The Beat Goes On...Living with Focus

Father’s Day….Diggin’ on James Brown

2011-06-19T13:24:00.001-04:00

Happy father’s day to my dad.

The song that reminds me of him is “Diggin’ on James Brown.” Lyrically, it’s perfect. It’s got groove too.

My favourite song from Tower of Power is “What is Hip?” That really has groove, and I love the lyrics.

My father got me hooked on music…..THANKS!! I’ve got a few more groovy men in my life who dig music, and I’ve broadened what I listen to – but it started with dad.

I’ve included videos for both “Tower of Power” songs.

I’m In It For The Ride…

2011-06-14T20:40:00.001-04:00

Some days it’s a Magic Carpet Ride, and some days it’s even a Free Ride.

Well I fit two songs in the first line, but there is a message here. Whether I’m dealing with the knots in my back, or being so tired that I can’t remember hitting the sack, I’m not going to lose the joy of the journey.

I’m an accident prone person. I’ve had some incidents that really if events had slightly gone another way, the ride would be done now. Although. I’m rather content despite all that – and life moves forward.

I’m not fast – in society that matters, in my world that’s just how it is. My CP drains my energy and cause my body to ache. I have a network of people who’ve helped and inspired me, and they’re making the ride great make no mistake.

Free Ride Lyrics

The mountain is high, the valley is low
And you're confused 'bout which way to go
So I flew here to give you a hand
And lead you into the promised land

So, come on and take a free ride
Come on and take it by my side
Come on and take a free ride

All over the country, I'm seeing the same
Nobody's winning, at this kind of game
We gotta do better, it's time to begin
You know all the answers
Must come from within

So, come on and take a free ride
Come on and take it by my side
Come on and take a free ride

“I was born this way”

2011-02-21T19:41:00.001-05:00

There are two ways people handle ignorance….those who ask questions and those who assume answers.

Though I’ve gotten the question about my disability in a variety of ways, I do commend the (curious) people who ask about it. I’ve found my answer over the years hasn’t changed, but as I get older and life’s gotten a bit tougher my head seems to go down as I say “I was born this way.”

The theme of the blog is music, and how it uplifts me. A song hasn’t come around lately that has caught my attention reminding me that when I answer that “so what happened to you?” question I can look back at people in the eye and proudly say “I was born this way.” Admittedly I have only listened to Lady Gaga in passing until now, but Born This Way lifted my head!

I have a damaged brain, but I have a sharp mind and soft heart. My body is slow and crooked yet my personality and sense of humour are quick and twisted…I mean it when I say that I’d have it no other way!

Enjoy the song….

What good trainers are made of….

2011-02-10T19:15:00.001-05:00

My current job has me working at several locations out of the Durham Region training residents who want to learn more about computers, MS Office, and the internet etc.

I’ve probably been my most successful student. It’s been very rewarding to work with people who want to learn. You cannot be a good trainer if you aren’t open to learning new things yourself. I’ve had people teach me about French Idioms and Penguins. Oh, and I’m close to honestly saying I’m proficient in Excel… It really has been amazing!

I plan on always being a trainee, it’ll allow me to be the best trainer I can possibly be.

“Home Game”

2010-11-21T13:49:00.001-05:00

I’m sick today, so I’m watching the Oshawa Generals game from home. Before doing so though I thought I would open up Windows Live Writer and blog…

The season’s ticket has been the best money I’ve spent in a long time. Sitting in front of the boards watching the play, and listening to/laughing at the shenanigans has been awesome. Everything I do doesn’t necessarily need to be turned into a lesson, but this has truly been a good experience – great company at each game.

I haven’t felt the pinch of the writer’s bug lately, and if I don’t have anything of value to write…I just can’t do it. I have decided lately that fighting systemic barriers can’t always bring short term benefit to my life, and the choices I make do not always affect just me. “Toeing the party line” sometimes is a matter of keeping focused enough to move forward. There are things that I’ve seen people do lately that have left a sour taste in the back of my throat. As time goes on I will keep these choices filed away. When I’m able to change the beat of my own drum, perhaps others will march to a different tune.

