Motion Sickness

Published August 23, 2017 by helentastic67

Motion Sickness

I never understood why, but I was always plagued by motion sickness as a kid. Family road trips always started with me in the seat behind the driver with my head turned towards the side window (on the right) and my knees turned towards the centre of the vehicle. Did not allow for much room when the family car, growing up was a Valiant Charger.

Valiant Charger

Car trips usually ended with my mum in my seat and me in the front passenger seat!

These days any family car ride it becomes automatic that I ‘bags’ the front seat. While it’s been a long time since I’ve been ill in a car. With the exception of having a migraine once while back in the country for a brief visit and a trip in mum’s ‘Racing car” to the closest staffed emergency room, that day I needed a bucket, but that was extreme circumstances.

Front seat

Over the last few years, living where I now live mum an I have had many an adventure to the Swedish warehouse to get ‘storage solutions’, to the point we not only avoid the showroom, but we even drive up the exit (a spiral design) and park next to the pick-up area to go straight into the warehouse where we make a snatch and grab before getting the hell outta there.

Swedish Warehouse

One painful day, I was feeling more than a bit ‘seedy’. Lack of sleep, too busy, too stressed, migraine, whatever it was. Mum told me as we arrived at the spiral exit to get ready.

Reaching across my body, I held on to the handle above the door on the roof. I swear my mum was a rally car driver in a previous life.

Sitting in the front

Of course, I told her to take it easy. To which she chose to mention the sick bag in the pocket in the door beside me INSIDE A SNAPLOCK BAG!

Sick bag

I suggested if I was going to be sick I would not have time to deal with a snaplock bag one handed. I cannot tell you how quickly I was made to give her that bag so she could get it out.

Even at the time and no matter how many times I share that story it gets a laugh.

Sometimes, you just have to laugh…

Laughing

Hot off the Press – 21st August 2017

Published August 21, 2017 by helentastic67

Hot off the Press 2108

Hot off the Press

This week comes with an explanation, I guess. I write this post throughout the week and save it in my drafts folder in my email so I cannot miss stuff. Each day seems to bring lots of little details that are important and shouldn’t be neglected! So, enjoy.

Monday, had intended to go to the city and see a friend’s art instillation of handstands in the Arts Centre. A woman with a brain injury who is an artist and she does screen printing and a series of stickers of her doing handstands. She does her handstands to relieve stress and pain from her injuries. Having her work on display in the Arts Centre in Melbourne is an achievement in itself.
I have been trying to go see it for a month or more now and I don’t want to miss it. I try to get to all her exhibitions………..but I prefer company.

Art Centre

I had put out for a carer to accompany me so I could also pick up some things in the city and have my carer carry them. My disc bulge I had surgery to in 2011 has been giving me some warning that I should avoid lifting heavy things, or light things for that matter.

One of my agencies was more concerned I would injure my carer by carrying something heavy. I don’t know what she thought I had been intending to buy. I wasn’t planning on buying bricks or anything……… They couldn’t find a carer, so I changed my mind and had a lazy day off. So much for the NDIS being Life Changing!

Tuesday! Went to the city and participated in an art project. Creating something for a projection to happen down in Warrnambool. I won’t be going but Hellonwheels will make an appearance. Yes, yes. I’ll share footage when that happens!

Warrnambool

If I were to go, watching bright flickering lights while at night would be the kind of migraine inducing thing that would not just stay at the normal level of pain I can just deal with. I don’t want to be that girl who comes home from an adventure via a hospital.

Did some walking and collected 2 of the 3 things I had needed the pack-mule for. I had to collect my 3-monthly supply of comics. Thankfully only 8 making me think I might catch up soon? What will I read then? The comics were the lightest item I was carrying.

