For starters, there is more than 300 types of MS - so my strand is just one of many.
I think it should be explained what this illness means for me.
I have no choice but to walk in the road to get from A to B.
The Freedom pass I have does help but I admit I do miss driving about in a car – I do have one, that’s declared off the road.
I was hoping to drive it again but I now accept that’s not going to happen again anytime soon – the guy who sold it to me some years ago clearly made a tidy profit!
The reason I walk on the road is because the pavements are uneven and I’m sick and tired of falling down on them.
I assure you it hurts my body and the pavements are not always clean!
The pavements don’t absorb my falls, like it did for Keanu Reeves in The Matrix.
Last time I fell was approximately six months ago, which resulted in deep cuts to my palms, cuts and grazes to my left leg (upper and lower) and my glasses scratched in both lenses – I couldn’t wear them again until this month, since I couldn’t afford to have them proffesionally cleaned. I also had whiplash.
Thankfully a kind neighbour saw me on the floor, picked me up from the pavement, popped in one lense back in it’s left socket and drove me free of charge to the main road, which is, for me, is 30 minutes away from my parent’s home.
The reason I moved back to live with my parents is because wherever I live, modifications will have to be made for my needs and as I found out to my dismay, about four years ago, private landlords are not prepared to allow such modications to their property.
I’ve also found I’ve got no choice but to walk in my local park to get from A to B or again, walk in the road.
Local authorities are getting rid of park wardens but not all sections of the park are full of people.
Please I’m not moaning but just saying these are a few of the daily battles I’ve got to go through since having near MS.
I miss being able to drive and yes I do also miss being taxed for it as my previous life gave me the freedom to come and go as I pleased, which included running (I can’t do that anymore and do miss this sport – I ran for Cancer Research and Race For Life) but now I realise I’ve got a new set of challenges ahead of me and I’m not bitter about my condition anymore.
Considering I’m now going swimming, although I do still kick myself in the pool, due to my lack of co-ordination, I do like the freedom the water gives to me and my soul.
So lets get swimming everyone!
Light and Love
Andria
X
PS, don’t forget to visit my other site by clicking here.
Monday, 25 July 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
I still miss The News of the World newspaper.
It dealt with a wide range of subjects, including a book review that was very informative and influencial.
It introduced me to the pleasures of the Matt Rudd books about a guy called William Walker.
It’s like reading a male Bridget Jones.
Because I have demylenation disease, it takes me longer to read but the humour in them makes it worth it.
Check him out for yourself by clicking here.
That’s also one of the reasons why I feel libraries must be protected and I’m proud to be a supporter of them, which includes my local library Tokyngton.
Go libraries!
To see more of this worthwhile campaign, click here – although the campaign title doesn’t mention Tokyngton, they do cover it.
£££££££
So the Tevez move to Brazil’s Corinthians is off – or is it?
Either way, there’s no point in keeping on a player if they want to leave.
The asking price for this man maybe a factor – perhaps Manchester United were right in their refusal to pay the fee once demanded by Tevez’s reps two seasons ago as it’s clear Manchester City want a return on their investment on him.
I remember seeing Mr Tevez several months ago, training at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge with his personal trainer a good four hours before their match.
His energy and goal scoring make him a fantastic player – no wonder City won’t let him leave at any price – if the rumours are correct it seems that Corinthians are going to bid for Carlos again, with a new and improved bid.
I truly hope all goes well for him, wherever he plays.
£££££££
Also on this issue of wishing people well, Northampton, the runners up of the Heineken Cup, are going to need it when they face the Irish team Munster.
I admit I’m not much of a rugby fan but I’ve heard about this team – they are formidable.
Like the 1970’s female tennis player Billie Jean King, they take everything they see.
Don’t take my word for it, read their impressive track record for yourself by clicking here.
£££££££
Don’t forget to see my other site by clicking here.
Light and Peace
Andria
It introduced me to the pleasures of the Matt Rudd books about a guy called William Walker.
It’s like reading a male Bridget Jones.
Because I have demylenation disease, it takes me longer to read but the humour in them makes it worth it.
Check him out for yourself by clicking here.
That’s also one of the reasons why I feel libraries must be protected and I’m proud to be a supporter of them, which includes my local library Tokyngton.
