Tee total...

At the grand old age of 19, I’ve decided to give up drinking. Well, I haven’t made a conscious choice. I just don’t feel the need anymore. I can’t remember the last time alcohol passed my lips. I think it was some time in December, before the Christmas break. I used to drink for confidence when I went out but like I said yesterday, it’s all in the mind so there’s no need.

Also, alcohol doesn’t really mix with my body if you get the picture (without being graphic). The last time I drunk (only a little), I was chatting to a girl (which is a rarity) but I mucked it up because I didn’t listen to her. All I was thinking was “don’t be sick all over her”. Luckily, I didn’t but by the time I felt better, she’d long gone. So, I think it’s for the best if I steer clear of the liquid poison.

There have been plenty of opportunities to drink. During the Christmas break, to celebrate the birth of the true saviour (me, in case you weren’t aware), the ups and downs of supporting The Arsenal, leaving University and most recently, my cousin’s wedding at the weekend. But I haven’t.

It’s perfectly fine if you drink but I’m not ashamed to say I don’t. Peer pressure used to be a big thing but now I’m an adult, I’m quite happy being sober. I still have fun and that’s the main thing.

Instead of alcohol, I’m now getting wasted on water, which people close to me will know is quite an achievement for me.

Bye for now!

How do I look?

My image and the way other people perceive me has always been a massive deal.  Since I was diagnosed at the tender age of nine, I’ve seen my body change, as the condition got worse.  And I can safely say (as depressing as it sounds) that I have never been at ease with the way I look. Not just in the normal teen conscious way but also, how being in a wheelchair looks. Up until my spinal operation(s), I used to not be seen out with my headrest for fear that it made me look disabled. It sounds absurd but sums up the thoughts going through my head. I haven’t changed and only wear it to protect my neck.

Over a decade later, I still have absolutely no confidence in my appearance, which is only compounded by my constant relationship status. Single.

I suppose it’s the materialistic world that we live in that puts emphasis on image. Normally, people complain about the skinny models in the magazines and rightly so, but you’ve heard it all before. I’d like to come at it from a different angle and criticize the lack of disabled people in the media. Of course I’m going to hate the way I look if I’m bombarded with pictures of fit, normal men who all women seem to love.

The confidence thing is a state of mind and only I can change it but I wanted to let people know that it’s not as easy as just walking up to a girl and chatting her up. I’m Wheelchair Boy, slightly different to your average Joe.

Bye for now!

Road rage...

Let’s get one thing straight. A wheelchair is not a toy. Just ask the lady I crashed into a few months ago. It sounds awful but let me explain. I didn’t do it on purpose although I will if you push my buttons (no pun intended) nor was it her fault. The wheelchair, to best describe it, had a mind of its own. The people who had been repairing a separate issue must have been playing around with the computer and left one side of the wheelchair with something ridiculous like 1000 times more power. This meant that I’d press forward and the chair would go in a large circle. The woman was obviously shocked and angry but she didn’t suffer any serious injuries (I don’t think).

I have to admit, it is sometimes my driving but mostly people don’t think or realise it’s quite difficult to drive an electric wheelchair. I’ll give you a recent example. I was walking (you know what I mean) to the Emirates with my brother. A boy and his dad were walking behind us at a brisk pace so obviously wanted to overtake. The boy sensibly went around the outside of me as he could see I was about to turn left. However, the dad walked in front of me on the inside and I had to stop so I didn’t hit him. He saw how annoyed I was and just laughed, not even an apology.

In hindsight, I should have run into his ankle but I’m not a malicious or vengeful person like Ryan Shawcross.

That is just one little story but I hope it makes people think. I’m not saying that the pavement should clear when a wheelchair comes along but don’t do idiotic things like putting your foot near a stationary wheelchair so that when I move, your foot is crushed or walk in front of a wheelchair and keep stopping.

Rant over.

Bye for now!

The Tottenham Diet...

No, I’m not going to have a diet of lasagne and lose weight by being stuck in the toilet (sorry if you don’t understand that football reference). It’s just called the 5-2 diet, which has strong links to Tottenham.

It’s a bit of a late New Years Resolution but I’ve decided to at long last do something about my belly. It’s just not attractive and I need to sort it out. Also, I’ve been inspired by my parents who started their Biggest Loser diet yesterday. Just a reminder that they are both raising money for Grove  House Hospice and deserve donations:

Dad- http://www.justgiving.com/Paul-ShoreyIRGHBiggestLoser2013

Mum- http://www.justgiving.com/Ellen-ShoreyIRGHBiggestLoser2013

It’s not a traditional plan but I heard Dr. Michael Mosley on the Richard Bacon show and I feel it could work for me. Basically, for 5 days a week, I can eat normally and then 2 days, I have to fast. I say fast but the plan allows 600 calories, which surprisingly is completely doable. I can still have toast for breakfast; have to skip lunch and then pasta with meat/sauce for dinner.  Obviously, I have to stay hydrated and drink at least 2 Litres of water which will probably be the most difficult as I simply forget to drink.

As well as changing my diet, I plan to create and stick to an exercise regime to not only keep the weight off but also build up my muscles. Hopefully, I’ll be able to show off my six-pack in the summer.

I’m going to start tomorrow and I’ll keep you updated on how I’m getting on.

What does it mean?

This is not a personal blog but something I just watched and feel the world should know about to make of it what you want.

Now, you are all aware of the Jimmy Savile scandal that rocked many institutions including the BBC. It’s easy to forget that the ITV documentary exposing the truth was only broadcast under five months ago (3^rd October 2012). There were various implications for the BBC such as who knew and why was the Newsnight investigation canned?

So, when I was watching an old Have I Got News For You from way back in April 2012 (Series 43, episode 2 http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gknnc), I was shocked to hear what Jo Brand said about Savile.

Skip to 26.15 to watch the part I’m on about http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01qckq9/Have_I_Got_Old_News_For_You_Series_43_Episode_2/ or if the link don’t work, here is the quote: “After being buried, the hamster dug himself out of his grave. This story has upset a lot of children, but if you are watching kids, please don’t worry. It can’t happen with Jimmy Savile.”

I know that Brand was only reading off an autocue but it again raises questions about what was known throughout the BBC.

I just thought it was interesting and gives you something to ponder over this snowy weekend.

Bye for now! 

Big news...

This will come as a massive shock to many but I have dropped out of University.

I have realised that I do not want to continue in education and have had enough. I regret choosing University in the first place but a combination of pressure from myself and school left me with little choice. For years, University has been a major part of my future and it did happen.

However, I’ve just been lying to myself because it’s not what I want in life. I’ve also been lying to everyone who has asked how University was going. I’ve loved living on my own and I’ve really grown as a person but the experience on the whole is not for me.

What next you ask? I’m not sure what exactly I want at the moment but don’t worry, I’ll come up with a new plan. I am upset at the moment but that is because I’m mourning the death of one set of ambitions. It’s just up to me to clear my mind out and create new goals.

I’d just like to apologise to anyone who feels let down or disappointed or embarrassed by my decision.

I’ll continue to blog although it may be a little quiet during this adjustment period.

Bye for now!