Pack mule

Tram home and then a lengthy walk. I arrived to visit the builders down the street and called quits. Matt gave my bag a lift home and I continued much lighter still trying to get some steps on the pedometer on my phone, managed 3,500+. Not bad, right? Except, I’ve a nasty callus on the side of my left foot. I suspect caused by not having the right shoes for this AFO and being fitted by a specialist in medically approved shoes. Have I mentioned I mostly can’t feel my left foot until I hurts?
Yeah, and I wear thick socks around the house as I scuff slippers. And it hurt to walk on any surface except carpet!

Yeah, and I repeat. Not Life Changing NDIS!

Really hoping I can get a carer to get me to my Botox specialist appointment on Friday! The Botox, the hinged AFO and shoes is all related. I’m hoping my mum doesn’t need to drive a 7-hour round trip just to take me!

Botox

By the end of this post you will know the answer to that! Finally, Tuesday. Like that isn’t enough, tore a fingernail into flesh, on my left hand. You might not recall, I can’t feel my left fingers until they hurt also? I can’t cut my own nails and I’m not allowed to have my carers do it for me. I definitely can’t afford to pay someone. Yet, I can’t not! It’s never ending!

Another Wednesday arrives and while very windy I was able to scooter and leave hellonwheels on the High Street near my usual final appointment of the day. I definitely couldn’t have made much of a dent on the pedometer. Left foot is rather painful right now. Maybe I’ll finally seem like someone should fund my new shoes!

It’s ridiculous that because it seems I’m doing everything for myself and doing OK so it seems that it’s considered sustainable and therefore don’t need help. So many things hurt tonight.
Possibly not helped by the lack of Osteo, Mio/Remedial of acupuncture the last few weeks.
Have really made excuses to not go out as much because Young John is away and I rely on him so much to get me places. (he has sent me pictures of plates of figs and such, so he’s obviously suffered greatly)

And the heavy lifting I’ve found myself doing today. I rearranged some unread comics this evening and discovered I’ve been reading them out of order. Who knew there was an order? Going to have to purchase a second storage box next time I’m at the comic shop. Can’t believe I’ve become that nerdy girl who sorts her comics. Not a terrible awful thing just don’t know how this came about.

Organise

Midnight Wednesday night. OK, officially Thursday morning got the message loud and clear. No! More! Technology! It was all not working for me in one way or another.
I quit!

Thursday, blessed Thursday. No appointments today! Luckily, it allowed me another afternoon Kip! I seem to get my best sleep in the afternoon and then after I’m up, I feel I’m good to go for another good 20 minutes…..(just kidding) still not getting through the constant build-up on my couch that’s eternal.

Mum arrived nice and early around 9.30pm, for a fun-filled 24-36 hours.

Friday! Completely smashed it! Had my Botox follow-up with the specialist. Was last injected St Valentine’s Day, best St V’s gift ever, despite it being in my calf muscle. They think I’m ready for the catwalk. (Kidding)

Then, as we had time before my next appointment we had a hit and run visit to the Swedish warehouse. Ironic that that particular post went live on the same day!

Stocked up on some tea light candles. And rescued a few plants, as I do every time. Hot footed it to my orthotist about the nice callus that has been giving me grief. Steven informed me I have been his first client to get my AFO funded and paid for by the NDIS! (The portal that you must navigate is monumentally difficult to understand what it requires of you or if the funds have been allocated and approved: Sounds awfully like they didn’t do a very good job and don’t want to spend the money!)
Hint: Steven rang at 10pm and must have gotten a staff member who couldn’t wait to finish for the night, so told him exactly what he needed to do so he could get paid and the guy could go home. Apparently, the call centre is open until 10pm.

Steven stretched out the side of the AFO so no more callus.

Drove back home from Richmond (not me, mum) and arrived in time to inhale lunch as my carer arrived to do my homecare and take me shopping. Ben managed to get the missing filter for my coffee percolator. Mum and her coffee needs are now sorted to her standards for the future. She left within 24 hours of her arriving in her little racing car. My mum makes an amazingly simple meal when she is here and I got to enjoy it late. Chilli’s and chips with a fried piece of white fish and thyme with a fried egg.
Pedometer tells me the day totalled 4,800+. Imagine what I could do every day if I had NDIA funded medically approved extra depth shoes that cost more than a week’s rent?