Go libraries!
To see more of this worthwhile campaign, click here – although the campaign title doesn’t mention Tokyngton, they do cover it.
£££££££
So the Tevez move to Brazil’s Corinthians is off – or is it?
Either way, there’s no point in keeping on a player if they want to leave.
The asking price for this man maybe a factor – perhaps Manchester United were right in their refusal to pay the fee once demanded by Tevez’s reps two seasons ago as it’s clear Manchester City want a return on their investment on him.
I remember seeing Mr Tevez several months ago, training at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge with his personal trainer a good four hours before their match.
His energy and goal scoring make him a fantastic player – no wonder City won’t let him leave at any price – if the rumours are correct it seems that Corinthians are going to bid for Carlos again, with a new and improved bid.
I truly hope all goes well for him, wherever he plays.
£££££££
Also on this issue of wishing people well, Northampton, the runners up of the Heineken Cup, are going to need it when they face the Irish team Munster.
I admit I’m not much of a rugby fan but I’ve heard about this team – they are formidable.
Like the 1970’s female tennis player Billie Jean King, they take everything they see.
Don’t take my word for it, read their impressive track record for yourself by clicking here.
£££££££
Don’t forget to see my other site by clicking here.
Light and Peace
Andria
Thursday, 23 June 2011
The corruption in FIFA
Like many football fans, I was well aware of FIFA’s duplicity regarding internal couruption before the BBC Panorama programe was aired earlier this year, which didn’t help England’s chances of hosting the 2018 World Cup.
But I feel it didn’t damage them either.
It’s a real shame the full extent of FIFA’s role of indifference over Jack Warner and Mohamed Bin Hammam has been laid bare by a leaked report.
The ethics committee inquiry over the scandal, ordered by FIFA, has left no stone unturned and it’s just as well Warner has quit all his international posts.
Mr Warner will still get a pension from FIFA that’s believed to be almost £23,000.00 a year for life.
Many of us don't even get a yearly salary, much less a pension of that amount!
Warner may be old but the rest of us will have to hope our numbers in the Euro Lottery come up to live off money like that!
Right now, I’m thinking of the ABBA song, Money Money Money - probably the best way for the rest of us to be a millionare is to marry one!
*******
I also want to say congrats to the Northern Ireland pro Roy McIlroy for his win in the 111th US Open Championship.
The reaction of his home town supporters was enthusiastic.
To see another angle of the main man, click here.
*******
Meanwhile please check my other site by clicking here.
Ta!
Andria
But I feel it didn’t damage them either.
It’s a real shame the full extent of FIFA’s role of indifference over Jack Warner and Mohamed Bin Hammam has been laid bare by a leaked report.
The ethics committee inquiry over the scandal, ordered by FIFA, has left no stone unturned and it’s just as well Warner has quit all his international posts.
Mr Warner will still get a pension from FIFA that’s believed to be almost £23,000.00 a year for life.
Many of us don't even get a yearly salary, much less a pension of that amount!
Warner may be old but the rest of us will have to hope our numbers in the Euro Lottery come up to live off money like that!
Right now, I’m thinking of the ABBA song, Money Money Money - probably the best way for the rest of us to be a millionare is to marry one!
*******
I also want to say congrats to the Northern Ireland pro Roy McIlroy for his win in the 111th US Open Championship.
The reaction of his home town supporters was enthusiastic.
To see another angle of the main man, click here.
*******
Meanwhile please check my other site by clicking here.
Ta!
Andria
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Go team GB.
I would love seeing a football team GB for the Olympics!
Imagine it, getting the cream of the crop, i.e. the best football players in the UK, playing for one nation.
I can also see the wish of the Welsh and Scottish FA to keep their identities but team GB will include Gareth Bale, the current PFA Footballer of the Year.
He’s rated by many footballers as one of the world’s best players and this could be his only chance at a global tournament.
So don’t look at this as a sceptical chance to sell more tickets but as a chance to show what the UK can do.
*******
I can understand, if I didn’t love football, why many people still dislike Argentina’s Diego Maradonna.
On the 25th anniversary of his infamous Hand of God incident that knocked England out of the World Cup quarter finals, the retired striker Chris Waddle, now 50, said: “The goal should never of stood.”
