introduction, Musings, Twenty Questions

Getting To Know Me – Twenty Questions

Gemma - Wheelescapades


You might remember last month I interviewed fellow disability blogger Carrie of Life On The Slow Lane. She very honestly and openly answered my Twenty Questions (you can catch up with that here, and answer them yourselves if you like!).
Meanwhile here I was busy working away on replies to Twenty Questions Carrie had composed for me. (Exciting, and thought provoking!)

I thoroughly enjoyed this task. Not only did it make me think about things that I maybe hadn’t before. It also enables people to get to know a bit more about me. Sometimes it’s difficult to know what to say when describing yourself to people, you go a bit blank and just say the boring stuff such as ‘I like tea’, of which I do, and it’s very important you know that. But there’s loads of other stuff about me that even I don’t realise!

Read on for my responses.

I have to say I particularly enjoyed questions 5, 8 and 9.

I would like question 8 to happen regularly!

I can’t wait for question 5 to become a reality.

I doubt question 8 will, however much I hope.

Questions 4 and 16 really made me appreciate what I have.

Questions 18 and 19 really got me thinking. Maybe too much.

Carries Questions/My answers


1. What is your biggest ambition in life?

I wouldn’t say I’m the ambitious type, there’s lots of things I’d like to see and do as you’ll find out throughout these questions. But when it comes down to it I’d just like to be content and happy. For my friends and family to be too. It’s the simple things that make life.


2. What is your dream job?

I love anything arty and creative. I’m too indecisive to give you one dream job title, but I’d like to be in at atmosphere where I am surrounded by creativity. I enjoy making things, drawing, textiles and, I’m going to say I would like to work in theatre design, costumes and props.


3. What do you most regret?

I don’t think I have any major regrets. That’s no way to live.

I do often regret not ordering dessert when I’m out with friends and theirs arrives leaving me sugar craved. 


4. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

Although there are so many places I’d love to visit I think I’m perfectly happy living where I am. On the big scale of things, I love England, it’s history, its heritage, the traditions, and yes the weather! I know it’s something everyone moans about, I’m guilty of that too, I know it can be unpredictable and awfully grey at times, but I like the differing atmospheres. We are lucky enough to get sun, snow and thunderstorms, but nothing too extreme or scary.

On a smaller scale I like the area I live in, Norfolk, I’m in a small town, not far from the city, the sea and the countryside. Norwich is a diverse city, of art, architecture and music. I can also easily get to London.


5. Dream dinner party guests: if you could invite any 5 people, alive or dead, who would you choose and why?

Alexander McQueen, Tim Burton, Andy Warhol, Stephen Hawkins, and Banksy. All creative, passionate and intelligent minds that know what they are/were and do their thing with conviction. Need I say more.


6. If you could visit any time period throughout history, when would it be and why?

Well I don’t think wheelchair access is going to be very reliable however far I travel back. As a mega Downton Abbey fan I’d love to dress 20’s style and attend one of Lady Mary’s Luncheons.

I’d also love to go back and spy on the child me, my Mum as a child or my grandparents.


7. If a genie were to grant you any 3 wishes, what would you wish for?

This is the one I’ve been struggling with (I take these questions seriously!), do I go for the big things…. world peace, a cure for SMA, an end to poverty?? Or the smaller stuff like a fully accessible luxurious house, enough money to help friends and family, to have a talent to make me a living?? Basically it depends how good this genie is, and what the rules are. There are always rules and consequences to these things! Maybe I shouldn’t rub the lamp…..


8. What is your ideal holiday?

My dream is to visit Florence, Italy. The complications, discomfort and fear of loosing or breaking my wheelchair, has meant that I haven’t flown since I was a child.

I’m not a ‘by the pool girl’, although I do love a spa! My ideal holiday would involve seeing the sights, being around locals, visiting little cafes, museums, galleries, a wheel along a river and cocktails on a roof! With warm but not sweltering weather. Don’t ask me where this destination is, although I’m open to suggestions.


9. If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?

Cancel Brexit. Can I say that? Shouldn’t we have learned by 2017 a united world is a better world…..

