Well, the good news is Christmas is safe for another day.
The bad news is Super Crippled Girl will not needed be to ensure the safety of Christmas. And she's been told she won't be needed tomorrow.
So I guess I don't get to run around in a cape and tights tomorrow after all.
I'll gladly give the saving of Christmas a miss. But as for the tights and cape bit? I was looking forward to that ;-)
[I was supposed to be helping run some CAB outreach stuff tomorrow which is called "Save Xmas" when I told a friend she said it made her think of me in a cape and tights. The idea of the outreach stuff had been freaking me out a little but the cape and tights idea did make me laugh loads - how fun would that have been?!]
Showing posts with label C-A-B. Show all posts
Showing posts with label C-A-B. Show all posts
Thursday, 27 March 2008
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Sick and Tired
I'm sick.
Sick of being lied to.
Sick of people promising me things and not following through.
Sick of being kept hanging on.
Sick of having to justify myself to others.
Sick of people talking about me in front of me but ignoring me.
Sick of people interfering in my business.
Sick of being ignored.
Sick of being used.
Sick of people making decisions for me.
Sick and Tired of always being Sick and Tired of all these things and so many more
Sick of being lied to.
Sick of people promising me things and not following through.
Sick of being kept hanging on.
Sick of having to justify myself to others.
Sick of people talking about me in front of me but ignoring me.
Sick of people interfering in my business.
Sick of being ignored.
Sick of being used.
Sick of people making decisions for me.
Sick and Tired of always being Sick and Tired of all these things and so many more
***
Yesterday in the bureau one of my colleagues commented that I looked bored. I told him I wasn't bored, I was fed up. He asked what the difference was and I went "you can get pills for one but not for the other." He replied that he liked my sense of humour. And it was a joke... but it also wasn't.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Deja vu
I do voluntary work a few times a week. And twice a year we get together socially.
We do this thing when we go out to eat where every seat apart from mine has a number and after each course everyone gets up and moves on so many places. It's always arranged so I stay put so I joke about how it makes me the Queen of the evening and how everything revolves around ME! So you talk to loads of different people and you talk about loads of different things. It's really fun. You learn things about people you never knew and you get to talk to people you rarely see - those who volunteer on different days to you for example. It's a practice I would recommend for any big group meal or some such.
Last year we went to for an Italian and I was sat there eating pizza and talking to one of my colleagues about Ashley X and the issues surrounding her and all the controversy. It was January and it was a hot topic at that time. And she hadn't heard of her.
Fast forward one year and we went out to eat again last night. We went to a different Italian Restaurant in a different town to the last one (which I think I preferred but which has now shut). I ate a lasagna which could really have done with some more pizazz.
Again in a general current events type conversation I talked with a couple of colleagues about disability rights. Specifically, about Katie Thorpe. And again, just like the majority of people I mentioned her/The article in the Guardian to over the last few days, they'd not heard of her. Talk about deja vu!
Shane Graham
Brent Martin
Ashley X
Charlotte Wyatt
Terri Schiavo
Katie Thorpe
Different from me and yet the same, they are "my people" who have suffered and in some cases continue to do so from a system that doesn't care or which cares but not enough. Who have their rights abused and their lives considered worthless because they share (or shared) the same tag I do - Disabled.
They matter to me.
I hope that this time next year when our post Christmas "Christmas meal" comes around there won't be another name on that list and that I won't spend my time socialising, chatting in general and educating my colleagues about another name on that list.
Enough is Enough.
We do this thing when we go out to eat where every seat apart from mine has a number and after each course everyone gets up and moves on so many places. It's always arranged so I stay put so I joke about how it makes me the Queen of the evening and how everything revolves around ME! So you talk to loads of different people and you talk about loads of different things. It's really fun. You learn things about people you never knew and you get to talk to people you rarely see - those who volunteer on different days to you for example. It's a practice I would recommend for any big group meal or some such.
Last year we went to for an Italian and I was sat there eating pizza and talking to one of my colleagues about Ashley X and the issues surrounding her and all the controversy. It was January and it was a hot topic at that time. And she hadn't heard of her.
Fast forward one year and we went out to eat again last night. We went to a different Italian Restaurant in a different town to the last one (which I think I preferred but which has now shut). I ate a lasagna which could really have done with some more pizazz.
Again in a general current events type conversation I talked with a couple of colleagues about disability rights. Specifically, about Katie Thorpe. And again, just like the majority of people I mentioned her/The article in the Guardian to over the last few days, they'd not heard of her. Talk about deja vu!
Shane Graham
Brent Martin
Ashley X
Charlotte Wyatt
Terri Schiavo
Katie Thorpe
Different from me and yet the same, they are "my people" who have suffered and in some cases continue to do so from a system that doesn't care or which cares but not enough. Who have their rights abused and their lives considered worthless because they share (or shared) the same tag I do - Disabled.
They matter to me.
I hope that this time next year when our post Christmas "Christmas meal" comes around there won't be another name on that list and that I won't spend my time socialising, chatting in general and educating my colleagues about another name on that list.
Enough is Enough.
Friday, 23 November 2007
Things That Crack Me Up
10,000 word long spam comments left on my blog (yes, I cut and pasted it into open office and checked the word count, shoot me).
The fact that when helping with the health and safety audit at work we came to the question on potential tripping hazards Judith turned to me and went "we'll give that question to She Who Likes To Fall."
When the guy from the journey care booking line went "so that's a booking for you and your electric wheelchair to travel to Oxford..." as though my powerchair was another person.
The fact that when helping with the health and safety audit at work we came to the question on potential tripping hazards Judith turned to me and went "we'll give that question to She Who Likes To Fall."
When the guy from the journey care booking line went "so that's a booking for you and your electric wheelchair to travel to Oxford..." as though my powerchair was another person.
Wednesday, 31 October 2007
Cryptic Entry
It's been, what, maybe, three months? since my counselling ended. And once in a while I get to missing it. And also once in another while I spot a way in which I benefited from it and managed to make positive changes to my life.
Today is both of those "once in a whiles" all at once.
I can't talk about specifics because, as you'll know if you read regularly, I signed a confidentiality agreement at CAB. Well possibly I could as this doesn't actually relate to a client but I am also trying not to rant or moan or generally write about people who may read this. Or to inadvertantly identify other people. It's actually not that easy to do but I'm giving it a shot. I think it's important and maybe part of my growth as a blogger. Although, it does sort of make me wish this was anonymous.