By the way….GO GENS GO!!

2010-07-30T20:06:00.003-04:00

I’ve always felt at rest when I’ve had something to look forward to and/or something to work towards. It keeps me on the move, and motivated. I have a season ticket to the Oshawa Generals, a season that I am very much looking forward to.

Hobbies are a good way to keep focused while we go about our days, and work towards our dreams. Hockey, and music happen to be two of my biggest hobbies, but they help drive to to be something more than I am.

Whether my goal is to walk down the aisle as my best friend’s maid of honour without falling (which by some miracle I accomplished last week) or become a better advocate/web designer/analyst, it’s my hobbies and the people I’ve met while accomplishing these goals that drive me.

“Sing with me…sing for the year…”

2010-06-24T13:37:00.000-04:00

I have finished my year long internship with the Town of Markham…and it was great.

I kept a positive attitude as I left, because I knew a long time ago that it would end and Markham and I would part ways. I was constantly assured by others that better opportunities would come my way. They’re right. I haven’t discounted that an opportunity could come from the Town…I REALLY enjoyed it.

I don’t plan on staying off the horse for too long, or I could slide into a rut. I do the motivational work to inspire others, but it’s also so that I keep myself on the right path. Even if I sometimes take the left fork in the road.

It isn’t time to tell my whole “story” yet. My dream is to continue to have a “day job”…to pay the bills. However, I also want to create a few e-books to capture the writing (quotes and poetry) that I’ve drafted. I want to keep people guessing about what I’ll do next.

I attached this version of the song, because the original didn’t speak to me like this one has.

Collective Souls

2010-02-07T20:50:00.001-05:00

Ok…here’s the deal..

I finally found a person to team up with on my advocating work. In my personal website I describe myself as always breaking barriers. Although I still believe that that is very important, for every barrier that is broken it would be ideal that a bridge be put in it’s place. It helps maintain balance. :)

I love working with people, but I earn a living by working with computers and designing “things”. IT and psychology go more hand in hand than one can imagine. I’ve been able to reach people through my ideas and quotes across the world through the internet, however, getting a power button put on a local Tim Horton’s at the end of the road has been a struggle.

I work with technology, and Scott works with policy. That combined effort can bring about big change.

Personally, I want to emphasize building bridges (creating opportunities), as much as breaking the barriers.

“If we break the barriers that exist in our own minds, together we can achieve anything.”

2009-12-13T16:19:00.003-05:00

Re-Post...actually an entry from earlier this year...

Last month I was working on getting back in touch with what Rob Thomas was doing. Naturally, the first place I went was the forum of his website. I started reading discussions regarding this “twitter thing”…I really had no idea what they were referring to.

On the news one night I heard Twitter get mentioned in the same breath as Facebook, so I decided to join. Then (again naturally) I looked up Rob…who had confirmed on his site that his username is”ThisIsRobThomas”…and started following him.

The most amazing thing had happened to me, the mystery of what this man does hour to hour (lol) was shattered…and replaced with the affirmation that he’s not untouchable.

Not because I can’t go far (I can give you the addresses of musicians I’ve gotten on buses to travel to see), but in these hard economic times me and a lot of others are saving their pennies. Technology and the internet has a way of bringing people who are far away just that much closer.

Rob only had around 1400 followers when I joined….but I wanted to say something that would catch his eye and hopefully get a response.

Here’s what I said:

“I would ask you to say something to me but you’d prob say “something to me””

And he replied!! It was:

I’m a big fan of technology…when it’s used properly. I have family and friends all over the world and its helps keep us all connected.

Not all artists do their own tweeting, but RT is on of ‘em.

I’ll have to call the joy I got from those 5 words the “Twitter Effect”.

A true “ that was good” moment

(as of the time I’m writing this Rob has 10,661 followers)

“Little Wonders”….those moments that pass you by while waiting for something else

2009-12-06T20:29:00.001-05:00

I’ve always loved this song.

