Stand Up, Why don't you?

As infants, not that my personal memory stretches quite that far back, I believe we all had an inbuilt desire, calling or whatever to stand up. Perhaps it was a genetic throwback or merely the logic of watching those around us moving effortlessly in and out of our vision on two feet, while we remained static either on our backs or bottoms, wondering just how we might emulate their behaviour. After a few dry runs, much effort and an inate understanding of balance we sussed it out and were on our way, never to slip back to those days of cfdependence on others. A time when we could stand on our own two feet.

My sister says I should become a stand up comedian. She says I should find myself a location and just go for it. She wants me to set a date and make it happen. She has every faith that I can deliver the goods. For me it's back those infant days. Yes, I've watched most comedians and performers over the last forty years from Morecombe and Wise to Frankie Boyle, thinking "they are so cool. I'd like to do that" At boarding school I performed with the lads in a school revue where I had to deliver my lines dressed as one of the school's two on site nuns. The performance was legendary and is still talked about......by me. Indeed I used to have a joke repotoire that would embarass Bob Monkhouse, but could I deliver a stand up routine that would make an audience laugh? It's something I shall ponder over the coming days. Let me start my possible routine with you and see what you think. Here goes. Good evening ladies and gentlemen Did you hear the one about the man who made his car engine out of wood....It wouldn't go.....well it's a possible starting point

It's been a busy week or two since we put digital print to screen, or pen to paper, as they would say in the olden times. Most memorably I have been in awe of more than one hundred people from all over Fermanagh and Tyrone who congregated at the Bawnacre Centre in Irvinestown for a 24 hour Cancer Research Relay for Life day at the weekend. It began on Friday last at 7pm , included a beautiful candle lighting memorial ceremony for those who had passed on through cancer and more memorably those who had survived the rigours and uncertainty of the disease in it's numerous forms. 8 or 9 groups from Ballygalley, Ballinamallard, Dromore and Irvinestown have been organising events and collections over the last few months, focusing on the 24 hour event. Many camped overnight at the site, choosing to walk on a special constructed walking track, others chatting into the less than small hours. Not I. It's beauty sleep I need and crave and they thoughtfully provided me with bed and board in the nearby Mahon's hotel. Next morning, Saturday at 10 30 the whole place was buzzing again with 30 or 40 8 and 9 year olds playing football. This was followed by a Games hour for the adult teams, involving olympic type sports like the beanbag on a bat race, or the sack race, this time with three or more team members in the one sack. The afternoon continued with performances by some of the younger folk dancing and singing. The not so far away St Patrick's Pipe Band from Drumquin performed musically, one or two later joining those who had their legs and chests waxed on stage. The whole event was brought to a climactic conclusion when a fine car was given away in a raffle prize to a very happy lady from Lisnarick. The event had been organised by local lady Beulah Irvine and her hard working commitee who with the various groups , managed to raise a staggering £73,000. More it would appear is to follow. Pretty impresive, I have to say. The whole event was graced by the best weather all year, which I must also thank for my rosy complection. Most accuretly for the rosy hue that emenates from my cranium....deep sunburn to those who can't read between the llines

So, back to the stand up......What do you call a dog with no ears.....anything you like,....he won't hear you

It begins again

...as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted. The idea of a blog is wonderful, the willful continuence of one an entirely different matter. Ignoring the much paved road of good intention below me, I've once again taken on the challenge to write a regular blog. Like all things organic, lets see where it takes me on it's latest encounter

I live in the South Down village of Rostrevor on the shores of Carlingford Lough. To say it is a beautiful place is like saying Helen of Troy was a bit of a looker. Like most small villages or places, that beauty is often missed by many of the the people who were born here, who go about their daily lives, not noticing the ever changing colours of the sky against sea, the ever rising lush backdrop of Slieve Martin ushering would be walkers to the southernmost delights of the majestic Mourne Mountains, and a hundred other beautiful gifts of nature that adorn the area. To be fair, they probably do. It just seems that a visitor or blow in like me has a keener eye for what's been under their noses forever. Perhaps it's the beauty of the area that gives them some sort of serenity from living in such a place. It certainly does for me

For those who have never ventured this way, let me make you aware of a wonderful festival that brings many from around the world here in mid July. The Fiddler's Green Festival celebrates a nearby beauty spot and it's musical heritage with a week of activities that this year includes performances from the legendary songwriter and performer Tom Paxton. It offers daytime walks and talks and a host of other activities, with an outdoor performance stage in the centre of the village. If your hear during the week, do drop in for a cup of tea.

It's been a busy two weeks for me, between working on various projects. I have almost finished filming for a documentary on Killowen School which celebrates 100 years. On saturday, I was part of and an attendee at Craigavon Bizcamp at the C.I.D.O. Centre. Sixty enthusiastic networkers in one building for over 8 hours provided enough "business adrenaline" to power the economic recovery of Greece. By Wednesday, I'll be posting the video insight to what happened. Tonight I visit the local drama group in Rostrevor with the intention of filming their soon to be performed production, "The Wedding", which takes place in St Bronagh's Hall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, broken legs allowing.

