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December 8th, 2009


11:22 pm - Still No Archers Spoilers
You know the way i usually post about the weeks spoilers for
The Archers?
Well this week they haven't been put up yet on
This Site
I hope they will be put up soon, but if they are not, then appologies.

Just thought i'd let you know.
Current Mood: slightly disappointed but okay

(Thoughts, please.)

December 7th, 2009


11:33 pm - Anual Volunteers Lunch
Well today was our anual christmas lunch with the
Cedar Foundation
We have it every year as a sort of thank you from Cedar.

Anyway, i was due to be picked up at about 10:30. Well that time came and went, and it was about 11 o'clock when i thought that maybe it had been canceled, or else i had been forgotten about. I rang up the Cedar foundation, and found out that i was just going to be collected lol.

I was picked up at about 11:15, and off we went to pick up another volunteer, before heading up to the restaurant. We got there at about 12 o'clock, with plenty of time to spear, since the meal wasn't due to start until half 12.

There were about 15 of us all together. Most of them were from the main branch of Cedar.

Anyway, i had Soup and a sandwich. My sandwich came out first, which was a bit weird. Me and another volunteer got ours mixed up though, as his sandwich was bacon, while mine was ham lol. And the amount of red onion that was in it!!!!! I had to fish through it lol to get it all lol. Apart from that, it was nice.

For dessert, i had a chocolate tart, with cream and an orange sauce. The tart was so hard that i had to use a fork and knife lol!!!!!!!!!

While at the lunch, i met a person who teaches JAWS, so we got chatting about all that wonderful technology and that. She told me that there is a demonstration day in January for JAWS 11 at the main branch of Cedar, and she says that she will get me an invite lol. We had a good chat about how cool JAWS was and what we both did.

We were getting ready to go at about 2 o'clock, when this woman i was talking to about the JAWS was like "You must come over to our place to see around it!!!" We said yes, as this was only across the road.

I got to see all around their IT sweet, which is much bigger than our place. In fact, the whole building is bigger lol.

We finally went to the kitchen, where i met an old school friend!!!!!!!! I was introduced to her, and i thought "I recognise that voice", and sure enough, it was my friend from school!!!!!! Me and her had a good weee chinwag.

All in all, it was a good day. We went home after talking to my friend.

I am so glad that i'm still kept on as a volunteer. I hope that some day i will find a paid job, but who knows. Thanks guys at Cedar for being so helpful and such good craic!!!!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] grateful

(Thoughts, please.)

December 3rd, 2009


04:59 pm - Writer's Block: Sense and sensibility

If you could keep only one of your five senses--taste, touch, smell, sight, or hearing--which would you choose and why?

Submitted By [info]chibikanada


View 982 Answers

Do I really have to choose????? I think i would choose touch, as without it i probably wouldn't be able to type, or read!!!!!!!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

01:00 am - Bitching, Back stabbing, And Lack Of Trust
Maybe this is the wrong subject, but don't know what else to call this entry.

I would first of all like to say a huge thank you to
[info]ezzie_j,
and
[info]tizzel2005
For being there for me, and letting me vent in
My last entry
You were awsum!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Also thanks to my friends and family here for supporting me.

After i sent my friend the email explaining how i felt, she sent me one back saying that basically she never said that stuff about me not being allowed friends, and that she was only worried. She also said that she would rather i was honest, but then she says stuff about how upset she was. That made me feel really guilty. She sends me another email today saying that she had to tell one of our friends, to show how upset she was. She said that she eddited the "Important" bits, but the fact that she sent that?

I replied saying basically that i needed to be alone sometimes, as my aunt was quite ill. I said to her that i didn't know how to trust her, and made her see that life wasn't all about her.

She has sent me an email saying that any time i need to talk, i can, and that she is sorry for what she did. She also says that she hopes i can trust her again, and that she won't contact me until i'm ready.

I'm not sure if i should reply to it, or just leave it, since she has basically signed off on it. She hopes that one day that we'll talk again. She understand sthat friends change. She also knows that we all need our own space.So what do i do? Do i reply to her? If so how? Do i just leave it?

Thanks for any help. You are all a great bunch of friends!!!!!!!! I value everyone on here. Thanks again guys for letting me vent here, and making me understand how i'm doing the right thing. I feel slightly happier now.

Thanks again!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] relieved
Tags:

(8 thoughts | Thoughts, please.)

November 29th, 2009


11:10 pm - Archers Spoilers-29-4 December
I would hate to have Vicky as a wife. Remember don't read if you don't want to find out what is going to happen.

