Fame For 15 Minutes

Whoa!  It’s been four days since I last posted in this journal.  The days have come and gone so quickly.  So much has happened... where to begin?

 

On Friday, my mum’s friend’s daughter appeared on T.V.  It was on the quiz show “Brainteaser” on Channel Five.  It is a word association game.  Lara sailed through to the final round.  But in the final, she was beaten by her opponent.  He was really quick on the buzzer, she didn’t stand a chance.  But she tried.  We’re all really proud of her for reaching the final round.  Well Done Lara!! *HUGS*  

 

The presenter got on my nerves too.  He asked her about her “obsession with celebrities”, Avid Merion from the series Bo Selector, Justin Timberlake and Lee Ryan from the boy band Blue.  He also coughed as if to say “What about me?” but she smiled and apologised.

 

    

L-R: Avid Merion, Justin Timberlake and Lee Ryan.

 

I have not posted a video in a while so this for Lara.  Justin Timberlake is her favourite singer.  She went to see him in his 'Justified' tour twice in one month in two different cities!  Is she obsessed?

 

Justin Timberlake - 'Sexy Back'

 

 

Hope you’re all well.  I promise I’ll start commenting on entries soon.

 

Lots of love and hugs,

 

 

Tag, I'm It!

I’ve been tagged by Morgan to do the following:

 

1. Grab the nearest book.

 

2. Open the book to page 123.

3. Find the fifth sentence.

 

4. Post the text of the next 4 sentences on your Blog along with these instructions.

 

5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet I know that is what you were thinking!

 

6. Tag 4 or 5 people.

 

This is the book I’m reading at the mo:

 

~'Stormbreaker' by Anthony Horowitz~

 

“Tomorrow we’ll start shipping the computers out,” he said.  “They’ll go by plane, by lorry and by boat.  It will take just one day for them to reach every point of the country.  And the day after, at twelve o’clock noon, exactly, the Prime Minister will honour me by pressing the START button which will bring every one of my Stormbreakers on-line...”

 

Synopsis:

 

When his guardian dies in suspicious circumstances, fourteen-year-old Alex Rider finds his world turned upside down.  Within days he’s gone from schoolboy to superspy.  Forcibly recruited in MI6, Alex has to take part in grueling SAS training exercises; then, armed with his own special set of gadgets, he’s off on his first mission.  But Alex soon finds himself in mortal danger.  It looks as if his first assignment may well be his last...

 

Right guys, it’s going to be hard to pick five people to complete this task, because I don’t know who has done it and who hasn’t.  So randomly I’ll pick Ally, Jan, Kathy, Stevie and Sugar.  If you’ve done it before, do it again!  It’s all part of the fun!

 

Happy reading! xXx

 

Work Placement - Session 4

Today was my final session with the pupils from the Communication Disorder Unit.  The pupils were really excited when they found out I would be helping them make hot dogs.

 

Subconsciously they were learning about “logical sequencing”.  For example, the children can dress themselves.  But if you ask them what order they put on their clothes, they would struggle to tell you because of the mental age.

 

Also autistic children do not socialise very well.  They were some ‘groups’ in the class who got on really well, but others preferred to be on their own.

 

The children also learnt important ‘life skills” which they will need later on in life, such as Health and Safety in the Kitchen.  My main job today was to help the children slice the onions and the bread finger rolls.

 

The children really liked the hot dogs!  "Super Chef" Leigh wins again, lol!!  Even though, many did not like onion.

 

I have had a wonderful week with the pupils and staff of the C.D.U.  So I would like to thank all the staff for letting me work there as part of my assignment.  You’ve all been a great help and inspiration to me.

 

Lots of love and hugs,

 

Work Placement - Session 3

This morning we joined the pupils for a maths lesson.  They were learning all about money!!

 

The pupils were asked to write down all the different methods of making £1, 50p, 20p, etc.  The pupil I was working with couldn’t really understand the task set.  So then I explained in simpler terms.  Then he understood it. 

 

It was so rewarding to know that I helped him understand the concept of money.  As we began the task, he seems unhappy.  He explained he had just moved to our school and that was missing his friends from his old primary school.  After lots of praise and encouragement, he seemed happier.  I felt happier too!

 

Lunch duty followed.  Sam, Kirsty and I had to go and queue with the pupils, help them order their food and help them carry it to a table.  Then sit with them to eat ours.  It was really nice.

