Thursday, 6 September 2012

Alice Springs (Thursday)

Another early start today. This time, for the Mayoral Awards, hosted by Acacia Hill School. AHS caters to students with moderate to severe disabilities, so it was appropriate they were the hosts, not just because of the chi9ldren, but also because of their parents and carers. Alice Springs mayor Damien Ryan opened the morning, explaining what the awards were about, before I did my talk. I didn't feel it was my best presesntion, as I was trying to keep it short, and just missed out huge chucks, like the fact that I'm from Tasmania, and that I still ride, and was back on less that two months after my accident. Both of which are fairly major things in my life story. But the kids were very attentive and the adults seemed to enjoy it too. I had a few quick questions, mostly about things that I would normally have covered, then we all had a big egg and bacon fry up for breakfast. I spoke to alot of the teachers and parents. Of course one of them was Toms (who I visited in Darwin, and have played basketball with) aunty! Once again, this world is way too small! I also did another quick interview with Ruby, a journalist with the ABC.

With mayor Damien, principal Wendy and two students
Once things wrapped up at the school, I headed back to Sandra's, to organise some stuff and have some lunch, before heading off to my massage this afternoon. No sooner had I got in the door, than my phone rang. This time it was the ABC, wanting to do an interview about the Mayoral Awards and my adventures.So that was booked in for later in the afternoon.
I tried to have a bit of a sleep before lunch, but that didn't really work, so I got up and had lunch with Sandra instead. After lunch I had a massage with Maria, from Balance with Body Therapy. She started off a bit soft, but once she ended up doing a good job. Feeling much better now.
I had an awkward amount of time before my interview, too much to stay in town, but not long enough to really do anything. So I went home and sat around there. I did have a minor panic attack when I looked at my phone, and forgot it was half an hour fast (still on Tassie time) and throught I was meant to be there five minutes ago. Whoops.
In the end, I was ten minutes early and they were ten minutes late. My interview was part of 'Drive' with Rohan Barwickm, who was pretty cool. I also saw Ruby again while I was in the studio. It was quite different to yesterdays interview, but still fun.
After my latest five minutes of fame, I went and got a lamb roast for tea. Sandra and Leon were both working late, so I cooked tea.
I had a rather interesting experience this afternoon. I was sitting in the kitchen chopping garlic for the roast when I heard these little voices outside. Next thing I know, the four young aborinal children from across the road are in the kitchen! I had no idea what to do. I know that Sandra has them over sometimes, but I really had no idea if they were allowed in, if I should tell them to leave or what! They were wandering all over the place, touching things and I was just sitting there watching muttering under my breath everytime they got too close to something. After a bit the eldest girl, Seraphina got them all on the couch watching cartoons, and I started to relax a bit. Sandra turned up not long after that and took charge. I will admit I was quite happy to let her. Although by the time Sandra got back I was starting to find my feet and taking charge myself, rather than leaving it to an eight year old...
I got a phone call this afternoon about my scholarship application. Emma, our course director, said she would have shortlisted me, but since she knows me, and what I wanted to do, that it would be a waste of my time. She has given me some pointers on what scholarships I should be applying for, and what else I should be including in my applications.
Tea turned out well, though my eyes were bigger than my belly. I've been catching up on my paralympic viewing, now I'm about to watch the Gliders take on the USA for a spot in the gold medal game.
Go Gliders!!

No comments:

Post a Comment