New exciting experiences

This week was insane!

I'm gonna start with Sunday because that was when the madness began. Sunday was Moonlight Mass. What an amazing experience. Grant has done it quite a few times before. It was my first time - not only for Moonlight Mass, but my first time in Beastie whilst moving. Before Sunday, I had sat in the buggy. But never had I been in it with the purpose of going for a ride. So that was super exciting and super scary all at the same time. We went around the block at Grant's house first so that I could feel and get used to how it feels and what I need to do to balance myself and the buggy...before we had to do it in front of other people ;)

The vibe at Moonlight Mass was amazing. For me, it was amazing just to be a part of a movement like that. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, what your limitations may be, you can be a part of it. We were the only ones doing it with a buggy. We weren't expecting anything different, but watching people's reactions to us was priceless. We got so many different reactions. Some got excited and shouted encouragement. Some got really confused seeing Grant on his bike and later seeing me attached to the back of his bike - the facial expression on one man's face was indescribably hysterical. Some people got really jealous...because I was just getting pulled around by Grant (sense the sarcasm...). One woman got really annoyed and said "you know, she really could just cycle". Really? So I waved at her and smiled and she promptly apologised. We even got an 'ag shame' face from a passing car. My best was a little boy on the back of his dad's bike saying "Dad, I want to do it like that". So cute.

When we got to the end, they were handing out 1st birthday cupcakes. I got excited and then that excitement was quickly dashed when I realised that I couldn't get one because I had stopped eating at 8 o' clock in preparation for my knee operation Monday morning.

Monday.

It was an early start. We had to wake up at 5 to get to the hospital by 6. Considering that we only got to bed at 1:30, this was a considerable challenge. But we did it. Proud moment, right there.

I went into surgery at around 8. I only freaked out a smidgen, an acceptable level of freaking out. I don't know when I came out. I was kinda out of it and miserable. Apparently my reaction to aneasthetic is over-emotionalness.

Once I'd gotten over myself, it was pretty chilled. I got a really rad bed that guards against pressure sores (not that I've ever had a pressure sore, but I wasn't complaining). How it works is like this: it has different pumps at different points in the mattress and air is pumped through the various parts of the bed at different times, and this changes the pressure points in the bed, lowering the possibility of pressure sores. Cool, hey? I felt like I was medically knowledgeable just now. Yay!

Anyways, I stayed overnight at the hospital. I got SO bored I can't even explain. There really is nothing to do in a hospital. You just lie there, waiting for time to pass and the walls are all beige. It got better when people came to visit. Grant arrived bearing McFlurry's. It was right at the point before you give yourself over completely to boredom - a well-timed McFlurry can change everything. Thanks, G.

Tuesday.

I went home on Tuesday morning. That was cool. I was chilling at home for a while and then...we started packing up my stuff so that I could move into Graca Machel Residence later. I can feel the judgement coming as you read this. But my thinking was that I will be sitting in my wheelchair, no walking around required. And last time they did my knee I was sitting outside at the braai the day after my op. I figured that being at the residence and chatting with new friends would be no different to sitting at the braai. So, we went to Graca Machel (armed with pain killers for my knee) to start this new journey.

This last week has been one of so many new experiences. I have been locked out of the res twice without a student card - the first time was on the first night. We were sitting right outside the door to Graca Machel and my friend Jenna (with her recently acquired student card) disappeared into the res. We had to call her to come back. We only got to bed at like 12 and we were woken at 3 in the morning by the Kopano first-years serenading us outside. Aww moment.

Wednesday.

Woke up super early to walk to Upper Campus. This was a subsequently unsuccessful mission when we reached the stairs to the bridge. So, we decided to walk a different route through Middle Campus which turned out to be a lot further than we had initially thought. But, not to worry, because we came across the disabled Jammie and asked for a lift and we were sorted. My plan was to register for all my courses and get my student card. This plan was only half successful. Registration is a notoriously long process and we came prepared. We waited around for 3 hours or so and when we got into Jameson Hall we were told that because we were first years we couldn't register that day and we could come back on Thursday. Seriously? What a fail.

The second part of the plan was a success. I have a student card!

Later that night we had a karaoke and pizza night at Baxter (the female res across the road from Graca Machel) and it was so much fun. Even though it is not the most accessible of buildings. There are a lot of stairs. But, with plenty of girl power we made a plan and showed those stairs who's boss!

Thursday.

I actually registered on Thursday. Woopwoop. It took an hour and a half to do the whole process - my disability does have it's perks...like not having to stand in the line at registration!