I believe the reason why it did stand is because the linesman responsible for watcjing the ball simply missed the incident before that goal was struck.
That was inexcusable – particularly so close after The Falklands War. Unfortunately politics and sport were linked on that match.A
But as a football fan, well I can’t help thinking of the Hand of Hod incident in the late 1990s, committed by Ian Wright.
Let’s face it, we didn’t complain about that incident – especially since it did help to forward England in it’s campaign to play international football.
Maradonna, like Pele and Best, is one of the greatest footballers of all time – England were always the under dogs in that match.
Nonetheless the incident did hurt me and many people from England and Diego’s ‘goal’ was at a crucial moment when the match was still 0-0.
I do hope Maradonna would just admit what he said after the match was nonsense - he saw an opportunity and took it!
*******
I wish Chris Hughton all the best as the new manager of Birmingham City boss.
Relegated Brum will no doubt want Hughton to do for their club what he did at Newcastle and get them back into the Premiership league at the first attempt.
I don’t blame them as Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest have shown, once you get relegated it’s hard to get back in with the big boys.
Go Hughton!
*******
I will avoid talking about Villas-Boas and Chelsea – I mean it!
*******
What the story with the typical English weather?
At this rate, with all the rain pouring down, then stopping, then starting again, Wimbledon will be opening on a Sunday - once again!
I’m glad to see Serena Williams back after those terrible life-threatening blood clots, which took her out of tennis for a year.
It was touching seeing her break down after wining her first match this year at Wimbledon.
She wore a nice outfit too.
You go girl!
*******
Don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.
Light and Peace
Andria
Imagine it, getting the cream of the crop, i.e. the best football players in the UK, playing for one nation.
I can also see the wish of the Welsh and Scottish FA to keep their identities but team GB will include Gareth Bale, the current PFA Footballer of the Year.
He’s rated by many footballers as one of the world’s best players and this could be his only chance at a global tournament.
So don’t look at this as a sceptical chance to sell more tickets but as a chance to show what the UK can do.
*******
I can understand, if I didn’t love football, why many people still dislike Argentina’s Diego Maradonna.
On the 25th anniversary of his infamous Hand of God incident that knocked England out of the World Cup quarter finals, the retired striker Chris Waddle, now 50, said: “The goal should never of stood.”
I believe the reason why it did stand is because the linesman responsible for watcjing the ball simply missed the incident before that goal was struck.
That was inexcusable – particularly so close after The Falklands War. Unfortunately politics and sport were linked on that match.A
But as a football fan, well I can’t help thinking of the Hand of Hod incident in the late 1990s, committed by Ian Wright.
Let’s face it, we didn’t complain about that incident – especially since it did help to forward England in it’s campaign to play international football.
Maradonna, like Pele and Best, is one of the greatest footballers of all time – England were always the under dogs in that match.
Nonetheless the incident did hurt me and many people from England and Diego’s ‘goal’ was at a crucial moment when the match was still 0-0.
I do hope Maradonna would just admit what he said after the match was nonsense - he saw an opportunity and took it!
*******
I wish Chris Hughton all the best as the new manager of Birmingham City boss.
Relegated Brum will no doubt want Hughton to do for their club what he did at Newcastle and get them back into the Premiership league at the first attempt.
I don’t blame them as Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest have shown, once you get relegated it’s hard to get back in with the big boys.
Go Hughton!
*******
I will avoid talking about Villas-Boas and Chelsea – I mean it!
*******
What the story with the typical English weather?
At this rate, with all the rain pouring down, then stopping, then starting again, Wimbledon will be opening on a Sunday - once again!
I’m glad to see Serena Williams back after those terrible life-threatening blood clots, which took her out of tennis for a year.
It was touching seeing her break down after wining her first match this year at Wimbledon.
She wore a nice outfit too.
You go girl!
*******
Don’t hesitate to visit my other site by clicking here.
Light and Peace
Andria
Monday, 16 May 2011
It’s a city of two halves!
I’m glad my local team QPR are back in the Premiership but sad to see another London team, West Ham, leave.
It was so cruel the way West Ham got kicked out and in overtime too, losing their two goal lead in the dying seconds – ouch!
It’s all too easy to say they should of put out all the stops in January to get Martin O’Neil – let’s face it, he’s one of the most respected and astute managers in England.
