I have for years being using Word and Excel. Word 2003 was the ultimate in word processing packages. I have done several courses in MS office so I thought I was computer literate. I even did an European Qualification which is the most up to date city & guild qualification so you would think I am qualified to work in an office environment, Wrong along comes MSOffice2007. I thought they might change a couple of functions add a few more options to the same basic menus. Oh no they have totally changed the complete so theres nothing the way it was!
Yes call me a ludite but I thought the old format was far more user friendly!
So don't get the new version I hear you say! And I won't, but image my shock when I had to face MsWord2007 and MsExcel2007 in an IT exam for a job as a clerical officer in DIT. I was put into a state of shock trying to discover where things were positioned! There didn't seem to be any logic for half of the things that were on the screen. I completely lost my confidence so much that what I could normally do with confidence proved difficult so I only partially completed two word documents and only started the excel spreadsheet!
I will be surprised if I get call for the short listed interview and it's only been a year and a half since I've done my last interview
Friday, March 13, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
An enjoyable night
Last Friday I went to a variety night in the Kingston Hotel. It was a fundraise for my very good friend Mary.
On St Patrick's day,shes going to exhibit her beautiful paintings in the Princess Grace Library. It a well deserved honour for such a very talented artist. I'm sure her watercolours will be very well recieved. But because of her disability she needed to fundraise for the specialised medical equipment she'll need on the holiday.
Tony McArdle and his friends played some traditional music. They are a very talented bunch of musicians and although there were several groups on stage, they were able to marry their sounds. I must confess that I'm not a great lover of Trad music but it was a very enjoyable session.
The Raging Hormones were next on stage with their version of Riverdance. They were very funny and very talented.
There was an interval. To my shame I didn't buy any raffle tickets. But Liz at our table won lots of the prize. Then Mary made a speech. Then we were entertained by Mary, who sang "The Rose". I must admit I was moved to tears.
I hope the night made pots of money. Yes I will be joining Mary in Monaco. As her friend I have to support her in this opportunity of her lifetime.
On St Patrick's day,shes going to exhibit her beautiful paintings in the Princess Grace Library. It a well deserved honour for such a very talented artist. I'm sure her watercolours will be very well recieved. But because of her disability she needed to fundraise for the specialised medical equipment she'll need on the holiday.
Tony McArdle and his friends played some traditional music. They are a very talented bunch of musicians and although there were several groups on stage, they were able to marry their sounds. I must confess that I'm not a great lover of Trad music but it was a very enjoyable session.
The Raging Hormones were next on stage with their version of Riverdance. They were very funny and very talented.
There was an interval. To my shame I didn't buy any raffle tickets. But Liz at our table won lots of the prize. Then Mary made a speech. Then we were entertained by Mary, who sang "The Rose". I must admit I was moved to tears.
I hope the night made pots of money. Yes I will be joining Mary in Monaco. As her friend I have to support her in this opportunity of her lifetime.
why I don't like
It annoys the hell out of me when people say or write the phrase Disabled. You might think it's just the editor thinking its a quick way of using as few of words as possible. But I find it very offensive, because phrases like disabled artists send out a negative message. They don't write Able-bodied or non disabled artist. Whether the artist in question has a disability should be of no importance, its only the merits of their ability should count. I think that certain people using the phrases disabled and able-bodied are being discriminatory. I will concede that I am an artist and I do have a disability, but it doesn't define who I am!
Using the phrases disabled and ablebodied implies that there is a difference and the latter is inferior to the former. That's why I prefer the phrase Person with a disability, its putting the person which is more important first and the disability if it needs to be mention secondary. I don't want anyone to refer to me as a disabled artist or that that my disability is used to promote my sketches paintings or writings, because if its good it should speak for itself!
Using the phrases disabled and ablebodied implies that there is a difference and the latter is inferior to the former. That's why I prefer the phrase Person with a disability, its putting the person which is more important first and the disability if it needs to be mention secondary. I don't want anyone to refer to me as a disabled artist or that that my disability is used to promote my sketches paintings or writings, because if its good it should speak for itself!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
My thoughts on being fit
Last May, I joined a Gym. I suppose alot of people think I was mad start getting fit at 41. People usually have started earlier or not at all. But its one of my better decision.
I guess I walked a bit but I didn't take fitness seriously. And I suppose the fact, that I have Cerebral Palsy which affects my left arm and my left leg to a lesser extent, I didn't think I would beniefit from it. Another factor that stopped me was that I'm unemployed and donn't have much disposable income.