Tasters
While Robert and Lynda relish new beginnings with baby Oscar, Leonie brings old resentments to the fore, stirring up emotion at Ambridge Hall. Lynda refuses to put Oscar down and Peggy is equally reluctant to let go of Jack. It’s the end of an era that, for Peggy, has come all too soon. Mike meanwhile, is reminded of where it all began as Vicky covers Ambridge in posters of his past. Embarrassed, he wonders where the shame will end, but relishes the new start he has with Vicky. Helen’s relationship with Leon seems less secure, but Ian apologises for criticising Leon and tries to make a fresh start to no avail; could Leon really put an end to their friendship? While Joe relishes the beginning of a new Christmas-themed money-making scheme, we wonder whether the Grundy brothers’ feud will ever come to an end; having originally fallen out over a bird (sorry Emma), Will is now fuming over a possibly poached brace of pheasants. Brian wishes Will would put a cork in it and focus on putting an end to the fox that’s attacking his stock instead… It’s The Archers!
Head to The Bull for Mike’s birthday party on Tuesday!


Sunday: Peggy dreads the day
Monday: Helen’s ever hopeful
Tuesday: Everyone takes the mick…
Wednesday: Pip seeks solace
Thursday: Christine is a comfort
Friday: Ian makes amends


Enjoy!!!! More next week!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

November 27th, 2009


01:30 am - Another Attempt At Getting Members
You'll remember
About three months ago
I created the community called
[info]uk_guidedogs
which would discuss any issues and that with guidedog ownership in the United kingdom. You'll also remember that i said that we can discuss anything about owning, or being on the waiting list, or anything at all really to do with guidedogs in the UK. Well this is still the case, but i haven't got any members at all. There is only one lonely post in there, which is mine!!!!!! I think it would be a good meeting point.

There's bound to be someone on here that is from the UK. Come on people, speak up!!!

This community is open to all people in the UK who are wanting to talk about anything guidedog related in the UK.

So please spread the word, and i'll try and get some members to join!!!!! Maybe i hadn't explained it in my last entry about this.

Incase you forgot, the link is
[info]uk_guidedogs

Pass it on!!!!! It's also in my profile so you can't miss it!!!! I think this would be a fantastic opportunity.

Thanks.
Current Mood: pleading
Tags:

(2 thoughts | Thoughts, please.)

12:55 am - Walking The Dog
Got this sent to me in an email, and thought people might appriciate. Apparently it's true!!!! Lol can you imagine this happening?

Walking the dog

Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sydney
Along the way. The flight attendant explained that
There would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted
To get off the aircraft the plane would re-board

In 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was
Blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and
Could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye
Dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her

Throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before
Because the pilot approached her, and calling her by
Name, said, 'Kathy, we are in Sydney for almost
An hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?'

The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe Max would Like to stretch his legs.'


Picture this:
All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses.

People scattered.

They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story... Have a great day and remember...
.....THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR.
A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED!!!
Current Mood: lol

(Thoughts, please.)

November 22nd, 2009


12:12 am - Archers Spoilers-22-27 November
Poor Leon didn't really go down well with Addam and Ian. Ha Ha!!!!! Remember don't read if you don't want to know what happens in this weeks episodes.
Tasters
Nigel and Elizabeth come up with wild and whacky ideas this week to publicise their Christmas Deck the Hall event. Ambridge PR agent Brenda could help business, but she’s busy promoting her father’s milk round… ‘No need to hike or mount your bike, just get your milk from Milkman Mike’! Meanwhile, bored of spreading the word, it looks like Vicky’s moving on to pictures. If there’s anyone in the village who doesn’t know Mike yet, there won’t be after his birthday thanks to his own personal PR manager, the one and only Mrs. Tucker. We’re sure he’ll be thrilled… Leon could do with some PR this week, although his sales pitch seems to working with Helen. Tall, good-looking Australian who is sensitive yet fun, versus a deceitful cad with an eye for the ladies; who knows what to believe? We hope for Helen’s sake it’s not all spin. Matt, meanwhile, does his best to keep up a tough guy image, but Lilian can tell he’s struggling on the inside… It’s The Archers!
Don’t miss Sunday 22nd November as it’s your last chance to hear the wonderful and much missed Norman Painting (Phil Archer)


Sunday: Phil causes a stir
Monday: Matt’s on the move
Tuesday: Ian tells the truth
Wednesday: Vicky gets ready
Thursday: Kirsty lets the cat out
Friday: Pat gets planning


Enjoy!!! More next week!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(1 thought | Thoughts, please.)

November 15th, 2009


12:58 am - Archers Spoilers-15-20 November
So Matt's in prison. I don't understand the whole sentencing thing. Can somebody explain? Remember don't read if you don't want to know what happens.