Thanks for your attention for my reemergence as a blogging force. Like me, I hope you're already looking forward to the next edition

Radio Blogging 2

Tonight sees another edition of Ireland Talking on Blogtalk radio. make sure you tune in. Guests tonight include Roddy Hegarty from the Cardinal O Fiach Library talking about The Flight of the Earls in 1607. Noel carney will be talking about alternative energy use in ireland as we look to ways of combating global warming. The programme starts at 8 30pm Irish time.

Radio Blogging

As you can see from the postings on this site I have been absent for a little while. I've been up to all sorts of activities in the last month. Most importantly I have been getting stronger, continuing physiotherapy on a weekly basis. It will still take a few weeks until I'm fully fit. A few weeks ago, I came upon a radio blogging site. With my background in broadcasting, how could I resist? The site is Blogtalk Radio. I signed up for a weekly show, with the first being broadcast on Monday last (19th/03/2007). You can hear that show and future shows by looking for the Ireland Talking page. In the first programme we talked about the proposed National Park for the Mournes. It's an interesting debate, with many for the idea which will undoubtedly encourage many international visitors to this area of outstanding natural beauty. For the 50,000 odd souls who live in the area, it brings unwelcome intervention by quangos. The whole programme, 30 minutes in duration is all produced and presented from the comfort of my own front room. Isn't modern technology just wonderful? Make sure you listen, and if there's an item you would like to see covered, get in touch using the email address availible in the profile info.




Wasn't it wonderful to see Ireland succesful on the sporting fields around the world in the last few weeks. Most recently our cricketers progressing to the latter stages of the World Cup at the expense of high flyers Pakistan. Events off the field have somewhat overshadowed their achievements, but all involved must be highly commended for their remarkable efforts. And their rugby counterparts who but for a controversial try award might have won this years 6 Nations championship. It's all in all, been a good month to be an Irish supporter.

Future, Past, Present

All right, so I didn't actually write an article a day, but I have come back to write some more. I have had a busy two or three days. Friday saw a trip to Dublin with my sister. just a car trip, straight there and back, but a great excuse for a natter. Having been mostly couped up in my house for the last two months I am like a caged bird being offered its freedom, when any outing is offered. Dublin, like all cities is a pain to get through and twenty times harder to get in and out of than it was, say five years ago.

On my return home I immediately returned to my computer and cyberspace. I have become addicted and haven't had the courage to Google for a rehab clinic. Do they hold online addiction clinics online? One of my pleasures over the last month or so, has been to stumble upon stumbleupon. It's a web facility that allows you to stumble upon web pages you could never think to visit. Among the thousands of pages I stumbled across was The Secret. Perhaps you have come across The Secret before. It's a movement, organization, corporation, group of enthusiasts or sales pitch. Make your own mind up. It explains in The Law Of Attraction that we bring to our lives that which we think about. It's a theory that has been around for many years. In recent years I have also come across the phenomena of Cosmic ordering, where you send a message to the universe to expect it to provide. To the mildly sceptical among you, both seem airy fairy, new worldly, and a big load of ****. Fair enough. But what if your scepticism, and there's nothing wrong with a healthy dose of scepticism, held you back from actually trying some of the techniques suggested by the protagonists. Wouldn't you feel left out in the rush to see your dreams fulfilled. I think I'll try a few requests myself and let you know how I get on


The secret

It reminded me of a course I had the "pleasure" to partake in a few years ago. There has been much written about the Landmark Forum on the web. Some good, some bad. I'm afraid my experience was a bad one. The seminar/course is very intensive over the course of a weekend usually, with lots of fascinating, involving, interactive discussion. On analysis afterwards, it's more like clever indoctrination using subtle and less than subtle techniques. Some people really thrive on their philosophies and one or two "implode". That's what happened to me. I was at a vulnerable time in my life and succumbed or fell foul of the internalisation that the course encouraged. It helped put my life on hold for a couple of years, but I'm back now and ready to face the world again. Mind you, if you follow the philosophy espoused by"The Secret" you might say that you bring into your life what is in your own thoughts. So, I had it coming to me from my own negative thoughts. It's possible. I'll never really know. All I know is that there is a way back from the depths of depression that occurred at that time. For those of you who are in that dark place, believe me, there is a way out. It may coming with the healing of time, or from someone offering help at a certain moment, or from divine inspiration. Just a small chink of light is all anyone wants to see. A restoration of joy or the opportunity to feel that special emotion again. I pray it comes to you.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Support Group

Giving

Day two of this blogging lark...wonder how many days I can keep this up. Not too early to rise today. It's cold out there. No snow yet, but it's clearly on the way. Quick breakfast and a check of the emails and then into the shower. Plenty of time before the ambulance calls to take me to physio. "Knock Knock!" just as I begin to clear the lather away. Damn!!!..."be down in a minute"...scrambling as best I can to get dressed half wet...it's so hard to pull on those socks...thank goodness Keith, the driver is so understanding.

