... Life After Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury...
patrick.goodacre@yahoo.co.uk
Welcome to my blog. It varies how regular I write posts here. I sustained a 'Traumatic Acquired Brain Injury', and a six month coma from a 'road traffic accident' whilst cycling, in October 2006. I spent the following 4 years (22-26yrs old), in a combination of hospitals and rehabilitation homes. Now, I have been living independently in Surbiton, England since October 2010. This blog begun life in December 2010, as i realised that there are many people worldwide that i want to share experiences with. I know that, as a wheelchair user, I am obviously not as mobile as i wish, so, use the internet to connect to you. I enjoy letting my thoughts represent through type. I type honestly. As numerous readers, as well as email recipients, will understand, I find typing to be very therapeutic. Thank you :)
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...The tiny coffee shop that was an incredible, wonderful place, when called 'Amici', an independent coffee shop run by Italians (back in 2015/16)
... The new owner took over, and chose to place Ice-Cream freezer where I would've previously positioned my wheelchair. I visited less frequently, but would be happy to sit, squeezed in the front edge the shop. The venue has always been 'inaccessible', but I am used to finding my way around this problem with my wheelchair, at a number of venues.
The past few years has seen a change in Surbiton, losing Starbucks, but gaining better Independent Coffee Shops such as Wags'N'Tales and Surbeanton (both of which are accessible for my wheelchair, and serve MUCH BETTER COFFEE).
I admit, I had been feeling guilty that I never visit Sopratutto anymore. So I went to grab an espresso today...
They refuse to serve me, saying that I am banned. The only reason that I was given was that I swore!...
I swore once, a few years ago to the barista, as a joke. We were friends, and let it pass.
I had only 'angry feelings when 'my one spot' was engaged by an empty baby-pram. There was no room, i was told to go elsewhere, (by a very grumpy member of staff). Angered, disappointed, but i accepted. There WAS NO SWEARING.
The coffee shop is still inaccessible, despite having been promised otherwise, by the new owner. Why ban me from a place i can't get in anyway?!
But hey, no disappointment, I will never 'feel guilty' about going elsewhere!
Surbeanton serves the best Espresso.
Wags 'N' Tales serves the best Espresso Macchiato. Italian's do it best. 2LoveTea&Coffee in Clapham Junction for the best Double Macchiato.
The Soho's Bar Italia serves the world's best Cappuccino.
I only decided on creating this post, yesterday. I have no notes compiled, so type this entire post ‘live’ (unplanned).
Everyone must now know of the humongous disaster of the Amazon rainforest. A home to about 3million different, rare species, also acts as a lung for Planet Earth. Trees photosynthesise, turning carbon-dioxide into oxygen. This is an essential process for Humanity, which is already generating a dangerously high-level of Carbon-Dioxide. The 1million indigenous inhabitants must not be forgotten!
The Amazon has been burning concernly, for over three-weeks. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has been accused of selling too much of the rainforest, off to private developers.
Reports explain of a blackout in Sao Paulo (nearly 3000km away), due to smoke from fires!
In sheer dismay, I confirm that national leaders around the globe have been silent. No news, until President Macron, of France, and recently Angela Merkal of Germany called a global alert a few days ago. The two EU leaders have begun to act, but I doubt either DT or BJ even know where it is.
‘Mr Bolsonaro responded by accusing the French president of using a Brazilian domestic issue for "personal political gain".
He said he was open to dialogue about the fires if it was "based on objective data and mutual respect", but hit out at the calls for it to be discussed at the G7 summit.’
Unfortunately, whether Mr Bolsonaro likes it, or not, every country on Earth feels the positive effect from the rainforest, and every country is partly, indirectly to blame for this ‘damage’. Everyone must help.
This is a global tragedy, negligent ignorance is abhorrent and offensive.
‘It’s not just Lancashire where the search for oil and gas has been linked to earthquakes.
There were 14 small earthquakes in Surrey between April and August 2014, in an area where Angus Energy was looking for oil. The company said it was impossible for its activities to have caused the tremors but other geologists cast doubt on this. The BGS said it couldn’t be certain, but pointed out that there hadn’t been any seismic activity for the previous 50 years.
Another area where companies want to frack is in South Yorkshire and northern Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Readers with long memories will remember these areas as the heart of the coal-mining industry.
One of the UK’s leading geologists, the designer of the traffic-light system Professor Peter Styles, has advised against fracking in areas where there has been coal-mining. Why? Because it could increase the risk of earthquakes.
But companies like Ineos are pushing ahead with their plans in these areas.’
‘Ineos is a privately owned UK multinationalchemicals company headquartered in London, UK, and with registered offices in Lyndhurst, Hampshire, UK and London, United Kingdom. It is the top chemicals company in the world as measured by sales revenue currently around $90 billion. Jim Ratcliffe is the founder, Chairman and 60 percent shareholder.’
Wikipedia.