Tasters
It’s all change in Ambridge this week as our villagers are on the move… Matt swaps The Dower House for altogether less homely surroundings. He doesn’t have long to get comfy however, as another move is on the cards; Matt doesn’t care, as long as he doesn’t have to share a cell with Chalkman! The Snells, however, are all too ready to share as they open the door to Coriander and Oscar. As Lynda turns up the thermostat the heat is already rising; let’s just hope it’s happy families all the way. Elizabeth and Nigel are also getting ready to play host as they plan a special event for Christmas at Lower Loxley. With trails to plan and Santa to find it’s a wonder Freddie and Lily will get any presents this year! Amid all this change, and with the prospect of turning the shop into a flat, Jack is still at home and becoming an increasing hazard to himself and Peggy. Will a space come up at The Laurels? Only time will tell, meanwhile, turn on the radio and enjoy home sweet home… It’s The Archers!
Don’t miss a disastrous double date on Thursday and Oscar’s arrival in Ambridge on Friday…


Sunday: Matt makes a call
Monday: Brian sticks to his guns
Tuesday: Jack gets rough
Wednesday: Vicky is inspired
Thursday: Leon makes an impression
Friday: Robert gets ready


Enjoy!!!! More next week!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

November 13th, 2009


11:18 pm - Final Day At The Hotel
This is the final day at the hotel. It is backdated again so that it's on the 13th of November.

Well this morning, i didn't want to get up at all. I had planned to get up at 7 o'clock to have a shower, but i found that the bed was so comfy!!!!!! So i texted my friend, and it was about Half past by the time i actually got up lol. So i didn't bother having a shower, but instead just got ready. I went down for breakfast again at about 8 o'clock, after bringing my stuff up to the lounge, as we would be checking out.
For breakfast, i had Wheatabix, and orrange juice. It was gorgious as usual.

After that, we went up to the lounge. My rehab worker came at about 9 o'clock. We chatted for a while, until about 20 past 9, when we got in the car, and drove down the road to meet the GDMI from yesterday. There was another GDMI with her too, but she just observed. We were going for a dog walk!!!!!!!!! Yesterday i found out the name and age of my dog i would be working with. She was called Opal, and she was 2 and a half years old. I was last to go. I sat in the car, while my friend and the other client went. During that time, i got to talk to the district team manager, who came down to see us.
Finally, the others came back, and i got to go. I was so nervous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I went through foot positions first, just to make sure i knew them. From the second i picked up the harness, and gave Opal the "Forward" command, it felt really good. I felt really confident, and found that i was praising her loads. Thank god she didn't need correcting. I need to work on that more. The instructor says that i need to get in touch with my inner cross side lol.
The only thing i didn't like about the walk was that it was too short!!!!!!! I also found out that she was a match to someone already. She was matched, but she got anxious when she was left alone for too long. So she was being re matched. Unfortunately she was already matched. I would have gladly taken her on!!!!!!!! I felt so confident, and Opal was a perfect match!!!!!!! Walked at my speed and everything!!!!!! And you know what the best thing was? I hardly thought about that awful gait!!!!!!!!! I think i can now put it to bed. Because i mean the dog isn't going to say "I don't wanna work with you, cause your gait rolls". Half way through the walk however, we had to change the handle of the harness, as the one i had at first was too long. I just wish i could have taken her home.

When we got back to the car, i got to take a picture of her. That was really good.

We went back to the hotel after that to collect our bags, and have lunch. Any guesses as to what i had? Yep, Veggie soup and club orrange!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After that, we went up to the guidedogs centre, to have a chat, and just chill really. We talked some more with the GDMIs, and watched a DVD slide show of photos of us, cause there were some photos taken of us before we went to the guidedogs centre. We just had a couple of group photos really. I will only put the picture of Opal up here though though. The other guidedog owner who talked to us on Wednesday chatted to us too.
At about 4 o'clock, we headed home then.

I have to say a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge thank you to my rehab worker for organising it. Also to all the guidedogs staff. You really helped me relax. I will be deffinetly giving you positive feedback when we have to fill in an evaluation form. Thanks again guys!!!!!! I wanna a dog so badly now!!!!!!!!! I wanna have Opal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! In fact, i wanna go back to the hotel!!!!!! It just wizzed by, and i loved it that much that i want to go back!!!!!!!!!

Let's hope that it won't be too long now before i get the dog. Thanks again everyone at the hotel, and the Guidedogs staff. You are all awsum!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can't thank you enough!!!!!!!!

I'll let you know any further short handle work, and what ever else happens. Thank you again guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, to work out how to insert a picture lol.



The beautiful woman known as Opal!!!
Current Mood: in love with Opal!!!
Tags:

(Thoughts, please.)

November 12th, 2009


04:35 am - Second Day At The Hotel
Here is the second entry about the pre class training at the
Hotel
That i did for guidedogs. Again, it is backdated. Just so you know, i was not siting writing this at 1 o'clock in the morning. I am actually writing this on a Monday morning, but i am posting as if it was on the day.

Well today, i woke up at about 7 o'clock to have a nice long refreshing shower to wake me up. Before i got in the shower however, i rang my friend just to make sure she was alright. She was, so i could then have my shower.

I headed out of my room at about 8 o'clock. We went down to breakfast then. My rehab worker stayed overnight on the first night, as he wanted to make sure we were alright. Apparently, during class, a GDMI will stay over on the first couple of nights, just to make sure we had no doggy issues or anything.

