Often, when talking about my blog, people refer to it as 'telling my story'. It makes me think of a wizen old man pouring over a leather-bound book entitled 'the Deanna chronicals'. The thing is I've never really thought of this blog as that. It's not about my whole life, just the Tourette's.
Tourette's to me is more like a plot twist than a story, I would prefer to be thought of as an ice-cream sundae, only with a Tourettey cherry on top!!
I'd like to think I have a few assets other than my smashing siren impression! I have a small textiles business called 'The Country Banana' - you can check it out on Facebook. I started this after I left Butlins as a Christmas job to make a little extra cash. I still do the odd stall/craft fair and take on a few orders. I also have 14 qualifications despite my 'interesting' schooling experience. The best of which are 2 A* in Hospitality and the worst, a D in As Level Ethics -which I hated.
I'd like to think I'm not horrendous as a person, I try my best to remain positive and be an encouragement. I've be told I give good advice - my boyfriend jokes I'm going to kill off all of the agony aunts and take over the world!
Despite all this I often feel a little defined by my condition. When meeting new people I feel obligated to pre-warn them incase I tic, it's odd. It's like introducing yourself to them and giving them a random fact! - 'Hi, my name's Joe and I really like mayonnaise.' Odd right? I suppose it's necessary, the best defence is a good offence (I guess!) Still, it makes intros a little strange, I always feel like once I've told someone they're waiting for me to tic, which makes me tic!
Life is an on going narrative, you can't predict the next chapter. I'd hope that one day I can look back and say I've lived with my Tourette's, not behind it or against it. It is part of who I am, whether I like it or not!!