Now for the never-ending battle of clearing my couch and being off-grid for Saturday at least! Starting now at 11.59pm!

Saturday dawned with the realisation that GOT season 7 was finishing on Sunday night and it meant I had to binge the whole of the first 6 episodes before Sunday night.

Game of Thrones

So single girl date night again meant TV and not a film and still unable to completely be off-grid.
Sunday, looking at my couch and it’s looking much better. No! You can’t see a picture.
Also, 5 comics were read this week. So happy days here!

Also considering to add another tally to mention each week. How many people ask me in the average week: What have you done to your arm? Seriously, if I had a dollar!

If I had a dollar

It’s, already Monday morning, try early and still not interested in going to bed.
Already considering the many things I have to do tomorrow. Might just smash out a few emails now to make a start…….
1.30am……..
Have a great week!
Cheers,
H

Have a great week

Swedish Warehouse

Published August 18, 2017 by helentastic67

Swedish Warehouse

This week I had to deliver some paperwork to Stupidlink, inconvenient as that is, as I refuse to go to my local office, I have to go by car to an office in another area. Clearly, I don’t have to go very often, but as I refuse to do this stuff on-line (wanting people to have actual jobs) I had to go in.

My friend (not sure she wishes to be named) Jane told me she would read her book (while seated in her car directly in front of the office) Handicapped parking permit finally something about a permanent disability that pays off.

Stupidlink on Monday around 2.30pm was rather spartan in this neighbourhood and has undergone renovations at front of house since last, I was there.

Centrelink

There is no longer a reception desk and a queue. There is now a staff who comes out with an iPad to take your CRN (Customer Reference Number) and to put you in an electronic queue. There is just one woman standing to one side at the lectern type desk, who literally does the same thing on an iPad on the desk.

As I was discussing whether it was worth waiting an hour to give my forms to someone else and book my JCA (Job Capacity Assessment) appointment or just give her the forms and be on hold later in the week.

JCA

The argument internally, was that I could be much more productive at home on hold to Stupidlink on speaker than sitting there when Jane came in from behind and cuddled up behind me.

There was a time friends would do this a lot and get away with it. But at first, I wasn’t sure who it actually was. The voice said “Just wondering how long you would be?”

The staff member looked at me strangely, Jane moved around to my right side so I could see her and she repeated her question stating she needed to go to Ikea as it was close by.

Ikea

I think my eyes very much expressed how little I wanted to wait there when she would be visiting my favourite shop to visit in that vicinity.

I told her I would go with her. Because as I said to the staff member “you cannot say the word Ikea and expect me not to want to go too.”

Visitin Ikea

Of course, we left and three days later, of course they had not yet scanned in the entered documents I had delivered and they had damn well better. (I did keep copies, just in case obviously).

Off to the Swedish Warehouse we go. I no longer do the showroom, if I can help it. What’s the point? Noelle states it perfectly, she hates any shop she can’t find her way out of. We entered through the checkouts (they must hate us.) and headed into the “scratch and dirt seconds’ area” and after a little browsing we found an orchid.

Lost in Ikea

They were practically giving them away. Jane had picked it up, discovered one flower stalk was broken and had put it down and moved on. I had indicated I really wanted it. There were a few other people quietly moving around checking out the other great finds.

Orchids

In controlled areas that are not busy I will walk without relying on my walking stick, leaning it to dangle by my wrist. I called after Jane and said “What’s that? I can have it if I can carry it?”

She and the other people (not that many) had a little chuckle. I confess to say I do like to rescue plants from their gardening level as it’s completely indoors with no natural light.