Anyways, I digress, once again.
Actually, I can't explain this very well.
Lets just say that something really innoculous happened and really was just someone trying to be helpful but going about it completely the wrong way (and which potentially could have caused a huge problem had the circumstances been different). And I just ended up feeling belittled and like the fact that I had the authority/experience and was supposed to be in charge was ignored/undermined.
But then I was able to think that when I had been the one in the opposite position I'd found it hard to not do those things and that a lot of the issue was my perspective. I didn't get angry, I didn't get upset. I did get frustrated but I made sure my client didn't see it, maybe the other person did but I don't think so.
What I did do was let it go and then later when I had five minutes with my supervisor and their supervisor I checked what the procedure is supposed to be and said to them that I knew it is hard to do and it was a case of simply forgetting but it had happened. We all agreed that there are ways and means of handling things and that this needs to be reiterated to the newer staff.
I was pretty proud of myself.
Even more so when my supervisor deliberately said something to me she knew I'd not like to wind me up. And I just went "yeah OK then thats fine." Then she told me she'd been joking and complimented me on the way I just took it.
So yeah it was a bit of a reminder of the progress I made (which I don't often see for myself) and it's something that if I were to go back to my counsellor I would discuss with her.
But you know what, I don't need to right now.
Today is both of those "once in a whiles" all at once.
I can't talk about specifics because, as you'll know if you read regularly, I signed a confidentiality agreement at CAB. Well possibly I could as this doesn't actually relate to a client but I am also trying not to rant or moan or generally write about people who may read this. Or to inadvertantly identify other people. It's actually not that easy to do but I'm giving it a shot. I think it's important and maybe part of my growth as a blogger. Although, it does sort of make me wish this was anonymous.
Anyways, I digress, once again.
Actually, I can't explain this very well.
Lets just say that something really innoculous happened and really was just someone trying to be helpful but going about it completely the wrong way (and which potentially could have caused a huge problem had the circumstances been different). And I just ended up feeling belittled and like the fact that I had the authority/experience and was supposed to be in charge was ignored/undermined.
But then I was able to think that when I had been the one in the opposite position I'd found it hard to not do those things and that a lot of the issue was my perspective. I didn't get angry, I didn't get upset. I did get frustrated but I made sure my client didn't see it, maybe the other person did but I don't think so.
What I did do was let it go and then later when I had five minutes with my supervisor and their supervisor I checked what the procedure is supposed to be and said to them that I knew it is hard to do and it was a case of simply forgetting but it had happened. We all agreed that there are ways and means of handling things and that this needs to be reiterated to the newer staff.
I was pretty proud of myself.
Even more so when my supervisor deliberately said something to me she knew I'd not like to wind me up. And I just went "yeah OK then thats fine." Then she told me she'd been joking and complimented me on the way I just took it.
So yeah it was a bit of a reminder of the progress I made (which I don't often see for myself) and it's something that if I were to go back to my counsellor I would discuss with her.
But you know what, I don't need to right now.
Tuesday, 5 June 2007
Patience
I love my job, I really do. I would, obviously, love it more if it were paid but never mind. Situations being what they are it's better for me that it is not. But some days I am sat there with my clients wondering quite why I am spending my time volunteering for CAB.
And lately I've definitely been finding the patience and compassion that is sometimes needed to be in short supply. Which occasionally is fine but usually is not. I am tired, and I'm stressed and more than ready for my upcoming break. But I do need to find my "that was really annoying but this is my job and it's ok" happy face again.
There's this ongoing client I've known for pretty much all the time I've been there (getting on for three years). I was told (by the client) it was a five minute job and was still with him two hours later. Which is fine. Anyway I was joking with him a bit and my patience was rapidly going - doing the same thing multiple times in an hour for the same person does that to a girl. Also I had taken my cardi off and he was questioning me about my tattoo for ages. So I eventually managed to redirect him to the subject at hand. He turned round to me and said "oh you are stroppy today Emma."
I laughed and said "Thank You." He smiled and admitted he knew I'd been joking.
And then there are the times when you know you did the best you could for your client and they mouth off and say if they have any problems they are going to come back and blame you. Or you arrange something for them which is the best deal they could possibly hope for in their situation, spend ages doing it only to have them shout at you that you're wrong and they aren't doing it.
I've had some great times there and have achieved some amazing things both personally and for my clients. I've managed to do things I never thought possible and I know I've made a difference.
But I seriously need to find some patience because just lately I've been left wanting to scream at least once a day.
It's interesting how it goes like that at times and at other times it's all lovely and people can't thank me enough.
I'm sure it's time another client brought me some chocolates or similar.
And lately I've definitely been finding the patience and compassion that is sometimes needed to be in short supply. Which occasionally is fine but usually is not. I am tired, and I'm stressed and more than ready for my upcoming break. But I do need to find my "that was really annoying but this is my job and it's ok" happy face again.
There's this ongoing client I've known for pretty much all the time I've been there (getting on for three years). I was told (by the client) it was a five minute job and was still with him two hours later. Which is fine. Anyway I was joking with him a bit and my patience was rapidly going - doing the same thing multiple times in an hour for the same person does that to a girl. Also I had taken my cardi off and he was questioning me about my tattoo for ages. So I eventually managed to redirect him to the subject at hand. He turned round to me and said "oh you are stroppy today Emma."
I laughed and said "Thank You." He smiled and admitted he knew I'd been joking.
And then there are the times when you know you did the best you could for your client and they mouth off and say if they have any problems they are going to come back and blame you. Or you arrange something for them which is the best deal they could possibly hope for in their situation, spend ages doing it only to have them shout at you that you're wrong and they aren't doing it.
I've had some great times there and have achieved some amazing things both personally and for my clients. I've managed to do things I never thought possible and I know I've made a difference.
But I seriously need to find some patience because just lately I've been left wanting to scream at least once a day.
It's interesting how it goes like that at times and at other times it's all lovely and people can't thank me enough.
I'm sure it's time another client brought me some chocolates or similar.
Wednesday, 9 May 2007
Older is better - or a lesson learnt
I had a trainee with me today at work. When that happens the client is asked if they mind being observed but not told who is the trainee etc. I just do my thing like normal and the trainee basically has to be seen and not heard as they say. I was sat sideways on at the computer in the room and he was sat facing me. Carole was sat on the same side of the room as him but facing away from me. (it's a tiny room and basically each of us was sat in three of the four corners)
So we went into the room and personally I like to start by introducing myself if we've not met before. I do that and introduced Carole too, he tells me his name and I ask how I can help. He persistently looked and Carole and talked to her and I just had to sit there and work quite hard to get his attention on me. Carole bless her remembered her ground rules and did a great job of pretending not to be there - didn't say a word and refused to make eye contact with him so he did eventually divert his attention back and respond to me.