For breakfast, i had some toast, and a glass of orange juice. Again, the staff were super helpful. We went up to the lounge after that, to get ready for the day, and to wait for the other rehab worker, and a couple of other people.

During breakfast, i vowed not to talk about my gait for the whole day. I told everyone that i wouldn't mention it. I lasted about half an hour lol.

Anyway, back to the days events.

At about 9 o'clock, the other rehab worker arrived. This was followed by another person arriving shortly after, who worked in the hospital referring people to the rehab workers if they needed to have mobility training. She later told me that she had once been a rehab worker. Once they had arrived, we could do some work.

I went out with the other rehab worker. We were all doing a "Block" route around the grounds of the hotel. It started at what was called the "Smoking" area, which we had learnt how to get to yesterday. The route was like a square. There was one part which didn't really have a kerb, so when we were crossing that street, we were told to cross at a particular angle, by turning our boddies so that the road was kind of to the side of us. This would mean that when we crossed, we would be able to get on that small bit of kerb. The route was quite easy. The only problem we had was that there were some people working with saws and that, so it was hard to hear traffic and that. We managed the route though, and got back to the hotel at about a quarter to 11. This was after doing it both ways twice.

We got back to the hotel so that we could swap people we were with. This was to do another block route. A recently qualified GDMI came to meet us at this point. This was to do some short handle work. Anyway, I got the person who was a rehab worker, but now worked at the hospital with me to do this other block route.

We went out the front door, instead of the door at the "Smoking area". I thought this was alright. The woman said that we were going to do a route that was kind of like a figure of eight. That was also fine until we got to a particular point. We were travelling right along a pavement, and when we got to the end, the woman was like "Now go left." I thought this was really odd, as we would be going back on ourselves. I think that was what confused me. I also think that because we went out a different way than before.

I got back from that at about 12 o'clock. We were deciding if i should have my short handle walk then and there, or to do the route again that i had got confused on. I wanted to do that route again, but instead of going out the front door, i wanted to go out the smoking area door to see if that would make it less confusing. It did a bit, so that was good.

When i got back, i went on a short handle walk with the new GDMI. This was really good too. She told me all the foot positions, and she was just pure awsum!!!!!!!!!!!!! She was about my height, so i found it easier to montain the tention. I was quite amazed at how good i was with the praise, and the commands. I felt my confidence growing.

By the time i got back, i was soaked, as it had started to bucket down. I went up to change, but couldn't get my card for my room to work, so just went down to lunch. I was already late ish as i was. I had the usual, Veggie soup, and a glass of club orrange. We were sitting on a couch type thing, and when i got up, my friend said that there was a big puddle where i was sitting. People must have thought i wet myself lol.

After lunch, I had time to change, as there wasn't another GDMI coming until 2 o'clock. The new one left at about half 12 or so, after she had finished with me.

It was still pelting down at about 2 o'clock when I went back to the lounge. We all agreed that it would be bad to go out and do more short handle work, and end up drenched again. Instead, we just spent time with the GDMI asking questions. The other GDMI was there too from yesterday, with her dog Pip, but he didn't come until later.

The GDMI asked if we were worried about anything, as we would be doing a dog walk on Friday. I had to mention that stupid gait. The instructor said that i need to forget about it, and let it be in the past. She says that anything i thought about the walk, i was to forget about, and just enjoy the walk. I asked if we could go through foot positions beforehand, and she said that would be fine.

During our block routes this morning, my rehab worker was out doing another block route with
The Trekker Breeze
Which is a talking GPS system for blind and partially sighted people. The Guidedogs association are doing a trial of this at the moment, to see if it would be good for giving to blind and partially sighted people when they qualified with a guidedog.

Anyway, it had started to brighten up at about 4 o'clock, so my rehab worker wanted to take someone out to try the breeze. We were orriginally going to do it on Friday, but we weren't sure if we would have the time. My rehab worker said that i could go, since, my friend had already used it, and the third client didn't want to go. The other rehab worker tagged along too to observe how the trekker worked. My friend and the other client watched a DVD about guidedog ownership. The GDMIs were still there.

Me and the two rehab workers got in the car, and headed off to where the new block route would start. My rehab worker said that it wasn't to test me, it was to test how good the Trekker was. He guided me through the route first, just to get a bit of a map going in my head. He then guided me back, and we used the GPS. I stuck a speaker on to my collar, and then stuck the actual unit in my pocket, and off i went, followed by the two rehab workers. When my rehab worker had walked it before, he had recorded land marks that i would need to look out for, like "Cross this road", or that there was a primary school where we started.

I found the Trekker really scary at first!!!!!!!! It didn't really give much information, and the voice was quite hard to understand. It said at one point that we were going on to a place called Glentarran Park. I was also told that i had to indent along a road. I started to do this, only to realise that we weren't on that road yet. The GPS said that you were on certain parts 10 metres before you got to them, but then didn't mention anything at all. It sometimes wouldn't talk until about 5 minutes after each bit of information.

