A sort of autobiography
It begins with Demis Roussos, fine Greek singer, who hit the top of the charts in June 1976 with 'The Roussos Phenomenon EP', of which the lead track was a number called 'Forever And Ever'. My mother liked this tune, and remains a big Demis Roussos fan to this day.
On July 15th, 1977, at 1.32pm (BST), I, Simon Demis Skupham was born.
On October 29th, 1983, I found myself in a doctor's waiting room, with the strength of a rag doll. This was because I had chicken pox. I also caught encephalitis, which is a brain disease. On October 30th, I was admitted to hospital, where I had a lumbar puncture.
The next day was Hallowe'en, and as I lay in a high-risk ward, under close supervision from the lovely nursing staff, I sat in the dark, that night, crying. This is one reason why I don't have any joy for Hallowe'en. Plus I don't suppose the pagans are too chuffed at the commercialisation of their message. A bit similar to the Christians and Christmas. Oh dear, I'm digressing.
Anyway, I then got laryngitis. This turned out to be a good break, as I would lose an entire day before my speech came back. When it did, this was a sign that I would recover. And I did. With side-effects? No-one can tell.
On a digressive note, there is a serious lack of understanding on mental illness. Diagnosis is hit-and-miss, so some will get help, but not enough, whilst others slip through the cracks.
I do want to stress that doctors and nurses are striving to do an excellent job, and any I have met over the years have done nothing but good for me.
I also have to say that many people don't recover so well from encephalitis. For anyone who is suffering, or who knows someone who is suffering, all I can tell you is not to give up hope. It sounds poor, but miracles can happen.
In June 1985, I moved home, from Weston, in Lincolnshire, to Forton, in Lancashire.
I went to Forton County Primary School until 1988, whereafter, I studied at Lancaster Royal Grammar School until 1995. See my resume page for the full details.
In 1994, I started to learn to drive, and on April 20th, 1995, I passed, at the second attempt. I would like to say on the record that I find driving to be a wholly thrilling experience, and if you are going to overtake, then please do, don't tailgate me for several miles.
I had a Summer job in 1994, as a petrol pump attendant.
In 1995, I started a job in a supermarket. To cut this bit short, I'm still there now, and I think I have proved I can hold down a proper job for long enough.
In March 1997, I moved from Forton to Garstang, which is about 5 miles south of Forton, and easier to find on a map.
On Christmas Day, 2001, I decided to have a go at making my own web-site. This is some of it. I hope you like it. Though I can't pretend I'm all that bothered if you don't. Unless you're going to sue...
I left the supermarket job in July 2002, believing I could do better. Had mixed success with that concept since then.
On a happier note, I bought a car in August 2002. It lasted for 2 years and then went for scrap. I bought my next car in November 2004, and still have it.
UPDATE... today is April 30th, 2009. I'm currently unemployed, but then so are a lot of people these days.