I really had the feeling not that he didn't want to be dealing with me but that dealing with me not Carole took him outside of his comfort zone. Not from anything he said or did but just a feeling. Possibly that just came from my reflecting back my own feelings - when you ask someone a question and they turn the back of their head to you and answer to your companion it's not particularly pleasant
We sorted his issue out and off he went. Then came the best bit of having a trainee whose reached the stage Carole's had - she wrote the case notes for me. Which really excited her because it made her feel like a "real adviser" and pleased me because all I had to do was sit there and tell her which bits she had to fill out for that and then check what she wrote to be sure I agreed with it.
And as she wrote we chatted a bit. I was still a little peeved with the client for not seeming to want to deal with me (although I'd not let him see that). Eventually I just asked her if she'd noticed that he hadn't wanted to deal with me and said that I attributed that to the fact that I am disabled.
She told me she had noticed it but said that she had assumed it was an age thing (because she is old enough to be my mother without wanting to be rude about her) and said that in her previous job she had often found that people approached her more often as the older staff member (she ran a gym with mostly younger staff members). Because the common perception is that older is wiser.
And when she talked to the supervisor about the interview she said that and the supervisor agreed that she too would tend to go to the older because you just assume that the older person is the wiser one. And also as they pointed out, more often than not the younger one would be the student and the older the tutor.
So as much I was all "rah that was disablism the way he ignored me." it wasn't. It could be argued that it was ageism but somehow that doesn't bother me now.
And so I once again learnt the lesson that I need to stop assuming that everything happens because of my disability - because it doesn't.
So we went into the room and personally I like to start by introducing myself if we've not met before. I do that and introduced Carole too, he tells me his name and I ask how I can help. He persistently looked and Carole and talked to her and I just had to sit there and work quite hard to get his attention on me. Carole bless her remembered her ground rules and did a great job of pretending not to be there - didn't say a word and refused to make eye contact with him so he did eventually divert his attention back and respond to me.
I really had the feeling not that he didn't want to be dealing with me but that dealing with me not Carole took him outside of his comfort zone. Not from anything he said or did but just a feeling. Possibly that just came from my reflecting back my own feelings - when you ask someone a question and they turn the back of their head to you and answer to your companion it's not particularly pleasant
We sorted his issue out and off he went. Then came the best bit of having a trainee whose reached the stage Carole's had - she wrote the case notes for me. Which really excited her because it made her feel like a "real adviser" and pleased me because all I had to do was sit there and tell her which bits she had to fill out for that and then check what she wrote to be sure I agreed with it.
And as she wrote we chatted a bit. I was still a little peeved with the client for not seeming to want to deal with me (although I'd not let him see that). Eventually I just asked her if she'd noticed that he hadn't wanted to deal with me and said that I attributed that to the fact that I am disabled.
She told me she had noticed it but said that she had assumed it was an age thing (because she is old enough to be my mother without wanting to be rude about her) and said that in her previous job she had often found that people approached her more often as the older staff member (she ran a gym with mostly younger staff members). Because the common perception is that older is wiser.
And when she talked to the supervisor about the interview she said that and the supervisor agreed that she too would tend to go to the older because you just assume that the older person is the wiser one. And also as they pointed out, more often than not the younger one would be the student and the older the tutor.
So as much I was all "rah that was disablism the way he ignored me." it wasn't. It could be argued that it was ageism but somehow that doesn't bother me now.
And so I once again learnt the lesson that I need to stop assuming that everything happens because of my disability - because it doesn't.
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
Bureau Bookcase Bashing
Well, I would like to say that I love the Jazzy and I'm getting on great with it.
.
..
...
I would.
.
..
...
I really would.
.
..
...
Unfortunately, I can't.
I do mostly love the Jazzy. But I did have a moment of "argh give me my old chair back" earlier. And I am getting the hang of steering it with the midwheel drive.
However we then come to the fact that I used it to get to the bureau on Monday and that was difficult but actually not as bad as I anticipated. I used it to get there again today.
And then we must face the sad fact that I managed to crash my chair into a bookcase there today and break said bookcase, almost set off a fire extinguisher and bash up my supervisors hand.
The bureau is dead small and pretty crowded and the turns are doable but pretty damn tight. It is wheelchair friendly but could be a damn sight more wheelchair friendly just by losing a load of the crap in there. But I was still absolutely mortified to go breaking a bookcase.
But I don't think I can say I love the Jazzy and I'm getting on well with it. Much as I would love too.
Still, I managed to keep from screaming at one of the other workers when they started telling me my spatial awareness issues aren't CP but because I'm a woman and also if I could be positioned in my chair so I could see the wheels I wouldn't have any problem! I get some bonus good wheelchair using points for that, right?
.
..
...
I would.
.
..
...
I really would.
.
..
...
Unfortunately, I can't.
I do mostly love the Jazzy. But I did have a moment of "argh give me my old chair back" earlier. And I am getting the hang of steering it with the midwheel drive.
However we then come to the fact that I used it to get to the bureau on Monday and that was difficult but actually not as bad as I anticipated. I used it to get there again today.
And then we must face the sad fact that I managed to crash my chair into a bookcase there today and break said bookcase, almost set off a fire extinguisher and bash up my supervisors hand.
The bureau is dead small and pretty crowded and the turns are doable but pretty damn tight. It is wheelchair friendly but could be a damn sight more wheelchair friendly just by losing a load of the crap in there. But I was still absolutely mortified to go breaking a bookcase.
But I don't think I can say I love the Jazzy and I'm getting on well with it. Much as I would love too.
Still, I managed to keep from screaming at one of the other workers when they started telling me my spatial awareness issues aren't CP but because I'm a woman and also if I could be positioned in my chair so I could see the wheels I wouldn't have any problem! I get some bonus good wheelchair using points for that, right?
Thursday, 22 March 2007
My wheelchair is...
When I e-mailed the manager of CAB about yesterday's event (she was off sick, bet she loved coming back to that e-mail) I used the analogy that my wheelchair, and to a lesser extent my walker*, is my legs and told her that a huge part of my freaked outness was because if it had of been broken by that bloody brat of a child I literally would not have been able to get home.