Thursday night we had the Fresher's Braai. It was on the rugby field and almost all the first years were there. There was quite the vibe. The problem was that it ended at 8 and we had to find something to do for the rest of the night. We ended up going to tin roof with 7 of my new friends.

That was an interesting new experience. The first thing we had to figure out was getting there. After a while, we found a taxi that we could get the wheelchair into without too much effort. We got there and stood in the line that was all the way down the road. We were in the line, waiting, and the security man came to us and asked if we wanted to go in and obviously we said yes. Here again, you see the disability perk of not waiting in lines. Yeya.

We misunderstood what he meant because when all 8 of us went forward to go in, he got concerned and said "Oh no. I meant just you". What? He wanted me to go into the club and party by myself. I was like "dude, are you serious?" and we ended up having 4 of us being allowed in. The others came in later. We partied and danced and it was cool. We got home at around 1 and again I got locked out of the residence. Twice in one week. Gosh.

Friday.

Nothing crazy happened. I almost missed breakfast because I was sleeping. Breakfast ends at 8:30 and I got to the dining hall at 8:23. That's what you call a close-shave. I came home for the weekend. So that's where I am now - catching up on some sleep.

I'll hopefully update you more frequently next week. Keep posted and I'll keep posting.

:)

Crazy days, crazy people

Today is a smidgen busier than the usual Sunday. I think my life is a lot busier, in general, than it used to be. I'm definitely not moaning - I like the chaos, it means that there's stuff happening and that's really exciting!

It's Sunday today, which means there's dancing practice - so excited that Damian has recovered from his back injury and is ready to put his dancing shoes back on. It's going to be interesting getting back into the swing of things after such a long break, going to rediscover muscles in my body that have forgotten they exist. It will be tough but this is going to be our year.

Today, before practice, we are planning on getting some more modern music together so that we can dance to our own music. We'll see how successful this is, as we tend to get a little bit sidetracked with random stories. What can I say?

The thing that I'm really stoked about today is Moonlight Mass. We, myself and Grant, have decided that this would be an amazing thing to do - just for gees, but also to raise awareness around 'Chaeli Conquers Cycle Tour 2013'. We have also gently coerced some of our people to join the Moonlight Mass Movement. Yay us!

Before we do this, since I haven't actually been in the buggy while it's in motion, we figured it would probably be good thinking to feel how that feels before we have to do it with other people around. So, a tiny training ride will happen today - pictures/videos will be posted so keep your eyes open for that.

That's all the exciting news.

The not-so-exciting news is that I'm having knee surgery tomorrow. Fun times. Remember, a while ago, I told you all that I have misbehaving kneecaps that refuse to live where they are meant to? We did the one knee to test it out, and now it's time for the second one. I'm not really stressing about it, it's just coming at a time when there's a lot happening...I'm moving into res and starting university and then also the Cycle Tour is in 41 days - Grant seems to be superchilled about this piece of information, so I'm attempting to reach his level of chilledness, not sure it's working out.

I'm just going to tell my body to deal, because I have stuff to do.

:)

A whole lot of firsts

This was an amazing week. So many new things happening it's kind of hard to keep track, but I'm gonna try remember so that you guys are fully aware of the level of chaos going down in my life.

So, pretty much the most exciting yet simultaneously mind-numbing thing of the week has been university orientation. It's really cool because everything is a new experience and you meet amazingly different, new people. It's also not so much fun when you sit in a one-and-a-half-hour lecture on 'curriculum construction' entirely confused. Silver lining...hysterical conversation with prior strangers about very random epiphanies. I guess that's a crucial lesson of university life survival.

While we're still on the topic of university. I have to say. Setting up a timetable/curriculum for a Social Science degree is NOT simple, people. Not even a little bit. I was working on it today, and it took me like two hours to organise my first year subjects - you have to do your entire degree plan, so that you know that you're actually going to graduate in three years time. It's all very complicated. I'm doing it in sessions. Because my brain might disintegrate if I attempt it all at once.

The other exciting things that have happened this week have been Conqueror related. Smiley face.

Monday saw our first photoshoot. We have been asked to be featured in the Cape Argus Pick 'n' Pay Cycle Tour Magazine and they needed an epic photo to go with it. It was a really awesome experience. I got really excited when we found out that Andy Lund was the photographer because he had worked with the five founders of The Chaeli Campaign previously. It was a little reunion vibe - so good. Funny story...sort of...Grant was putting me in the buggy and did all the seatbelts (there are a few) and tightening them so that they were snug. And then, the seatbelt bit me. It bit me, and now I'm bruised. Grant felt really bad but I was kinda excited...My first 'battle wound'! The first of many...

