It is the festive season!
Amazing things have happened this christmas. The way we celebrate christmas may be a little different to other people. We do presents in the morning - that's pretty much what everybody does - and then we organise the house for the afternoon because we celebrate christmas with the Terry family (the other family who founded The Chaeli Campaign) and they arrive at two-ish. Then we start the celebrations.
I think it's much better celebrating with the people you want to celebrate with. This way, everyone has an epic, awesome time. We have christmas lunch. The only thing is our lunch happens a little later than the general population. We have lunch at seven o'clock at night. It's very chilled. It's amazing!
But, being the people we are...we don't really do things slowly and we don't really do the whole relaxation-for-an-extended-period-of-time thing. So, true to this trait, a week before christmas we had the National Dancing Championships in Bloemfontein. We had to drive there because it's just way too expensive to fly a week before christmas (especially to Bloem as there are only two airlines that fly there). This is always interesting when travelling with four wheelchair users. Fun times. I honestly could have died of lack of surroundings.
The only thing I saw for twelve hours of my life were sheep and prickly pears. Do you have any idea how mind numbingly boring that is? I'm pretty sure I lost brain cells due to no activity...
Anyway, I digress. We only got to do our christmas presents on the Thursday before christmas. We decided that it was an awesome thing that I'm in a wheelchair because we get special parking - it's especially helpful during holiday seasons.
I think it's important to use what you have. I don't feel pity for myself and neither should anybody else. It's christmas and I believe christmas is about being with each other and creating amazing memories together.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Nationals, here we come!
Tomorrow morning is going to begin very very early - 5am early. So excited! Can you see the sarcasm in my face?
We are going to Bloemfontein for our dancing national championships. It's going to be awesome...once we get there.
The team is going to be arriving on mass in 2 Kombi's, so we have to drive there. It means we have 12 hours in a car with 6 other people, which is fine for about a quarter of the journey. Then you start to get tired of one another and bored of the company. The worst thing somebody can ever do to fellow travellers is to open a packet of cheese flavoured Nik-Naks in the car! Trust me, I know what that is like. It's horrific. There is no way to get away from the smell of old socks on dirty feet!
That will not be happening in our car - I have put my metaphorical foot down!
The other thing is that when you travel to Bloemfontein by car, there is not the greatest scenery. In fact, there's very little scenery to speak of at all. The majority of the time you're driving on the same road that has NO life around it for kilometres at a time.
I guess we'll just have to keep ourselves occupied by doing funny things inside the Kombi and not rely on outside to keep our brains functioning.
We are going to Bloemfontein for our dancing national championships. It's going to be awesome...once we get there.
The team is going to be arriving on mass in 2 Kombi's, so we have to drive there. It means we have 12 hours in a car with 6 other people, which is fine for about a quarter of the journey. Then you start to get tired of one another and bored of the company. The worst thing somebody can ever do to fellow travellers is to open a packet of cheese flavoured Nik-Naks in the car! Trust me, I know what that is like. It's horrific. There is no way to get away from the smell of old socks on dirty feet!
That will not be happening in our car - I have put my metaphorical foot down!
The other thing is that when you travel to Bloemfontein by car, there is not the greatest scenery. In fact, there's very little scenery to speak of at all. The majority of the time you're driving on the same road that has NO life around it for kilometres at a time.
I guess we'll just have to keep ourselves occupied by doing funny things inside the Kombi and not rely on outside to keep our brains functioning.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Back home again
So, we are now firmly back in South Africa. We had a day flight, which is okay, but personally I'm not a fan. I felt like I lost a whole day of my life. I kind of did because I spent it in a metal tube where I couldn't do anything other than watch movies - and I can tell you, you can only watch so many movies until you die of boredom. I was very close to dying of boredom.
When we got to Cape Town International Airport, we were welcomed by the family and SABC journalists. We had interviews with them, and then went home to collapse after a hectic day of doing nothing. I was so tired.
It's so good to be home. It's really busy though, interviews with newspapers, tv, radio, it's ongoing. As I told you, really busy. Really tiring. But it's still really fun and I'm having a good time.
Everybody was and is asking me if I'm glad to be back home and have life back to normal...
I tell them that it's awesome to be home but life is definitely not back to normal. At least not the normal we were used to before I won the prize. I guess we are just going to have to get used to a new normal.
That's what life is about. Getting used to new normals.
When we got to Cape Town International Airport, we were welcomed by the family and SABC journalists. We had interviews with them, and then went home to collapse after a hectic day of doing nothing. I was so tired.
It's so good to be home. It's really busy though, interviews with newspapers, tv, radio, it's ongoing. As I told you, really busy. Really tiring. But it's still really fun and I'm having a good time.
Everybody was and is asking me if I'm glad to be back home and have life back to normal...
I tell them that it's awesome to be home but life is definitely not back to normal. At least not the normal we were used to before I won the prize. I guess we are just going to have to get used to a new normal.
That's what life is about. Getting used to new normals.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
KidsRights & cheese
Thursday was a great day.
We went to the KidsRights offices to meet the people there. Everyone that works at the foundation is incredible and you can feel the love. It's really nice to go into an environment like that. I loved it.
The majority of the day was taken up by being tourists - I think it was right that our last day in the Netherlands was done in this way. We went to Zaanse Schans. It's a kind of farm place. It's got a clog-making place, a cheese farm, lots of mills making different things and a whole bunch of things that we didn't get to see.
I had a lot of fun looking at traditional Dutch things - it was a rad experience.
We then had to take Thandiwe to the airport for her to go back to Zambia. It was really sad saying goodbye, but also not sad because I know that we will be meeting again soon.
Our last supper in Holland was incredible. We went to a place called 'Bazar Amsterdam'. It's kind of Moroccan place mixed with many different things. The vibe there was contagious - you just had to move to the music that was playing, your body made that decision for your brain. It was awesome.
We went to the KidsRights offices to meet the people there. Everyone that works at the foundation is incredible and you can feel the love. It's really nice to go into an environment like that. I loved it.
The majority of the day was taken up by being tourists - I think it was right that our last day in the Netherlands was done in this way. We went to Zaanse Schans. It's a kind of farm place. It's got a clog-making place, a cheese farm, lots of mills making different things and a whole bunch of things that we didn't get to see.
I had a lot of fun looking at traditional Dutch things - it was a rad experience.
We then had to take Thandiwe to the airport for her to go back to Zambia. It was really sad saying goodbye, but also not sad because I know that we will be meeting again soon.
Our last supper in Holland was incredible. We went to a place called 'Bazar Amsterdam'. It's kind of Moroccan place mixed with many different things. The vibe there was contagious - you just had to move to the music that was playing, your body made that decision for your brain. It was awesome.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Money, Peace & Parliament
Yesterday was yet another crazy-busy day. It started really early because I was asked to open the stock exchange, then we went for an interview at the peace palace and finally we went to the parliament to meet Jetta Klijnsma. It was a ridiculously busy day, but it was awesome!
Opening the stock exchange was so exciting. It was the New York Stock Exchange/Euronext. We got there and met the men who kind of run the opening and closing of the stock exchange. They were amazing - so helpful and warm. The whole event was actually very fast and efficient. What happens is ten seconds before 9:00, they start a countdown; three seconds before 9:00, the people start applauding; and then at 9:00 we hit the really big gong. Then it's over.
When we had finished, we went back to the boardroom and they gave me presents. I was excited! I got a coin (a collector's item) that they only give to people who open the exchange and they gave me a 'tombstone' with a photo of the opening and a certificate for the opening.
The second thing on the agenda for the day was the peace palace. Generally, people are not allowed to go in, but we were. How amazing?
The interview was with a woman, who also has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. It was incredible to speak to a person who understands exactly what I'm talking about. It's part of the EU's campaign called 'End Exclusion'. It's awesome to be a part of an initiative like this one. It was very interesting.
In a very busy day, the last stop was parliament. We went to meet a woman, Yetta Klijnsma, another person with cerebral palsy. You would think it would be more rare, but it turns out otherwise. Anyway, Yetta is a member of parliament and an ambassador for the Liliane Foundation - they support children with disabilities. The point of the meeting was to start a relationship with her because there may be an opportunity in the future to travel together.