The important thing for me to remember when I go to work each day is firstly to be thankful I have a job to go to. Adding to that, it’s important to look around and listen to what’s going on.

I can spend my mornings deep in thought on how I’m going to accomplish the tasks I have in the days or weeks ahead. I make sure that I smile regardless though, whether it’s the smile that brightens my day, my courteous drivers’ moods, or a stranger at a stop light. While I wait for answers, or good fortune…it’s those little wonders that keep me grounded.

The message that Rob speaks of in the song can transcend any situation.

Beware of tunnel vision because although you can see what’s in front of you, it makes it very hard to see what's around/beside you.

“And of Course You Can’t Become...”

2009-11-28T22:17:00.003-05:00

“And of course you can’t become if you’d only say what you would’ve done”

That line is buried in a song I loved when I was in my late teens, and still listen to today. I never paid close enough attention to the lyrics, because half the time I had my head hanging out of a van with my face to the wind.

I saw my friend last night. We’ve been close friends for a long time, “Steal My Sunshine” was/is our song. We don’t see each other often now, but when we do it’s like no time has passed. I was listening to this song one day and this line struck a chord with me.

I’ve realized over the last while that the opportunity I’ve had over the last year came at exactly the right time.

I’ve asked myself “what if I’d taken that fork in the road where would I be?”

You can waste so much time visualizing the path you could’ve been on that you miss out on the opportunities you have on the path you ARE on,

If I can find a lyric in this song to keep me on track…well who would’ve thought!

Losing Control

2009-11-22T19:47:00.001-05:00

“Control is never achieved when sought after directly. It is the surprising outcome of letting go.”

In order to maintain a level of control over the circumstances that happen in our everyday lives, we must accept the fact that we need to lose some control.

The trick is having control over the control we must lose to reach a bigger goal.

People will often go back to the expression about “picking battles.”

I have been told that I am lucky in how I can get those to do for me what I want. It is clearly a matter of communicating properly.

When I was job searching, I couldn’t predict on a daily basis which companies would be posting jobs in my field…or a field I could apply my skills in.

I was told by several people to look for jobs in my region because my life would be easier if I “settled” for a job that I could easily get to. Oh well I took something one region away!!

I had control over the job I accepted, because I can’t drive...how and when I get there is out of my hands.

This isn’t the most ideal place to wait at 7am…I’ve accepted if this is how I can get to work and see this….

I’ll take it!

Another Week at Work Starts Tomorrow!

2009-11-15T17:46:00.000-05:00

Hi Everyone

I wanted to share my experiences on how I've staid focused in intense situations throughout my post secondary years. After three years of struggling to find work, I am now blessed to have a job. It is a leatning experience for sure.

It may sound simple but believe it or not my mp3 player has helped me help a lot of people. Part of what I'll discuss in regards to how I spend my days is how much time I spend "accomadating" other people's schedules, and music has shortened those waiting periods.

I believe that whether we are on the clock or volunteering our time is precious. We shouldn't take the time that anybody gives each other (paid or otherwise) for granted, because they are giving something that can't be given back.

I'm able to do the best work at my job as possible because of music and patience.

Saturday night…and I’m feeling all right

2009-04-18T22:03:00.000-04:00

When I am home alone with my thoughts and the house is quiet, I have time to sit and think about the “that was good” moments in my life. It’s when the ideas come to me about how I envision using those moments to make a difference.

The differences that I make in other people’s lives won’t have any significance unless I make sure that the information that I teach and the examples that I give come from honest experiences.

I’ve had a good day. I’m still looking for that job offer, but I had a great informational interview on Friday. I’m starting to feel like I’m headed on a new (and good) road

“Back to your old life”…No job and no partner-new and scary times

2009-03-25T23:16:00.000-04:00

My brother says to me “oooohhh I feel so bad for you” in a joking way….but this picture shows the moments that job searching that get to me.