One day, I was visiting my friend Mary. She showed me the front cover of Spokeout, the newsletter of the Irish Wheelchair Association, because our mutal friend clare was on it. I read the newsletter and came across an article about the gym in the IWA, it cost 200 Euro for members of the public to join, and if you were a member or staff it only cost 50 Euro. Well the article was about how a woman had gained alot from joining. So I picked up the phone and decided to check it out.
So I went to the IWA, with not alot of hope. My friend with a similar form of Cerebral Palsy had told me about her experiences in a local gym. But she has more use of her left arm and her left leg is more affected than me. So It wasn't the same. Nicky the Sports manager showed me around. Firstly I tried the treadill, I struggled the lowest setting. Richie one of the instructors drew up a fitness programme for me. A week later after signing up as a member of the IWA I joined the gym.
Because of wearing a splint on my left arm(when I was younger) and not really using it much, its muscles became wasted. I suppose over the years I did get more mobility. I can stretch it out use my first finger and there was a time I could use my index finger, but my balance isn't good so I've fallen alot and I think I might have damaged it. So for the first few months I had to get one of the instructors to strap my left into a glove so I could use the different machines. Going to the gym made me thinking about going swimming (not that I'm a strong swimmer).
But as the months progressed after continuing to go the gym twice a week, I have noticed the changes. The increased muscle tone in my left arm. My balance has improved. I can now use most of the machines in the gym without the instructors help. I have recently used the leg curl but the instructor has to help me get into position. All the instructors use me as an example of what can be done. Another thing I've noticed is that my mind seems to be more focused I useto write but for a long time I had writers block, but since joining the gym my muse has returned.
I've set myself a goal it's to take part in the 2012 London Paraplympics!
I guess I walked a bit but I didn't take fitness seriously. And I suppose the fact, that I have Cerebral Palsy which affects my left arm and my left leg to a lesser extent, I didn't think I would beniefit from it. Another factor that stopped me was that I'm unemployed and donn't have much disposable income.
One day, I was visiting my friend Mary. She showed me the front cover of Spokeout, the newsletter of the Irish Wheelchair Association, because our mutal friend clare was on it. I read the newsletter and came across an article about the gym in the IWA, it cost 200 Euro for members of the public to join, and if you were a member or staff it only cost 50 Euro. Well the article was about how a woman had gained alot from joining. So I picked up the phone and decided to check it out.
So I went to the IWA, with not alot of hope. My friend with a similar form of Cerebral Palsy had told me about her experiences in a local gym. But she has more use of her left arm and her left leg is more affected than me. So It wasn't the same. Nicky the Sports manager showed me around. Firstly I tried the treadill, I struggled the lowest setting. Richie one of the instructors drew up a fitness programme for me. A week later after signing up as a member of the IWA I joined the gym.
Because of wearing a splint on my left arm(when I was younger) and not really using it much, its muscles became wasted. I suppose over the years I did get more mobility. I can stretch it out use my first finger and there was a time I could use my index finger, but my balance isn't good so I've fallen alot and I think I might have damaged it. So for the first few months I had to get one of the instructors to strap my left into a glove so I could use the different machines. Going to the gym made me thinking about going swimming (not that I'm a strong swimmer).
But as the months progressed after continuing to go the gym twice a week, I have noticed the changes. The increased muscle tone in my left arm. My balance has improved. I can now use most of the machines in the gym without the instructors help. I have recently used the leg curl but the instructor has to help me get into position. All the instructors use me as an example of what can be done. Another thing I've noticed is that my mind seems to be more focused I useto write but for a long time I had writers block, but since joining the gym my muse has returned.
I've set myself a goal it's to take part in the 2012 London Paraplympics!
Friday, February 6, 2009
The seed
The following is a poem I'd like to share with you:
THE SEED
By Fred Price
In this time of darkness and greed,
Tell you what we need,
It’s to plant a seed,
It needs to grow,
We have to let people know,
How it glows,
It isn’t funny,
Having no money,
We can make it sunny,
If we let it into our hearts,
That would be a start,
So come on do your part.
We’ll dispel all this Gloom,
Make some room,
And we’ll remember the boom,
Do you know what we all need?
It’s the seed,
Love is the seed.
By Fred Price
In this time of darkness and greed,
Tell you what we need,
It’s to plant a seed,
It needs to grow,
We have to let people know,
How it glows,
It isn’t funny,
Having no money,
We can make it sunny,
If we let it into our hearts,
That would be a start,
So come on do your part.