As you can probably deduce, I was exhausted. But it was an incredible day and I loved every minute of it.
:)
Opening the stock exchange was so exciting. It was the New York Stock Exchange/Euronext. We got there and met the men who kind of run the opening and closing of the stock exchange. They were amazing - so helpful and warm. The whole event was actually very fast and efficient. What happens is ten seconds before 9:00, they start a countdown; three seconds before 9:00, the people start applauding; and then at 9:00 we hit the really big gong. Then it's over.
When we had finished, we went back to the boardroom and they gave me presents. I was excited! I got a coin (a collector's item) that they only give to people who open the exchange and they gave me a 'tombstone' with a photo of the opening and a certificate for the opening.
The second thing on the agenda for the day was the peace palace. Generally, people are not allowed to go in, but we were. How amazing?
The interview was with a woman, who also has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. It was incredible to speak to a person who understands exactly what I'm talking about. It's part of the EU's campaign called 'End Exclusion'. It's awesome to be a part of an initiative like this one. It was very interesting.
In a very busy day, the last stop was parliament. We went to meet a woman, Yetta Klijnsma, another person with cerebral palsy. You would think it would be more rare, but it turns out otherwise. Anyway, Yetta is a member of parliament and an ambassador for the Liliane Foundation - they support children with disabilities. The point of the meeting was to start a relationship with her because there may be an opportunity in the future to travel together.
As you can probably deduce, I was exhausted. But it was an incredible day and I loved every minute of it.
:)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
And the winner is...
ME!!
Yesterday was an incredible and amazing day.
It started very early, but it was totally worth it. The ceremony was held in The Hall of Knights in The Hague. It's the oldest building in Holland and it's only used about twice a year - when the Queen does the state of the union address and the international children's peace prize awards ceremony. Epic.
We had a couple of run-through's for the actual ceremony and the morning was largely taken up with interviews for TV, newspapers and websites. It was so much fun.
Then the ceremony started.
We (Thandiwe - 2007 winner, and myself) came in down the aisle. And the other guests of honour entered down the big stairs - clearly that wouldn't have worked for us. We made a plan. Every year the prize is handed over by a Nobel Peace Prize loureate. So this year the loureate was Mairead Maguire. She won in 1976 - she worked really hard to negotiate for peace in Northern Ireland. Mairead is an incredible woman.
There were awesome people who spoke. Someone who really made me think was Susan Bissell, from Unicef. She really spoke to me. Some interesting things are going to happen with Unicef and disability. So, wait and see.
When I had to get up and do my speech, it was a huge moment and my emotions got the better of me a little bit. I started crying (which made me stress because generally when I cry nobody can understand what I'm saying), but I controlled myself enough to be able to do my speech. I was very proud of myself for actually carrying on and doing my speech.
After I spoke, the Maastrichter Staar (it's a 100-strong male choir) sang the South African National Anthem. Once again, my emotions decided to leave me. It was an incredible moment that was quite overwhelming but it was very important that it happened the way it did.
The gala dinner afterwards was so much fun. I had my homies and it was all good. The food, the music, the people, everything was perfect!
Yesterday was an incredible and amazing day.
It started very early, but it was totally worth it. The ceremony was held in The Hall of Knights in The Hague. It's the oldest building in Holland and it's only used about twice a year - when the Queen does the state of the union address and the international children's peace prize awards ceremony. Epic.
We had a couple of run-through's for the actual ceremony and the morning was largely taken up with interviews for TV, newspapers and websites. It was so much fun.
Then the ceremony started.
We (Thandiwe - 2007 winner, and myself) came in down the aisle. And the other guests of honour entered down the big stairs - clearly that wouldn't have worked for us. We made a plan. Every year the prize is handed over by a Nobel Peace Prize loureate. So this year the loureate was Mairead Maguire. She won in 1976 - she worked really hard to negotiate for peace in Northern Ireland. Mairead is an incredible woman.
There were awesome people who spoke. Someone who really made me think was Susan Bissell, from Unicef. She really spoke to me. Some interesting things are going to happen with Unicef and disability. So, wait and see.
When I had to get up and do my speech, it was a huge moment and my emotions got the better of me a little bit. I started crying (which made me stress because generally when I cry nobody can understand what I'm saying), but I controlled myself enough to be able to do my speech. I was very proud of myself for actually carrying on and doing my speech.
After I spoke, the Maastrichter Staar (it's a 100-strong male choir) sang the South African National Anthem. Once again, my emotions decided to leave me. It was an incredible moment that was quite overwhelming but it was very important that it happened the way it did.
The gala dinner afterwards was so much fun. I had my homies and it was all good. The food, the music, the people, everything was perfect!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Busy busy busy
We did some very interesting, cool things yesterday.
The first couple of things weren't incredible but still exciting. For me, anyway. The first thing we did was going to the airport to fetch the other four founders of The Chaeli Campaign. I was excited.
Then we went back to their hotel. They asked in the car on the way there "Can Chaeli get into our hotel?". This is what we found:
So, the answer was clearly a no.
We went to lunch. It was nice and we could charge my chair, which was a bonus.
The really awesome thing of yesterday was that we went to the market. It was awesome! I have never walked for that long in my entire life. It's the longest market I've ever seen. Still amazing. They had clothes and food (fresh fruit and veggies) and a whole lot of other stuff.
After the amazing market, we went for supper at Cindy's house. It was really nice that we could be in a real home in Holland. We had to take the Tram to get there though. It was very cool that I was able to use the public transport with very minimal effort. So cool.
Cindy and her family were amazing. They invited us into their home and we immediately felt like family. We had the most incredible food. Thanks George!! Luka, their eldest son had planned an awesome game of BINGO! It's the best game ever invented. Here's how we were rolling:
More later.
:)
The first couple of things weren't incredible but still exciting. For me, anyway. The first thing we did was going to the airport to fetch the other four founders of The Chaeli Campaign. I was excited.
Then we went back to their hotel. They asked in the car on the way there "Can Chaeli get into our hotel?". This is what we found:
So, the answer was clearly a no.
We went to lunch. It was nice and we could charge my chair, which was a bonus.
The really awesome thing of yesterday was that we went to the market. It was awesome! I have never walked for that long in my entire life. It's the longest market I've ever seen. Still amazing. They had clothes and food (fresh fruit and veggies) and a whole lot of other stuff.
After the amazing market, we went for supper at Cindy's house. It was really nice that we could be in a real home in Holland. We had to take the Tram to get there though. It was very cool that I was able to use the public transport with very minimal effort. So cool.
Cindy and her family were amazing. They invited us into their home and we immediately felt like family. We had the most incredible food. Thanks George!! Luka, their eldest son had planned an awesome game of BINGO! It's the best game ever invented. Here's how we were rolling:
More later.
:)
The antics continue...
I know I said I would tell you guys more about my wheelchair saga, so here goes.
We got to Schipol airport, eventually got my wheelchair - we had to walk through basically the whole airport to get to where our luggage was but more importantly, where my wheelchair was. As you know, we were having a bit of battery power struggles. My wheelchair had a single very persistent bar of power (as oppose to the normally very happy 10 green bars).
When we arrived at our hotel, and tried to charge my chair, we quickly realised that our plugs and the plugs we brought were not going to work. Our universal travel adapter wasn't very universal. Still, we weren't really stressing because we figured we could just buy one anywhere. Oh, how wrong one can be.
In the whole of Amsterdam there was not a single South Africa to Europe plug. But, we had Ellen and Sjierly, from KidsRights running around trying to find a solution. They're very resourceful, and even they could not find a plug.
Keep in mind the persistent flashing red light.
I told the people around me that I was going to keep my wheelchair going by willpower. Willpower kept it going for nearly two whole days. Amazing!
Eventually we had to take the entire charger to an electrical shop place and change the plug from a South African plug to a Dutch plug. Interesting times.
After we changed it, we found restaurants that had a place where we could plug in and charge my wheelchair. The people looked at us funny when they heard our request. But generally people look at us funny anyway, so it was nothing new.
Everything went relatively normally after our little wheelchair drama, but what's life without drama?