Another awesome thing that we are getting into is talking to companies and schools to spread the conqueror message far and wide. So, on Thursday, we did our first 'Conquerors Talk' with ET Systems staff members. It was very exciting and different for me. I'm used to doing talks with my mom and speaking with Grant has a different vibe. Something to get used to, I guess. I'm super excited that our speaking aspect of 'Chaeli Conquers Cycle Tour 2013' is starting to grow wings. It will hopefully have a lot of impact with many people having their perceptions challenged by what we are doing.

Here's a random piece of information: I am extending my vocabulary. I have learned many many many new cycling and bicycle related words. I feel much more at ease when I can nod in agreement with authority and not just pretending to understand what's going on. Props to Grant for his patience in helping me with this vocab development!

Everything is happening at once and I kinda like it. I like the drama and hysteria that goes with being a conqueror. Hopefully many more people will enjoy it as much as I do.

Epic day

Okay, so, it's a really exciting day to be a conqueror!

It's been quite slow and quiet with our 'Chaeli Conquers Cycle Tour 2013' initiative because we have been waiting for various things to happen before we can properly attack this challenge that we have embarked on. Things like gears and stuff for Grant's bike to make it easier to ride with me and foam for Beastie so that it's comfortable for me to sit in for an extended period of time - seeing that the Cycle Tour is going to be a 6-7 hour feat, these things are crucial!

They are happening now.

We have also, with a little help, figured out how Beastie fits onto Grant's bike. Can I get a woopwoop? So, Grant has tested it out with a different bike just to get the feel for it...minus me.

Now, we are starting to make some more noise!

We are sending our story out to everybody we can think of, tweeting and facebooking like cray people, and just having general Conqueror gees! It's working, because other people are getting excited about us too...and this is the whole mission...getting people excited about life!

Today is a good day because we have just been given a sponsorship of R50 000 from ET Systems! This is an amazing gift to so many differently abled young South Africans who will be given the opportunity to take control of their world. We cannot express the gratitude and happiness that these young people will be feeling when they receive their devices that will change their lives.

So, we want to say to Gary Vink and everybody at ET Systems a HUUUGE thank you for believing in our initiative and joining our mission to grow Conquerors!

Here's to 2013!

I apologise for missing the whole "Happy New Year" boat but we are now solidly into the new year and it looks promising!

I really love this time of the year - everybody is still excited about the prospects of the new beginning that is the new year vibe. Everybody is relaxed and has destressed and is ready to take on the world with fierceness. I am currently in this state of mind and I like it.

This year is going to be EPIC!! It holds so many new experiences for me. I am now a student, which is kind of weird that I haven't got teachers telling me when to do stuff, day by day. I am also moving into res at the end of January and I'm really excited about having an opportunity to experience university as a fully involved student. Life is going to be cray!

And then, of course, we have the Cycle Tour in March! It's quite quiet on this topic as we are waiting for things to happen before we can actually go out with Beastie the Buggy. However, stuff is definitely happening behind the scenes. We are working on our marketing strategy and looking for platforms to share our story.

Our fundraising goal has changed...slightly. Initially, we wanted to raise R50 000 for The Chaeli Campaign but we decided that we were thinking too small. So, our new goal is to raise R109 000! Seem like a random amount? It's not really. Let me explain. The Cycle Tour is 109 kilometres long and we figured it would be awesome if we can raise R1000 for each kilometre!

If you want to join our journey and make 2013 a year of conquering fears and making change, leave a comment or spread the word or whatever you feel like doing.

Go out and conquer!

:)

We have it

The buggy has arrived!

It was sent to us from Johannesburg by courier in a huge box. We got excited when Kevin emailed us a photo of the buggy starting its journey to the Mother City. Thank you to Rene and Alistair from Freight Solutions for sponsoring the courier to Cape Town!

there it is....in the back

This happened on a Friday evening. So, we had an agonising wait over the weekend and weren't sure when the buggy was going to arrive.

We are also now in the middle of our 'Socks 'n' Pops' Campaign at Steenberg Village Pick 'n' Pay and on Monday when I was selling RedSocks and Peace Pops I was sent this picture from Chaeli Cottage...

Grant and I opened the buggy box the next day. It was EPIC! After putting the buggy together and figuring out where all the cushions are meant to be - this in itself was a smidgen of a mission...there are a lot of cushions - we immediately organised my body into the buggy and this was the result:

This was much more exciting because now we can actually start doing stuff with the buggy and adapting it so that it is more comfortable for me. We need to change the height of the bar at the back because my head is currently higher than the bar which kind of defeats the purpose of its presence on the buggy. We also need to add another couple of cushions because my legs are a bit long for the seat now. More cushions... but at least we will know exactly where these ones are meant to go ;)

On Thursday, Grant and Gary had organised to sort out the plan for the metal work on the buggy, so I had to be there to sit in it for them to measure the height and stuff (tiring work that, sitting in the buggy. haha). It was actually pretty hysterical because I was in the buggy, with a helmet on, as well as the purple glasses that Grant has. I felt very random being the only person there wearing these things. Then Grant put his helmet on too and I felt a little less random because we were random together :)

Gary was taking photos the whole time. Thanks, Gary!

