The Person I Strive To Be is Not Confined By My Disability

What’s Epilepsy Got to Do With It?…Tattoos and Rob Thomas

almpartridge — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 00:28:24 +0000

Having your seizures under control doesn’t necessarily equate to them being gone completely. I had a very intriguing conversation this week regarding my decision to move forward to get my third tattoo.

I had gotten two tattoos and wasn’t asked to sign anything regarding my seizures…but with the third one I was. If I had disclosed my epilepsy, it would have meant that I would have needed to go and sit in my doctor’s office for nearly an hour and pay for a note saying it was ok that I get this symbol put on my shoulder. I needed to get this done by the Friday after (this was a Sunday), so in the space of 15 seconds I made a calculated decision to sign a form declaring I don’t have epilepsy-when in fact I do. I knew that they just wanted to ensure that I wouldn’t have a seizure while getting the tattoo, and I was 100% positive I wasn’t going to.

Rob Thomas is my favourite singer/songwriter. I’ve seen him with Matchbox Twenty 4 times and solo once. The last two times I’ve gone to see him, just before the concert I’ve had seizures. It’s a big piss off when you fork out the money and wait months, and these things happen. The last time was in second row. If given the opportunity to see Matchbox Twenty from first row I’ll take the chance of the seizure. Those lights from concerts can be triggers, but again I choose the experience of being close to the band. I hope to meet him someday.

My epilepsy isn’t going to be some dirty secret anymore, and it’s not going to be something that hold me back. On my deathbed I’ll be proud to say that my seizures didn’t stop me from doing things I love.

Handling a ton of new things this summer

almpartridge — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 00:39:31 +0000

This summer has been amazing. I have met challenges head on and have exceeded my own expectations. Working in Markham has been very rewarding. I am in a place now where my disability isn’t something I need to mask and that feels good.

Living alone for three weeks while working was a definite first! It’s mid August and I’m having an amazing summer so far!

Discrimination…Persons with disabilities views on the impact other PWD’s have on them

almpartridge — Mon, 11 May 2009 01:14:57 +0000

I am currently doing research on discrimination that the disabled have against others with disabilities. I love to read and more importantly observe people. I’m finding that this is a problem that’s being swept under the rug while discrimination between the able bodied and disabled is discussed more thoroughly.

I will post what I find

Part of the Package

almpartridge — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 02:13:57 +0000

As indicated in the blog title and description I live my life not looking at my challenges as a burden, but as a way that I can acquire new abilities and climb to heights those without physical challenges can’t reach..I guess I shouldn’t assume that any one person can’t reach certain heights, just based on their physical ability.

I’ve been told that I can’t do things out of fear of me falling down, but I’m nearly thirty and I have a secret for all those people…they are a little late. I’ve fallen, and I couldn’t be happier that I have. I’ve found strength not in the process of the fall, but in the challenge of getting off the ground.

So when I use the words “not confined”…I mean that I take pride in the fact I have my physical challenges. It’s proudly in part how I “define” myself. I have had unforgettable experiences, met extraordinary people, and have been able to advocate and mentor-abilities I’m also proud of