:)
We got to Schipol airport, eventually got my wheelchair - we had to walk through basically the whole airport to get to where our luggage was but more importantly, where my wheelchair was. As you know, we were having a bit of battery power struggles. My wheelchair had a single very persistent bar of power (as oppose to the normally very happy 10 green bars).
When we arrived at our hotel, and tried to charge my chair, we quickly realised that our plugs and the plugs we brought were not going to work. Our universal travel adapter wasn't very universal. Still, we weren't really stressing because we figured we could just buy one anywhere. Oh, how wrong one can be.
In the whole of Amsterdam there was not a single South Africa to Europe plug. But, we had Ellen and Sjierly, from KidsRights running around trying to find a solution. They're very resourceful, and even they could not find a plug.
Keep in mind the persistent flashing red light.
I told the people around me that I was going to keep my wheelchair going by willpower. Willpower kept it going for nearly two whole days. Amazing!
Eventually we had to take the entire charger to an electrical shop place and change the plug from a South African plug to a Dutch plug. Interesting times.
After we changed it, we found restaurants that had a place where we could plug in and charge my wheelchair. The people looked at us funny when they heard our request. But generally people look at us funny anyway, so it was nothing new.
Everything went relatively normally after our little wheelchair drama, but what's life without drama?
:)
Airport antics
Our flight was at 12:20, as you know, and we had to do something at the airport for about 3 hours. What to do?
We found ourselves in the Bidvest Premier Lounge - it was pretty epic and quite snazzy. It was nice. It had food and drinks for the people flying. It was really weird though because there are no people to help you, so you kind of feel like you're stealing everything. It's weird.
At 11:07 my mom started stressing that we were going to be late for the PAU (Passenger Assist Unit, for those of you who don't know), so we went then to the bathroom to change into 'Holland clothing'.
The funniest thing was that in the disabled bathroom, there is a hand-dryer. It's really badly placed, in terms of what we needed at the time. We had a LOT of stuff and being disabled adds more stuff to a lot of stuff. It keeps life interesting. But we put all our stuff (keep in mind you have to take ALL your belongings with you wherever you go at the airport) in the bathroom with us. So, we put everything underneath the hand-dryer. Probably not the best idea but there was nowhere else to put it. They work on motion sensors, which meant everytime mom did something with our bags, it went off. It was funny because mom got a fright everytime it happened, which was often. Funny.
Once we had reached the boarding gates, we realised that my wheelchair battery was basically dead. This is not good. When it's your form of moving it CANNOT die. But we're very good at finding solutions - we figured that we could just charge it when we got to Holland as we have international plugs. It didn't really work out that way.
We arrived in Holland yesterday at somewhere around 11. The guy in the plane who organises assisted passengers came to us and said "You have a big wheelchair, right?". We were like "No!" and he looked at us and very concerned he said "OK, we'll look again". Eventually, after riding through the whole of Schipol airport, we got my wheelchair AND it turned on and worked. We got excited.
I'll tell you guys more about it in my next entry. I'm going to bed now. Sleep well, world.
:)
We found ourselves in the Bidvest Premier Lounge - it was pretty epic and quite snazzy. It was nice. It had food and drinks for the people flying. It was really weird though because there are no people to help you, so you kind of feel like you're stealing everything. It's weird.
At 11:07 my mom started stressing that we were going to be late for the PAU (Passenger Assist Unit, for those of you who don't know), so we went then to the bathroom to change into 'Holland clothing'.
The funniest thing was that in the disabled bathroom, there is a hand-dryer. It's really badly placed, in terms of what we needed at the time. We had a LOT of stuff and being disabled adds more stuff to a lot of stuff. It keeps life interesting. But we put all our stuff (keep in mind you have to take ALL your belongings with you wherever you go at the airport) in the bathroom with us. So, we put everything underneath the hand-dryer. Probably not the best idea but there was nowhere else to put it. They work on motion sensors, which meant everytime mom did something with our bags, it went off. It was funny because mom got a fright everytime it happened, which was often. Funny.
Once we had reached the boarding gates, we realised that my wheelchair battery was basically dead. This is not good. When it's your form of moving it CANNOT die. But we're very good at finding solutions - we figured that we could just charge it when we got to Holland as we have international plugs. It didn't really work out that way.
We arrived in Holland yesterday at somewhere around 11. The guy in the plane who organises assisted passengers came to us and said "You have a big wheelchair, right?". We were like "No!" and he looked at us and very concerned he said "OK, we'll look again". Eventually, after riding through the whole of Schipol airport, we got my wheelchair AND it turned on and worked. We got excited.
I'll tell you guys more about it in my next entry. I'm going to bed now. Sleep well, world.
:)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Hup Hup Holland
So, today started off very average - with a Maths exam. Fun times, I know. Then I had to go to the dentist for an emergency fixing of my retainer. It was attacking me from inside my mouth - we sorted it out though, so it's all good.
After my very average day, things got a lot more interesting and exciting. We had to start preparing to go to Holland. Holland, because the ceremony for the International Children's Peace Prize happens there and we have to go and see who the winner is...
Hold thumbs, people.
We going to have a really rad time - we are going to do all the touristy things as well as some other cool things that I'm not really sure about. Excited!
We've been getting ready for hours - I even had my suitcase ready yesterday, which is very unlike us. We're more 'pack five minutes before you have to leave' people. But, we'll roll with it.
Our flight is at 12:20 tonight/tomorrow morning. Whichever way you choose to say it. I don't know if I'm still going to be awake at that time, since I woke up at 6 to study for my maths paper, but we'll see. We're having a small partytjie at the airport. Because we can. And then we have to try and kill some time. Hmmmm....
There will be things to follow, many many posts, with many many photos. So, keep an eye or two on me.
:)
After my very average day, things got a lot more interesting and exciting. We had to start preparing to go to Holland. Holland, because the ceremony for the International Children's Peace Prize happens there and we have to go and see who the winner is...
Hold thumbs, people.
We going to have a really rad time - we are going to do all the touristy things as well as some other cool things that I'm not really sure about. Excited!
We've been getting ready for hours - I even had my suitcase ready yesterday, which is very unlike us. We're more 'pack five minutes before you have to leave' people. But, we'll roll with it.
Our flight is at 12:20 tonight/tomorrow morning. Whichever way you choose to say it. I don't know if I'm still going to be awake at that time, since I woke up at 6 to study for my maths paper, but we'll see. We're having a small partytjie at the airport. Because we can. And then we have to try and kill some time. Hmmmm....
There will be things to follow, many many posts, with many many photos. So, keep an eye or two on me.
:)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Exciting times
It has been a very interesting couple of weeks. Firstly, I have been trying to prepare for end of year exams (not so exciting, I know, and also not the most successful). But the most interesting news of my LIFE is that about two weeks ago, we found out that I'm one of 5 finalists for the International Children's Peace Prize. How cool?
It's amazing. Being the researcher I am, onto the Internet I went. I found out who the other finalists are:
Liza in Palestine tries to promote peace through sport (woman's football) between Israeli and Palistinian young people. She fights for the rights and empowerment of Palestinian girls in a male-dominated society.
Malala in Pakistan fights for education of girls. This was banned under extreme Taliban rule. She went anyway.
Nicolay in Armenia organises workshops and discussions on human rights. He also writes a regular blog that addresses these issues.
Winfred stands up for abused children in her community. She documents cases of child abuse in schools and around the communities. She also set up a child's court, where kids can sort out their problems without adult interference.
How amazing are all of these fellow young people? We can all do something wherever we find ourselves. That's the message that all of the finalists (myself included) share with the world.
I hope to one day meet all of these people, and many more that are doing incredible work.
:)
It's amazing. Being the researcher I am, onto the Internet I went. I found out who the other finalists are:
Liza in Palestine tries to promote peace through sport (woman's football) between Israeli and Palistinian young people. She fights for the rights and empowerment of Palestinian girls in a male-dominated society.
Malala in Pakistan fights for education of girls. This was banned under extreme Taliban rule. She went anyway.
Nicolay in Armenia organises workshops and discussions on human rights. He also writes a regular blog that addresses these issues.