So that orchid now lives on my kitchen window ledge. Jane bought some doors and bookcases and I really hope she didn’t require an Alan-Key.

Ikea assembly

Today’s Lunch – 16th August 2017

Published August 16, 2017 by helentastic67

Todays lunch

Another Wednesday and not a moment to spare.

Attempting to read a comic today over lunch.
Today’s lunch another Bolognaise Arancini with a side salad.

Arancini
And my medicine. Cafe latte

Latte

Cheers,
H

Hot off the Press – 14th August 2017

Published August 14, 2017 by helentastic67

Hot off the Press kitten

So, today’s Hot! Off the press is bought to you by this picture…………

I saw these clocks a while ago at the Swedish warehouse and figured I’ve got a big empty wall in my lounge. This would be cheaper than framing a poster from my trip around the UK and Europe in ’94.

I know I don’t have eyes in the back of my head to see said clock on my lounge wall. But semantics.

When I was in the Swedish warehouse debating with my mum if I could afford the clock, I said; “What’s that? If I carry it I can get it?”

The wall is still bare.

Monday had a use day going to the DAC I’m part of. Ok, fine! Disability Advisory Committee, as usual I end up doing a little facilitating because I have something to share and I’m able to do it in a pointed and formatted way. The meeting was actually on housing in the region particularly the needs of people on the public housing list and that in the Next 10 years over 14,000 more people are expected to settle in the area to call it their home.

Meeting

I used the example of the house that was demolished across the street from me last week. Although it’s only properties where there are more than 30 apartments that will be required to cater to people with disabilities. This is how public housing is trying to avoid the ghetto mentality of some large developments. As there will be owner/occupiers as well as investors/renters that choose to reside there. The general public are outraged the carparks at shopping centres and markets (council owned) look to be redeveloped for these purposes.

Public housing

While, I don’t love it, I get it. I might also not like to live there, I might not have a choice. One day.

From there to my Osteopath appointment and the day went smoothly from there.

My friend Michael dropped me home after an adventure to J-Car! A place I refer to as another tech-friends Temple. I still managed to pick up a few short extension cords. 1 and 2 metres. Always handy to have.

Tech support

Arrived home and Michael attempted to do a little tech support for me. I have a 5 turn-table CD player that I have not been able to use for years as I no longer have an Amp and I wasn’t prepared to sacrifice any of my other tech creature comforts. My DVD provides my surround sound. For everything else.

It should be stating, I’ve deskilled for this kind of tech requirements over the years and as I can’t afford to pay anyone I reward with coffee and muffins. Everyone wins!

After 2 hours, I suggested if he couldn’t fix it I was ok to stand up for a smacking across the bottom. Michael suggested he should have asked more questions and it was more likely to warrant a smack across the face. Not what I’d prefer but a girl can try.

Solution? Helen needs some kind of Receiver. (So, in laments terms an Amp!)

Tuesday a very lazy day again! No complaints.

Wednesday, I was on the Provo trail for food vouchers. So back to the same neighbourhood as Monday but by taxi this time. Did a great deal of walking Wednesday, making up for Tuesday. I even caught the train for about five stops. Because I didn’t get a seat and didn’t want to have to ask for one I stood for about 20 minutes on the train which was like a slow Power-Fit workout. The day ended with 6,000+ steps on the pedometer.

Just an FYI, waving your smart phone in the air or walking around inside holding the phone does not get you steps. Holding the phone to your hip while getting those last 50 steps to get over the 6,000 mark. Gold!

I hope you are all aware I do things every day to help with my depression. I really appreciate the little things in life that put a smile on my face. Because life isn’t all about doom and gloom. Hence, the little witty stories that may seem out of place and make people wonder what Hellonwheels is all about.

Depression

Thursday, got to lay low and have a lazy day at home. Much needed after my marathon effort walking on Wednesday. Again, still not complaining!