 

Then afterwards, their teacher broke the news that tomorrow would be our last visit.  One of them said “I’ve got a doctor’s appointment tomorrow, does that mean I’m not going to see you three again?”  The others looked stunned and the news finally sunk in.  We promised after tomorrow, we’d visit them again in our free periods.  They haven’t quite got rid of us yet, so roll on tomorrow...

 

Work Placement - Session 2

This morning we joined the class in a Basic English lesson.  The class was given individual workbooks and was told to work through it.

 

The boy I was working with couldn’t understand why I was trying to help him.  He felt he was capable of completing the exercises himself.  They were simple fill-in-the-gap exercises from a book called “Sound Sense”.

 

He said to me “You’re not my teacher, so why should I listen to you?” repeatedly.  I was only trying to explain the aim of the task.  It’s not often I am left with nothing to say, but I was left speechless.  When he had finished, I marked his work and gave him lots of praise, as he got it all correct!

 

Afterwards, the teacher explained that he can be moody with everyone on times.  Also, children with autism are resistant to change.  Maybe as thee week progresses he’ll grow to like me.

 

The teacher also told me that autistic children find florescent lighting annoying.  Every so often, we can’t see it but, it flickers.  Autistic children can, so specialist lighting has to be installed.

 

Tomorrow I am on lunch duty.  On Thursday ‘Super Chef’ Leigh (LOL!) will put his culinary skills to the test once again by cooking hot dogs with the children.  Ooh, how exciting! Roll on tomorrow! ...

 

Lots of love and hugs,

 

Work Placement - Session 1

As many you know I started my work placement this morning.  I walked into the classroom with Sam & Kirsty (two other girls from Health & Social Care), the children and staff were very friendly and gave us a warm reception.

 

The room was brightly decorated to provide stimulation for the pupils.  Also it had a carpeted floor to reduce background noise and blinds to reduce sunlight.

 

Then the children were split into groups of three.  They were set the task of describing a fellow pupil without using their name.  The task was successfully completed within thirty minutes.

 

Although in my group, one pupil was excluded from the task, as he found it too complex to understand.  Another was chatty and giggly and was told off for being disruptive.  The other thought everyone was crazy!

 

LOL, I had to laugh!  Kids do say the funniest things!  I really enjoyed myself earlier.  Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.

 

Hope everyone week got off to a wonderful start!

 

Good Night & Good Luck

Nothing much has happened since I last wrote to you.  Once again, I would like everyone who voted for my blog in the “Best Teen Journal 2006” category at the VIVI Awards.  The voting polls will open for a final time on November 2nd, so good luck to all the nominees.

 

Thanks to Chris & Jackie for all their hard work.  It is truly appreciated and without you, these Awards would not have been possible.  I recieved my nomination graphic this morning, and it's displayed proudly on my sidebar. 

 

Yesterday I called into my local Co-Op store for some bits and pieces.  I don’t usually shop there as items are expensive (in my opinion).  I bought a loaf of white bread, a bottle of Diet Coke and a newspaper.  I checked the receipt and the total came to £2.30.  Not a lot but the bread was £1.05!!

 

OH MY GOD!!

 

You can imagine my face can’t you? My jaw literally dropped to the floor!  Usually in Tesco, a loaf costs £0.91. Ridiculous price for a loaf of bread isn’t it??? I won’t be shopping there in a hurry!

 

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

 

I'm So Excited!

I am so excited because next week I have a work placement.  It is not really a placement as such, it’s part of my Health and Social Care course.  I will be spending four hours spread out over the next week in the C.D. Unit in my school.  The Communication Disorder Unit was set up to cater for children with communication disorders, such as Autism.  At the end o the week, I will have to produce a report about how good and how effective my communication skills were.

It will be something different to do during the week.  Also it will be interesting to learn more about the condition.

 

What is Autism?

 

v     Autism is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects the way a person communicates and relates to people around them.

 

v     It is no longer a rare condition; autism is thought to affect 535,000 people in the U.K today.

 

v     Autism is a lifelong developmental disability with no cure.  Children with autism grow to be adults with autism.

 

v     Children with autism are unable to relate to others in a meaningful way.

 

v     Their ability to develop friendships is impaired.

 

v     Their ability to understand other people’s feelings is also impaired.

 

For more information visit:

 

~The National Autistic Society~

 

It's Time to Vote!

I started writing this journal on 11th April 2006, eight months ago.  I used to read Jeanette's journal and others on her sidebar, in amazement and wonder how you could all write so much.  I wanted to start one much earlier but I was put off because I thought I was a normal, everyday person who didn’t do much in life and no-one would be interested.