Winfred stands up for abused children in her community. She documents cases of child abuse in schools and around the communities. She also set up a child's court, where kids can sort out their problems without adult interference.
How amazing are all of these fellow young people? We can all do something wherever we find ourselves. That's the message that all of the finalists (myself included) share with the world.
I hope to one day meet all of these people, and many more that are doing incredible work.
:)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Thinking inside the box
The funniest thing happened.
It started off being pretty average. We'd just come back from Erin's matric prize giving at Kelvin Grove - the same night as the South Africa vs Australia cricket at Newlands. Chaos insues. All the roads to get to Kelvin Grove were closed (they had cars and dogs and everything) so we had to go all the way around. Eventually we got in, after an hour. But when we got there we had our own parking with our names on it. Felt very gangster, I won't lie. Haha.
In terms of our family, that was a pretty average start to an evening. Then it got interesting.
So, we had Erin's thing. then we had to get out of kelvin grove again. see, i told you, interesting. By the time we got out of traffic, we were starving. We argued a while about where to go, and which places would still be open. We decided that Spur would be a good bet. So, we missioned off to spur and turned out it wasnt such a good bet. We ended up going to McDonalds.
Now comes the funny part of our evening. Just like the comedy minute on 5fm. Just a little longer. We got to the drive-thru line and were wondering why there were so many cars taking so long. We figured it out. When we got to the order-box the penny dropped. Or maybe it didn't.
I don't understand the point of those boxes. i really don't. The only thing that comes of them is frustration. Sometimes laughter. A lot of laughter.
My dad was driving. So, naturally he had to order the food. Everything was fine until the woman inside the box got our order wrong. They should really try to get more capable people working in those boxes.
I'll paint the picture for you. My dad orders our food and the woman gets it wrong (we say it's ok because she can't hear us, bringing up again the question of the efficacy of the boxes). The order changed drastically from a meal costing R178 to costing R87. Clearly there was a bit of a problem. Dad was literally hanging out of the window speaking to a box. What made it funny though, was the fact that throughout the whole experience, the woman's only rebuttel was "two creme sodas?"
Everytime she said "two creme sodas?", we were dying of laughter in the back seat. It took 20 minutes to get passed the first hurdle of a McDonalds Drive-thru. We got our food and guess what....we didn't really get what we ordered. Although we did get a free Coke.
The way I see it, we have a story that will last forever and we laughed ourselves off a few calories before we ate. Leaving us just as thin as before.
Always a bright side.
It started off being pretty average. We'd just come back from Erin's matric prize giving at Kelvin Grove - the same night as the South Africa vs Australia cricket at Newlands. Chaos insues. All the roads to get to Kelvin Grove were closed (they had cars and dogs and everything) so we had to go all the way around. Eventually we got in, after an hour. But when we got there we had our own parking with our names on it. Felt very gangster, I won't lie. Haha.
In terms of our family, that was a pretty average start to an evening. Then it got interesting.
So, we had Erin's thing. then we had to get out of kelvin grove again. see, i told you, interesting. By the time we got out of traffic, we were starving. We argued a while about where to go, and which places would still be open. We decided that Spur would be a good bet. So, we missioned off to spur and turned out it wasnt such a good bet. We ended up going to McDonalds.
Now comes the funny part of our evening. Just like the comedy minute on 5fm. Just a little longer. We got to the drive-thru line and were wondering why there were so many cars taking so long. We figured it out. When we got to the order-box the penny dropped. Or maybe it didn't.
I don't understand the point of those boxes. i really don't. The only thing that comes of them is frustration. Sometimes laughter. A lot of laughter.
My dad was driving. So, naturally he had to order the food. Everything was fine until the woman inside the box got our order wrong. They should really try to get more capable people working in those boxes.
I'll paint the picture for you. My dad orders our food and the woman gets it wrong (we say it's ok because she can't hear us, bringing up again the question of the efficacy of the boxes). The order changed drastically from a meal costing R178 to costing R87. Clearly there was a bit of a problem. Dad was literally hanging out of the window speaking to a box. What made it funny though, was the fact that throughout the whole experience, the woman's only rebuttel was "two creme sodas?"
Everytime she said "two creme sodas?", we were dying of laughter in the back seat. It took 20 minutes to get passed the first hurdle of a McDonalds Drive-thru. We got our food and guess what....we didn't really get what we ordered. Although we did get a free Coke.
The way I see it, we have a story that will last forever and we laughed ourselves off a few calories before we ate. Leaving us just as thin as before.
Always a bright side.
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Holidays. Oh yes!
New school. New friends. New world.
Things have been ridiculously hectic the last four weeks. I eventually, after about three weeks, figured out the layout of my new school. Quite entertaining getting lost though. Most of the time.
I've never worked so hard at school in my entire life. I've never seen so much history work ever before. At Reddam we work properly.
The school needed to be a little more accessible than it was when I arrived. Ben (superman of Reddam) was making a plan. He was the only person who was understanding what was going on with the ramp-building process. We were all clueless. Tuesday this week the ramp was done. Then it made sense. Before that happened, the boys were really helpful in getting me up the stairs, especially in the rain (every Friday). The ramp is amazing and everyone is super excited about it - particularly the boys who don't have to lift me anymore. Thank you Ben!
We now have three days of job shadow to do for Life Orientation - I'm doing mine at The Chaeli Campaign *gasp*
After that we are on holiday! I'm excited. Holidays are only 10 days or something. It's still good though. A good break. Let's go.
Things have been ridiculously hectic the last four weeks. I eventually, after about three weeks, figured out the layout of my new school. Quite entertaining getting lost though. Most of the time.
I've never worked so hard at school in my entire life. I've never seen so much history work ever before. At Reddam we work properly.
The school needed to be a little more accessible than it was when I arrived. Ben (superman of Reddam) was making a plan. He was the only person who was understanding what was going on with the ramp-building process. We were all clueless. Tuesday this week the ramp was done. Then it made sense. Before that happened, the boys were really helpful in getting me up the stairs, especially in the rain (every Friday). The ramp is amazing and everyone is super excited about it - particularly the boys who don't have to lift me anymore. Thank you Ben!
We now have three days of job shadow to do for Life Orientation - I'm doing mine at The Chaeli Campaign *gasp*
After that we are on holiday! I'm excited. Holidays are only 10 days or something. It's still good though. A good break. Let's go.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
New Beginnings.
The last six months have been pretty trying for me. It started with my good friends at school, leaving, for various reasons.
So, I didn't really have anybody at school that I could be with. People kept telling me that I would find other friends...it didn't really turn out that way, but I've already spoken about that situation in my previous post. I won't bore you with retelling the story.
But, as I've said in my last post, I refused to go to school (sounds pretty melodramatic, but I couldn't bring myself to going back there). I was in a place where I felt I had no options - it was either Bergvliet or .....
As I look back at myself, the way I was feeling, I can tell you in all honesty that I was having pretty dark thoughts about life.
Don't worry, I am not thinking any dark thoughts anymore. I am now in a happy space.
The reason for this was that after my last emotional meltdown, my parents created options for me. For me, staying at Bergvliet wasn't a viable option. So we found another one.
My mom has connections all over the place because of her being CEO of The Chaeli Campaign - which is helpful when you're in desperate need. So, mom phoned Reddam House Constantia.
They called back in a matter of days. It was a Monday. They said that I had an interview and an entrance exam on Thursday. Naturally I started freaking out because I had three days to wrap my mind around this situation. I went on the Thursday, wrote the entrance exam (the whole three hours of it), and then we had an interview with the headmaster, Mr Dave Clark.
He is amazing. The way he interacts with students, and me, is a way that you are speaking as equals and you are the most important person in the room. He makes a you feel valued. Important.
After about a week Mr Clark called my parents to organise a meeting. They went and it turned out that I had passed the entrance exam (huge sigh of relief on my part) and they wanted me to go to the school as soon as possible as they starting the matric syllabus soon. It was a Thursday. Looks like Thursdays are good days for us.
Being the people we are, we don't do things slowly.
The Monday and Tuesday after that I went to Bergvliet to say goodbye and thank you to my teachers for being the most amazing people who were so supportive of me in everything. Especially in an environment and attitude where some people aren't very positive about inclusion. I appreciate what they did more than they could ever know.
