Changed man...

Many people told me University would help me become an adult. And it has. My confidence has rocketed (hopefully not in an arrogant way) and I’m doing things I wouldn’t have dreamed of a few months ago like interviewing people for articles. This is probably because University doesn’t treat you like a child as school did. My personality is really changing for the better and this added self-belief will certainly help me in my career.

I even can speak to girls without going red. But that is where I still have problems. I’ll tell you a story from my life yesterday. You’ll probably laugh at my flawed thought process and you’re entitled to. It happened at Waitrose. I was waiting for my sister to pay for the shopping and I clocked this attractive girl behind the till. This is where I’m so probably wrong but I thought she was giving me the eye. We smiled at each other but that’s where the story ends unfortunately. I didn’t have the confidence to go back and buy something so I could talk to her.  I am so wrong, aren’t I?

Anyway, I don’t know why I’ve decided to blog about this? Probably because I’ve run out of ideas and you lot would kill me if I failed to post again. And it’s not as if she’ll read this unless… nah, she won’t. I’ve just been watching Serendipity so I’m in a ridiculously stupid romantic mood. I’m going to end yet another blog with The Beatles:

All you need is LOVE

All you need is LOVE

All you need is LOVE, LOVE

LOVE is all you need

Apologies for my absence yesterday. Blame my history essay (which is done now).

Bye for now!

It never gets old...

This time last week, as many of you will know, I was pretty down. Today, I am absolutely buzzing. I still hate the board and know there are massive problems with the club. But, as I have said previously, I have and will always support The Arsenal. The day went like a dream. Arsenal was losing but just like February, we turned the score line around to smash 5pur2. Plus, Mr. Adebayor had to take an early shower (do you reckon he has heard the score?). And United & Chelsea lost so happy days.

Also, I witnessed a new dance craze which, like Gangnam Style, will surely become a worldwide sensation in no time at all. The moves to Tottnum Style are simple. Just make heart shapes with your fingers until the chorus kicks in. Then take your top off and wave it furiously above your head. Remember to do this while jumping up and down. As the song goes on, stay quiet and return to the shadows. Before the song ends, discretely make your way out. I think this will catch on in clubs or at least the ones I go to.

Right, I’m going back to do my essay (who am I kidding). Too busy listening to Hey Jude on loop.

Naaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa Na Na Na Na Na Na,

Na Na Na Naaaaaaaaaaaaaa,

GIROUD! (repeat)

Bye for now!

Going down...

You all know that if there is a fire, you cannot use the lifts. That’s OK, just use the stairs. But what about me? There are evacuation points where wheelchairs can congregate, normally at the top of the stairway. At Brunel, they are designed to keep out flames for 30 minutes and are linked up to security via intercom so I know what is happening. Most of the time, it’s a false alarm (normally in the early hours) and my bedroom is ground floor. However, if I am ever upstairs and need to get out, a contraption called a Staircrawler will be used.

I’d been told about it before but I didn’t know what to expect on Tuesday. It looked like a really basic trailer with a ramp that I had to reverse on. This was actually quite difficult because, as friends will testify, my driving is poor. When I managed to navigate the chair into place, I was strapped on with a massive seatbelt. Then the machine tips back like a dentist chair. I was a tad nervous because it’s not normal for wheelchairs to go down steps and it looked dangerous. YES. A man who has skydived was scared of a flight of stairs. Sounds ridiculous.

It was. The Staircrawler had specially designed grooves to lock onto the stairs so I was perfectly safe. Not as if they were using me as a test dummy. It was fun in a weird way but hopefully I don’t have to use it in future.

Saying that, I think more places should have them if there are stairs and for some reason, they can’t build a lift. It’s probably expensive though, like most things to do with disability.

Bye for now!

Living it up...

Like the majority of the student population, I enjoy partying hard at a nightclub. I don’t mind where really, even the dive they call Batchwood Hall, because I know I’ll enjoy myself. But my favourite haunt at the moment is not Locos or Academy on campus (as handy as that is), Liquid in Uxbridge is where the good times (and loose women) are at. I feel on top of the world in there. Not really. Just wanted to make the point that I have to use three lifts to get to the dance floor.  They’re slow which makes me feel awkward as I have to sit there, smiling at people on the stairs. Also, the machines are pretty temperamental and I worry if it breaks, I’ll be stuck. Now, that would be embarrassing.

