Square Dog Black Peg

I was tapping away on my computer, amongst other things catching up with this blog! In the background the television was on, I have never previously been interested in talent shows BUT OMG Britain's got talent, lost voice guy has the courage to stand in front of a large crowd of strangers and highlight his condition WOW!! There is no chance that I would be so brave, it can be very difficult being a square peg. Changes to my life will be made, inspired by lost voice guy!

Father Christmas had treated the whole family to an Ed Sheeran concert at the Etihad Stadium. Ed told the crowed to make as much noise as possible, so I asked Maggie to make up for my lack of sound! It was great to catch up with a friend who was also there, somehow we spotted each other through the large crowd. Ed was absolutely brilliant, a fantastic performance. The only negative came trying leave, taking two hours to get out a supermarket car park. We didn't get home until 2am!

I was pretty anxious as the Examiner Community Awards approached. My hairdresser had worked miracles and I was 'almost' scrubbed up. To be nominated for this award was a complete shock, to reach the final was amazing but now I felt different, I wanted to win! It was a great event with so many inspirational stories,  I couldn't hold my emotions as my nomination was read but I did really well by holding it together as it was announced that I had actually won!

Wednesday was a busy day, starting with drumming then a bus ride back to Holmbridge for lunch at the church, followed by Square Peg Activities. I arrived at the bus terminal with half hour to spare, so went for a takeaway coffee. Anticipating this situation I had taken my travel insulated cup as I struggle to manoeuvre whilst handling their takeaway cups. Another bus had stopped at our stop, so when our bus came he me had to park behind. Although it doesn't really cause me to many problems, it just takes me a while to position myself. I think I may be getting a little sensitive and as the bus starts to pull away, I demonstrate my frustration by throwing my arm about. As often the driver seemed surprised that I'm actually waiting for a bus! Again my patience is tested as I ignored the driver who was loudly informing me that I should put my coffee in  my shopping bag as I will spill it on HIS bus! I think that I had last laugh as 'unusually' I hadn't spilt a drop. ...

Family life does not really fit into the sterile surroundings that I now crave,  To make life easier for me, I require every item to belong somewhere and to be returned after its been used. I find it very difficult to search and items left discarded can become unnecessary hazards. I have changed my focus somewhat, choosing my battles you could say.  Still suffering a hangover from the previous days emotions, I tried to access the garden. A table had been moved and and left obstructing my path. I thought that I could still pass but  unfortunately my wheelchair became fastened to the table. I tumbled off the path and became wedged. At the same time, the offending table also crashed to the floor, on the table was also an ornament of Judith's that was a gift from her late parents, smashing it into several pieces. Reacting in a way that you will probably understand, I was left in no doubt just how upset she was. However I didn't really need telling, I was disappointed myse...

Despite her enthusiasm, Judith failed to find anyone remotely interested in the Royal Wedding (Even the square dog didn't share her feelings!! see picture) So she went to our neighbours to enjoy the celebrations. Unfortunately (not knowing that I taped it on my Betamax video cassette recorder) when she returned, a full commentary was given and she spoiled  the ending! Although some of the above was true, Judith had left the television on and the remote control was broken. So whilst having a coffee brew I was forced to watch it. One of thr side effects of my stroke is known as ‘emotional liability’, in short it means that my emotions can be extreme, hesterical crying, screaming and even appearing to laugh when I’m sad. I have tried various remedies over the years but the best for me is just avoid the situation completely! The wedding provoked some rather painful memories as life was very different then

Monday was a trip to meadowhell to meet fellow brain stem stroke survivor, the inspirational Kate Allatt. I would struggle to find many positives that have arisen from my devastating stroke but meeting my friend Kate would definitely be one of them. I have had a few train dilemma's but this one was definitely solely my fault. I was due to catch the bus into Huddersfield and board the train from there, what I hadn't realised this train didn't pass my normal Station. It was actually going to meadowhell via Leeds! It was great meeting Kate and hearing about her new projects. They involve setting up an art exhibition on behalf of another brain stem stroke survivor and also  developing an inspirational screenplay to start a conversation on what society perceives as a quality of life.

A year since Wembley and what a year it’s been, ending on Sunday with a Town hero giving me his signed boots. Team Hoyle showing tremendous support, what a fantastic family. Finalist for Huddersfield Examiner community awards. (Final 24th May) Square Peg Activities going from strength to strength. Also Great joining forces with Huddersfield Town Disabled Supporters Club. The Gadget Club working technical miracles. Promising links with Huddersfield university, Police and Fire Services.

I've done a considerable amount of travelling on Public Transport this week. My journeys include Huddersfield,  Halifax, Leicester and Carlisle. Generally most of the people that I meet are helpful, sometimes there is an exemption though. As you go through the bus terminal at Huddersfield, there is nowhere else to go other than to board the bus. It's a shame the driver did not understand my reply to his stupid question "DO I NEED THE RAMP?" Unfortunately it was also a Bus Driver,  who easily wins the award for the most 'miserable employee of the week'. You would think that he was doing me a favour, raising his eyebrows as he had to re-park the bus properly to enable the ramp to be released into position. Throughout the journey I was forced to listen to his constant moaning of other motorists. At least I knew that it wasn't just me, he was equally as rude to the other passengers and he never offered anyone any curtesy.

Although I may appear confident, it's really just an image.  In time gone by I would think 'what's the worst that could happen?' I would doubt it could get too  'much' worse.        I have no doubt though, that I am encouraged by a great support network. Recently two exiting prospects have come my way. One is through a 'fairly' recent square peg volunteer, who is well connected to Huddersfield University. The initial idea is to interact with students on Social Work courses. In a recent meeting this idea spiralled out of my control. This link promises many great ideas, I can't say that I really understand them myself but I will keep you posted as things develop! The next is from a Police contact, I  don't know too much about this just yet but again it will involve talking and training of new recruits. I can fully agree with Buzby (My much older Sister told me about him!) IT'S GOOD for me TO TALK!

The foxes getting spanked, (twice!) Town were poor and could be in the dirt!? (The following week, a tremendous display that will see them be the first team to stop the new champions in there own back yard!) Last Sunday I came down to the park in order to watch Harry play football, getting there was extremely difficult for personal reasons. Then there were cars that were  parked over dropped kerbs and also on pavements. These were forcing me into the road and then there was another car parked in front of the gate where I normally view the match. I used to be able to access the park through an adjacent foot path, sadly this became too muddy over the winter. Much to square dogs disappointment I no longer try to access the park and the river as on two separate occasions I was stranded after getting stuck in  the mud! Imaging not being able to access your local, sadly this is the case for me. I have some ambitious plans to target ignorant parking and to ...