After that emotional..ness.
Wednesday I went to Reddam to introduce myself to the staff. My nerves. The nervous laughter kind of gave me away. It was good though. Then Thursday I introduced myself to my grade. Epic nerves. Only the first minute until the microphone had feedback, that broke the tension a little bit. Ear drums too. I stayed there for the rest of that day, and started 'officially' on the Friday.
My first week at Reddam has been incredible. Everybody is so willing to help in any way. The thing that was so amazing to me was that Mr Clark said that they know there will be challenges, but we can work through them with creative solutions. It's been weird for me, though, because I'm used to fighting for things to happen, I'm used to everything being an impossible feat. It's not like that at all at Reddam. It's so refreshing, such a breath of much-needed fresh air.
So, I didn't really have anybody at school that I could be with. People kept telling me that I would find other friends...it didn't really turn out that way, but I've already spoken about that situation in my previous post. I won't bore you with retelling the story.
But, as I've said in my last post, I refused to go to school (sounds pretty melodramatic, but I couldn't bring myself to going back there). I was in a place where I felt I had no options - it was either Bergvliet or .....
As I look back at myself, the way I was feeling, I can tell you in all honesty that I was having pretty dark thoughts about life.
Don't worry, I am not thinking any dark thoughts anymore. I am now in a happy space.
The reason for this was that after my last emotional meltdown, my parents created options for me. For me, staying at Bergvliet wasn't a viable option. So we found another one.
My mom has connections all over the place because of her being CEO of The Chaeli Campaign - which is helpful when you're in desperate need. So, mom phoned Reddam House Constantia.
They called back in a matter of days. It was a Monday. They said that I had an interview and an entrance exam on Thursday. Naturally I started freaking out because I had three days to wrap my mind around this situation. I went on the Thursday, wrote the entrance exam (the whole three hours of it), and then we had an interview with the headmaster, Mr Dave Clark.
He is amazing. The way he interacts with students, and me, is a way that you are speaking as equals and you are the most important person in the room. He makes a you feel valued. Important.
After about a week Mr Clark called my parents to organise a meeting. They went and it turned out that I had passed the entrance exam (huge sigh of relief on my part) and they wanted me to go to the school as soon as possible as they starting the matric syllabus soon. It was a Thursday. Looks like Thursdays are good days for us.
Being the people we are, we don't do things slowly.
The Monday and Tuesday after that I went to Bergvliet to say goodbye and thank you to my teachers for being the most amazing people who were so supportive of me in everything. Especially in an environment and attitude where some people aren't very positive about inclusion. I appreciate what they did more than they could ever know.
After that emotional..ness.
Wednesday I went to Reddam to introduce myself to the staff. My nerves. The nervous laughter kind of gave me away. It was good though. Then Thursday I introduced myself to my grade. Epic nerves. Only the first minute until the microphone had feedback, that broke the tension a little bit. Ear drums too. I stayed there for the rest of that day, and started 'officially' on the Friday.
My first week at Reddam has been incredible. Everybody is so willing to help in any way. The thing that was so amazing to me was that Mr Clark said that they know there will be challenges, but we can work through them with creative solutions. It's been weird for me, though, because I'm used to fighting for things to happen, I'm used to everything being an impossible feat. It's not like that at all at Reddam. It's so refreshing, such a breath of much-needed fresh air.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
It's Time
As a disabled person in a mainstream high school, life is not easy or simple. There's always things that seem impossible to deal with, things that are not supposed to be so complicated. But, I guess that's the life of a young disabled person. I have been living with this kind of attitude for my whole high school career. It's hard to live with it everyday, and I can't anymore.
Three weeks ago the new term started. I couldn't go to school. I felt immensely unhappy. For two days I did nothing but cry and eat Nutella (it's my comfort food). I couldn't be in a place where I feel unwanted and unnecessary.
So, my mom suggested to me that I write an open letter to the school, sharing everything that I'm feeling. It took me 4 hours to write this letter - not because it was long enough to warrant that amount of time, but because it was really difficult to write all my feelings in one place. After I wrote it, i felt a weird sense of exhiliration, like it was finally time for people to actually listen to what I had to say and do something about it. I sent it to various people at the school, because it was addressed to everybody. I sent the letter on the 23rd of July. I'm still waiting for any kind of response or acknowledgement of receipt. I don't know how long I'm expected to wait...
Here is the open letter that I wrote to my school:
OPEN LETTER TO THE BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Dear BHS management, staff and pupils
I don’t know how you are going to receive this letter but I think it’s important that I send it. Not just for myself but for any other people who might feel the same as I do.
Let me start off by saying thank you. I want to say thank you to all of the people at the school who help me with various things. I want to say thank you to all the boys who have helped me – and the boys who will be helping me – up and down stairs on a daily basis. I am always going to be grateful to you for being such gentlemen and being so helpful in a seemingly small way that is actually a huge act that allows me to exercise my right to an education. Thank you a million times. To all the people who have helped rally the troops on my behalf, it’s an awesome thing that you’ve all done. You’ve taken some of the stress of my disability away from me. Thank you.
Then, I want to say thank you to all my teachers. I don’t know if you realise what an impact you all have had on my life at school. I believe that you are the people who have made my school experience bearable. When I’m in your classrooms I feel like you have an understanding of my needs. It’s a great relief to ride into a classroom and not have to worry about what people may say because I know that you will make a plan. I don’t think you can ever truly understand how much I appreciate your attitude. You’re amazing!
But now I need to share with you the reason for this letter. Every day when I come to school I feel as if I am just one of the many that make up the school population, which is strange because you would think that I would feel like I’ve made a difference to the school, that I’ll be remembered for my contribution to the school, because the school is seemingly more inclusive and accepting. I don’t feel that way.
I started to wonder why it is that I don’t feel this pride for my school that many others feel. I think I’ve found some things that could explain it. I’m a pretty average student. I have an average academic performance. I don’t play any school sport because I’m unable to due to my disability. I feel like many achievements I have in my life outside of school-life are gone unnoticed by the school. I feel that a student that does not excel in sport at school or have great academic skills is made to feel as if they’re at the school to make up the numbers. I don’t believe there is much of a feeling of appreciation or acceptance of people who don’t add value in terms of “A’s” or sporting achievements.
I know that every person at Bergvliet High School has something valuable to offer the school. If we didn’t, why would you accept us in the first place? I feel that many have forgotten the importance of telling a person that they matter, that if we weren’t there the school would be less because of it, that the people up top care that we are there. I don’t know how you can expect us to deliver a high standard of everything if we are never told that we did a good job when we do deliver. It wears a person down.
I feel like an outsider. I feel like when people look at me they are wondering what I’m doing at this school. People don’t say the words. It’s in their eyes. It’s in the way they act when they’re around me. I guess I should be used to it, with my being in a wheelchair and all. I have a good amount of resilience for this kind of thing, but when you have to live with other people’s eyes staring in your direction all of the time, your stash of resilience starts to run out. Mine is running out fast. School is supposed to be a place where your troubles go away because you’re in a place where you feel you belong. My being in a wheelchair makes stairs a problem – it’s difficult for me to get into a classroom. I can’t have an independent education experience because I can’t get into classes independently. It’s not dignified for any person to have to be assisted to a place of learning. I’m sometimes seen as rude when people help me because they don’t hear me saying thank you. I speak softly and sometimes it takes a little time for me to get right in my chair again, after the boys have lifted me, and by this time, the boys have disappeared. I feel that people expect me to be nothing but grateful for being given a space in the school. Sometimes I feel that I’m not expected to want the same educational opportunities, or to act as any other 16 year old does.
I thought a school was supposed to nurture and cherish its students. I thought a school was supposed to grow and assist its students when they have struggles or weaknesses and help them to become better people. I thought a school was supposed to be a place of enrichment, warmth and acceptance. Instead, I’m experiencing our school to be a place where students are not seen as adding value unless it’s convenient and requires minimal effort. I feel that students who have certain problems are passed off to the counsellors to “fix”.