Physio for me works on a couple of levels. It helps me to understand those subtle exercises I need to work on that will help restore my muscular strength. And it's also a chance to meet some people at the same time. Most of the clinic is made up of older men, much older, by twenty years or more. One attendee is Johny, who happens to know my brother. He had a stroke several years ago and is slowly learning to move again. He is wheelchair bound but has a positive spirit about him.

After physio I get Keith to drop me off in town to do a couple of messages. It's when I am walking down the street that I say "Hello" to a lady who is apparently waiting at the bus stop for her connection. She smiles and asks"Are you all right" I respond saying "I'm fine, It's just that my legs don't work so well"....."Mind yourself" she says in a friendly sort of way" and I continue my walk.

Within a minute the lady is walking beside me telling me how she has just lost some money. Being the Good Samaritan (mug,fool,eejit...put in your own word) I offered her a couple of pounds to see her on her way. You would. wouldn't you? She then continued her journey, at a faster pace in front of me.

I popped into a friends then for a quick cup of tea and related the story. "Oh! That wee woman. Sure, she's at that all the time. She's usually at the door of the local supermarket tappin' everybody. She's been doing it for years. Probably making a fortune!"


It was largely what I expected to hear. Would it put me off giving to someone who asks for such help again. I doubt it, because which of us knows when we might find ourselves in similar plight. So the lady was "tappin" me on a semi professional basis. Her need for cash was so great that she dispensed with that layer of pride and self respect most of us would adopt. Maybe it's what keeps her alive.

Despite the hype that abounds that we are a self centred society there are people out there who are prepared to give when asked. There's the wonderful example in our local news over the last week, where when a disabled boy's van, his only means of transportation was stolen and destroyed in a violent attack. The original story disgusted many. Within days the story had a happy ending when a coach hire company provided the family with a replacement. Well done Chambers Coach Hire.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/ni/northern_ireland/6340397.stm

I've started so I'll finish sometime

I feel like I'm on a first date. I'm so nervous. Should I shake your hand or kiss you on the cheeck. I don't know. Well, lets start the polite way, with introductions. I'm Wee Beef. Yes that's my real name, or at least it's my real nickname, from early schooldays. I'm almost 50 with a lot of time on my hands. More of that later. I've been threatening to write a blog for the last few months and now I've got around to starting one. Why not. Have I got anything to say. Only the next few months will tell.

Just two months ago I contracted, though I don't remember signing the contract, Guillain Barre Syndrome. I've always been suspicious of anything with a double barreled name and this time my suspicions were well founded. I noticed something wrong on the Tuesday afternoon when I couldn't quite turn the key in my front door. Shortly after that I realised that I needed two hands to lift the handbrake on my car. "What's happening,Man." shouted the little voice in my head. I called my doctor for an urgent appointment the next day. Wednesday morning arrived and I popped out of bed only to find that my trusty left and right pegs, that had served me well for so many years decided to wobble and shake. With great difficulty I hobbled into and out of the shower. That inner voice raised itself from a shout to a scream.....STROKE???MS???

I called my sister in desperation as it was obvious I couldn't drive myself to the footpath, let alone to my doctor. An hour later, having struggled with little power in my legs or arms, I was in the surgery. "Looks like a virus to me." said the young female doctor. "PHEW!!!!!! Not a stroke then?"."No...If it gets worse, just let us know".

It's at times like this that you see the true value of family. My sister took me to stay at her home were things certainly got worse. Within twelve hours, my legs had turned from feeling unsteady to jelly. Early the next day after a sleepless night of worry, my sister called for an ambulance to take me to the local accident and emergency department. Within half an hour the doctor on call had identified a possible cause for my condition. "Guillain Barre" he said. "That Liverpool footballer had it ,you know! We'll just have to do some test." Now we're getting somewhere. This "thing", this "invasion" of my body has a name. It's a starting point.


www.gbsfi.com


A few hours later I am in a ward in the hospital, lying, almost immobile, waiting for more news. Eventually a junior doctor comes along and tells me about the condition. It appears that the syndrome usually develops after someone has a virus. Your immune defence system is triggered into attacking your nervous system, starting with your outer limbs. This eventually causes paralysis. It's a rare condition. One in fifty thousand. "Oh Lucky Me"

Many people reading this have spent time in hospital, so I won't bore you with every detail of the two weeks I spent there, suffice to say that public health workers are worth their weight in gold. Dedicated , helpful, resourceful. All these and more.

Since leaving hospital in mid December 2006 it's been a tough journey. With every patient there is a different recovery pattern. Some take weeks, months, years to regain their former strength. Some never recover fully and a small percentage actually die from the condition. So yes"Oh Lucky Me"

So now I am convalescing at home as my legs start to work again and my arms begin their long journey back to life. What they don't tell you is about the long sleepless nights when your limbs "pop and fizz like firecrackers" as your nervous system reaquaints itself with it's old buddies. This too shall pass. For some the condition can increase anxiety and bring on depression. Sorry, "got the t-shirt" on that one, so I won't be travelling on that road, but I can see why it might lead there. Frustration and fatigue.

If you are someone who is recovering from Guillain Barre and want to get in touch, feel free to contact me

Anyway, thats about enough for now. I shall continue this blog at a later date, moving on to other subjects besides myself.