I think I might need longer than a day!


10. Who or what inspires you most in life?

I can be inspired by the simplest things. I wouldn’t say that one event or person has inspired me to be something. It can be a book I’ve read, a chat with a friend, a film I’ve seen, that can inspire thoughts inside me. Make me want to be a certain way or do a certain thing. In fact I am often inspired just people watching, seeing how people react can trigger a thought or idea.


11. Could you please share 3 interesting facts about yourself?

  • I won first prize in a national textile design competition. My prize was to visit Première Vision in Paris.
  • I eat almost everything with a fork, including wotsits.
  • I haven’t seen my natural hair colour since I was 16. I’ve had almost every colour, including blue and red at the same time. I’m now 32.


12. How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

Persistent sarcastic tea-drinker


13. If you could spend one day in someone else’s shoes, who would it be and why?

Can I say my cat even though they don’t wear shoes?

I’d lay around on the windowsill, worry free, watching the day go by. Maybe take a little nap, and have some chewy treats. Get cooed and massaged on the head if I’m good.


14. What is your biggest fear?

Spiders! I really do hate them. And unfortunately most of my PAs do too. I didn’t think of that question when I interviewed did I?! Job title ‘spider catcher’!

Umm on a more serious note…. everyone’s fear, loosing family and friends.

Disability wise, loosing strength, the independence I have, and communication.


15. What annoys you most?

Although you haven’t read question 18 yet, you can refer to it here.

I think moaners annoy me the most (yes I know I moan too, we all do). You know those people that make a big deal of nothing. I know everybody is different, we all have our issues and our weaknesses. But people, stop sweating the small stuff, appreciate what you’ve got. Enjoy the washing up! Appreciate the walk to the shop for milk to make yourself a brew. Yes you’ll get colds, and they are irritating, but the likelihood is you’ll be over it in a few days.


16. What makes you happy?

Being around friends and family. My cats. A day in the sunshine. Drinking tea. Netflix days. Ache free days. A facial at the spa. A good book. Seeing the end result of my craft project. Festivals. The outdoors.



17. If your life was a novel, what would the title be?

‘Wheelescapades’. The title of my blog, as that took me long enough to think up. I’m no good at these things.


18. What is your disability, and what frustrates you most about it?

I have SMA 2 (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2). 

I think it’s probably the small things that frustrate me the most. The little day to day things that most people take for granted. Yes I’d love to travel the world problem free, have an amazing job without limitations. But it’s not just me and my disability that doesn’t get that. 

What I’d like is to be home alone (with at least 7 cats), make myself a brew, switch on the tv, do all the crafting I want, and get up for wee when required! Fall into bed exhausted (without connecting my feed, and breathing machine), sleep comfortably and uninterrupted, meet a friend for breakfast at the drop of a hat. I’d even be up for doing the washing up!

Also I’d quite like to just have a cold without wondering if/when it will put me in hospital.


19. In theory, if a magical cure were available, would you want it or not?

Ok I know I’m probably supposed to say no here, as someone that is trying to fight for change in people’s perception of disability blah blah. But yes I would take that cure. I wouldn’t change my past life for anything, if I could keep the knowledge I have, the friends and family I’ve got, and the experiences I’ve been through. Then yes, give me that cure!


20. Why did you become a blogger?

I get into some awkward, funny and difficult situations mainly due to my disability, I also get different experiences and treatment with/from people due to being a wheelchair user. My friends and I would always joke about this, the good and the bad, as a way of coping I guess. Sometimes you have to laugh or you’ll go crazy. Often saying if only people could hear us, I should write a book of all this drama. Well I guess blogging is my book of tales.

I also wanted a serious side to the blog. Not many websites give you the gritty details of accessibility to a venue. Yes they are starting to announce being ‘wheelchair accessible’ or having an ‘accessible toilet’ but accessible can mean so many different things. Just getting in the entrance doesn’t make a venue/event accessible. I wanted to chart good and bad access. To get people to look at it more.