 

But then Lesley, a family friend suggested I write for the school newspaper but I didn’t see the point as then I wanted to go to college.  I knew I had to let the creativity flow somehow, and blogging seemed a good idea to set the world to rights!

 

The hardest thing was taking the first step and writing that introductory entry.  But I’m glad I did because I have made so many friends from J-Land, and we often keep in touch through e-mail and I.M.  Thank you to all those who read my journal and comment on it, I am so grateful for your continuous help, support and encouragement throughout these months, which has given me the confidence to carry on with my journal writing.

 

When I first started writing entries I didn’t expect anyone to read them, never mind comment on them.  It makes me want to write more and more!  My Nan thinks it’s great because it improves my use of English, and mum & dad are pleased as journal writing keeps me occupied.

 

I would like to thank everyone who thought my blog worthy of a vote in the VIVI’s in the “Best Teen Journal” category.  It doesn’t matter to me if I win or not, but to know you have nominated my journal for this award it means so much to me.  Words cannot express how I feel at this moment.

 

 

If you have not voted yet, here’s the link:

 

~VIVI Awards 2006 Voting Site~

 

Good luck to all those nominated!

 

Trick or Treat Throughout J-Land

Want to play? Title an entry "Trick or Treat Through J-Land".  Then copy & paste these instructions so others can play.

Visit as many journals as you can that have a "Trick or Treat" entry and leave comments with your links!

Pause for Thought

Yesterday I attended a parents evening with my mum.  Everything is fine.  The teachers said I had settled well into Sixth Form.  Also they said I showed ‘continuous enthusiasm and good understanding towards my studies’.

 

At the start of term they felt I wasn’t managing my time effectively.  But now after a few weeks, they feel my time management skills have improved.  I appear to have a much more positive attitude and be more confident in my abilities. 

 

Many of you, who know me, will know that I’m a terrible worrier!  I also get very stressed and paranoid at times.  You’ll be pleased to know I’m finally getting some psychological help to deal with my anxieties. Mum and the teachers thought it was a good idea, because I am sixteen after all and shouldn’t have any worries.  But I have always worried, it’s in my nature!  I'm sure in the upcoming sessions, I will learn some valuble techniques to help me chill...

 

Until next time ~

What Caused the Bang?

Last week, something peculiar happened to my grandmother.  Actually, I don’t know if I should type this, as it may not be funny the second time around.  But I’m gonna tell ya anyway!

 

 

Well, Nan was asleep in bed when she heard a loud noise.  She woke with a start, and decided to investigate what the noise was and where it had come from.  She searched upstairs and downstairs.  Then eventually she came to the conclusion that the hot water bottle had fallen out of the bed, then went back to sleep.

 

 

Next morning, while Nan was making her bed she discovered a blank space on the wall, where a picture had been hung.  She thought “Ooh err, where’s the picture gone?”  Then, as she moved the bed, there it was, on the floor, sandwiched between the bed and the wall.  THAT was what caused the bang!  It didn't seem funny at the time but... LMAO!!

 

See ya'll laters xXx

 

The Lady with Many Talents

The Cerys Matthews concert on Friday night was amazing!  She sang tracks from both of her albums, plus a few songs from her time with Catatonia.  But the best thing was she played all the instruments: an acoustic and electric guitar, harmonica, a banjo and a piano (not all at once, of course!)

 

Her voice was simply stunning and her bubbly personality was the same as ever!  Also she can speak fluently in Welsh, English, French, German and Spanish. Wow, she is a lady of many talents!

 

 

Catatonia: 'Stone By Stone'.

 

 

Wishing you all a wonderful week!

A Visit from Pop Royalty

Tonight I am going to see Welsh folk singer Cerys Matthews live in concert with my parents.  She used to be the lead singer of a rock band called Catatonia, who had a big impact on the pop charts in the 1990’s.  Unfortunately the band has disbanded.  But they had a few top five hits, and this was one of them:

 

 

“Road Rage” is taken from Catatonia’s breakthrough album “International Velvet”, and it was one of the first CD’s I ever bought. 

 

I think Cerys has a unique voice which has a sweet, child-like quality which makes you want to listen.  What do you think?

 

She is currently living in Tennessee, U.S.A with her family, and is promoting a solo career. 