We did the route on the way back, and it was much easier and much less scary when i was being sighted guided. I think the GPS would be better if you knew the route. I think it might also work if you use a guidedog. But to do it totally on a new route with a cane, i think it's a big no no. My rehab worker says that he might try it on a route that i know.

We headed back to the hotel after that, where we chilled again with the GDMIs and got to see Pip who had been braught in. We chilled again until about 5 o'clock, when the GDMIs went home, and my rehab worker went home. The other rehab worker stayed with us instead.

The third client went to have a bath, so me and my friend had a bit of craic in the lounge until about 7 o'clock, which was dinner time.

I had Roast beef, roast potatoes, peas, and gravy. It was yum!!!!! I didn't bother having a dessert, i just had a glass of coke.

My friend scared me when she said that she had got a coke, but she ordered diet. She said that hers tasted sweeter. I crapped myself, because she is diabetic, so didn't want anything bad to happen. Luckily it didn't which was good.

I decided to have two bottles of West Coast Cooler this time. It was nice. I was a bit worried in case it got me drunk, but i was fine. I baught the second round, where i got the second bottle, and was shocked that it was £9.20!!!! Apparently the West Coast Coolers were quite deer though. We all decided to go upstairs at about 10 o'clock.

When we were coming out of the bar, however, we got slightly lost. You have to go at a slight angle when you come of the doors to find the stairs. I was in the lead, and totally got the wrong angle!!!! I'm sure we looked like a right sight!!!!! A helpful passer by helped us orientate ourselves to find the stairs.

When we got up the stairs, we made ourselves a cup of tea and coffee. I was pouring the kettle, but was too nervous of it, since it was full and freshly boiled. We used one of the liquid level indicators that the Guidedogs had given us. I forgot how annoying they can be!!!!! How do you deal with a full kettle?

Anyway after that was out of the way, me and my friend braught our computers down to chill on the net for a while. Our internet time ran out, so i walked down to reception to get two. They were really helpful!!!!!!!!! Chatted away!!!!!! I rang the other rehab worker to get her to come down and read out the info on the cards, while i went down with the third client so that he could have a smoke. He wanted a bit of company so i went down with him.

We didn't get to bed until about half 12 that night!!!!!

I was packing my stuff, as we would check out by about 11 o'clock on Friday morning. I discovered that i couldn't find the lounge card. Panicking, i searched frantically but still no sign. I retraced my steps. Did i take it out when i was out? Did i have it when doing the short handle? Did i drop it? Did it fall out of my pocket? I texted my friend asking her what to do. She texted back saying that it was in her room!!!!!!!! I was so glad!!!! I had been in her room earlier talking to her, so must have left it there. I went over to get it then.

That was the 2nd day at the hotel. I will post the final day tomorrow. I will write it tomorrow, but i will backdate it to Friday again.

I was much less worried today. I felt much more relaxed.
Current Mood: [mood icon] relaxed
Tags:

(Thoughts, please.)

November 11th, 2009


12:59 am - First Day At The Hotel
I am backdating these entries to the day that we did the stuff to make it more realistic. I didn't really have time to post at the hotel. I will write them as if i did post at it though. I did bring my laptop, but didn't use it much. I will probably do a separate entry for each day. Hope this is okay. Anyway here's Wednesdays entry about me going to the
Hotel
With Guidedogs.

I was picked up at about 20 past 9 on Wednesday morning. My friend was already in the car. There were going to be 3 clients at the hotel, but we hadn't met the 3rd yet.

We got to the hotel at about half 10 ish. There was another rehab worker bringing the third client down, but they weren't there yet. Our rooms weren't ready, so my rehab worker gave us a quick sighted guide orrientation around the hotel, so we could build up a bit of a map of where we were.

When the other rehab worker arrived, we were introduced to the 3rd client. He was nice.

Since everyone was together, we went into a quiet part of the restaurant, which was actually the bottom end of it, to discuss the skedule. Some of the plans were changed, due to the rooms not being ready and stuff. Before we had finished my rehab worker asked me if i was alright, and to make sure i was happy. I just said that i was worried about the gait again, what's new!!!!!!!!! I found it hard when someone else talked about the gait. I was fine explaining but when someone answered any of my questions relating to it, i just felt really upset.

Anyway, after that, we started to do some work. Since the rooms weren't ready yet, we started to learn the route from reception to roughly where our rooms would be and where the restaurant and bar were with our canes. I worked with the other rehab worker i mentioned. She couldn't believe how quick i was!!!!!!!!!! I asked her if she wanted me to slow down, but she wanted me to stay at my normal speed. We only learnt the route up to our rooms at this point.