I wasn't sure she would understand that but she said she did. And she said she's sorry it happened and she'll get back to me about the question I raised about insurance.
Anyway I thought it might be interesting to share some thoughts about what my wheelchair is. If you have any similar feelings etc on assistive technology or other things that you or someone you know use, please share them. I would really like to know how common my feelings are.
*the reason why I say my walker is to a lesser extent and don't use it in the above list as because I am not very confident with it and can do a lot more with my chair. My chair is what I would chose if it were a one or the other situation and is truly the one piece of adaptive/assistive technology that has made the biggest diffference in my life. I've chosen to use my manual chair in this list as it is the chair I use most and I have a bit of a love hate relationship with my current powerchair.
I wasn't sure she would understand that but she said she did. And she said she's sorry it happened and she'll get back to me about the question I raised about insurance.
Anyway I thought it might be interesting to share some thoughts about what my wheelchair is. If you have any similar feelings etc on assistive technology or other things that you or someone you know use, please share them. I would really like to know how common my feelings are.
- My wheelchair is all pretty and purple
- My wheelchair is in need of a good clean!
- My wheelchair is a little bit broken because I've loved it so much
- My wheelchair is a Kuschall Champion
- My wheelchair's name is Kass
- My wheelchair is my legs
- My wheelchair is a part of my body
- My wheelchair is part of my personal space
- My wheelchair is something I am proud of
- My wheelchair is something I would not be without
- My wheelchair is where I am happiest
- My wheelchair is something I am scared to be apart from
- My wheelchair is not who I am but is an important part of it.
- My wheelchair is my wings
- My wheelchair sets me free
*the reason why I say my walker is to a lesser extent and don't use it in the above list as because I am not very confident with it and can do a lot more with my chair. My chair is what I would chose if it were a one or the other situation and is truly the one piece of adaptive/assistive technology that has made the biggest diffference in my life. I've chosen to use my manual chair in this list as it is the chair I use most and I have a bit of a love hate relationship with my current powerchair.
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
What is, and is not, a toy
Dear you,
It appears that the following wasn't 100% clear to some people so let me reiterate it:
When we tell people who are waiting to be seen that we have a few toys for their kids to play with, we mean the ones in the toybox. We do not now, nor have we ever, meant the computers, panic alarms, mousemats, the advisers bodies and clothes, the doors, the donations boxes or MY ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR.
I know I'm not using my chair in the bureau and it's just behind the reception desk but that still doesn't mean that it's a toy. Also given the fact that your child is about two I hope you realise that my powerchair weighs about eleven stone (154lb) and that if they manage to turn it on they are going to do some serious (if not fatal) damage to themselves.
And also I think this wasn't made clear: you are responsible for your kids and you have to watch them. Watching them pull at my top and my boobs and giving them evils when i pull their hands off of me, seeing them break one of the donation boxes and tell them they are very naughty but letting them keep going is totally not what we meant by being responsible and watching them.
As for letting them look at my electric wheelchair while you read some leaflets, that's just about ok because kids get curious. Letting her get so curious that she messed with my footplates and armrests and PULLED THE JOYSTICK OFF. Well that's even worse. My equipment is my legs and had it been actually broken I would have been stranded at work unable to move.
Just be very very grateful that I didn't realise your brat had actually done more than look at the chair before you left the bureau. Because you do not want to see me as angry as i was at that point in time. And also be even more grateful that I don't have my new chair yet. Because that would have made me even more angry.
It appears that the following wasn't 100% clear to some people so let me reiterate it:
When we tell people who are waiting to be seen that we have a few toys for their kids to play with, we mean the ones in the toybox. We do not now, nor have we ever, meant the computers, panic alarms, mousemats, the advisers bodies and clothes, the doors, the donations boxes or MY ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR.
I know I'm not using my chair in the bureau and it's just behind the reception desk but that still doesn't mean that it's a toy. Also given the fact that your child is about two I hope you realise that my powerchair weighs about eleven stone (154lb) and that if they manage to turn it on they are going to do some serious (if not fatal) damage to themselves.
And also I think this wasn't made clear: you are responsible for your kids and you have to watch them. Watching them pull at my top and my boobs and giving them evils when i pull their hands off of me, seeing them break one of the donation boxes and tell them they are very naughty but letting them keep going is totally not what we meant by being responsible and watching them.
As for letting them look at my electric wheelchair while you read some leaflets, that's just about ok because kids get curious. Letting her get so curious that she messed with my footplates and armrests and PULLED THE JOYSTICK OFF. Well that's even worse. My equipment is my legs and had it been actually broken I would have been stranded at work unable to move.
Just be very very grateful that I didn't realise your brat had actually done more than look at the chair before you left the bureau. Because you do not want to see me as angry as i was at that point in time. And also be even more grateful that I don't have my new chair yet. Because that would have made me even more angry.
Let us hope we never meet again,
Emma
Thursday, 18 January 2007
Wednesday, 6 December 2006
Hmm. Well, yeah. Ok Then... Moving Swiftly On
So I was on phones again today at work. And I was chattering away to this man about a variety of different things - he had a question about one area but my supervisor had asked me to call him back and talk to him about some other related in a way stuff. So I did.
We were talking and it ended up being a bit more of a chat (on his part and listening on mine) - I think he enjoyed the opportunity to talk to someone as by the sounds of things he is alone at home all day.
Emma: "And do you live alone?"
Client: "No I live with my wife and son."
Emma "OK so such and such wouldn't apply then"
Client: "So, um, anyway. Are you married?"
Emma: [thinking to myself: oh god, another one] "No I'm not."
Client: "coz you see, I'm wanting rid of my son. Are you interested? He's 45, six foot tall... not great looking but not bad."
Emma: "No I'm not married but I'm also not looking."
Client: "Sure? That's a shame. Could do with getting rid of him."
Emma: "Well ok then... moving swiftly on..."
Sometimes I really, really wonder about my clients!
We were talking and it ended up being a bit more of a chat (on his part and listening on mine) - I think he enjoyed the opportunity to talk to someone as by the sounds of things he is alone at home all day.
Emma: "And do you live alone?"
Client: "No I live with my wife and son."
Emma "OK so such and such wouldn't apply then"
Client: "So, um, anyway. Are you married?"
Emma: [thinking to myself: oh god, another one] "No I'm not."
Client: "coz you see, I'm wanting rid of my son. Are you interested? He's 45, six foot tall... not great looking but not bad."