Dropped into visit Bella/Killer and no joy! Last week I got to have a moment with her when a mum came in with young children who raced over to chase her away. Will try harder this week. Still no fur-child at Helen’s………….

Cat cafe

It seems this week I’ve had a day on day off all week long. By Friday late afternoon I had a migraine and couldn’t feel much of my left side.

I seemed to barely scrape through to be off-grid on Saturday. Again, ignored my single girl date night film evening to catch up on some TV, as I’m feeling the pressure since all the TV I watch starts again in September and I’m too far behind to allow myself to catch up on movies.

Watching TV

I otherwise had a little email contact with some of my blogger colleagues. It’s rare but really nice. Most days I send or receive messages from one of my blogger friends on Messenger. These small but hugely significant contact really makes my day. As other than my carer, I have no other human contact which seems insane.

Bloggers

Phillip my friend who visited some weeks back was surprised no one reaches out to me to ask how I’m going. I do my Outreach efforts mostly on a Wednesday while out and about and he is one person I reach out to. If he doesn’t receive a text from me by Friday I hear from him. Does anyone else share this experience?

Sunday night I watched the Australian 60 minutes and it featured a story about social media Influencers. An Aussie who takes a photo of herself in a bikini every day, because apparently, it’s beach wear we all live in. A few of my fellow bloggers and I currently suffer from the ‘we are not rich enough’ scenario, for want of a better term. Ladies? Bikini a day is taken. I wonder how many out there would pay not to see me in a bikini. I don’t think I’m touching a bikini ever again… Any takers? Just a thought. And I hope you all realise I mean this in a totally non-trolling kinda way…….perhaps we are not adapting to this new potential income stream that the youngsters are on?

60 minutes

Looks like I’m starting a new week with the migraine that has been lingering since Friday. Seems it is at least my constant companion.

Should be said; I managed to read four comics this last week! Feel like doing an impersonation of the Count off Sesame Street! I can totally justify collecting my three-monthly supply of comics on my trip to the city Tuesday. I receive a discount because I do this. File under cost saving hints!

Here’s for another week!

Happy Monday

Cheers,

H

Communication – Part 1

Published August 11, 2017 by helentastic67

Communication

Communications – Part 1

I’ve been told/accused really of being terrible at communicating. I think verbally and written I communicate my thoughts rather succinctly.

Some years ago, I was expressing this issue with a friend (let’s call him Fred). Now Fred to be clear has several TBI’s (Traumatic Brain Injury) from a car accident, but let’s not hold that against him.

TBI

He suggested I do a course he did in communications. Fred told me he had thought he was really good at communicating, but having participated in the course, he realised even he could improve.

I told him, I had no time to do a course, no cash and no ability to get to a College or University. He told me not to worry about it. It was FREE and she would come to me! What? Sounds too good to be true. Fred gave me her number and I rang her and it wasn’t an actual “Course” but I think it was more of a study. I had to explain, who I was how I had “gotten” my ABI (Acquired Brain Injury). Keeping in mind I was born with my AVM (Arterial Venus Malformation).

Listening skills

I thought I was having a decent conversation who actually seemed excited to be working with me. That sounded weird, but seriously.

Then she asked me when I’d had my CAR ACCIDENT?

Car accident

What?

I was not eligible for this communication course.

What’s worse than that is, this list of things.

I don’t have a communication problem
People have a hearing/listening problem.
All of these “research” trials are based on people with TBI’s because they can dip into the TAC bucket of money.
No one is doing any kinds of study on the different kinds of ABI/TBi’s and how they are different.

I think my communication is different to other types of ABI, particularly TBI (no offense to people with TBI’s). So many more things wrong with this…

failure_to_communicate_meme

Today’s Lunch – 8th August 2017

Published August 9, 2017 by helentastic67

Todays lunch

I know! I know!

It looks like I’m in an uninspired food rut at my fav cafe. But I’m not!
Today’s Arancini is bolognaise so, it tastes like a yummy saucy meaty risotto.
With the standard side salad.