We’ll dispel all this Gloom,
Make some room,
And we’ll remember the boom,
Do you know what we all need?
It’s the seed,
Love is the seed.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
FIRST BLOG OF '09
Hi everybody,
Firstly I'd like to wish you a happy new year. I hope you overdid it(Tis the season to get pissed, over eat, have the traditional argument, and watch bore shit on the TV)or are you in the minority who are over seven and like to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate Jesus's birthday(Well fair play to you, I wish I was one of you).
Hope The guy in the big beard and red suit left you what you wanted? well I got Golden Disc vouchers and National Concert Halll vouchers (Its what I wanted). A lot of people think vouchers are a cope out present, but I totally disagree, they let you decide what you want I got alot of great DVDs. Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid is a must for all you fans. I got Queen + Paul Rodgers The Cosmos rocks, I haven't made up my mind if I like it or not! I liked Queen + Paul Rodgers when they played In The Point. That's my biggest regret in life not seeing Queen live when Freddie was lead singer, no one could replace him! But I'm willing to give Paul Rodgers a chance.
I got the best of R.E.M., I didn't realise they had so many great songs. Another great CD I got was the best of Roy Orbison, the man was a genius.
American Gangster, Carlitos way, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supermacy, The Bourne Ultamanium and the big kid in me got Bee Movie. My sister got me Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid, Spitting Image Series 2, now that brought back a lot of good memories!
tell me how you got on?
Firstly I'd like to wish you a happy new year. I hope you overdid it(Tis the season to get pissed, over eat, have the traditional argument, and watch bore shit on the TV)or are you in the minority who are over seven and like to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas and celebrate Jesus's birthday(Well fair play to you, I wish I was one of you).
Hope The guy in the big beard and red suit left you what you wanted? well I got Golden Disc vouchers and National Concert Halll vouchers (Its what I wanted). A lot of people think vouchers are a cope out present, but I totally disagree, they let you decide what you want I got alot of great DVDs. Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid is a must for all you fans. I got Queen + Paul Rodgers The Cosmos rocks, I haven't made up my mind if I like it or not! I liked Queen + Paul Rodgers when they played In The Point. That's my biggest regret in life not seeing Queen live when Freddie was lead singer, no one could replace him! But I'm willing to give Paul Rodgers a chance.
I got the best of R.E.M., I didn't realise they had so many great songs. Another great CD I got was the best of Roy Orbison, the man was a genius.
American Gangster, Carlitos way, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supermacy, The Bourne Ultamanium and the big kid in me got Bee Movie. My sister got me Queen Rock Montreal & Live Aid, Spitting Image Series 2, now that brought back a lot of good memories!
tell me how you got on?
Monday, December 15, 2008
My review of 2008
As this year draws to a close, I thought I'd share with you some of my thoughts.
Well the biggest highlight for me was my holiday in Lanazrote. I went with the two Pats. We went on the second week of August. The weather was great, well let's face it anything was better than the shit weather we had in Ireland. I think a week is too short, but than again it's better than nothing. The lads are great fun Pat Quinn (whose my drinking and swiming buddy) and Pat Burke who doesn't swim or drink (but likes pubs and insists the apartment we go to, must have a pool). Lanazrote has plenty of pub and a great variety of restuarants, from Mexican to chinese. The prices are quite reasonable. There are plenty of Irish bars, in my opinion the best was The Dubliner, the first night we went there there was a band and believe it or not the lead singer came from Ballybrack!! One of the nights we went to see Scotty from Lanazrote, a very funny comedian who claimed to be half Irish and half Scottish (which he said caused him a lot of problems, because his Irish half wants to drink all day and his Scottish half will do anything to avoid paying) You could get pints for two Euro!! The beach was fanastic, we thought we were paradise. Pool in apartment and a big shallow end (I've found in that most of the places, I've visited don't and for somebody who loves swiming but isn't a strong swimmer can be a bit off putting) We went to a ranch texas night which was a cowboy and indian themed night, it was very enjoyable. Pat Burke went on the bucking bronco, I did a bit of line dancing.
In May, I joined the Irish Wheelchair Association gym if you're a member it only cost 50 Euro and for members of the public it is 100 Euro (if you can tell me where the fees cheaper, I'll sign up). I remember my first day, how I struggled to even stand on the treadmill at its lowest setting. It was a tuff slog trying to get through the schedule. I thought at 41 it be counterproductive, but I proved myself so wrong. Now I can use most of the machines in the gym and besides making me fit, I find my mind more focussed.