I personally wouldn’t hesitate to give him the chance of being the manager of England after Capello - who I do respect.
He’s tough, astute but approachable and doesn’t suffer fools gladly – he reminds me of Tommy Docherty in the seventies – now that was a manager.
Then again O’Neil must of felt there were too few games in January to save this club – he’s got his reputation to think about!
But the owners and directors at West Ham must of decided to remove Mr A Grant at the end of the season when it would have been cheaper to drop him, due to their expensive purchase of a particular building that Tottenham Hotspur FC still want.
Now West Ham will have to start next season in the Championship, well there’s an irony.
It was two season’s ago they guaranteed the northern club Middlesbrough their place in the First Division.
But I was so glad to hear QPR won’t have any points removed over an earlier altercation.
The last time I had this sadness was when Millwall fell out of top league football just before the start of the Premiership league in 1991.
*******
Congratulations to Manchester United and Manchester City for wining the league and the FA Cup!
United deserves it’s 19th win and City deserves to have some silverware after all the money its owners have spent, so well done to both.
Don’t hesitate to visit my blog, by clicking here.
Speak to you soon.
Andria
It was so cruel the way West Ham got kicked out and in overtime too, losing their two goal lead in the dying seconds – ouch!
It’s all too easy to say they should of put out all the stops in January to get Martin O’Neil – let’s face it, he’s one of the most respected and astute managers in England.
I personally wouldn’t hesitate to give him the chance of being the manager of England after Capello - who I do respect.
He’s tough, astute but approachable and doesn’t suffer fools gladly – he reminds me of Tommy Docherty in the seventies – now that was a manager.
Then again O’Neil must of felt there were too few games in January to save this club – he’s got his reputation to think about!
But the owners and directors at West Ham must of decided to remove Mr A Grant at the end of the season when it would have been cheaper to drop him, due to their expensive purchase of a particular building that Tottenham Hotspur FC still want.
Now West Ham will have to start next season in the Championship, well there’s an irony.
It was two season’s ago they guaranteed the northern club Middlesbrough their place in the First Division.
But I was so glad to hear QPR won’t have any points removed over an earlier altercation.
The last time I had this sadness was when Millwall fell out of top league football just before the start of the Premiership league in 1991.
*******
Congratulations to Manchester United and Manchester City for wining the league and the FA Cup!
United deserves it’s 19th win and City deserves to have some silverware after all the money its owners have spent, so well done to both.
Don’t hesitate to visit my blog, by clicking here.
Speak to you soon.
Andria
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Full credit to Manchester United.
At first I thought Chelsea were going to win the league this year but looking at the success of the Manchester United team – I think it’s time for me and others to admit our mistakes.
I got it wrong and here’s wishing the best for Sir Alex Ferguson.
I believed he wouldn’t lift the cup this year as the current first team at Man U aren’t the best that he’s produced.
But they are just as determined as his previous teams.
I’ve noticed that Sir Alex always keeps four players at the back, come what may and this has proved crucial to his success.
The current level of achievement of Manchester United at both home and in Europe speaks for itself.
I remember watching the match a few months ago at West Ham – a team that now must accept life next season in the First Division.
As soon as he put on Berbatov, I knew Sir Alex meant business.
The match turned to their advantage there and then.
So all credit to Sir Alex as one can’t last as a manager in this industry for 20 years without doing something right!
*******
It’s a shame that as one London team goes down, another goes up.
But I’m so pleased to see Queens Park Rangers – better known simply as QPR – finally getting back in the Premier League next season.
It was a mistake selling Les Ferdinand to Newcastle all those years ago but I’m glad to see they’ve finally brought in top quality players.
It’s transformation speaks for itself – yeah!
I have to say that as QPR is very close to where I live but I have to admit, I'm pleased to say this remark too.
Go London!
Don't forget to view my other site by clicking here.
See ya.
Andria
X.
I got it wrong and here’s wishing the best for Sir Alex Ferguson.
I believed he wouldn’t lift the cup this year as the current first team at Man U aren’t the best that he’s produced.
But they are just as determined as his previous teams.
I’ve noticed that Sir Alex always keeps four players at the back, come what may and this has proved crucial to his success.
The current level of achievement of Manchester United at both home and in Europe speaks for itself.