I’m sad that I feel this way because when I started at Bergvliet in Grade 8, I was so excited that I was at this school. I end up here, in Grade 11, unhappy. I feel, with all my heart that my high school experience didn’t have to be this way. I also believe that I’m not the only student who feels this way. I understand that I have a unique set of circumstances, but every person at Bergvliet has a unique set of circumstances, and it shouldn’t impact our being accepted. It should be embraced. People shouldn’t be made to feel like outsiders because of being different.
I think it’s awful that I have to live my life at school quietly: unseen and unheard. I’m not speaking about the rules and regulations of the school. I’m talking about the fact that I have to fight to be accepted, I have to fight to belong, and if I don’t have the strength to fight, I just have to deal with not belonging because it’s doesn’t seem important enough for the school to address. Maybe you don’t want to know how many people at Bergvliet High feel like outsiders or feel that they don’t belong, but I think it’s really wrong for anyone to have to be unhappy because of the insecurities of other people.
I hope that by writing this, people who are feeling the same as I do have a platform to raise their voices, to share their problems and sadness. I hope they can share their feelings openly where they will not be judged for the way they feel. I hope the school will receive it with an open mind to finding solutions to our problems. The school always says that we need to show the world how great Bergvliet is. I believe this will happen when Bergvliet becomes open to accepting criticism and acknowledges the fact that it has flaws and commits to working at making them strengths. Then Bergvliet will be a great place to be, a happy place to be, a place where each learner is accepted, a place where each person belongs.
With hope,
Chaeli Mycroft
Three weeks ago the new term started. I couldn't go to school. I felt immensely unhappy. For two days I did nothing but cry and eat Nutella (it's my comfort food). I couldn't be in a place where I feel unwanted and unnecessary.
So, my mom suggested to me that I write an open letter to the school, sharing everything that I'm feeling. It took me 4 hours to write this letter - not because it was long enough to warrant that amount of time, but because it was really difficult to write all my feelings in one place. After I wrote it, i felt a weird sense of exhiliration, like it was finally time for people to actually listen to what I had to say and do something about it. I sent it to various people at the school, because it was addressed to everybody. I sent the letter on the 23rd of July. I'm still waiting for any kind of response or acknowledgement of receipt. I don't know how long I'm expected to wait...
Here is the open letter that I wrote to my school:
OPEN LETTER TO THE BERGVLIET HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY
Dear BHS management, staff and pupils
I don’t know how you are going to receive this letter but I think it’s important that I send it. Not just for myself but for any other people who might feel the same as I do.
Let me start off by saying thank you. I want to say thank you to all of the people at the school who help me with various things. I want to say thank you to all the boys who have helped me – and the boys who will be helping me – up and down stairs on a daily basis. I am always going to be grateful to you for being such gentlemen and being so helpful in a seemingly small way that is actually a huge act that allows me to exercise my right to an education. Thank you a million times. To all the people who have helped rally the troops on my behalf, it’s an awesome thing that you’ve all done. You’ve taken some of the stress of my disability away from me. Thank you.
Then, I want to say thank you to all my teachers. I don’t know if you realise what an impact you all have had on my life at school. I believe that you are the people who have made my school experience bearable. When I’m in your classrooms I feel like you have an understanding of my needs. It’s a great relief to ride into a classroom and not have to worry about what people may say because I know that you will make a plan. I don’t think you can ever truly understand how much I appreciate your attitude. You’re amazing!
But now I need to share with you the reason for this letter. Every day when I come to school I feel as if I am just one of the many that make up the school population, which is strange because you would think that I would feel like I’ve made a difference to the school, that I’ll be remembered for my contribution to the school, because the school is seemingly more inclusive and accepting. I don’t feel that way.
I started to wonder why it is that I don’t feel this pride for my school that many others feel. I think I’ve found some things that could explain it. I’m a pretty average student. I have an average academic performance. I don’t play any school sport because I’m unable to due to my disability. I feel like many achievements I have in my life outside of school-life are gone unnoticed by the school. I feel that a student that does not excel in sport at school or have great academic skills is made to feel as if they’re at the school to make up the numbers. I don’t believe there is much of a feeling of appreciation or acceptance of people who don’t add value in terms of “A’s” or sporting achievements.
I know that every person at Bergvliet High School has something valuable to offer the school. If we didn’t, why would you accept us in the first place? I feel that many have forgotten the importance of telling a person that they matter, that if we weren’t there the school would be less because of it, that the people up top care that we are there. I don’t know how you can expect us to deliver a high standard of everything if we are never told that we did a good job when we do deliver. It wears a person down.
I feel like an outsider. I feel like when people look at me they are wondering what I’m doing at this school. People don’t say the words. It’s in their eyes. It’s in the way they act when they’re around me. I guess I should be used to it, with my being in a wheelchair and all. I have a good amount of resilience for this kind of thing, but when you have to live with other people’s eyes staring in your direction all of the time, your stash of resilience starts to run out. Mine is running out fast. School is supposed to be a place where your troubles go away because you’re in a place where you feel you belong. My being in a wheelchair makes stairs a problem – it’s difficult for me to get into a classroom. I can’t have an independent education experience because I can’t get into classes independently. It’s not dignified for any person to have to be assisted to a place of learning. I’m sometimes seen as rude when people help me because they don’t hear me saying thank you. I speak softly and sometimes it takes a little time for me to get right in my chair again, after the boys have lifted me, and by this time, the boys have disappeared. I feel that people expect me to be nothing but grateful for being given a space in the school. Sometimes I feel that I’m not expected to want the same educational opportunities, or to act as any other 16 year old does.
I thought a school was supposed to nurture and cherish its students. I thought a school was supposed to grow and assist its students when they have struggles or weaknesses and help them to become better people. I thought a school was supposed to be a place of enrichment, warmth and acceptance. Instead, I’m experiencing our school to be a place where students are not seen as adding value unless it’s convenient and requires minimal effort. I feel that students who have certain problems are passed off to the counsellors to “fix”.
I’m sad that I feel this way because when I started at Bergvliet in Grade 8, I was so excited that I was at this school. I end up here, in Grade 11, unhappy. I feel, with all my heart that my high school experience didn’t have to be this way. I also believe that I’m not the only student who feels this way. I understand that I have a unique set of circumstances, but every person at Bergvliet has a unique set of circumstances, and it shouldn’t impact our being accepted. It should be embraced. People shouldn’t be made to feel like outsiders because of being different.
I think it’s awful that I have to live my life at school quietly: unseen and unheard. I’m not speaking about the rules and regulations of the school. I’m talking about the fact that I have to fight to be accepted, I have to fight to belong, and if I don’t have the strength to fight, I just have to deal with not belonging because it’s doesn’t seem important enough for the school to address. Maybe you don’t want to know how many people at Bergvliet High feel like outsiders or feel that they don’t belong, but I think it’s really wrong for anyone to have to be unhappy because of the insecurities of other people.
I hope that by writing this, people who are feeling the same as I do have a platform to raise their voices, to share their problems and sadness. I hope they can share their feelings openly where they will not be judged for the way they feel. I hope the school will receive it with an open mind to finding solutions to our problems. The school always says that we need to show the world how great Bergvliet is. I believe this will happen when Bergvliet becomes open to accepting criticism and acknowledges the fact that it has flaws and commits to working at making them strengths. Then Bergvliet will be a great place to be, a happy place to be, a place where each learner is accepted, a place where each person belongs.
With hope,
Chaeli Mycroft
Monday, July 18, 2011
Quite the long day...
This weekend was quite hectic to say the least. On Thursday we had our last practice before the competition. Aahh.
Brandon also has an able-bodied partner, Lauren, and because they are championship dancers, they dance on the Friday. Brandon asked me to come and watch them to see how he does his thing at competitions. So we went. We arrived just in time to see their last two dances. I would have been in the dog box if we got there afterwards. At least it was a semi-final, so we would've seen him dance later if we had missed it. They came second...yay partner!
Chantelle, also a CSRC leg partner, was dancing on Friday. We got there in time to see her do Latin. She was amazing!
We left after Chantelle danced and that was at somewhere around 10. Not bad for a competition day.