I think I have a system in place to keep me in line and focused, but the economy is so bad, and to be quite honest the CP/Epilepsy doesn’t help in finding ideal opportunities. Anyway, I’m not in the same boat as a person without a physical disability…I’d like to see them in a boat with a wheelchair haha!

I do believe that my sense of humour will be the driving force that keeps me moving until that one employer calls me up and offers me a job.

In terms of techniques for job searching there are tons of interview and resume building ideas in libraries and on the net. It’s keeping a positive frame of mind that will really make the difference between the ones that keep going, and the ones who stop after one or two rejections. However, as I’ve shown in the picture moments of doubt are aloud to sink in, the important thing is not to drown in them. Taking pictures of those moments helps show you what you don’t want to look like. These are very much new waters for me. Bring on the rapids…I can handle it!

2009-03-11T18:19:00.001-04:00

I went in today and did my mock interview…here is a short audio blurb on how it went and what is next. I am already feeling more comfortable using the mic. Don’t expect me to start singing though!

These entries are really focused on my quest for a job at the moment because that’s where I’m at. They won’t always.

I have a habit of going up to the line. Though I rarely cross it, if there's a loop hole, I'll always go through it.

Allyson Partridge
Advocate for DisAbility awareness
more famous quotes

Getting Used to My Own Voice...Mock Interview Time

2009-03-08T17:08:00.000-04:00

I decided to record this to start giving a voice to my blog. For a first time effort I'm pretty happy with it.

I'll be working on more in the future and I'm sure I'll laugh at how much they'll change. I'm really hoping to get some interviews soon. I had an instance of being discriminated against by a company in Durham...it's being looked into now, so I'm not saying anything more than that.

Music Within…

2009-01-12T18:46:00.000-05:00

I have been feeling nostalgic lately…I usually feel that way when something remarkable gets me reflecting on what goals have have for myself and if I’ve been reaching past goals.

The blog title refers to a movie about Richard Pimentel, a man who worked to find jobs for the disabled in the States. He played a big role in the Americans with Disabilities Act being passed.

Almost everything that I’ve touched and every person that I’ve met that has inspired me to be a smart ass and/or an intellect, has had a strong connection with music. As is described in the movie…I won’t be dying with my music within. In fact music is what draws my passion to lead and inspire others out of me.

My goal is to find full time employment, but I’m going to play my music up until and beyond then…mentorship and touching the lives of individual people to inspire them to find their own music.

I am thankful for my mentor(s)!

(Richard Pimentel speaking of his early experiences with the late Art Honeyman)

scene from Music Within

(again…there's some coarse language…but it’s moving)

Working hard or hardly working??....Coalition in Canada

2008-12-04T17:48:00.000-05:00

That sounds like a good question for the folks on the hill in Ottawa these days.

Until the end of January, all I am going to do it work hard to get myself further ahead with what I have....with a clear head!

I thought in consideration of all the press around this topic I'd mention how I'm going to personally react to it...leaving out which party/parties I support...

There's a video I saw today from a person who expressed their feelings about all this...it caught my attention so I want to share it.

Inspiration keeps me moving....Dec 2

2008-12-02T18:56:00.000-05:00

I am starting next week at "Youth the Future"

My last week at the centre was bittersweet!

I am looking forward to new things though. I finally got to get "out" last week. McKenna was great, but transit can be exhausting. Anyhow, I've attached some Matchbox Twenty videos that I watch very often to keep inspired. These days are tough on many people, but we can all find strength through inspiration and dreams.

Mine happens to meet Rob Thomas!

(video contains some coarse language)

House to Myself-July 21

2008-07-21T21:36:00.000-04:00

Parents have been away since the start of July. Has been giving me a chance to stretch my independence.

I'm getting tired a bit quicker doing more here.

Since Nic came/left I've been letting my wilder side out. Driving my powerchair like a teenager-haha

I'm having fun here alone and with my sister's help from time to time. I am drained, but its not stopping me.

I am going to see the Eagles this week! I'm excited. Its going to be a LONG DAY.....but worth it. I have many other music stories to share.