250 days ago

Andrew

The Team from Humans of Christchurch Ōtautahi

"I was hit by a bus 22 years ago."

"I need to have a rest, that's very important to me, just for half an hour, just shut my eyes and no, no, no distractions, and then I can keep going on the rest of the day.

I had three days in Wellington. It was at six o'clock in the evening, going with a run with friends. I was on the island; in the middle, parliaments’ over there and I think the bus went through an orange light. It was an old bus, so the mirror was way out, and it clipped me I think; I mean, I don't know, but this, is what I’ve been told. I was in a coma for seven weeks. About a week after the accident, I started twisting my finger so that must’ve meant that I was not completely dead!

The hardest thing was I couldn't talk. I couldn't say a word. I could understand, but how do you communicate? So yeah, so that was just very frustrating. I couldn't do the alphabet. I could do A, B, C, D, what's after D? It took me about three years to speak the alphabet.

I did two degrees, one with honours; computer science and accounting. I had a big company, and I designed software for other companies. I had 200 people working for me. Now I’m completely dyslexic.

I’ve been banned from one supermarket. The manager came, you're not allowed to be here. Why not? Because you're so rude to the checkout two days ago. I said you've treated me badly and so and so... and the police came.

Before my accident, I could speak very fluently. So it's not going right, I get louder and I get frustrated. I don't get frustrated at them, I get frustrated at myself. But they don’t understand.

What can you do? You have to live life so it can be very frustrating. What choice do you have?

I did the Coast to Coast 15 years ago, with a friend. The half marathon in Christchurch. I've done that about six times, seven times. The best thing you can do for your brain is endorphin. So if you want to, if you want to keep things improving, they need some endorphins."

- Andrew

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More messages from your neighbours
21 days ago

Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.

Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.

We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?

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As a customer, what do you think about automation?
  • 9.3% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
    9.3% Complete
  • 43.6% I want to be able to choose.
    43.6% Complete
  • 47.1% Against. I want to deal with people.
    47.1% Complete
2458 votes
25 days ago

Poll: Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Canterbury, you have a hidden treasure right on your doorstep ... though it does come with a 1.5-hour walk up the stunning Rakaia Gorge Walkway.

Along the trail you’ll find The Fantail Shop showcasing small artworks by local artisans. Even better, every purchase supports the Fantail Trust, helping protect and restore biodiversity on the north bank of the gorge.

So we’re curious: would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? (And for local biodiversity, of course 🌿)

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Would you take a 1.5-hour hike for a shop? 🌿🐦
  • 32.2% Yes!
    32.2% Complete
  • 67.8% No thank you.
    67.8% Complete
177 votes
10 days ago

Weekend Beginners Pilates or Tai Chi

Roger from Sydenham

I am looking for those residents that would be interested in either the power of Pilates for strengthening their backs and core or want or to experience the power of Yang Style short form Tai chi and its many relaxing qualities and benefits.
There is a possibility of doing one or the other depending on the level of enquiries Saturday mornings 9am in the Beckenham area.
The cost is dependent on the hall provider and the amount of clients interested. Basically, the more Beginners that are interested the less the cost. Simply reply here via message neighbourly or 0212089196 by the Monday the 9th of February. Ta Roger Beginners joining entered into prize draw for a day pass to Hanmer Springs Pools. (rules applied}

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