Here's one of the two of us. Notice the semi-helmet-hair...

This will surely be MUCH worse when we actually do some cycling! haha

We have to wait a while before that happens because, firstly, we haven't exactly mastered how to attach the buggy to the bicycle (crucial aspect!) and we need to have the bar on the buggy sorted out (also crucial, but less...) which can only happen when the factory re-opens.

In the meantime, we are working on bracelets - like the rhino bracelets - to raise awareness around our cycle, but more importantly, the work of The Chaeli Campaign and the abilities of differently-abled people. They are gonna be pretty fricken awesome, so if you want one, let us know, every way possible.

There are a lot of things on the go and we are so ampd that these things are happening. We look forward to sharing more of them with you.

:)

Getting going...

We left for Johannesburg on Friday morning because I was invited to speak to the Department of Basic Education about inclusive education and my experiences in an inclusive environment. Hilton Langenhoven, Dyan Buis and Tebogo Mokgalagadi were there too to add their experiences to the pshyche of the ministers. Some young people from various special needs schools were there to listen to our life stories. It was really cool to meet all those people and share stories.

After an awesome meeting with these people, we had tickets to see Lady Gaga! Traffic to get there was expectedly horrific with very few people knowing what was going on. There was a man walking to the stadium and he was walking faster than we were driving in the car! The show was unbelievable and there are actually no words to adequately describe that experience.

                       WHAT AN AWESOME REDSOCKFRIDAY!!!!!

Today was quite chilled. I was doing some research around finding a buggy for the Argus and came across Team Garwood. I had read about them before this and thought that they have an amazing story. With deciding to do the Argus their story has gained a lot more intrigue for us.

I saw one of the buggies they had used previously and it looked perfect for Grant and my mission. I emailed them to find out some info on where they had got the buggy and stuff like that. I was prepared to wait a while for a response. This was not the case...

I got a reply within hours and it was Kevin (dad of Team Garwood) saying that they are super keen to help out - this is not exactly the words he used but you catch my drift. Kevin also said that we should come and visit them whenever we can and being in Joburg for Disability Day Celebrations we figured now would be a good time to go and see them.

We went to visit them and we had a fat chat, before they showed us the buggy. The Garwood's are amazing people who have enough gees for the whole nation! I'm so privileged to have had the opportunity to meet them.

I got to sit in the buggy and it was amazingly comfortable. I was slightly more impressed by the fact that I fitted into the buggy. It has a very simple design but it's very snazzy. The Garwood's told us that we can buy the buggy from them.

Now, we will be looking for sponsors to go towards the buggy. For anybody who gives us an amazing sponsorship towards the buggy, we will put your name or company logo somewhere on the buggy and we will be forever appreciative to you for helping us reach our goals and inspire many people to follow their dreams and not let anybody place limitations on your abilities.

We are SO excited about this and are even more excited to get the buggy down to Cape Town and start the epic training!

Here, the journey and the fun begins.

:)

Am I Crazy? I think so.

I am doing the Argus in 2013. I know what you're probably thinking....

Are you crazy?

I'm pretty sure that I am. But, I have a crazy buddy, Grant, doing it with me. I love not being the only semi-deranged person in the room. Love you, Grant! Now, you have to understand what a good person he is if he is willing to put up with me for seven to eight hours on the road where we can either be dying from heat, drowning from rain, being blown away by the Cape Town wind OR...

....it could be really chilled and I'm overthinking this.

Let's explain a little more about how the whole situation is going to work because I can imagine the eyes that you are pulling at me right now.

So, Grant is going to be on his bike (still having the mountain bike or road bike debate) and I will be behind the bike in a "buggy". This is not the official name we are going to use but it's under development. We WILL be doing training so that we don't end up falling off the bike and using our faces as landing pads. But Grant is a pro-cyclist so that's definately half the battle won. Then we just have to work on my balance and my core muscles...quite the job but we're up for it!

The things we are working on right now are finding some sponsors as well as sorting out the buggy. The buggy is kind of an integral part of our plan. We will make it work and it will be EPIC!!

You will get updates as soon as things happen so that you can be completely involved in the entire amazing journey that Grant and I are about to embark on.

:)