The Bellydancing Show was the second event on my fundraising calendar. When I asked Alison if AJ Dance could do a small show, I was ecstatic and excited when she said yes straight away and told me that it’s going to be sorted out. Of course when she said “it’s going to be sorted out” I didn’t realise that Alison and Josie would organised everything for the show. I kept offering to help and was often assured everything was under control.

The school newsletters were handed out some time in May and I learned that it’s not just one show that we would be doing but instead two! From then, it has been in my mind that we would be doing two Mini Bellydancing Shows on the third weekend of June. That was the reason why the flyers I have printed and the ads were about Bellydancing Show. So, it was a big surprise when I was given a copy of the program on the Monday before the show and learned that the school was going to do Dance Delightz which made up of 14 varieties of performances on the first part of the show and another 14 performances on the second part!

I must admit, it was more than what I hoped for. And my only role with the event was to perform a belly dance routine with the Sahara Sirens group! Even the costume, Josie had to provide it since my other costume was not the right one. So, I felt guilty because organising an event takes a lot of hard work and preparations, not to mention the hassle of being able to be on top of every thing.

The tickets were all sold out a week before the show which was really fantastic! I had to tell friends and some people that the tickets were sold out when they asked to buy some.

We went to the Community Hall early on Saturday, 16 June 2007 but when we arrived there were already a lot of people in the hall. The changing room was already buzzing with girls/ladies of all ages getting ready for their part/s. Some were getting nervous and tried to do a last minute practise! This included me and the other Sahara Siren ladies that was why we tried to practise outside on the car park looking like garden fairies on our very colourful costumes!

Everything went like a clock worked. Some parents and relatives were helping out and assisted in every possible way so everything went smoothly.

The Sahara Sirens performed last on the first half of the show and was followed by a refreshment break where tea and biscuits were served. This gave us chances to go around and mingled friends and their relatives.

There was a raffle draw before the second part of the show started. Again, this was a surprised as I didn’t know the other students and their families have been bringing and contributing prizes for the raffle draw. This went very well and there were quite a lot of fabulous prizes to choose from for those who were able to get the lucky numbers.

Overall the show was really fantastic not because I’m biased but because it really was. The school received a lot of praises and positive feedbacks for the excellent performances by the students. You’ll find at the end that I have listed the programme to give you a general idea of the show.

Sunday, 17 June 2007. The second day was the nerve racking one being the final day and I think a lot of the people involved would agree especially Alison and Josie :)  By the time I arrived at St Nicholas Community Hall, the car park was already full. I didn’t get there earlier than planned as I stopped by first to have some Alzheimer’s balloon filled with helium gas. It was a right performance since the balloons kept on going up the ceiling without the string at Clintons!

When I was trying to get the floral arrangement for Alison and Josie from my car, Alison came out of the door and asked if I was all right! It was a good thing I bagged them out otherwise she would have seen what I was holding!

Like yesterday, the show went very well and the students gave another excellent performance. Most of the students kept on their costume this time ready for the finale bow. I didn’t go on stage with them when we were asked to go on stage for the bow since I have to get ready the floral arrangements. I was disappointed with the arrangement for Alison because it didn’t look as good as it should have been and regretting for not getting a proper bouquet instead. Of course, it was too late to make any changes and so gave it to Alison after Lyn finally got her on stage. Alison extended our appreciations for the families and friends and to everyone involved with the show and announced that the show raised £920 for Alzheimer’s Society! She mentioned about my challenge and recommended to get the biggest and most comfortable gel saddle I could get :) (hahaha…)

As quickly the hall was filled before the show, it was quickly cleared of guests as well. I helped with the tidying up and thank Alison again for everything. I don’t think I could ever thank Alison enough for what she did for me and in helping me get over the minimum mark. Of course, I will be eternal grateful for her kindness, support and all the hard work, likewise to Josie, who is so versatile and ever ready to give a helping a hand on everything and always with a big smile. Also my gratitude extends to everyone who were involved with the show – my fellow students, parents for letting their kids participate with the show, parents who were helping out to get things in order, to those who contributed for the raffle prizes, families and friends who were there to support by buying the tickets and watched the splendid show. Thank you all so much for everything!!!

3rd July 2007 - Update

After the show, a few of my fellow students made cash donations and brought the total raised to £1010.00 to date, which is really marvellous! :D Once again a big THANK YOU to everyone.



