My wheelie-cool chair!
It's now nearing the end of the first week of the summer holidays, and I thought that this might be a good time to begin writing about all of my adventures passed and to come. I really do enjoy high school, but it got so busy towards the end of term, what with various extra-curricular things - and of course, homework - that I just couldn't find time to fit it in! I've spent the past week having a general sort out really, making sure that everything is out of the way for the many festivals we have planned over the next few weeks. Music is a big part of my life, and so I try and get to as many as possible - I absolutely love them! I've also spent a lot of time playing the keyboard and song-writing, as I decided with my teacher that I should right an album with at least 12 songs by Christmas! I'm just coming up with the basics for now, and then I'll play around with them a bit later on. She is a fabulous teacher, and I've come such a long way since having her. She's one of those people who is clearly so passionate about what they do, and immediately inspires others to do the same. I used to play until I was about 6 or 7, but without my arm supports, it was practically impossible. Without them, I can barely lift my hands off my lap, and so the difference is out of this world! You'll see over the next few months just how much they really have changed my life.
My Neater Arm Supports in action!
My mum and I also popped into the Caudwell Children offices on Wednesday for a couple of hours volunteering. I usually go and do a bit of work on filling in data and spreadsheats, but this time I was given the opportunity to help out in the PR department - I'd said that I had an interest in writing, and so they set me up to write my first ever press release! In my life I get given a lot of 'fake jobs', which are things that don't really need doing, but I get given them anyway to keep me happy. I'm quite used to it, and so I just that this was another one - we all need to get experience somehow anyway. I'd just come to the end of it when the head of the department, Ben, said, "That's great Tilly. We'll get it sent off to the media and see what happens, but in the meantime I'll definitely get it up on the website etc." I had no idea that it was actually a real job! I don't exactly have a huge problem with fake ones, but it is nice to be able to do something that's worthwhile and actually needs doing. On Saturday, my Mum and I went to the Leek and District Show as a part of Rudyard Sailability. This is a charity local to us that offers sailing for those who live with disability! I personally love this motto, as it shows that these people aren't just doing the bare minimum in life, they are truly are living it! I don't really see myself as disabled because, well, I am able to do things - in fact, I've been lucky enough to have lots of opportunities to do some really great things. Like I said earlier, if you put your mind to it, anything's possible. The term 'live with disability' is also great because it includes everyone that's involved in some way or another. Quite often, something can be centred solely around the person and their main carer, and then completely disregard anyone else. I first went out sailing when I was about 3 years old, and we've been a part of it ever since. My sister and I have both been put through the RYA course, and I first went out solo when I was 7! I sail with a fingertip control (a mini joystick just like the one on my chair), but I'm hoping to learn to use Sip and Puff (using your mouth to control the sails and steer). We were at the Leek Show, not only to raise funds, but to thank the public for their continued support throughout our 8 year battle to build a brand-new, fully accessible boat store - hopefully the end is now in sight! It's always a great event, but the beautiful weather really was the icing on the cake!
'I am sailing'(aged 7)!
Belgium 2014 at the Menin Gate, Ypres.
I think I'll leave it here for now, as I spent most of yesterday just watching a film and 'chillaxing' really. We have a busy week ahead of us with various appointments, and then some friends coming to visit, and so it will probably be next weekend before I can write again. If you do have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask, as I am more than willing to answer as best I can. If you'd like to, you can also follow me on Twitter: @TillyKG_xoxox
Write soon,
Tilly,xox