Emma: "No I'm not married but I'm also not looking."
Client: "Sure? That's a shame. Could do with getting rid of him."
Emma: "Well ok then... moving swiftly on..."
Sometimes I really, really wonder about my clients!
Tuesday, 14 November 2006
Well Done You
When I was about twelve I worked with an OT (occupational therapist) through my school. Actually I've worked with OT's both in and out of school throughout my whole life, but this specific one I'm thinking of was through school and I was 12 ish. She also worked with two other friend of mine of the same age who also have CP.
And all three of us hated her. Her initials were SAD and as soon as we figured that out we never referred to her amongst ourselves by her name or as our OT but as that sad woman. Whenever we would be doing something for/with her and we completed a task or part of a task she would go "Well, well done you." in the most simpering, irritating, patronising voice. Every. Single. Time.
[Being that my best friend now works as an OT I should probably clarify here that my problems with OT's relate to that specific one in particular and occasionally to the system/regulations they are forced to work under, not the profession.]
Everyone at school who had anything to do with her knew she did that and that we hated it (apart from her, one assumes) - I remember when she left, it was to have a baby and several people commented that they hoped right after it was born one of the midwives would say "well, well done you" and then she would see how blasted annoying it was.
Ever since then I have hated anyone saying "Well, Well done you" or even simply "well done, you" to me. Hated it. With. A. Vengence. Today someone said "well done, you" to me several times.
As you might remember back at the beginning of October there was some concern over my work at CAB and a chance that I wouldn't be able to be declared competent and receive my certificate as a generalist adviser. And that if that happened I would have to stop seeing clients. I only vaguely mentioned it.
Anyway, the plan was that today I would do an observed interview where I saw a client and my guidance tutor sat in with me. That was planned so that she could tell me what I could do to improve my performance based on the concerns they had and what she saw as she observed me.
So in we went with this client and her baby who she had with her. It was kinda cosy in their with all of us and my walker and the lady's pram so for once I chucked my walker out of the room (being that I had my own personal runner for the morning who I knew would only leave the room if I did). She had a debt problem and we spent somewhere between an hour and a half and two hours with her. Well, by we I meant I did the work and my tutor sat and watched me do it.
Part way through we came out of the room so that I could check something with the supervisor who also doubles as our resident debt specialist. And I was met with the news from my tutor that it was all fine from the point of view of my work and this was no longer a supervised interview.
It was my assessed interview.
As in, the last, final, ever part of my training process.
So we went back in and I finished off and then I got feedback from my tutor. As part of which she asked me how I thought it had gone. I told her that I hate being asked that ;). Then she said that it had gone well, i'd made the client feel welcome and comfortable, cracked a few jokes to break the ice (not deliberate just how i am I guess). I made one teeny tiny not even particularly a big deal mistake but that was it. She said she had no problems declaring me competent but that I need to remember to check my advice with the supervisor and get support/help where necessary. She did recognise however that sometimes that's a bit of a pain in the bum for me because of walking around etc.
So then I asked her "so does that mean I'm getting my certificate?"
Her reply?
"Well, not right now. I do have to send away for it you know, but yes, you are getting it."
Then throughout the rest of the morning she commented "well done you" a few times.
And strangely enough for the first time in about twelve years that phrase didn't bother me because I was too happy :D
We have to meet the week after next to finish off the paperwork because this wasn't planned to be the finishing point for me but... I'm a fully qualified generalist adviser!
And all three of us hated her. Her initials were SAD and as soon as we figured that out we never referred to her amongst ourselves by her name or as our OT but as that sad woman. Whenever we would be doing something for/with her and we completed a task or part of a task she would go "Well, well done you." in the most simpering, irritating, patronising voice. Every. Single. Time.
[Being that my best friend now works as an OT I should probably clarify here that my problems with OT's relate to that specific one in particular and occasionally to the system/regulations they are forced to work under, not the profession.]
Everyone at school who had anything to do with her knew she did that and that we hated it (apart from her, one assumes) - I remember when she left, it was to have a baby and several people commented that they hoped right after it was born one of the midwives would say "well, well done you" and then she would see how blasted annoying it was.
Ever since then I have hated anyone saying "Well, Well done you" or even simply "well done, you" to me. Hated it. With. A. Vengence. Today someone said "well done, you" to me several times.
As you might remember back at the beginning of October there was some concern over my work at CAB and a chance that I wouldn't be able to be declared competent and receive my certificate as a generalist adviser. And that if that happened I would have to stop seeing clients. I only vaguely mentioned it.
Anyway, the plan was that today I would do an observed interview where I saw a client and my guidance tutor sat in with me. That was planned so that she could tell me what I could do to improve my performance based on the concerns they had and what she saw as she observed me.
So in we went with this client and her baby who she had with her. It was kinda cosy in their with all of us and my walker and the lady's pram so for once I chucked my walker out of the room (being that I had my own personal runner for the morning who I knew would only leave the room if I did). She had a debt problem and we spent somewhere between an hour and a half and two hours with her. Well, by we I meant I did the work and my tutor sat and watched me do it.
Part way through we came out of the room so that I could check something with the supervisor who also doubles as our resident debt specialist. And I was met with the news from my tutor that it was all fine from the point of view of my work and this was no longer a supervised interview.
It was my assessed interview.
As in, the last, final, ever part of my training process.
So we went back in and I finished off and then I got feedback from my tutor. As part of which she asked me how I thought it had gone. I told her that I hate being asked that ;). Then she said that it had gone well, i'd made the client feel welcome and comfortable, cracked a few jokes to break the ice (not deliberate just how i am I guess). I made one teeny tiny not even particularly a big deal mistake but that was it. She said she had no problems declaring me competent but that I need to remember to check my advice with the supervisor and get support/help where necessary. She did recognise however that sometimes that's a bit of a pain in the bum for me because of walking around etc.
So then I asked her "so does that mean I'm getting my certificate?"
Her reply?
"Well, not right now. I do have to send away for it you know, but yes, you are getting it."
Then throughout the rest of the morning she commented "well done you" a few times.
And strangely enough for the first time in about twelve years that phrase didn't bother me because I was too happy :D
We have to meet the week after next to finish off the paperwork because this wasn't planned to be the finishing point for me but... I'm a fully qualified generalist adviser!
Woooooooooooo Hoooooooooooo!!!
Tuesday, 3 October 2006
Conversation
Did you ever have a conversation that was so, so hard to have?