Then Saturday came. We were told that we had to be there at 9 for registration. So, we get there at 9 and turns out we only going to be dancing at 4. What do you do for 7 hours? Basically, you sit, you wait, you eat...a lot. Most of the time we were on the brink of boredom, some of us were already off the cliff. Brandon only arrived at half past one. I think he's the smart one.
Our time to dance came, after a long wait, and it was incredible. The adrenaline started pumping before we even got to the floor. We walked out onto the floor and people started screaming (most of the noise was coming from our own people, but still).
In the middle of our Tango, I felt my eyelash lift off the middle of my eye (I was wearing false eyelashes. They were amazing). You know what I was thinking? If I lose an eyelash on the floor, I'm going to look ridiculous and I'll be winking at the judges and then I'll look even more ridiculous. Luckily, my eyelashes behaved themselves and stayed on my face. Go eyelash glue.
Our Quickstep was quite interesting. The floor that we danced on was very smooth...this is a problem for a wheelchair dancer because it's too smooth, the wheels don't have anything to grip on to. Now, the Quickstep is a fast dance and the turns are very quick. Hence the name. When we got to the far corner, we tried to turn but we ended up just drifting across the floor. Keegan knew that it was a mistake (he's our coach) but the audience just thought it was a really cool move that we came up with. It was a good time.
We had to wait until 10:30 for our prizegiving. That was a long wait. In the end, we won our section and we won all 5 dances. So, I'd say it was pretty well worth waiting for.
We left the competition at 11:30, only got home at 12:30 and only went to bed at 2:00. Brandon only left the competition at 3:00. Shame.
It was a long day to say the least. We should be training for competition survival!
Then we had Sunday practice. There were only 4 of us there (everybody else was too tired). It was not the most productive practice we've had. But, it was entertaining.
So, that was my weekend. Not a lot of sleeping was going on, certainly not by me anyway. But it was a really EPIC weekend!
Monday, July 11, 2011
Let's Go Dancing
I have been dancing for almost seven years now. The majority of these years, my partner was Jesse (I've spoken about him in previous posts). In February, Jesse and my partnership fell apart and we 'broke up'. I won't go into the details
So, I had about 2 months of being partnerless. I needed a new partner.
Then The Chaeli Sports & Recreation Club (CSRC), was introduced to Delta Dance School. The CSRC now has eight wheelchair dancers who needed leg partners. That's where Delta came in - all the leg dancers come from Delta.
It's amazing how a couple of people have completely transformed our dancing component of the CSRC. The club now has a vibe. And I have a partner.
His name is Brandon. He is 16 and in Grade 10. Brandon is a Youth Championship dancer - the interesting thing is that he only did Ballroom. He hasn't done Latin-American in quite a while.
Now we have to learn how to work together and make what we do look pretty. Simple.
Our first competition is on Saturday...we are only going to compete in the Ballroom section (it's always good to start with what you know), just for the first competition, so we can get into it slowly.
We have to be there pretty early, which is normal, and we'll be there the entire day. Hopefully there'll be something entertaining (other than the dancing) that will happen to make the day more memorable.
Wish us luck...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Things happening
This is a bit delayed but it is completely blog worthy, so here we go...
Every year the Chaeli Campaign has people riding in the Argus Cycle Tour to raise funds for the work we do through the campaign. For the more daring - and somewhat insane - people, we have the 'Double and Again'. It's exactly what it sounds like. The Argus Cycle Tour. Three times.
This year we only had 5 people crazy enough to do it. There is a tradition of not training for this that makes it all the more entertaining.
One of these people is Craig Sieben. Craig did his first Double and Again this year and was the only rider to make it up the final hill at Zewenwacht. He had a six year old mountain bike. Everybody else had road bikes.
Craig is leaving in 73 days, on a Walk4Wheels up Africa, in aid of The Chaeli Campaign as well as raising awareness of the abilities of disabled people. To find out more visit his blog at http://walk4wheels.tumblr.com/
But Craig knows some incredible people and has put me in contact with them - John McInroy (founder of the RedSockFriday Initiative), Sonja Kruse (travelled around South Africa experiencing the Ubuntu of fellow South Africans), Tithiya Sharma (travelling around the world finding '100 Heroes') and Adin van Ryneveld (living without spending any money).
These people, along with Craig, have shown me that there is a lot to be excited about in life and in others. It's awesome to see that there are still people that believe this.
We had an crazy-hectic day at Chaeli Cottage one Friday. We made headbands at the weekly craft workshop (Craig is quite a skilled headband creator).
It was hysterical...
There may be some pretty rad things to come. One thing I will tell you is that there are mountains involved, but I'll tell you more about them when things are a little more concrete.
Every year the Chaeli Campaign has people riding in the Argus Cycle Tour to raise funds for the work we do through the campaign. For the more daring - and somewhat insane - people, we have the 'Double and Again'. It's exactly what it sounds like. The Argus Cycle Tour. Three times.
This year we only had 5 people crazy enough to do it. There is a tradition of not training for this that makes it all the more entertaining.
One of these people is Craig Sieben. Craig did his first Double and Again this year and was the only rider to make it up the final hill at Zewenwacht. He had a six year old mountain bike. Everybody else had road bikes.
Craig is leaving in 73 days, on a Walk4Wheels up Africa, in aid of The Chaeli Campaign as well as raising awareness of the abilities of disabled people. To find out more visit his blog at http://walk4wheels.tumblr.com/
But Craig knows some incredible people and has put me in contact with them - John McInroy (founder of the RedSockFriday Initiative), Sonja Kruse (travelled around South Africa experiencing the Ubuntu of fellow South Africans), Tithiya Sharma (travelling around the world finding '100 Heroes') and Adin van Ryneveld (living without spending any money).
These people, along with Craig, have shown me that there is a lot to be excited about in life and in others. It's awesome to see that there are still people that believe this.
We had an crazy-hectic day at Chaeli Cottage one Friday. We made headbands at the weekly craft workshop (Craig is quite a skilled headband creator).
It was hysterical...
There may be some pretty rad things to come. One thing I will tell you is that there are mountains involved, but I'll tell you more about them when things are a little more concrete.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Rolling with the Inspiration
This last week has been quite bleak - weather wise. Not a lot you can do when the heavens are opening outside and it's too cold to do anything inside. So, why not write to you guys?
I'm on holiday now...until the 18th of July. It's amazing.
One thing I've been doing for the last three months is an article for Rolling Inspiration (a magazine aimed at wheelchair users). Rolling Inspiration is a bi-monthly magazine. I am one of two writers for a youth section in the magazine.
It's so exciting that I got the opportunity to write regularly. I appreciate it so much because it could open so many doors for me. My articles are about life as a differently abled person. It's quite nice to share my story with other differently abled people who are in similar situations to me.
This morning I woke up with that horrid feeling of "I've forgotten to do something important". I hate that feeling.
I found out later, when I got to Chaeli Cottage, that it was about my Rolling Inspiration article. I looked at previous emails from the editor and my deadline is TODAY! I had a little mini breakdown because I was still undecided about a topic and now I had to get it in by the end of the day.
But, the way I work is to only really work properly when under pressure. So, I got to writing. My article is finished now. I've emailed it. Now I just need photographs.
I hope what I wrote about is still the same as it was when I saw it so I can actually get a photo of it...
I'm on holiday now...until the 18th of July. It's amazing.
One thing I've been doing for the last three months is an article for Rolling Inspiration (a magazine aimed at wheelchair users). Rolling Inspiration is a bi-monthly magazine. I am one of two writers for a youth section in the magazine.
It's so exciting that I got the opportunity to write regularly. I appreciate it so much because it could open so many doors for me. My articles are about life as a differently abled person. It's quite nice to share my story with other differently abled people who are in similar situations to me.
This morning I woke up with that horrid feeling of "I've forgotten to do something important". I hate that feeling.
I found out later, when I got to Chaeli Cottage, that it was about my Rolling Inspiration article. I looked at previous emails from the editor and my deadline is TODAY! I had a little mini breakdown because I was still undecided about a topic and now I had to get it in by the end of the day.
But, the way I work is to only really work properly when under pressure. So, I got to writing. My article is finished now. I've emailed it. Now I just need photographs.