I remember watching the match a few months ago at West Ham – a team that now must accept life next season in the First Division.
As soon as he put on Berbatov, I knew Sir Alex meant business.
The match turned to their advantage there and then.
So all credit to Sir Alex as one can’t last as a manager in this industry for 20 years without doing something right!
*******
It’s a shame that as one London team goes down, another goes up.
But I’m so pleased to see Queens Park Rangers – better known simply as QPR – finally getting back in the Premier League next season.
It was a mistake selling Les Ferdinand to Newcastle all those years ago but I’m glad to see they’ve finally brought in top quality players.
It’s transformation speaks for itself – yeah!
I have to say that as QPR is very close to where I live but I have to admit, I'm pleased to say this remark too.
Go London!
Don't forget to view my other site by clicking here.
See ya.
Andria
X.
Monday, 18 April 2011
Please be kind.
I have to say this.
On Friday 15th April this year, I was in Harlesden, North West London.
One black man, of Afo-Caribbean origin, in his mid-thirties approach me, concerned in seeing me with a walking stick.
He was kind and polite but because I’m so used to some black people treating me badly because of this, I just smiled at him and made my way to the other side of the street.
Afterwards, I felt bad about this, so I did cross over again to see if I can find him and appologise for my earlier behaviour.
This wasn’t to be but I did see a black woman of Arfo-Caribbean origin, in her mid twenties who did ask me about my condition.
I didn’t want to repeat the same error, so I told her about my condition, even explaining what demylenation disease is and said I need a walking stick for my lack of balance and co-ordination - I do fall over for no reason.
This woman then proceeded to say hurtful things about me – like many (but thankfully not all in our ethnic group) it was made clear that I must offended God and praying to him (or her) will give me salvation from my illness.
I did my usual routine of smiling then walking away.
Please, I don’t know why I have demylenation disease or why it’s happened to me but don’t insult me because of it.
I’m determined to do things with my life, not sit at home and wallow in self-pity but these negative remarks and judgements don’t help anyone.
It was once said to me by a man, at the Belfast Benefit office, when I did ask (loudly) over the phone at the Wembley Job Centre, "why me?" He replied: "you’ve just got to deal with the cards life has sent you."
I now accept he’s right, so please don’t blame me for this disease.
Things do happen for which we just don’t know the reason why (I don't know why I have this disease) and this condition has dramatically affected me.
Before I was a person who leapt out of bed – now I can’t do that but I’m learning to adjust and still enjoy life.
Today’s a great day, we’re living in a great country, so let us all enjoy it!
Andria
X
On Friday 15th April this year, I was in Harlesden, North West London.
One black man, of Afo-Caribbean origin, in his mid-thirties approach me, concerned in seeing me with a walking stick.
He was kind and polite but because I’m so used to some black people treating me badly because of this, I just smiled at him and made my way to the other side of the street.
Afterwards, I felt bad about this, so I did cross over again to see if I can find him and appologise for my earlier behaviour.
This wasn’t to be but I did see a black woman of Arfo-Caribbean origin, in her mid twenties who did ask me about my condition.
I didn’t want to repeat the same error, so I told her about my condition, even explaining what demylenation disease is and said I need a walking stick for my lack of balance and co-ordination - I do fall over for no reason.
This woman then proceeded to say hurtful things about me – like many (but thankfully not all in our ethnic group) it was made clear that I must offended God and praying to him (or her) will give me salvation from my illness.
I did my usual routine of smiling then walking away.
Please, I don’t know why I have demylenation disease or why it’s happened to me but don’t insult me because of it.
I’m determined to do things with my life, not sit at home and wallow in self-pity but these negative remarks and judgements don’t help anyone.
It was once said to me by a man, at the Belfast Benefit office, when I did ask (loudly) over the phone at the Wembley Job Centre, "why me?" He replied: "you’ve just got to deal with the cards life has sent you."
I now accept he’s right, so please don’t blame me for this disease.
Things do happen for which we just don’t know the reason why (I don't know why I have this disease) and this condition has dramatically affected me.
Before I was a person who leapt out of bed – now I can’t do that but I’m learning to adjust and still enjoy life.
Today’s a great day, we’re living in a great country, so let us all enjoy it!
Andria
X
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