One you weren't expecting, that blindsided you and hurt and made you cry, so, so hard. And feel like once you started you were never gonna stop. One that you couldn't believe what you were being told but then despite the fact that hearing it really hurt it made sense. Were glad they told you even though it hurt because now you can do soemthing about it and were clueless no more. And you stopped crying only to start again a few minutes later and then again after that. You had someone sat with you telling you it was ok to cry, to stop apologising for crying, holding your hands and offering tissues and glasses of water. Then somehow through the tears or despite them you found the strength to explain that you hadn't been expecting this and that it was hard for you to talk about. Then even though you really, really, really did not want to know you asked about the worst case scenario because you knew the not knowing would be worse than knowing. And then cry some more because things maybe aren't as bad as you thought and you begin once again to realise that things might have to be different to what you thought but that they will be ok.
Did you ever have that conversation at a meeting that was supposed to be regular, run of the mill and easy? Did you ever have that conversation at work?
I had that conversation today.
One you weren't expecting, that blindsided you and hurt and made you cry, so, so hard. And feel like once you started you were never gonna stop. One that you couldn't believe what you were being told but then despite the fact that hearing it really hurt it made sense. Were glad they told you even though it hurt because now you can do soemthing about it and were clueless no more. And you stopped crying only to start again a few minutes later and then again after that. You had someone sat with you telling you it was ok to cry, to stop apologising for crying, holding your hands and offering tissues and glasses of water. Then somehow through the tears or despite them you found the strength to explain that you hadn't been expecting this and that it was hard for you to talk about. Then even though you really, really, really did not want to know you asked about the worst case scenario because you knew the not knowing would be worse than knowing. And then cry some more because things maybe aren't as bad as you thought and you begin once again to realise that things might have to be different to what you thought but that they will be ok.
Did you ever have that conversation at a meeting that was supposed to be regular, run of the mill and easy? Did you ever have that conversation at work?
I had that conversation today.
Friday, 1 September 2006
low key celebration
I promised myself sometime ago that I would stop being so obssessed with the fact that it's been "4 weeks... three months... two years" or whatever since certain events. I think maybe it is healthier for me in terms of my depression etc.
But... that said it's hard for me to completely ignore what today is. My first shift at CAB was two years ago today :)
But... that said it's hard for me to completely ignore what today is. My first shift at CAB was two years ago today :)
Thursday, 10 August 2006
Good Stuff and a Nice Surprise
The majority of this is an entry from my previous blog as it tells the background to something that happens today. I thought it summed everything up well and I have a headache and so figured I'd take the lazy way out.
And then we come to today when I am three or so weeks away from having worked there two years and it is more than a year since I saw that particular client.
I haven't thought about her properly (the details of her life/case I mean) for a long time but I haven't forgotten about her and what she did for me.
One of my newer carers is a girl I went to school with, we were quite friendly and I am enjoying seeing her again. A while back she told me I was crazy for doing voluntary work and I told her, no, I couldn't manage to work properly and here is the deal. And then I told her about how CAB work is so, so worth it. I did admit it can be tough but used this lovely client with her box of chocolates as my example of the great stuff.
Today I went to work and I helped two sets of clients. One of whom is a regular and knows most of us by name. It was probably only the second or third time I have advised him but he still knew who I was and greeted me by name asking how I am. This might sound strange but it helped to validate my feeling of belonging and that being there is right for me.
After work I headed up to see the nurse. This blonde lady walked towards me and said something, I didn't recognise her but I stopped.
She said: "your the lady who helped me at Citizen's Advice" and I was desperately trying to rack my brains to see who she was whilst going "did you get everything sorted? Oh, I am glad." and saying non commital pleasantries in the hopes I could pull off not knowing who she was.
Then she asked if I had received her letter and present and I knew just who she was - my client from a year ago.
She asked about me, was I still at CAB, how *was* I, that sort of stuff. She also did that thing where older people sometimes hold your hand in both of theres when you talk... but only she caught my joystick and the problem with that... it moves my chair. but luckily I was able to turn it off quick and killing the battery killed my momentum.
Unfortunately I was pretty much due in w/ Julie (my nurse) that minute so I couldn't say much to her but I enjoyed meeting her again... and I was amazed how much my morning of work meant to her that she remembered me and more than that recognised me more than a year later.
CAB is so worth it, we make such a difference to some people and that's what it's all about. Even if we do have to deal with some real ungrateful so and so's in the process!
I am happy today
Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005 - 8:41 p.m.
A nice Surprise
I had the best day today.
And I want to tell you a little about one of my clients.
This client is one who's situation really made me feel for her and sort it out. We do that for all our clients but this one was so grateful for my help and getting messed around so much by the people her problem was with that I just really felt for her.
I especially liked her because I've had two or three messages from other advisers she's spoken too since saying she mentioned how helpful I'd been and stuff like that. And who doesn't like a person who compliments her like that?
I really didn't want to go to work today, it was my first day in since we went to Cornwall and I had insomnia so didn't sleep well last night (although I had bizaree surreal dreams when I did sleep). So I was feeling a bit ugh and like i just wanted to stay in bed. But, I went to work.
And when I got there my supervisor told me there was something in my pigeon hole, saying he'd bring it over to me.
A present, wrapped in red shiny paper with a gold bow thing. And a card address to Emma (adviser) CAB and the rest of the address.
The card was a thank you card from that client letting me know her situation is resolved and how very grateful she is. And asking that I accept this small token of thanks...
A box of Thorntons Chocolates.
What did I do for her? one face to face interview with her, wrote letters, phoned a few other people, kept her in touch with what was happening - basically just MY JOB.
To me it wasn't a big deal, just a regular day. But obviously to her it was a lot more than that. and that card and those chocolates show that.
All of my colleagues read the card and had a chocolate... the card is now pinned on the noticeboard at work for people to read and the chocolates are left for the rest of my colleagues to share.
This week is one year since I started at CAB a milestone I am very proud of. Getting those chocolates today made things so much more special to me and reminded me of what CAB can do and why I do it.
I go to CAB to get out of the house, I enjoy my work and it helps me with my depression. I work I do can make a real difference to clients as this shows and then a rare client such as this one makes my day by buying me chocolates and leaving them for me to find on a day when I feel ugh.
I feel so special!
And then we come to today when I am three or so weeks away from having worked there two years and it is more than a year since I saw that particular client.
I haven't thought about her properly (the details of her life/case I mean) for a long time but I haven't forgotten about her and what she did for me.