Anyway, back to the clubbing and sorry, but some girls need to sort their life out. I sound like a grumpy old man and it’s probably because I’m alone but bouncers should clamp down on heavy petting. Last night, I am sure I witnessed a conception. You get the picture. While I’m on the matter. I saw one girl snog five different men (not that I counted).Have you no respect for your own body? I don’t want to sound judgemental because I have no problems with one night stands. But just with one partner and preferably in a private setting.

Another grievance of mine is that it shocks people that disabled people are up for a laugh and know how to have fun. If I had a fiver for every person that has called me a “top lad” or high fived me in a club, I’d be a rich man. Or people who walk into my chair and then end up shaking my hand or hugging me. You’re the one with a broken toe so I’m not bothered that you didn’t notice me. Lastly, I’m not a dog and won’t perform wheelies on command. Wheelchairs aren’t fun unless you can get out of it.

Apart from that, I have a great time. Honestly.

Bye for now!

p.s. I voted today, did you? (question only applies to Brits)

The camera loves me darling...

Thank you Applause Store for another great evening watching a TV show being recorded for FREE.  Last night was the Matt Lucas award that, for anyone who didn’t see Series 1 earlier this year, is sort of like Room 101 where celebrities nominate an award under each category. Matt Lucas is a fellow Arsenal fan so obviously he is a legend. The three guests were Jason Byrne, Shappi Khorsandi and Richard Bacon, which only added to the comedy. There were also a few Apprentice rejects including my personal hero Stuart ‘The Brand’ Baggs.

This was not my first time inside the BBC studios at Elstree and I don’t want it to be my last so I won’t say anything to give away what happens. All I’ll say is we were right in the sofas in the third row (a perk of being a Wheelchair Boy) so you may see us on your TV soon. But I thought that when we went to see A League Of Their Own but on both occasions, the camera missed us.  Probably, it’s because my beauty is too much and ordinary TV’s cannot cope.

I did think to myself last night “I could get used to this lifestyle” as the crew rushed around to make sure everything ran smoothly. I realise the media industry is very stressful and time consuming but this is what excites me. I don’t want a boring office job. I like to be kept busy. That’s why the News Writing bit of my course is my favourite. I do my best work under pressure to a deadline.

Speaking of deadlines, I’ve got an article to write for Le Nurb.

Bye for now!

In need of experience...

So, I’ve been at University for nearly two months. All I hear from family, friends, lectures etc. is that it is no good just having a degree, I need to go and get some work experience. I completely agree with them. So many people are attending higher education (even with ridiculous £27 000 fees) and I need to do extra in order to stand out.  Over the past few days, I have been working on my CV and cover letters for various placements.

Just as I was beginning to think I’d have to wait for the New Year, I received an e-mail from Ann Maine MP asking if I was available in early December for some work experience. I know that it’s going against the Shorey being associated with the Conservative Party but this is an exciting opportunity and one I’d be daft to miss. I’ve met her before and she is a really genuine politician who speaks openly which I like. Plus, it will surely stand out to employers.

I’m still on the look out for any interesting experiences and am actually midway through some applications so watch this space. If Soccer AM invited me to  join the crew for even a week, it would be a dream.

Bye for now!

Bond is back!

I am really surprised to say the new James Bond film is pretty amazing. I love Bond and have thought the modern films starring Craig and Brosnan could not even hold a torch to my beloved Connery.  But this was so different to Casino Royale and Quantam of Solace because the writers reverted back to classic Bond. How it’s meant to be. So unbelievable that it is brilliant.

Prior to entering the cinema last night, my sister said that she had heard it was the best Bond ever. I cannot repeat my reply but I was fuming. How can Skyfall be better than Goldfinger? Not possible… or was it? I’m not going to give any of the plot away like other selfish bloggers but all I’ll say is go and see it. You will not be disappointed. I’ll even go again, that’s how much I enjoyed it.

The only negative aspect was the lack of bikini or cleavage shots. In fact, the lack of nudity/sex was disappointing but may just be me.

Goldfinger is still number 1 with a bit of Pussy Galore and a little man called Oddjob but this is a close 2^nd. They certainly pulled it out the bag for the 50^th anniversary. Ian Fleming would be proud.

Bye for now!