Why are we allowing the super-rich to do this to us?
I open with a scan of a super birthday card that I received last weekend.
So, last Sunday I turned 35. Gulp!
It will forever trouble me that I cannot act, fully as I wish. OK, no-one can. I should stop complaining! Truthfully, I struggle to...
...Scale my life ambitions down!
I work for positive, progressive causes, when I can. I cycle on an adapted Gym-bike, at home. I maintain fitness at a fairly high-level (considering my situation). My family is so close to me and will be forever.
I know what I want.
How long must I wait?
You may have decided yourselves that everything is linked, and one must jump on stepping stones, in order, to reach happiness. However, this IS NOT TRUE. Things do just ‘happen’. I am just waiting for my turn!
Tick tock, tick tock...
The few days before my birthday, I found myself upset, in angry moods. It distresses me when I start thinking about myself. It angers me to find my mood spiralling down. My birthday started with a visit to Surbeanton (as everyday does). My friends then offer me free coffee for the entire day (but I’m only in there for a short period, honest!)
Morning mood, Surbeanton & FOE news! :)
THANK YOU
My happiness is increased further as I realise just how successful my fundraiser for Friends Of the Earth reaches!
Although my birthday was on the 11th, I managed to hold the fundraiser open for two-weeks (from 2nd August, through to 15th August).
It was a basic, simple fundraiser. Personally, I had done nothing. I contributed myself, but I ended up relying on my friends also recognising the importance of the charity.
I had no idea, how much I could raise, so, as you may be aware, I kept pushing the target further away! It makes me so happy that I have had this beneficial effect.
THANK YOU
I raised £257.00
Summer break in Bath... wow!
This past week, began with a short summer-break to Bath. Again, I had no real idea of what to expect.
WOW!
A city of such amazing, historical architecture, yet relatively unharmed by modern blemishes!
In the UK?!!!
The city oozed a class that I have only found European cities to. It is correctly proud of it’s history, knows it, and is not afraid to show it off.
I have decided to cut down. Full lunches are not always needed by me. I have decided that I should save consumption for when I actually need it, noticing hunger. I have chosen to ‘cut down’. A selection of Dried Fruit and Nuts have been bought to store at home, for days when I don’t consume regular lunches. My first mini-selection is described below. Finished with a Maple GRAZE bar, delicious!
Last Sunday many local roads were taken over by cyclists.
I am overwhelmed by the popularity of ‘my sport’, on ‘my roads’, here in BRITAIN! It is marvellous. It only happens for one day per year, but remains in all of our heads jusqu’a l’annee prochaine, apres Le Tour (until next year, after the Tour de France)! I am overjoyed that the local public can be encouraged to see various physical and environmental aspects which are otherwise disregarded. It is up to us all to find the positives, but the door has been opened! Every year more and more join in! Cycling is allowed to boom all year-round!
Former World Champion Philippe Gilbert pressing on, out of the saddle, ahead of a relaxed looking Groupama FDJ rider, in Norbiton.
Previously posted on Instagram, the best Double Macchiato ever!...
Tuesday's visit meant...
By Angelica, at The Fleet Street Press Office.Previously posted on Instagram, the best Double Macchiato ever!
Be afraid. Be very afraid...
(is that what he wants?)
Trump demands death penalty for all mass murder hate crimes while condemning 'white supremacy'.
'Mental illness and hatred pull the trigger, not the gun,' president says after nationwide mass shootings
Above is a clip from BBC News headlines, earlier in the week. The US President shows weakness, acting like a spoilt child in a playground. Unfortunately he is in a much more important position, wielding incredible, global power. Donald, please don’t react so foolishly. One must contemplate why racist, ‘white supremacy’ exists? Such a threat of capital punishment does not work, nor will it ever. By reacting with a warning of such, simply tells the rest of the world that you are like a fish, jumping up, rising to the bait. ‘Mental illness, and hatred’... Why do these exist? Perhaps, begin by looking internally. Easiest solutions are always those you can find in yourself! Instead, you are showing EVERYONE that you are weak under pressure, prepared to fall back on an ‘extreme’ punishment. You wield such power, yet you act like a barbarian, why? Beware, greed and gluttony are both a sin.
‘For centuries the death penalty, often accompanied by barbarous refinements, has been trying to hold crime in check; yet crime persists.’
ALBERT CAMUS, - Resistance, Rebellion and Death
“But what then is capital punishment but the most premeditated of murders, to which no criminal's deed, however calculated it may be, can be compared? For there to be equivalence, the death penalty would have to punish a criminal who had warned his victim of the date at which he would inflict a horrible death on him and who, from that moment onward, had confined him at his mercy for months. Such a monster is not encountered in private life.” ALBERT CAMUS
Wednesday morning :)
I left the house wearing a broad smile, in summer sun…
Into the local coffee shop, and i am served a gorgeous coffee, (my smile is mirrored, by everyone)!