PROGRAMME for Dance Delightz

It’s Curry Night at Massala Zone, 27 May 2007! I was pretty excited because Mohammed told me not to accept any more bookings for the 8 pm schedule since it was already fully booked. A few already started booking for 7 and 9! In this case, it’s going to be busy and I can’t wait to go there after 6 to be able to welcome friends and guests.

There were already people sitting on their table when I got in just after six. The buffet table was looking great. I offered to help but Mohammed said everything was under control. So I waited for people to come in and chat with some friends when they arrived and waited to be shown to their tables.

The buffet started before seven, as there were already a few people waiting. It was quite impressive as I watched people going to the buffet table and everything was well organised. There was selection of curry to choose from with pilau rice and Naan bread to go with them. It was pleasant watching people enjoying themselves.

David from Boston Standard said that Nick, the photographer, would be arriving between 7 and 9. I took some photos for my facebook and this blog because I knew friends who came early would be gone by the time Nick arrives.

Rochielle and I finally sat down for our meal after 9. Rochielle doesn’t really like curries but she ended up going back for more since she enjoyed the chicken tikka! There were still some people arriving by that time. I kept on looking at the bar to check if some friends I had been expecting would come despite not booking their table. But none of the familiar faces came and it was rather disappointing! I supposed you couldn’t really rely on people when they say they would come. I know the weather was horrible but it was warm and cosy in the restaurant.

Anyway, I thought the night was a success when Mohammed told me that there were over a hundred people came. But he was disappointed that there were a lot of people who didn’t turn up despite booking their tables. He was hoping to have around 150 people, which could really boosted up what they could raise for me. Massala Zone gave 50% of the takings, which was really generous. Overall, I think it was still a good turn out considering the bad weather we had that day.

My heartfelt appreciation to the Management of Massala Zone whose generosity makes a big difference with my fundraising and to all the friendly staffs for an outstanding service. To friends and guests, thank you for joining us and hope you all enjoy the delicious, mouth-watering curries that were served on the night!

***Please note this event came out on Boston Standard, Wednesday 6 June 2007 issue.

Tuesday, 15 May 2007

I booked to see Simon at the PRSA today for chat about possible exercises that I can do while my shoulder is recovering. But when I got there he was unavailable so I decided to go in the gym and try one of the stationary bikes.

Three weeks has gone since my accident and I was getting impatient about getting some exercises even just for the legs. I had some anticipation that it might be too early to start but I knew I have to do something. Three weeks seemed like a long time for me.

I asked Ben for help and who adjusted the seat for me. He offered to give him a shout should I need assistance, which was really kind since my arm was still on a sling.

After 43 minutes later, I was sweating like mad, my skin was itching and looked a messed but I was able to do 20 miles on the bike! I was really pleased afterwards because it has been a while since I last biked. I thought I would be panting and puffing but surprisingly I was all right aside from the discomfort of the sling.

Unfamiliar faces gave me a questioning look and those whom I attended classes with or known asked what I was doing there. So I ended up repeating myself and explaining why. Of course, it was beneficial to my cause because I was able to tell people more about my challenge at the same time hope they would say they’ll sponsor me J. Well, I suppose I can hope because you never know until you try.

So, I have taken initial step towards my training and can’t wait to do more!

After missing Simon last week, I was determined to see him today so I went in the gym early. We talked about what I can do without having to change my old program since I was limited to what exercises that work with my current predicament. He refused to do sporting injury massage as the injury was still sore and advised me to put the sling back! He showed me some exercises for my good arm and explains how it works since I cannot do anything with my injured arm.

Once again, I was back on the stationary bike and then decided to try the cross-country trainer with just one arm holding for support! It wasn’t that hard really once you get the beat and it felt good after I finished. I tried the arm exercises and boy, it hurt after 3 repeats of 10 on each routine. And I was only using 3 kgs! Now I know what they meant about no pain, no gain J. However, when I tried to do stomach exercise it was so uncomfortable that I decided to leave it.

By the time I was finished for the night, I felt revitalised and looked more positively that I would be all right despite the drawbacks. Also talking to people who empathised really help because it becomes like an inspiration. When you’re positive and people around you talk positively it’s uplifting especially with my situation. Although it doesn’t lessen the pain on my shoulder but it kept my mind away from it.

And now what I would be doing on the next few days is to come more often in the gym and hopefully by mid June I would be ready to do bodybiking class again in the studio. And as the doctors’ predicted I should be back on my road bike by early July!

