Blogtober 2021

 

I really do miss being able to do that...

It's the end of September, which means that in just one short day, three of my favourite things are returning for another year: AMC's Fear Fest, Joubert Syndrome Awareness Month, and Blogtober.

That social series has gotten me in the mood to write more, so write more I shall! Well, that's the plan, anyway. This is my fifth Blogtober, so I've got more than a few meatier ideas planned. 

Back in a couple days then.

Cheers!

Social Series: Get Out and Explore

 

Want to find out what you like and meet some people? Explore!

If you're able to, get out into your community and see what's there. Maybe even get involved in something. 

That's how I started to get around and do things when I moved to the city. Very gradually, I familiarized myself with one specific area of downtown Ottawa. I started with my favourite comic book shop, relying on Para Transpo and/or my parents for quick trips. Gradually, I got comfortable enough to walk around and I started taking regular transit down instead of Para, going back home with my parents (they worked down there at the time). 

Eventually, I was staying down in that area for longer periods, writing, going for coffee or lunch, or walking around. More trips to the comic shop, and other places, meant that I was starting to meet some people. This soon led to me attending events, conventions, and joining a group called the Ottawa Comix Jam.

You can also do this online (though carefully, please!), with social media and sites like Meetup. A few years ago, I was feeling bored and in need of some kind of new experience. I like to read, so I searched for book clubs in Ottawa. Within a few results, I found a science fiction/fantasy one. Something right within my wheelhouse! The group was on Meetup, a website for groups dedicated to all sorts of interests and hobbies. On a whim, I created an account, joined the group, and signed up for a couple events.

The book club was relatively small and met at a couple different pubs and restaurants I was familiar with, so there was nothing to be nervous about. After two hours of eating a burger and talking about time-travel, I was committed. 

None of this would've ever happened without taking a chance and testing my limits. It's scary at first, so by all means take your time and plan but, ultimately, go for it. It'll be worth it!

Cheers

Social Series: Abled or Disabled

 

Do I feel more comfortable around disabled or able-bodied people? 

Either or. It depends on the situation, the people, and how I'm feeling at that moment.

There are times when being around other disabled people provides an added comfort factor, and there are some specific issues I know that friends I have who are also disabled will understand better, and be more sympathetic to, but so will friends who aren't disabled.

As long as they're decent people and we have stuff in common, who cares?

Cheers.

COVID-Movie Saga: The Final Chapter

 

After many months of writing about it, and many more hoping, today was finally the day.

For the first time since January 2020, I went and saw a movie at the theatre!

The movie was Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (easily one of Marvel's best, in my opinion), the theatre was Lansdowne VIP. 

My Dad and I booked tickets a couple days ago and went this afternoon. Our seats were in a corner, with the immediate area automatically blocked off by the theatre, so we were well-enough away from all ten of the other movie-goers. 

Since VIP offers food service, and it was my first time back in over a year, I splurged on snacks. The pulled-pork poutine seemed like a good idea at the time, but maybe wasn't the wisest of choices to avoid a full stomach later in the evening.

A great experience that was worth the wait! 

Cheers

Social Series: Developing Interests

 

One of the most important things I've learnt when it comes to making friends is the importance of developing your own interests and hobbies. 

Just plopping yourself in a group and meeting people works sometimes but most times, you're probably getting to know people based on something you have in common, like sports or school subjects. For me, it's usually been some combination of writing, reading, movies, and comics, or general geekiness.

And yeah, I've made friends because of my disability (from Easter Seals, taekwondo, and the Joubert groups). But, a lot of those people have stayed friends because we've had one or more of the interests I listed above in common.  

The disability has either been a foot in the door, an ice breaker, or it hasn't figured in at all. Ultimately, it's about individuality and personality.

Cheers!