One of my newer carers is a girl I went to school with, we were quite friendly and I am enjoying seeing her again. A while back she told me I was crazy for doing voluntary work and I told her, no, I couldn't manage to work properly and here is the deal. And then I told her about how CAB work is so, so worth it. I did admit it can be tough but used this lovely client with her box of chocolates as my example of the great stuff.
Today I went to work and I helped two sets of clients. One of whom is a regular and knows most of us by name. It was probably only the second or third time I have advised him but he still knew who I was and greeted me by name asking how I am. This might sound strange but it helped to validate my feeling of belonging and that being there is right for me.
After work I headed up to see the nurse. This blonde lady walked towards me and said something, I didn't recognise her but I stopped.
She said: "your the lady who helped me at Citizen's Advice" and I was desperately trying to rack my brains to see who she was whilst going "did you get everything sorted? Oh, I am glad." and saying non commital pleasantries in the hopes I could pull off not knowing who she was.
Then she asked if I had received her letter and present and I knew just who she was - my client from a year ago.
She asked about me, was I still at CAB, how *was* I, that sort of stuff. She also did that thing where older people sometimes hold your hand in both of theres when you talk... but only she caught my joystick and the problem with that... it moves my chair. but luckily I was able to turn it off quick and killing the battery killed my momentum.
Unfortunately I was pretty much due in w/ Julie (my nurse) that minute so I couldn't say much to her but I enjoyed meeting her again... and I was amazed how much my morning of work meant to her that she remembered me and more than that recognised me more than a year later.
CAB is so worth it, we make such a difference to some people and that's what it's all about. Even if we do have to deal with some real ungrateful so and so's in the process!
I am happy today
Thursday, 6 July 2006
mistakes
I have literally two minutes to update so I can go put a letter in the postbox at the end of the road when I'm done and be back to watch something on TV at 9.
I made a pretty big mistake at work today... the biggest (I think) that I've made there so far. I#ve been pretty down about it ever since but I'm just trying to remind myself that I'm not the only person who makes mistakes and that everyone even the client who I had to ring back and correct the advice I'd told her was fine about it. And I caught the mistake myself and automatically started correcting it. Progress I guess.
And to the person who rang yesterday asking for a phone number and was shocked when I said had she tried the phone book, we didn't have it in our specialist information blah blah blah... I do give out a lot of phone numbers but I work for CAB not 118 118 or Maureen (oooh shes cheap)... deal with it.
Thursday, 29 June 2006
Better Things
My training review thing went better than I expected. I had thought I still had part of my training paperwork and tore my house apart looking for it. Turns out when I gave it to my tutor to check last time she only returned some of it - which I could/did find so that was fine!
Some of our discussion was tough but I was able to deal with it rationally and see more of the truth in what she was saying/how I could deal/should deal with the issues to allow me to grow and learn some more. I can see a world of difference in how I acted/who I was back when I first started and how/who I am now.
My counselling is going well. It surprises me... I am recognising issues now that I didn't know I had. Oh, I knew but I didn't KNOW. Hopefully now I can start creeping forwards slowly, slowly, slowly, oh so slowly. Softly, softly catchee monkey as they say. I do feel better for being able to find the strength sit there and say those things to her, to admit them to her and me. I'm not as strong as I seem.
And because I haven't done this for a while and it's not over until the fat lady sings... lets end it with a song.
No promises, no guarantees, not wanting it, not needing it. I would like it and I hope that at sometime in the distant future it will come. Not tomorrow, but one tomorrow be it weeks, months or years down the line I hope that I find better things... Or rather, that they find me because I think I've got to stop looking and start living.
Some of our discussion was tough but I was able to deal with it rationally and see more of the truth in what she was saying/how I could deal/should deal with the issues to allow me to grow and learn some more. I can see a world of difference in how I acted/who I was back when I first started and how/who I am now.
My counselling is going well. It surprises me... I am recognising issues now that I didn't know I had. Oh, I knew but I didn't KNOW. Hopefully now I can start creeping forwards slowly, slowly, slowly, oh so slowly. Softly, softly catchee monkey as they say. I do feel better for being able to find the strength sit there and say those things to her, to admit them to her and me. I'm not as strong as I seem.
And because I haven't done this for a while and it's not over until the fat lady sings... lets end it with a song.
Better Things ~ Dar Williams
Here's wishing you the bluest sky
and hoping something better comes tomorrow.
Hoping all the verses rhyme
and the very best of choruses to
follow all the doubt and sadness.
I know that better things are on their way.Here's hoping all the days ahead
won't be as bitter as the ones behind you.
Be an optimist instead
and somehow happiness will find you.
Forget about what happened yesterday
I know that better things are on their way.It's really good to see you rockin' out and havin' fun.
Living like you've just begun.
Accept your life and what it brings.
I hope tomorrow you find better things.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
Here's wishing you the bluest sky
and hoping something better comes tomorrow.
Hoping all the verses rhyme
and the very best of choruses to
follow all the drudge and sadness.
I know that better things are on their way.
I know you got a lot of good things happening up ahead.
The past is gone, it's all been said.
So here's to what the future brings.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
and hoping something better comes tomorrow.
Hoping all the verses rhyme
and the very best of choruses to
follow all the doubt and sadness.
I know that better things are on their way.Here's hoping all the days ahead
won't be as bitter as the ones behind you.
Be an optimist instead
and somehow happiness will find you.
Forget about what happened yesterday
I know that better things are on their way.It's really good to see you rockin' out and havin' fun.
Living like you've just begun.
Accept your life and what it brings.
I hope tomorrow you find better things.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
Here's wishing you the bluest sky
and hoping something better comes tomorrow.
Hoping all the verses rhyme
and the very best of choruses to
follow all the drudge and sadness.
I know that better things are on their way.
I know you got a lot of good things happening up ahead.
The past is gone, it's all been said.
So here's to what the future brings.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
I know tomorrow you'll find better things.
No promises, no guarantees, not wanting it, not needing it. I would like it and I hope that at sometime in the distant future it will come. Not tomorrow, but one tomorrow be it weeks, months or years down the line I hope that I find better things... Or rather, that they find me because I think I've got to stop looking and start living.
Monday, 5 June 2006
"A valued member of the team"
The CAB summer social I've been talking about, the one that I couldn't go to due to a lack of wheelchair access? The manager has made the decision to cancel it because of that. We will have another social somewhere else and probably somewhen else too because of the timescale involved.