By this time, our "Lounge" was ready. This was a bedroom that has been converted in to a lounge for Guidedogs. Apparently they do it any time there are guidedog classes on. It was very lush!!!!!!!!!!!! We were sitting there while one of the rehab workers took another person down to show them the route.

while we were waiting, there was a new GDMI who came up to see us. She braught down a guidedog owner who works at the Guidedogs office too. This was just so we could have a chat with them and they could answer any questions we had.

After this, we learnt the route back from the lounge to the restaurant. It was lunch time by this time. The GDMI and the guidedog owner stayed for lunch and a little afterwords.

The menu was massive!!!!!!!!! I chose to have a Veggie soup, with a bread roll, and a glass of club orrange. A good amount of craic was had. We decided to have our lunch in the bar. Apparently this is where we will have our lunch when we are on class. It was bloody brilliant too!!!!!!!!!!!

After lunch, our rooms were ready. We got given our cards, which we would use to open the doors to our rooms. We also got given a lounge key, which was cleverly punched in the bottom corner, so that we would know the difference between cards. I thought this was really useful. We were then taken in turns to see our rooms. Mine was next door to the lounge, so that was good.

I was first shown how to work the card. It took ages for me to get it working. I was pritty pissed off with it within the first 5 minutes!!!!! Anyway, once i finally got the room open, i got to see all around it.

First of all, i was shown around the bathroom, which was an On sweet. This was great!!!!! Theres's nothing worse than having to queue for the bathroom!!!!!!!!!!!! I was shown where the toilet was, and how to work the flush. Next was the sink, and then the bath and shower. The shower was quite weird to work really. You had two nobs at the side of a big flat thing, where the taps were. You had to hold in a button when turning the nobs. There was a button at each nob. This was to get the right temperature. Then you had another nob in the middle, which you pulled up to work the shower.

After this, i was shown the rest of the room. I was shown howthe TV worked, how the kettle worked, where the plug sockets were, and the security features on the door, which were a lock, and a latch. I was also shown where i could put my laptop. I discovered that to have the power on, you had to put your card into a slot in the wall so that everything would work. I headed back to the lounge after that, as the other people were going to get shown round their rooms. I stayed and talked to the GDMI and guidedog owner.

After everyone was shown around their rooms, we just chilled for a bit in the lounge. The GDMI and guidedog owner had to go home shortly after.

After that, we were shown around the Ladies toilets, and where we sat in the bar and restaurant. We sat at the first table on the left in the bar, and at the second table on the right in the restaurant. We were also shown the smoking area, and that would be where we would go if we needed to get out of the building in a fire drill.

It was back up to the lounge after this.

My rehab worker went down to reception to see about the internet access. We got two cards which allowed us access for 24 hours. It was a bit hard to set up at first, but we eventually got it. My computer took ages to start though. After i got my computer started, i had to help one of the other people set it up lol. It was more chatting and hanging about in the lounge after this.

It was about 7 o'clock at this point, so we went down to get some grub for dinner. We were going to eat in the restaurant for dinner, but we decided to eat in the bar.
The dinner menu was twice as long as the lunch menu. I had good old fashioned Codd, chips, and mushy peas. Ya can't beat that sometimes!!!!!!!! I also had coke, and a lovely chocolate fudge cake. We discussed what time we would go for breakfast, and we all agreed that 8 o'clock would be time enough to get breakfast. We asked if we could go down independently, and that was allowed so that was good.

After that, we had a bit of craic, and a couple of drinks. I had 2 bottles of Pinapple Bacardy breezer. One of my friends friends came down afterwords. We were allowed visitors. He baught me another bottle of Bacardy, but i felt a bit bloated, so i didn't drink it. I went to the loo about halfway through, and didn't come down for a while. I was talking to my mum and that. My friend phoned me to make sure i was okay!!!!!! I thought that was really nice!!!!!!

We didn't head up to the lounge until about half 11!!!!!! The other client went to bed at this point, so me and my friend just chatted in the lounge for a while. She had braught her tin whistle, so she played that for a while!!!!! She was damn good!!!!!!

We went to bed at about 12 o'clock. I checked my emails first.

The first day was awsum!!!!!!!!!! I felt much more relaxed after i had a bit of craic.

That was what happened on day one at the hotel. I will write days 2 and 3 tomorrow maybe, when i feel like it. I will backdate them to the orrigenal day as well. I was so glad i could successfully get about the hotel independently!!!!! I loved the independence and freedom!!!!!
Current Mood: accomplished
Tags:

(2 thoughts | Thoughts, please.)

November 9th, 2009


11:57 pm - Not As Anxious
As I have mentioned in
A previous entry
I will be heading off to the hotel where i will train eventually with the
Guidedog
This is just to get me familiar with the layout of the hotel, so that I have one less thing to worry about when i go to train. I will be going from Wednesday 11, to Friday 13 November. That's this week!!!!!!!!!

Well for the past few days i've been shitting it, because i'm still worrying about the gait.