I decided to take up an evening class in Newpark. I orgina;;y signed up for a writing for profit, thinking that I might be able to use my journalisic skills and do a bit of freelancing. But they couldn't get enough numbers for that class so they offered me an alternative of a writer's workshop. As it turned out I found the teacher John Kelly to be very insightful and my fellow classmates to be very talented. I'm looking forward to the second term in January'09.
The lowest point of 2008 had to be the loss of two friends David and Evelyn. Dave was one of the most selfless guys I've ever met. Although he had Down Sydrome, he had a very positive outlook in life. I remember when I use to visit him I would leave in a very positive mood. He'd know what was happening who got what planning permssion. I was very sad when I'd heard he'd had a massive heart attack and died. I think the whole of Sallynoggin was at his funeral and I thought it was very fitting that the sister had placed a picture of him holding a pint, on the coffin. Evelyn was another person who I'll sworely miss. She was a lovely lady and like David was a very active member of the community of Sallynoggin. She'd had a hard life lost two husbands and her daughter had be killed in a freak accident in the Kiliney Court Hotel
But I can't end on a sad note, the 175th anniversary of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, which was heldin Croke Park was a very uplifting experience. As a member I feel its given me new focus and I feel better able to deal with the work ahead. I want to wish my readers a happy christmas and may your wishes be forfilled in '09.
Well the biggest highlight for me was my holiday in Lanazrote. I went with the two Pats. We went on the second week of August. The weather was great, well let's face it anything was better than the shit weather we had in Ireland. I think a week is too short, but than again it's better than nothing. The lads are great fun Pat Quinn (whose my drinking and swiming buddy) and Pat Burke who doesn't swim or drink (but likes pubs and insists the apartment we go to, must have a pool). Lanazrote has plenty of pub and a great variety of restuarants, from Mexican to chinese. The prices are quite reasonable. There are plenty of Irish bars, in my opinion the best was The Dubliner, the first night we went there there was a band and believe it or not the lead singer came from Ballybrack!! One of the nights we went to see Scotty from Lanazrote, a very funny comedian who claimed to be half Irish and half Scottish (which he said caused him a lot of problems, because his Irish half wants to drink all day and his Scottish half will do anything to avoid paying) You could get pints for two Euro!! The beach was fanastic, we thought we were paradise. Pool in apartment and a big shallow end (I've found in that most of the places, I've visited don't and for somebody who loves swiming but isn't a strong swimmer can be a bit off putting) We went to a ranch texas night which was a cowboy and indian themed night, it was very enjoyable. Pat Burke went on the bucking bronco, I did a bit of line dancing.
In May, I joined the Irish Wheelchair Association gym if you're a member it only cost 50 Euro and for members of the public it is 100 Euro (if you can tell me where the fees cheaper, I'll sign up). I remember my first day, how I struggled to even stand on the treadmill at its lowest setting. It was a tuff slog trying to get through the schedule. I thought at 41 it be counterproductive, but I proved myself so wrong. Now I can use most of the machines in the gym and besides making me fit, I find my mind more focussed.
I decided to take up an evening class in Newpark. I orgina;;y signed up for a writing for profit, thinking that I might be able to use my journalisic skills and do a bit of freelancing. But they couldn't get enough numbers for that class so they offered me an alternative of a writer's workshop. As it turned out I found the teacher John Kelly to be very insightful and my fellow classmates to be very talented. I'm looking forward to the second term in January'09.
The lowest point of 2008 had to be the loss of two friends David and Evelyn. Dave was one of the most selfless guys I've ever met. Although he had Down Sydrome, he had a very positive outlook in life. I remember when I use to visit him I would leave in a very positive mood. He'd know what was happening who got what planning permssion. I was very sad when I'd heard he'd had a massive heart attack and died. I think the whole of Sallynoggin was at his funeral and I thought it was very fitting that the sister had placed a picture of him holding a pint, on the coffin. Evelyn was another person who I'll sworely miss. She was a lovely lady and like David was a very active member of the community of Sallynoggin. She'd had a hard life lost two husbands and her daughter had be killed in a freak accident in the Kiliney Court Hotel
But I can't end on a sad note, the 175th anniversary of the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul, which was heldin Croke Park was a very uplifting experience. As a member I feel its given me new focus and I feel better able to deal with the work ahead. I want to wish my readers a happy christmas and may your wishes be forfilled in '09.
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