was told to report it to the police who would have details of the nearest vets. The police gave me an incident number, but had no details for the vets. So I had to call the dog warden for the area who gave me the number for the emergency vets that was no use because it didn’t open until seven. I eventually text a friend and got a number that was constantly engaged, luckily we found the practice in the yellow pages and drove there instead.
It was nearing seven by the time Calvin actually got seen. The vet took him away to shave around the wound and to see if it needed stapling. When I got him back, it turned out he had two bite wounds that the vet decided not to staple and said would heal itself. Calvin was given an antibiotic injection along with a pain killer jab and antibiotic tablets for six days. Due to the positioning of the wounds, I am unable to work him, as the harness would touch the affected area.
This meant on Saturday, I had Calvin on the lead and had to be guided around Monkey World. I did not expect Calvin to freak at the sight of monkeys. He was crying and jumping all over me when we reached the gibbon enclosure. I thought it was going to be an extremely long day! We went to one of the chimp enclosures next. Turns out, that chimps aren’t too keen on dogs either. They began banging on the windows, which made Calvin and some kids cry. We moved swiftly away, only we had to pass the outside enclosure before we were clear of them. Without warning, I felt bullets being fired at us! Several of the chimps had trooped together and were picking gravel up from the floor and sling shotting it at us through the fencing! They have powerful shots let me tell you! Calvin began to growl and bark as we hot footed it away! Poor Calvin wasn’t having a great weekend!
Apparently, once you have been attacked by chimps, no other monkey can faze you! Afterwards Calvin was eager to visit all of the other types of monkeys who were intrigued to see him too. Everywhere we went, the monkeys would appear and follow Calvin as we walked along. To be fair none of the other apes felt inclined to throw stones!
So, I had an eventful birthday, not exactly how I planned. Calvin is ok within himself, but it is frustrating that I can’t work him for a while.
Last Friday, we went down to Dorset, as on Saturday it was my birthday and I have dreamed of going to Monkey World for years. I love monkeys! Recently, the weather has been amazing and therefore it seemed logical to spend some time on the beach. Naturally, Calvin was beside himself with excitement as soon as he smelt the sea air. He was puppy walked in Devon and so spent a lot of the time free running by the sea.
Conveniently, our hotel appeared to be across the road from the dog section of the beach. So we let Calvin off the lead, as we followed the ramps down to the shore. When we got on the beach, Calvin clocked the sea and went bounding towards it. Another dog was playing in the sea with its owner, nowhere near where Calvin was heading. For no apparent reason whatsoever, the dog aggressively pinned Calvin down on the sand before he could make it to the water and attacked. The owner was fairly swift to restrain his dog, but Calvin came limping over with a heart breaking cry. Calvin didn’t even try to fight back.
The beach was packed and therefore herds of people came over to check if Calvin was ok. The owner of the dog also came to check, only after the initial shock Calvin seemed fine with no visible injuries. Much to Calvin’s dismay, thereafter I kept him on the lead. I hate going in the sea, but went in with him so he could have a little paddle. It must have been around twenty minutes later, my mum noticed that Calvin was bleeding on his back.
We asked the lifeguard, some people from the council and other dog owners if they knew where the nearest vets were. Nobody was helpful. I called Guide Dogs to see what I should do, thankfully, it was just before five. I was told to report it to the police who would have details of the nearest vets. The police gave me an incident number, but had no details for the vets. So I had to call the dog warden for the area who gave me the number for the emergency vets that was no use because it didn’t open until seven. I eventually text a friend and got a number that was constantly engaged, luckily we found the practice in the yellow pages and drove there instead.
It was nearing seven by the time Calvin actually got seen. The vet took him away to shave around the wound and to see if it needed stapling. When I got him back, it turned out he had two bite wounds that the vet decided not to staple and said would heal itself. Calvin was given an antibiotic injection along with a pain killer jab and antibiotic tablets for six days. Due to the positioning of the wounds, I am unable to work him, as the harness would touch the affected area.
This meant on Saturday, I had Calvin on the lead and had to be guided around Monkey World. I did not expect Calvin to freak at the sight of monkeys. He was crying and jumping all over me when we reached the gibbon enclosure. I thought it was going to be an extremely long day! We went to one of the chimp enclosures next. Turns out, that chimps aren’t too keen on dogs either. They began banging on the windows, which made Calvin and some kids cry. We moved swiftly away, only we had to pass the outside enclosure before we were clear of them. Without warning, I felt bullets being fired at us! Several of the chimps had trooped together and were picking gravel up from the floor and sling shotting it at us through the fencing! They have powerful shots let me tell you! Calvin began to growl and bark as we hot footed it away! Poor Calvin wasn’t having a great weekend!
Apparently, once you have been attacked by chimps, no other monkey can faze you! Afterwards Calvin was eager to visit all of the other types of monkeys who were intrigued to see him too. Everywhere we went, the monkeys would appear and follow Calvin as we walked along. To be fair none of the other apes felt inclined to throw stones!
So, I had an eventful birthday, not exactly how I planned. Calvin is ok within himself, but it is frustrating that I can’t work him for a while.
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