Sunday 1 October 2006

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,

 

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I can imagine that your talk went very well.  I would love a laptop but finances will not allow these days. Packard Bell are very reliable. Our first computer was a Packard and it worked perfectly up until the day we changed it because we needed more memory.  We had a ten minute shower here yesterday that is all but they say that rain is on the way. Well, it is now October so we have to expect the weather to deterioriate.

http://journals.aol.co.uk/jeanno43/JeannettesJottings/

Anonymous said...

yea i first had pacard bell laptop from PC world till my no. 5 came off, so took it bk for repair then got a toshiba laptop cos it had more memory, only upsetting thing was PC world deleted all my email pics, so lost em all, tis specialised machine just need 2 make sure has enough memory.
yea weather rainy here `as well, crimbo. cummin init.
let me no if u wanna hear anything bout the similar problems u have had , cos i've had em wiv MS, steve x

Anonymous said...

Setting a a new PC what fun and very very flustrating hope it all goes well and nobody looses their temper. Joan
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jaymact1/JoansMusings/

Anonymous said...

Am so pleased you have your lap top ,I would love one too but ,as ever the cost lol ,.,.,Jan xx

Anonymous said...

I hope your talk to the class went well ~ I for one Leigh never judge a book by it's cover ~ I like to read it from cover to cover before I make a judgement ~ It is quite a plesant day here a bit windy but a nice blue sky ~ When I used to have a laptop I always plugged a mouse in as I found it hard to use the little pad although I expect you will get used to it in no time ~ hope your Sunday is going well ~ Ally x

Anonymous said...

Many people find it much easier to use a mouse and there is bound to be a little usb port for plugging one in when it is convenient to use one.   After all not many of us use them while bopping down the high street.   I find a mouse much easier.
Good luck with it all.  Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

heya leigh ((hugs))
      I WANNA LAP-TOP!!!!!!! lololol..... i am sooooo jealous .... well as you know i am off to wales in the morning to climb old snowie lolol.....i'll give you a yell when i get to the top lol...and ur sooo right that people asssume that just cos ur different u dont have feelings... u bloody tell em!!....and as for the sympathy vote...that sucks.... i think ur a great lil chap ..you know i do.... u have my utmost respect and admiration....as for the mouse...stick to the old fasioned thingy....they ALWAYS work the best lol
                 chat when i get back yeah
                                        shaun xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Anonymous said...

That's great that you spoke to your class, and you have such a wonderful attitude about it. Right you are for "Never judge a book by its cover". You are one of the most amazing people I've ever met and I feel lucky to have you in my life.

Oh, and I totally agree with Shaun about being MAJORLY jealous that you have a laptop lol! I've only been trying to get one for like three years!

Hope you're having a great day, and good luck with that essay you're writing, too.

Morgan
xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Hi Leigh.  What is disability ?  It comes in many forms, and you are one of the most articulate people I've come across.  FAR more disabling to be tongue-tied, or permanently sullen and unable to communicate.  You will go far.
I've got a little laptop, mainly because it takes up less room, and I can use it in the only warm (in the winter) room in the house.  I think a mouse gives you more control; I tried the little pad but am happiest with a cordless mouse.  Can't work up much of a speed at the Kafka quiz though.  Bunny.