 

If you like the above clip, I recommend you listen to both solo albums: “Cockahoop” (has a strong country influence) and “Never Said Goodbye” (a rockier sound which reminds me of Catatonia).  Both are a perfect soundtrack to chill out and relax to.

 

I remember one day, Mum and I were shopping in Cardiff.  Feeling a bit peckish we decided to call into a restaurant for a bite to eat.  We walked in.  Everyone stopped what they were doing and stared at us open-mouthed. 

 

A waitress came to us from behind the counter and said “Hi Cerys, would you like your usual table?”  People crowded round mum asking her to sign autographs.  Then mum explained kindly that she was not Cerys Matthews, but we liked her music.  

 

Turns out the waitress had served Ms. Matthews the week before, and she said mum and Cerys had a strikingly similar hairstyle.  Then she apologized for the mistake, but mum said “No, thank you for the compliment!”  What an honour it was to be recognized by mistake, as “Welsh Pop Royalty”.

 

I can’t wait to see her live tonight.  It’s gonna be AMAZING!  The tickets were only £12.50.  Here in the U.K you’d expect tickets to be a more expensive price, approximately £35.  What a bargain!

 

 

Have a great weekend.

 

Rainy Days & Radio Waves

The weather has been terrible this afternoon.  Heavy wund and rain has been forecast for the weekend too.  However, I have discovered the joys of YouTube.com.  “Get Happy” by Judy Garland is one of my favourite songs, and this performance from 1963 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

 

 

I am considering joining an after school workshop called “Radio Waves”.  It runs on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 17:45pm-19:30p.m.  The challenge is to make a radio programme or podcast, which will be broadcast daily at dinnertime at school.

 

I have always been interested in radio since I was small.  Mum says with my personality and passion for music, she’s sure I have the right credentials to be a good presenter.  Do you agree?  I am really looking forward to joining the team, and the new challenge ahead.

 

Ciao for now!! 

 

Tickled Pink!

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.  This is a cause very close to my heart, as some of my family and friends have suffered from breast cancer.

 

Approximately 42,000 women and 300 men are newly diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK.  It’s very important for men (rare cases) and women to examine their breasts regularly for any abnormalities.  If you feel a change in your breast, get it checked out by a doctor – sooner rather than later, as it could save your life!

 

Anyone with breast cancer or breast health concerns can get free, confidential support and information by visiting:

 

Breast Cancer Care U.K.

 

Also, here is a link to a very helpful article: 

 

AOL Lifestyle - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 

 

Thanks to Sugar and Missie for today's graphics.

Tags: breast caancer awareness, women's health

Discussions, Decisions and a New Laptop!

At present in Health and Social Care we are learning about ‘Prejudice and Discrimination’.  I was asked to give a presentation to the class on Thursday about my disability and the challenges I have faced.  It was easy to do, but I found it hard to condense my experiences down, and be selective. 

 

Mr. Griffiths said “I could fabricate stories to make people understand, but I have never experienced what you have first-hand.  So giving a talk to the class would give us an insight and help us all understand a little better.”

 

I could hear many of the girls saying “Aww, poor love” but I don’t want sympathy.  I may be disabled physically, but I still thoughts, feelings and emotions like everyone else.  As I always say, “Never judge a book by its cover”, get to know the person, instead of ignoring them because of their condition.

 

I would like to thank all of my friends for accepting me for myself and not seeing my Cerebral Palsy as a barrier to our friendship.  Love you all!

 

Yesterday here in Wales, we had heavy showers of rain with thunder and lightening.  After many discussions my Uncle and I decided to go to my local PC World store to buy a laptop.  My grandmother thought it would be better to buy one now, sooner rather than later.  We figured it would be a great investment for the future, as I am studying A-Levels, and then hopefully going to university.

 

We got to PC World and asked the assistant for help.  He seemed to be very technologically minded (you have to be to work in a computer store!) and seemed to get over our heads, then we made him explain it in simple terms.

 

I felt really overwhelmed yesterday, seeing so many laptops.  There are so many to choose from, but how do you choose the right one? 

 

I was recommended one with a big screen as I have problems with my sight.  I those it would be the best one to choose as it is made by Packard Bell, the company which made my desktop computer, which has lasted a few years, so they are a reliable firm.  I also bought Microsoft Office 2003, which meant I had a free Norton Anti-Virus CD-Rom.

 

Dad is helping me set it up this morning, and then I will have to get used to having no mouse by the side of the keyboard LOL!

 

Lots of love and hugs,