Today my rehab worker came round to make sure i was comfortable with the whole idea, and to sort out any last minute worries. Well i discussed the gait, and what the Guidedog mobility instructors would say. My rehab worker says that it is not an assessment or anything, and that it is just to get me familiar with the hotel, and so that i am prepared and am used to being in a hotel for when i get the dog. This put my mind at rest a bit, and i'm glad that I will get to talk to the Guidedog mobility instructor about the gait. We both agree that i have blown the gait way out of proportion in my mind.

After sorting that out, i asked about what the skedule would be. I am going to be picked up between 9.30 and 10 o'clock on the Wednesday morning. We will get to the hotel at about 11 o'cloc, where we will do orientation around our rooms. After that, it's lunch.

After lunch will be orientation around the rest of the hotel. Then possibly going through the route around the hotel, then dinner.

Thursday morning will be mobility around the grounds of the hotel again, lunch, then a walk with the Short handle. After that it's dinner again.

Friday morning will possibly be a walk with a dog, then lunch, then probably home.

That's about all i know for now.
I have a small delemma though. My rehab worker wants me to bring my laptop, as he wants it to feel like home. I was going to bring it only on the three weeks of actual dog training, but i don't know. Should i bring it on these days? I am not sure what i will be doing at night, so i'm not sure if i should bring the laptop. What do you all reckon? My sister says yes, but i don't know. Maybe i'll sleep on it and see in the morning.

I am actually getting quite excited now. Now that i know what's going to happen, i'm not as worried. I'm still slightly worried, but not that worried now.

If you get a post from me on Wednesday then i'll have brought the laptop. I just hope it goes okay.
I may write in here after all the work is done on Wednesday, or else i'll just write when i come back. After i'm settled in my room, i might write a short entry too. Who knows. This is not dog training. It's just to get me used to the hotel.

Whatever happens, i'll post sometime. Just thought i'd let you all know what was happening, and to keep you all up to date on my progress.
Current Mood: still anxious, but excited too
Tags:

(Thoughts, please.)

November 8th, 2009


10:55 pm - Archers Spoilers-8-13 November
So i wonder will Matt go back from Costereeka? It's getting really interesting!!!!! Remember don't read if you don't want to know what happens.

Tasters
While Adam plans to re-route his footpath, the villagers of Ambridge continue plodding along the path of life… Susan marches forth, red in the face and furious about recent events at the Village Shop; her path is definitely the warpath, strewn with rocky rebukes and flinty frustration. The doom-laden Matt meanwhile is practically in chains and, in his mind at least, treading the weary path to prison. While Lilian itches to fly above it all and move forward to confront the future, Matt’s going nowhere fast. Ed is flying high, although his bitter brother obstructs the path of progress and impedes his course. Will the boys ever build a bridge? I wouldn’t hold your breath. Helen’s feet haven’t touched the ground since she embarked on a relationship with Leon; let’s just hope she doesn’t come to earth with a bang as he charms the female population of Ambridge… It’s The Archers!
Don’t miss Wednesday when it’s crunch time for Matt; will he or won’t he head home for the trial?


Sunday: Brian gets bossy
Monday: Susan’s on the warpath
Tuesday: Will gets in the way
Wednesday: Lilian heads home
Thursday: Matt faces the music
Friday: Helen’s so happy


Enjoy!!!! More next week!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

November 6th, 2009


11:42 pm - Just Popping In To Say That I've Had The Blog For 3 Years!!!!!!!
It's hard to believe, but this time
Three Years Ago
I decided to set up a blog. I didn't really know why, but i guess i was bored. I found
Live Journal
to be the most accessible. I had tried
Blogger
but it wasn't that accessible. It might be now though. Sometimes i think about crossing over to
Blogger
Since alot of people seem to be on it, but i don't know. What do you all think? Should i cross over to blogger or stay here?

Let's hope for many more years of blogging, no matter which platform i decide to use.
Current Mood: [mood icon] hopeful

(5 thoughts | Thoughts, please.)

November 4th, 2009


12:20 am - Giving This A Shot
I was recently talking to my friend on MSN the other day, when we got to discussing his writing. I think this dude is awsum.

During this discussion, he asked me if i would like to guest write for
His Blog
I was a bit hesitant at first, but thought i'd give it a shot.

I had a bit of bother setting up with my account, but i've got it going now. So here it is, my first post on here.

I look forward to posting many posts here, and am extremely thankful to my friend. I am hoping to post what i post on my own blog his blog. Obviously i won't mention any names or anything, and i won't mention some things, but most things i hope to post on Robberts blog. What have i got to lose by doing this? Sounds fun!!!!.

Thanks again, Robbert!!!!!!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

November 1st, 2009


05:48 pm - Archers Spoilers-1-6 November
I wonder will Matt and lillian stay in Costereeka? Remember don't read this if you don't want to know what happens.