… I then progress to Boots, on a mission. A need of a new shaver was decided a few days ago. I knew that I wanted to ‘break-free’ of the main companies (like many products, they know how to trap you, and hold your custom). Plastic packaging holds plastic cartridges that you buy over, and over again. Plastic consumption is hideous, I want to think ‘out-of-the-box!…
Victory!! My smile broadens as I find this ‘Bull Dog’ bamboo razor.
Major selling point for me, is the bamboo handle! It stands out to me, shouting. It asks ‘why oh why is a plastic polymer used in so many products, for parts that could quite easily be a made from a sustainable material?’
A polymer is needed, chosen and used for the razor head, holding steel blades. However, the largest, heaviest part is the body/handle, does this need to be plastic? No.
I plead with you all, to start thinking about what you are consuming. Everything that you purchase may be a bonus for you, but it is taking from a source. How will humanity exist successfully, if resources have disappeared?
... If we don’t require it, why are we buying more everlasting rubbish?
... Do what you can, please.
Thank you to everyone contributing. This means such a great deal, as although it may not benefit me or you, personally and directly, by providing such an organisation with help, you will be benefitting humanity as a whole. Think of the big picture...
Jan Ullrich was young in 1997, winning LeTour at an incredibly young age. 23 year-old Ullrich beat team-mate and previous year’s Tour de France Champion. Bjarne Riis had won in 1996. I am not comparing Geraint Thomas (runner-up to Bernal), to Riis, or Bernal to Ullrich, but similarities can be interesting! When a team dominates for ‘some reason’, the team can dominate for years! Team Sky/Ineos seem to be no exception.
I praise all public transport to the MAXIMUM (this note actually hurts me, due to it’s negativity)!
Negativity, yes. I live in Surbiton, so unsurprisingly, this railway station is the most frequently used.
... or, i try to.
I use a powered wheelchair, so require lifts to access platforms/trains. Most stations are excellent. I’ve had trouble with Wimbledon’s lift’s ability, before, but everywhere else has been extremely reliable. By far the worst, most unreliable, regularly broken lifts are at base, here in Surbiton. Now, broken lifts may just be a minor, annoyance for some. Pedestrians in a rush, can run upstairs. Cyclists can carry their bike upstairs. Buggy users may need assistance to lift upstairs. Wheelchair users, you cannot use this station, think of another plan! I ask at the front office, and am offered a taxi service, to my destination... NO WAY (I do not to be squashed into a road vehicle, whilst we sit in traffic jams)! :(
OK, a quicker route, I grab a bus into Kingston, and use Kingston Station. I am lucky that this route is a possible’s solution, i had no time restrictions this time.
I remember, fairly vividly, lying in my girlfriend’s bed, on the weekend of 7/8 October 2006. I was very happy but apprehensive. I had completed all coursework, I had just ridden my Bianchi road bicycle on a 100mile route, just north of Paris, with club mates, the weekend before. I was in bed with the ‘love of my life’.
We were both extremely happy.
...
Where do we go from here?
... the words are coming out all weird,
...
This question can be asked in various ways. Personally, I often find myself facing this question. It can hurt, as I realise my situation. So, I always manage to push it to the back of my mind. I know that I will create answers that I don’t want to hear, but I believe that what will be, will be...
My answers can in no way be accurate, so don’t exist! I had spent my entire previous-life, as a student, methodically learning to achieve progress, onwards and upwards to the next stage. I thank God with sincerity, that I had achieved my goals and aspirations. I was very happy. Then reality bit me hard, at the age of 22.
I have learnt to expect NOTHING. Yes, there are things I want, but I cannot trade things for future happiness. I cannot expect, I have to live for now.
Love the life you live now, do not live for the future! Anything that you plan, is actually nothing more than a concept in your head. Learn to love what you/we have now. ‘Now’ is the only life that people actually live. Learn from the past to design the future, but remember that you can only live for NOW.
Through writing this I aim to encourage action. Our world needs action. Global Ecology needs saving NOW. Please refuse many politician’s self-centred, laziness. We must all ensure that if we make just the smallest of changes, which are positive and progressive, global changes can be reached. A change may seem small, but if a number of people act similarly, positive results will be realised!
A fundraising page that I have set-up for a charity that is advertised with much pride, constantly on my blog’s homepage.
Please donate to ‘Friends of the Earth’, by clicking through the link below...(you do not have to be a Facebook user)!
If more people can make the slightest effort to change something, then more and more people will copy, and change can happen!
This is how i stay optimistic, believing that the good will out!
Our blind continuation of our human greed, is a reality that is far too depressing to face.
We must focus on positive progression, and find how we can help everyone. Don’t be ridiculous and over-ambitious, effect will only occur after your affect is felt by more and more people. Influence someone, who may influence more, who may influence more, etc. and you don’t know when your positivity will end, if it ever will!
Influence with positivity, and opportunities can be endless.
