Over the Moon at Under the Arches

I went to Birmingham early this morning to help out at Under the Arches, a launch event organised by some friends who’ve started an organisation called Access Events. They’re going to host creative events for people with and without disabilities.

Under the Arches was their first one-day festival.…

Global Warning

“Don’t hit your head on the world.”

That’s exactly what I did when I head butted Leftwing Idiot’s toy globe.

Dancing, Bedlam and Acronyms

This morning I went for an assessment to see if HRT (Habit Reversal Therapy) could help me manage some of my more damaging tics, like thumping my chest and hitting my head. I’ve had to fight to get the assessment and it’s taken fifteen months, but it all seems worthwhile now because it felt so positive.…

Kindness in the Cab

When I got in a cab to come home this evening, the driver was startled at the noise I was making and looked quite scared. I explained about Tourettes and a little later he said, “I don’t care if you’re offended, but I’ve got to say I’ve never met anyone like you before.”…

Fucking Sleep

I’ve been sleeping badly for the last few days, waking up lots of times during the night. This might explain why I fell asleep this evening watching TV with Leftwing Idiot. When I woke up he said, ‘It’s really funny when you’re asleep because you still tic, but more gently than when you’re awake’.…

Gifted Gloves

When I arrived at work this morning there was a massive package waiting for me. I wasn’t expecting anything so I unwrapped it excitedly. Inside were two pairs of fantastic boxing mitts and with them, a card that explained it all.…

Boom, bang, bye-bye

This weekend was the Thames Festival. It ended this evening with the night time carnival along the river – one of my favourite events. It’s a lovely way to say goodbye to the summer. The costumes and floats are brilliantly creative and covered with lights.…

Super Suit

I’ve been wearing my superhero suit out and about all day. I’m used to people staring at me and laughing, so I wasn’t that fazed by the idea of travelling around London in my outfit. Interestingly, most people were more friendly and willing to talk to me than they are when I’m disguised in normal clothes.…

Bus Encounters

I’ve been zipping about on buses all over the place today. On one a passenger in front of me gestured in my direction, and said, “I can’t believe they let people like them on the bus.” The man she was speaking to nodded in agreement.…

Assessed for Freedom

This morning I had an assessment with an occupational therapist. This is part of an application I’ve made for a Freedom Pass. Having one would mean I could travel free on the Underground, buses, or trains and get on and off whenever I need to, without having to pay multiple times.…