March 2020 has been rather productive and entertaining. Freelance journalism career slowly up and running, had a night out to the theatre to watch some stand-up comedy and discovered the funniest podcast on the planet.
DISCLAIMER: I know March 2020 has been dominated by coronavirus but as I’ve already shared a blog post about this, which you can read in my blog roundup below, this monthly summary will be a COVID-19 free zone.
Freelance Journalism
This month I’ve begun applying for numerous freelance writing and media jobs on various job boards. So far I’m still awaiting for responses. Moreover, I’ve researched various websites and publications that are accepting new submissions. I’m yet to have time to submit pitches but will do so as soon as possible.
I’ve also booked myself on a six week online course titled “Getting started as a freelance journalist“, which will begin 4th May 2020.
In addition, I’ve applied for the John Schofield Trust Mentoring Scheme, which, if successful, I’ll receive one year mentoring from a professional journalist starting in June 2020.
For more information about me and my professional skills, view my CV and freelance service page .
As well as all this, I have of course continued my work at Disability Horizons and AccessAble.
All my Disability Horizons content is now available to view in one place on the Emma Purcell Author’s page. This link can also be accessed on the “Disability Horizons” button on the menu page on the left of this site.
My featured content, product articles and sponsored posts for Disability Horizons can be viewed in my Journo Portfolio.
To read my latest news stories, interviews and featured articles on a regular basis, as well as browse other content from the rest of the amazing DH team, subscribe to the Disability Horizons newsletter.
Health
Back in February, I had botox injections in my bladder and my suprapubic catheter changed. Following this procedure I questioned my consultant about having my catheter changes done regularly in hospital due to complications last year. He wasn’t sure and suggested I ask my GP.
The first week of March I went to my GP and explained the situation. She was very supportive and agreed to send me a referral. A few days later, I received a letter to book an appointment on the NHS e-referral service. I logged on and the earliest appointment available was August, which is ridiculous as I need to change my catheter every eight weeks. I phoned my GP, the community hospital and Basingstoke Hospital to chase it up but nobody could give me an answer.
The following day, a urology nurse who treated me before phoned me to find out what was happening. I explained the situation but she apologetically explained there was no guarantee of a hoist or bed being available. At this point I just had to accept the fact I will have to use the district nurses.
Then a few days ago I then received a text from my GP surgery saying my GP has booked me an appointment to have my catheter changed at Alton Community Hospital. I haven’t received a phone call or letter confirming this so I hope it still goes ahead.
John Bishop live in Basingstoke
For Christmas I bought tickets for my parents and I to see the comedian John Bishop live on his warm up tour at The Anvil in Basingstoke. I first saw him live in Bournemouth back in 2018 and he was brilliant and as soon as I saw he was doing a gig in Basingstoke, 30 minutes from where I live, I couldn’t say no. Plus my parents have never been to a live comedy show either.
I knew there was a support act scheduled before John Bishop came on but I was surprised to see John come on stage first. He just came on to thank us for coming and to introduce the support act, which I thought was very touching and thoughtful.
The support act was a lady called Laura Lexy who was really funny. I particular enjoyed her jokes about being a bigger girl, which I can relate to these days.
After the intival John then came on for his set, which again was hilarious. I was amazed how much of a connection he has with disability too. His son is deaf, he supports the charity DeafUK, he went to the RNIB to record an audiobook version of his latest book How to Grow Old and when he was younger, he volunteered at a hospice.
I won’t spoil any of the jokes if you’re planning to see him live later this year or next year, but be sure to be impressed and thoroughly entertained.
Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed podcast
I don’t listen to many podcasts but this is by far the funniest and most entertaining podcast I’ve ever heard. I first discovered this podcast at the beginning of the month when I heard on the radio that they had won the Global Award for Best Podcast. I’ve managed to binge listen all 56 episodes in two weeks.
Sh**ged, Married, Annoyed is a comedy podcast hosted by comedian Chris Ramsey and his wife Rosie. The basis of the podcast is listening to Chris and Rosie chat, banter and argue about life, answer questions from the public and celebrities and read very funny, awkward and horrific stories from listeners.
Most of the content has very strong language and adult humour. So if you’re ok with hearing horrific and innappropriate sexual stories and listen to Chris and Rosie “talk about shit” a lot, then this is the podcast for you. New episodes are available to download and stream every Friday on all podcast services.
Audio Description petition
Just another reminder my audio description petition still needs more signatures. So far there is almost 190 signatures but I’m eager to reach thousands. The more signatures we get, the more likely changes could be made within the TV & films industries. Please, please, PLEASE continue to sign & share!
Guest bloggers wanted!
I’m pleased to say I’ve published one guest blogger this month and I featured on their website too, which you can read in my blog roundup below.
I’m still eager to collaborate with even more bloggers in 2020. So if you’re a lifestyle, disability and/or music blogger, send me your blog stories. Plus let me know if you’d like me to feature on your blog as a guest blogger.
I’m flexible with any type of blog posts; life story, disability awareness, music event, musician promotion – basically anything to do with life, disability or music!
Blog post roundup
In case you missed any of my blog posts this month, here is a roundup of them:
- Guest Blog: 6 Ways That We Can Help Improve Route Access for Disabled Users
- 5 Inaccessible Dilemmas for Wheelchair Users on Train Journeys | Guest Blog on Wayfinding
- Music Interview: Plastic Barricades
- 5 funny Facebook statuses 2009-2013
- My thoughts on cornavirus
- Music Interview: Fires of Freya
5 Favourite Blog Posts
Here are my 5 favourite blog posts I’ve read this month:
- We are people too, not objects to avoid, coddle, or ridicule by Miyuki Amano (which I’m featured in)
- 5 Things Harry Potter Taught Me by Fashioneyeta
- Bearing Disability: 3 frustrations the disabled face by Little Sea Bear
- What do sighted people want to know about vision impairment? by Life of a Blind Girl
- Things that I’ve learned during my 8 years of working from home full time by Unseen Beauty
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