I hope what I wrote about is still the same as it was when I saw it so I can actually get a photo of it...
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Yes, I am an Exchange Student
A couple of entries ago, I told you guys about my application to be an exchange student. We heard at the beginning of the year that I got accepted. So, I'm the first disabled person in this district zone to apply and be accepted. How awesome?
It is quite the process, I must tell you. Especially, as a disabled person. The crucial thing is finding a host family. You need to understand that, in my case, it's not just a home for me. It's a home for a disabled person (which means it would have to be an accessible home), and it's also a home for another person (my caregiver, Olwethu, who works as a community worker at The Chaeli Campaign). In my opinion, it's Olwethu who would be the one people should be worried about.
But that's not the point.
When I got accepted we decided that London would be a good place to go. This is purely because of my being disabled, and the transport system is really good in terms of accessibility in London. It would suck if I go to a country for six weeks and I can't get around anywhere.
We have been trying to find a home for us for months now, and it's just not happening. We started getting a little despondent about the whole situation. Then, I got an email from Jana - from Newlands Rotary Club - saying that London wasn't really coming together, but how do we feel about Scotland?
We were super excited, but also a little confused. We had just got the idea of "London" into our brains and now we had to change our brains to "Scotland". If you look at it, they are both in the same general geographical area, so it's not such a big deal.
Yesterday I went to Home Affairs - watched a guy get angry (I swear, I thought he was going to jump over the counter and smack someone - and I got my Passport, after waiting for about an hour.
Note to all: If you're planning to go to Home Affairs, don't plan anything else for that day. All that will accomplish is you getting frustrated and you'll end up cancelling or postponing your meeting anyway.
So, now we just have to get a departure date and visas and then we are good to go...
It is quite the process, I must tell you. Especially, as a disabled person. The crucial thing is finding a host family. You need to understand that, in my case, it's not just a home for me. It's a home for a disabled person (which means it would have to be an accessible home), and it's also a home for another person (my caregiver, Olwethu, who works as a community worker at The Chaeli Campaign). In my opinion, it's Olwethu who would be the one people should be worried about.
But that's not the point.
When I got accepted we decided that London would be a good place to go. This is purely because of my being disabled, and the transport system is really good in terms of accessibility in London. It would suck if I go to a country for six weeks and I can't get around anywhere.
We have been trying to find a home for us for months now, and it's just not happening. We started getting a little despondent about the whole situation. Then, I got an email from Jana - from Newlands Rotary Club - saying that London wasn't really coming together, but how do we feel about Scotland?
We were super excited, but also a little confused. We had just got the idea of "London" into our brains and now we had to change our brains to "Scotland". If you look at it, they are both in the same general geographical area, so it's not such a big deal.
Yesterday I went to Home Affairs - watched a guy get angry (I swear, I thought he was going to jump over the counter and smack someone - and I got my Passport, after waiting for about an hour.
Note to all: If you're planning to go to Home Affairs, don't plan anything else for that day. All that will accomplish is you getting frustrated and you'll end up cancelling or postponing your meeting anyway.
So, now we just have to get a departure date and visas and then we are good to go...
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Under the knife
I have been having problems with my knees for almost two years now. I can't believe it has been that long.
It happened because of my disability - five years ago, I had surgery that would make walking easier, but now I am not walking and I have grown since then. So the desired outcome of that surgery worked for a while, but now it's having the opposite effect and it was pulling my kneecaps in all sorts of directions.
Just so you understand what I mean, my kneecaps were about four centimetres above where they're supposed to be. That's a problem.
About five months ago, my knees started complaining, as they should. We wanted to have them sorted out so they wouldn't be a misery for the rest of my life.
But here comes the problem... the orthopeadic surgoen who had done every one of my surgeries retired last year. Now we had to find a new person. It's quite a long story, but we found a good one. Dr Craig Hastings.
We went to him just over a month ago. He decided that a good plan of action would be to do one knee at a time and release the hamstring transfer (the surgery I had five years ago) and release the quads. In theory, this should reduce pressure on my kneecap and they should go back into its rightful home. Now, we just have to wait to see if theory becomes reality. It looks like it is.
I have to go back to him in about ten days to take off the bandages and see if it has worked. If it has, then we need to fix the other knee. Fun times.
I'll write more news when I get more news.
xxx
It happened because of my disability - five years ago, I had surgery that would make walking easier, but now I am not walking and I have grown since then. So the desired outcome of that surgery worked for a while, but now it's having the opposite effect and it was pulling my kneecaps in all sorts of directions.
Just so you understand what I mean, my kneecaps were about four centimetres above where they're supposed to be. That's a problem.
About five months ago, my knees started complaining, as they should. We wanted to have them sorted out so they wouldn't be a misery for the rest of my life.
But here comes the problem... the orthopeadic surgoen who had done every one of my surgeries retired last year. Now we had to find a new person. It's quite a long story, but we found a good one. Dr Craig Hastings.
We went to him just over a month ago. He decided that a good plan of action would be to do one knee at a time and release the hamstring transfer (the surgery I had five years ago) and release the quads. In theory, this should reduce pressure on my kneecap and they should go back into its rightful home. Now, we just have to wait to see if theory becomes reality. It looks like it is.
I have to go back to him in about ten days to take off the bandages and see if it has worked. If it has, then we need to fix the other knee. Fun times.
I'll write more news when I get more news.
xxx
Friday, March 4, 2011
Patience is a virtue.
I know that I haven't written an entry in a while...things have been so busy since my last blog entry.
I'm now in Grade 11. People tell you about how much more work it is. I didn't believe them. Listen, people, you should listen to those people when they tell you stuff like that so you can prepare properly.
Anyway, to get you up to speed on what's happening in my life.
A lot of interesting things are in the pipeline. I'll tell you guys about a couple of them.
Firstly, last year I applied for a service dog - quite the mission to find the right people, but once you find those people it's all good. So, I applied in September 2010 and in February this year, I had an interview with one of the trainers to see if my having a service dog is a good thing. I got accepted for the programme.
And now, we wait. They say it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for them to find the right dog for me.
Exciting...
The second thing happening is that I applied to go on Rotary Exchange. The committee has to discuss it and then decide if I'm right for the programme.
If I get accepted, I'll be one of the few disabled people from South Africa to go on exchange. I guess it's a trend with disabled people: very few people have experiences well-worth having when there are so many disabled people out there. Quite ironic, I think.
And again, we wait...
I think that's one of the things that come with the territory of being differently abled. Playing the waiting game. We have to wait for everything. Opportunities, failures, other people, even ourselves.
But I think the best thing I've gained from my disability is most probably...patience. I have to have patience with myself because, let's face it, stuff takes a little longer. I have to have patience with other people, because they take time to get on your side.
I hope that you all have patience with yourselves and each other. And as the saying goes, "patience is a virtue", so make it one of your own.
I'm now in Grade 11. People tell you about how much more work it is. I didn't believe them. Listen, people, you should listen to those people when they tell you stuff like that so you can prepare properly.
Anyway, to get you up to speed on what's happening in my life.
A lot of interesting things are in the pipeline. I'll tell you guys about a couple of them.
Firstly, last year I applied for a service dog - quite the mission to find the right people, but once you find those people it's all good. So, I applied in September 2010 and in February this year, I had an interview with one of the trainers to see if my having a service dog is a good thing. I got accepted for the programme.
And now, we wait. They say it can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for them to find the right dog for me.
Exciting...
The second thing happening is that I applied to go on Rotary Exchange. The committee has to discuss it and then decide if I'm right for the programme.
If I get accepted, I'll be one of the few disabled people from South Africa to go on exchange. I guess it's a trend with disabled people: very few people have experiences well-worth having when there are so many disabled people out there. Quite ironic, I think.
And again, we wait...
I think that's one of the things that come with the territory of being differently abled. Playing the waiting game. We have to wait for everything. Opportunities, failures, other people, even ourselves.
But I think the best thing I've gained from my disability is most probably...patience. I have to have patience with myself because, let's face it, stuff takes a little longer. I have to have patience with other people, because they take time to get on your side.
I hope that you all have patience with yourselves and each other. And as the saying goes, "patience is a virtue", so make it one of your own.
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