So now you know a little more about me and what goes on in my tiny mind, some very random stuff too!

What questions would you put to me? Feel free to comment below!

Published by Gemma - Wheelescapades

Whenever friends and I are out we always end up discussing, critiquing, analysing where we are and what we are doing. From talking about the food we are eating, the soap in the toilets, the awful bus journey to our destination, anything and everything we encounter. Because of my disability (SMA type2) many of the situations we get into, issues we discuss and laughs we have can be due to wheelchair access. Often me getting stuck in mud or shingle, or me making my way through the most cram packed shop you can imagine, wondering how I am ever going to find the way out again! I aim to write a blog that describes these dramas, tells stories of our laughs, adventures and frustrations, while giving detailed information on accessibility and wheelchair access. Also I like tea. ALOT. The quality of the tea often determines my return just as much as the accessibility.

80 thoughts on “Getting To Know Me – Twenty Questions”

  1. It is definitely a shambles, Gemma…I watch everything I can and to say I am unimpressed by most of them whatever party they are is an understatement…It is a fiasco but regardless also a vote is a vote whatever the outcome and that should be abided by…I agree with the laughing I normally resort to that…haha …You take care xxx

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  2. This is the second time around for me but I always admire your spirit, Gemma…and your will power…No to desserts….I will say very quietly…as no one else has said…I am a leaver…for many reasons but like you, I don’t want to get started…No politics here…Have a great weekend 🙂

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    1. We all have the right to opinion and choice. That’s why they call it a democracy. But it’s all a bit of a shambles here at the moment if you ask me.
      As for my spirit, laughing through life is sometimes the only way 😊

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  5. Pingback: The Vote Is On – Bloggers Bash Awards – Wheelescapades

  6. Well I agree with you wholeheartedly about #9! Still living in hope the government will change their mind…

    Have you thought about posting any of your reviews of places on Euan’s Guide? https://www.euansguide.com They’re really keen to get disabled access reviews.

    Really hoping you do get to Florence one day, too!

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    1. Ah Euan’s Guide has been mentioned to me before. I really must look into this. Thanks for the reminder!
      Thanks for stopping by, maybe if we all wish Brexit was reversed it will be!

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  7. I love your only regret was not ordering dessert!. Here’s to ordering more desserts in the future 🙂 You are an inspiration to many Gemma, keep posting the inspiring blog posts!

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    1. I’m definitely up for more desserts!
      I’m not sure about that ‘inspiring’ word, but I try to be me and do what I enjoy with this small snippet of time we are given 😊

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  8. Oh Gemma we have so much in common. I love the answers to your questions. We love so much of the same things: books, friends, cats, a bit of sun, tea. I agree with you re British weather too. We’re lucky we experience all kinds of weather, but never to an extreme. Also, agree re Brexit. We are definitely better off united. Great answers.

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  11. It was lovely to read more about you and I can identify so much. Especially loving anything creative and not sweating the small stuff! 🙂

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  12. Love this post, love your answers and I love you so much for saying you would cancel Brexit hehe. I’m the same with my natural hair colour, have dyed it so much I wouldn’t even know what colour it was underneath (oops). Your dream dinner party sounds like it would be amazing as well! love these posts and really enjoyed reading xx

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    1. Thanks for your comment 😊
      I totally would cancel Brexit, don’t even get me started, haha!
      I think it’s fun to experiment with hair colours, as it doesn’t last forever yet can make you look and feel completely different.

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  14. Oh Gemma I love this post and getting to know you more. I had the deepest respect for you, now you are my super hero too. I love your attitude, and I love your will. I love how you educate and enlighten me whenever I read something from you. You seem a wonderful and determined lady, and your friends and family are lucky to have you xx (id love to see some crafting projects on your blog too)

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    1. Well I’m not sure I’d be much of a superhero, I would love to have some special powers though!
      Thank you for your kind words, I’m just me and I think you get one shot at all this so give it your all. When you can anyways, and when you can’t, just have a good cuppa!
      There will definitely be some crafting coming 😊
      Thanks for all your support x