Last week was my fifth week since I had the accident and I’m telling you it’s neither easy nor without tears!  Mind you, the pain and discomfort has been bad enough. But I have always been a fighter and so I tried not to be put back by my accident.  I put my time to good used by organising my fundraising events, which I was trying to sort out the week before the accident. But I kept putting it aside as work has been so hectic!  Most of the people I need to get in touch with were only available during the day.  And my half hour lunch break was not enough.  Since I couldn’t do much except sit up in bed, I was able to get in touch with some people through the phone and Internet.

The first week was very hard for me despite my effort of being positive. Not being able to sleep at night and even during the day didn’t help because I just couldn’t get comfortable whatever position I tried.  There were times when I slid down the bed and I had to call for help so that I could get up.  I had burning sensation on shoulder blades, stiffed neck and feeling nausea all the time!  I now know how people must feel when they fractured or broke a collarbone; rib/s, etc where even sneezing or coughing could be so agonizing!  Not to mention total dependence to your family :(

There are so many things in our lives we take for granted when we are able and healthy and never realised the significance until you lose that capability to do such thing.  It was hard to grasp the effects of the accident and my dependency to my family despite knowing all these are temporary.  On the other hand, it made me realised how hard and difficult it must be for a person on an early stage of Alzheimer's disease or dementia that his/her illness and dependency will be for the rest of his/her life.  I know the situations are totally different but it gave me the notion of what it must feel like when you're alone and your mind wander about the inevitable. I don't think I would ever comprehend the depth of the dilemma a person who has any form of dementia would really feel.

Anyway, I was able to make some arrangements for the fundraising events before the first week was over.  Although it raised an issue, what if the doctor tells me to cancel the cycling challenge?  That is why I was very anxious when I went to see the Specialist.  I informed him about my challenge but he was positive that I would be able to go back training at the end of June provided everything goes okay.  However, I must rest for a minimum of four weeks depending how fast my injury heals.

I informed my boss what the doctor has told me, and he said he would only pay me for the first week of my sickness and the rest will have to be unpaid as the accident was a sporting injury!  I understood that there were lots to be done at work being the company’s year-end.  But I was already planning to go back to work as soon as possible even if I couldn’t do a lot.  At least, I could do my best and update things.  I didn’t really know how to take what my boss said to me because I was already depressed of being incapacitated by my fractured collarbone and being told that I wouldn’t be paid of my sick leave was a bit too much.

I would have accepted the sporting injury if I was racing that day or if the accident happened during the actual cycling challenge!  And being the Payroll Administrator, I knew how he bends the rules and disregards terms and conditions.  So, I wasn’t really please with the turned of event.

Phil went to see my boss on the second week to give him my sick note.  He wasn’t surprised when he was told again of what he already knew.  But I already told Phil about what I thought and that disputing my boss’ decision would not really resolve anything.   I still have to go back in the same department where I would be working with him since departmental transfer is not possible. So, my only option was to leave the company.

But when I went to see my boss on the third week, he informed me that it has been decided that the company would pay me the full sick pay!  Of course, this was a week after I handed my notice!  What was the point of telling me in the first place about not paying?  He didn’t have to refer this matter to anybody since this was within his authority.  Therefore, I think the reason why he changed his mind afterwards was to cover himself should I decided to take action against the company.

The accident did not only delay my training and preparation for my challenge, it also left me without a job!  But if I stayed, it would never be the same for me because I’m a type of person who cannot stand hypocrisy.  If he had been a decent boss, he wouldn’t have tried his devious tricks because he was there during the accident and he knows I always go to work even if I don’t feel too good.  In fact, I prioritised my work too much that I was more concerned of backlog at work than going to see my seriously ill grandmother!  So for this reason, there will always be an atmosphere if I stayed working and no amount of bribery can repair the distrust.  If you cannot trust your own boss what is the point of continuing to work with him?

However, my accident has brought me a lot of good things as well.  I met a lot of nice and genuine people whom I would never be able to praise and thank enough for the help and support that they have given me.  It is amazing how some people help without hesitation and be there for you even if they don’t know you that well.  That is why it makes everything worthwhile, as finding real friends is priceless.

Sometimes I think to myself that the accident maybe another sign for me to give up after the cancellation of the Alpine Cycling Challenge. But as my Nan used to say, “things happened for a reason but always follow your gut instinct...”  For this reason I'm more determined than ever to achieve my goal despite of this major setback.  

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