Tasters
With bonfire night around the corner it’s all gunfire, treason and plot in Ambridge (well there’s the shoot at Brookfield isn’t there?!). Susan’s busy plotting to get on the Community Shop Committee to safeguard her future. Meanwhile, Matt feels the heat of his impending trial. Having committed his crime, he’s less than keen to do the time, but at what cost? It could cause a few fireworks with Lilian; caught in the middle she’s about ready to explode! Mike’s old image goes up in flames thanks to Vicky who’s plotting to reinvent him; Mike gently smolders as she talks about her flare for shopping. Meanwhile, the Brookfield clan are back and cosy as rosy toffee apples. Wayne has a marshmallow moment with Fallon as he prepares to leave Ambridge; now he’s found her it looks like he’ll stick to Fallon like cinder toffee to your teeth! It goes with a bang… It’s The Archers!
Don’t miss bonfire night on Thursday


Sunday: Lilian’s lost
Monday: Susan stays strong
Tuesday: Eddie does the right thing
Wednesday: Leon lends a hand
Thursday: Mike gets shirty
Friday: Ed gets the go-ahead


Enjoy!!!! More next week!!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(Thoughts, please.)

October 30th, 2009


06:15 pm - My Phone's a Year Old!!!!!
this time
Last Year
i finally got a mobile phone!!!!! I know in that entry the date was the 31 October, but i changed it cause it was actually on the 30th i got it.

The independence i've gained from it has been awsum!!!!! When i was
Without
It, i was totally lost, and it felt really weird!!!!!!!!!! I'm not sure if i'll upgrade it when i get the word that my contract is going to run out. Who knows.

Let's hope i've got no more problems with it!!!!
Current Mood: geeky
Tags:

(Thoughts, please.)

October 25th, 2009


12:06 am - Archers Spoilers-25-30 October
I detect that Lillian might move in with Jenifer again. Remember don't read if you don't want to know.

Tasters
It’s Halloween– a time for ghouls and ghosts, bats and pumpkins. So how is this affecting our favourite villagers? Lilian is pale and wan though far from a zombie. Like a werewolf poor Matt is howling in the shadows and wants to run far away. Ed and Will both vie for Mr Potato Head as they continue to squabble and surely Jazzer is running for Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde! We hardly recognise him this week he is so civil and charming. Can it possibly last?
There’s many an Ambridge lady we’ve imagined on a broom-stick but Pat has cast aside her witch’s hat and may yet save the day for Susan. Brian is a bit of a devil but Lynda is more than a match for his wicked ways. Watch out for the Grim Reaper! Clarrie stirs up a wondrous brew at Brookfield and Eddie’s a wizard with the Brookfield herd. Trick or treat? Light up your pumpkins, sit back and enjoy - It’s The Archers!
Don’t miss Lilian's dilemma on Tuesday


Sunday: The Grundies settle at Brookfield
Monday: What's happened to Jazzer?
Tuesday: Lilian is caught on the hop
Wednesday: Brian goes green
Thursday: Pat does some research
Friday: Matt loses his cool


Enjoy!!!! More next week!!!!
Current Mood: [mood icon] happy

(1 thought | Thoughts, please.)

October 19th, 2009


12:43 am - Pure Awsum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember
Yesterday
I told you about going to Pink? Well it was pure awsum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

At about 1 o'clock, me, my sister and dad arrived up at my uncles house to spend a bit of time with him before we would be going to the concert. We also had to drop off our bags, because we decided to stay the night since we wouldn't be home until late.

At about 6 o'clock, we got a taxi up to the concert. Doors didn't open tuntil 6:30, but i'm glad we left early!!!!! When we got there, the queue was half way down the street!!!!!!!!!!! It took us about half an hour before we got in!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really wasn't expecting as many people to be there. We eventually got to the fron, and got checked in by security. We were then taken up to our row. We were in Row T 80 to 83. I'm glad we got seats, as i didn't fancy standing for a long time.

We sat for about half an hour, until the support act came on. They were a band from New Zealand. They were called Ever more. They were alright, but you couldn't really hear them cause the drums were so loud.

Half an hour after that, Pink came on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The concert started with like a little cartoon thing with clowns and stuff, and then she went into "Highway to hell" by A C D C. This was pure awsum!!!!!!!!!! It showed vidios of her riding in on her harley too during that song.

The whole concert lasted about 2 and a half hours!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She really puts alot of energy into it!!!! Plus, you have the added benifit of knowing that it's live!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She was doing alot of acrobatics and stuff throughout the concert. She had got jymnasts there too!!!!

She did a cover of the song "I touch myself", and apparently, there were hands coming up and touching her in intimate places. There was a kid there, so i can just imagine the questions the parents got about that song afterwords!!!!!!!!!!

The whole concert was awsum!!!!!! I liked it so much, that i am going to book tickets for when she comes back in June 2010.

By the way, after a bit of googling, I discovered a site which has the
Set List
for the concert last night. For those who can't really be bothered using the link,
Here's The Set List )

Can't wait until she is back again!!!!!!!!!!!
Current Mood: enjoyable!!!!!

(Thoughts, please.)

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