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  15. Loved getting to know you. I am also a fan of Downton Abbey and Lady Mary’s Luncheon would be fun to join together 🙂 I would love to visit England one day. Sometimes I think if travel wasn’t that expensive, life would be so good 🙂

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  19. What a wonderful way to learn about our blogger friends. Creepy crawlies, i.e. spiders and moaners I also struggle with.
    Love the way you put all together. Oh, I should also mention, congrats on your national textile prize – whoop whoop

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  20. Wow! First prize in a textile competition, that’s awesome. I also don’t fault you for wanting a cure if one was available AND being proud of and wanting greater awareness for differently-abled people. I accept what I can’t change, but if I could change some things I sure would. I enjoyed learning more about you!

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  26. Gemma. Thanks for this. I also love, or maybe, admire Tim Burton. He has such a singular vision, and is an entertaining director. Through his films he comments on us, and the issues that connect us. Our boys loved Frankenweenie. It’s a treat.

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  27. This is loads of fun!
    Thank you for sharing. Feel like I know you a little bit better again 🙂
    Spiders 😱😱 my partner is away and I came home and one was in the bathroom. That cancelled my wee then! Horrible things. They trap you in rooms and just wave their spikey little legs at you……
    I may not sleep now.
    What are your blogging goals?

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    1. They are just so speedy too on those legs! I’m not as bad if I can see one at a distance, but once it sprints away out of sight I have to find it again!
      Ooh, good one….
      I would like to forever enjoy blogging, if the enjoyment goes and it starts to feel like a chore, then I think my time is up.
      Overall I’d just like to make people more aware of disability, access, and to not feel uncomfortable/embarrassed by difference.

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  28. I really enjoyed reading your answers; it felt like we were chatting over coffee (or tea). I would also love to trade places with my cat for a day; sometimes when I’m getting ready to leave for work, I feel so envious of him, lounging around without a care in the world. Additionally, my biggest fear is spiders, too! Thank goodness my husband vowed to kill them for me in our wedding vows! 😉

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  29. This is fab, some great questions and it’s lovely getting to know a bit more about you! I also found it very refreshing that you don’t really have any regrets, and I wish I could say the same but sadly I can’t – perhaps next time you go out you need to make sure you order a decadent dessert 🙂
    As for Brexit, well, I think you’d need the biggest broom to sweep that one away and the mess it’s all causing!
    Caz x

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  30. Gemma I love this post! I feel like I know you better and your strength of character is admirable. I love your honesty and the way you took it so seriously to give the honest answer. Love that! You are fabulously you, with or without a disability, red hair, cat personality, or any other quirk in you. Uniquely fabulous xx

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    1. If you’re doing a job, then do a job properly is what I say! Hehe.
      Thank you so much for your kind words, means a lot. Life is about being you, embracing who you are. Why try to be someone else when you are best at being you!

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  31. I like this post, it was nice to get to know you a little better. The part where you said you eat wotsits with a fork really made me laugh haha x

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  35. I enjoy reading about fellow bloggers. My dream job too would be something creative. Agree with moaners or people who are always victims. Yes to be a cat and curl up in the sun. I say that when I’m sitting with the sun directly on me – oh to be a cat and stretch out!.

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  36. Some great answers to some great questions! I enjoyed the honesty and serious nature your approached with these (and the caution with which you’d approach a genie). I think accepting a cure is absolutely fine too, and to not accept is often peoples pride. My girlfriend suffers with unmanageable epilepsy, winds up in hospital every three months or so, and she often remarks that if she could cure it she would, but she wouldn’t remove it from her past as it’s made her who she is today.

    Great post 🙂

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    1. You really must take cautions with a Genie, never have I known it all to run smoothly! 😃
      That must be difficult for your girlfriend, and very frustrating. I agree there is nothing wrong in wanting a cure or a way to control these things. And yes I think pride is often a factor. Disability has absolutely influenced my life, I wouldn’t change that. But to regain ability, that I would.

      Thank you for stopping by, I enjoy getting to know fellow bloggers.

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