I talked with her this afternoon and she had already made that decision; it surprised me as I had thought there was nothing that could be done about it (which I told her). She kept apologising and told me that she had assumed the people organising it had looked into that. I too had assumed that and really it wasn't anyones fault, just a case of not thinking.
The other workers will be told that it was a decision made by the manager as the boat would not be accessible to all and an e-mail has been sent to almost everyone stating that. I'm paraphrasing but basically she told me that she will not allow this trip to go ahead as by its nature it excludes "a valued member of the team." And also that several people had told her they would not go if it wasn't suitable for me to go.
I can't describe how I feel about this. I am pleased but I can't find the words to describe it properly... my depression is, i think, the culprit for making it a kind of pleased, but... feeling if that makes any sense at all.
Thursday, 1 June 2006
"you're part of the team, damnit."
Lets see...
For Chana, who asked. The pictures of the yellow flowers were taken when I went to the Costwolds for the day last week and the pictures of the pink flowers were taken on my last day in Madrid. I don't know what sort either of them are, just that I like them!
You know my accident I had in Madrid? Well I had an appt with my dentist for a general check up today. She asked about how my teeth have been so I told her about all the fun I had in Madrid. And she tells me as a result of my accident I have a hairline fracture in one of my very front teeth. At the moment it's all good. But... she says it might not turn out good, the nerve might die, the fracture may become something more etc etc. She shared a delightful analogy with me. Basically it's like a crack in a porcelain plate or bowl it can be fine for ages and then all of a sudden one day it snaps in half? yeah that might happen to my tooth.
How joyous is that?! The even better news is that if that happens I will more than likely need a root canal. Good news is "it's not that loose"
So I'm looking at another month or so to heal and DO NOT bite down on anything hard with it. I check back with her in a month.
She told me that I'm really lucky that I didn't knock my teeth out and that she's surprised I didn't. I said "yeah, I'm surprised too. And I really was very lucky."
I am. given how spectacularly I went I am so incredibly lucky that I didn't break my neck or get glass in my eye where I wear glasses or actually break my nose, lose my teeth, wreck my wheelchair, get hit by a car, need stitches, need surgery, have to go to hospital, I was able to fly home as planned.
Having cracked the bone in my nose and having a hairline fracture in one of my teeth is nasty. But it doesn't stop me living my life. I hope to god that I don't end up needing a root canal or having problems with this tooth.. but if I do I will just be grateful that it's not something more serious.
Kat is, I think, still having a bit of a problem with my accident and how she "can't believe it happened." I'm past that now... it happened, it was nasty and i wish it hadn't. but i can't change the fact it did... now all I think is how thankful I am that it turned out how it did and how lucky I am.
Yes, my accident was unlucky. But I definitely had someone with me watching over me that day!
Finally... you know the whole thing about my not being able to go on my summer social with work? Well... it's not resolved because the people who need to resolve it are on leave or have been working different days to me. but several people have asked me about it and/or queried it with the supervisor who then came to ask me about it today. He said he couldn't tell me who had been asking though. Today's supervisor and at least one other person have said that given the type of organisation we are and the ideals we have (including "access for all") it's a bit ridiculous. Trouble is, we all also agree that it's not the sort of thing where you can keep everyone happy and that we wouldn't want to organise it!
Our events are usually +1, I am single and one of my colleagues is widowed so we usually go together. She has said that if I cannot go she WILL not go. I told to go anyway, don't not go just because I can't but she said she won't. She also says she spoke to the organiser before the arrangements were finalised and asked about wheelchair access and is probably as hacked off about it as I am. Because "you're part of the team, damnit." haha she rocks. We said we would do lunch or something instead.
For Chana, who asked. The pictures of the yellow flowers were taken when I went to the Costwolds for the day last week and the pictures of the pink flowers were taken on my last day in Madrid. I don't know what sort either of them are, just that I like them!
You know my accident I had in Madrid? Well I had an appt with my dentist for a general check up today. She asked about how my teeth have been so I told her about all the fun I had in Madrid. And she tells me as a result of my accident I have a hairline fracture in one of my very front teeth. At the moment it's all good. But... she says it might not turn out good, the nerve might die, the fracture may become something more etc etc. She shared a delightful analogy with me. Basically it's like a crack in a porcelain plate or bowl it can be fine for ages and then all of a sudden one day it snaps in half? yeah that might happen to my tooth.
How joyous is that?! The even better news is that if that happens I will more than likely need a root canal. Good news is "it's not that loose"
So I'm looking at another month or so to heal and DO NOT bite down on anything hard with it. I check back with her in a month.
She told me that I'm really lucky that I didn't knock my teeth out and that she's surprised I didn't. I said "yeah, I'm surprised too. And I really was very lucky."
I am. given how spectacularly I went I am so incredibly lucky that I didn't break my neck or get glass in my eye where I wear glasses or actually break my nose, lose my teeth, wreck my wheelchair, get hit by a car, need stitches, need surgery, have to go to hospital, I was able to fly home as planned.
Having cracked the bone in my nose and having a hairline fracture in one of my teeth is nasty. But it doesn't stop me living my life. I hope to god that I don't end up needing a root canal or having problems with this tooth.. but if I do I will just be grateful that it's not something more serious.
Kat is, I think, still having a bit of a problem with my accident and how she "can't believe it happened." I'm past that now... it happened, it was nasty and i wish it hadn't. but i can't change the fact it did... now all I think is how thankful I am that it turned out how it did and how lucky I am.
Yes, my accident was unlucky. But I definitely had someone with me watching over me that day!
Finally... you know the whole thing about my not being able to go on my summer social with work? Well... it's not resolved because the people who need to resolve it are on leave or have been working different days to me. but several people have asked me about it and/or queried it with the supervisor who then came to ask me about it today. He said he couldn't tell me who had been asking though. Today's supervisor and at least one other person have said that given the type of organisation we are and the ideals we have (including "access for all") it's a bit ridiculous. Trouble is, we all also agree that it's not the sort of thing where you can keep everyone happy and that we wouldn't want to organise it!
Our events are usually +1, I am single and one of my colleagues is widowed so we usually go together. She has said that if I cannot go she WILL not go. I told to go anyway, don't not go just because I can't but she said she won't. She also says she spoke to the organiser before the arrangements were finalised and asked about wheelchair access and is probably as hacked off about it as I am. Because "you're part of the team, damnit." haha she rocks. We said we would do lunch or something instead.
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