Arancini

And my medicine.

My medicine
Enjoy,

Cheers,
H

Hot off the Press – 7th August 2017

Published August 7, 2017 by helentastic67

Hot off the Press 070817

Hot off the Press coming to you through a week-long migraine.

Was lucky I had a 4-day weekend, Monday and Tuesday, I’ve been suffering some diary dyslexia. It’s my term for when two people are not booking the same day/date so I miss out on appointments. Monday night I was actually in bed by 11pm so this is a sign I might have been dying.
Tuesday I didn’t even have my medicine. (Coffee) as someone was due to drop over for coffee and they didn’t……..

My chiro has stopped asking what colour I want. Because I’d either say “black! Got any blacker?” Or “Give me the one that hurts the most when it comes off!” Of course, we both laugh!

Shoulder strapping

Three days later, I peel off the tape in the shower when its wet. If I’m lucky the light fuzz of hair has not grown back yet from the last time. I know, I’m not growing carpet back there but we all have light hair there. Oh, so the tape is to do the job of those muscles that don’t work. I would wear it all the time but, then the muscles would never work so its purpose is to give those muscles a break. And the muscles to my neck wont struggle so much. And maybe my migraine will give me a break as well.

You may have noticed a lack of my standard Wednesday mental health foodie post?
That was because I had company my friend Susanne. We both ordered the same thing, the Zaffaro Arancini with the side salad and a latte. I don’t often have company so it’s nice to take advantage of company and put comics and posts aside and we might eventually catch up on the backlog of my scribbling? No, probably never.

Susanna

Saturday morning, finally quit my damn email at 2am, I decided it was time to switch off the brain and single task. I have no idea who is turning up in the morning for my PC (personal Care) my carer provider is damn lucky I don’t name and shame.

2am

Several months ago, you might recall a house across from me went to auction. A two-bedroom BV.
So, yeah. There was an auction across the road 3 months ago. It was a typical 70’s wog BV (that’s Brick Veneer for people who didn’t grow up with a carpenter as a dad, a grandfather and several others) it sold for practically 1.1 million. Two mornings ago, they started ripping it down. They are fast! And at one point, the earth moved! I wondered if I should huddle in a doorway or the bath. FYI; we don’t get earthquakes or tornado’s in OZ. If that’s your thing, come on down! And today I opened my front door to see this!
Yeah! A big yellow box that it not for growing plants in.

Big Yellow Box

Only read ‘A’ comic last week. It all things considered…. migraine. I think I can be forgiven?
Also, I hit a blogging milestone last week! I now have 100 followers. As I convinced Susanne to follow so she wouldn’t miss any.

Single girl date night was substituted with a binge fest of a Melbourne show called, Offspring, I save up 3 episodes for an evening of pure unadulterated viewing. It’s the weird family dynamics where everyone gets way too involved in everyone’s lives. If Nina’s acting weird the extended family members want to join in to witness some crazy adventure. Best take away quote was “party pash and a poke!” Or something like that, it’s filmed on my side of town which is cool.

Offspring

Lastly, because I have been recently asked to explain my single status……..I am single because I’m fussy! And I no longer pick up roadkill! Because roadkill don’t always become decent human beings…….I shall plan better another time.

Single status
So for another busy week!
Cheers,
H

Week
And that’s it for another week.

Music

Published August 4, 2017 by helentastic67

Music

Music that is the making of serial killers, is the term for the “On Hold” music the government agency in Australia Stupidlink (yes, that’s my nickname for them, also a much politer term than others I’ve heard) and today, I realised why this piece of music is so terribly wrong.

Music on hold

Generally, music has the power to transport us through time and space, to old memories and places and things.

But this piece of music is different and I just realised why. The piece is classical in genre and it’s got cello and violins and it’s meant to be relaxing and soothing. I imagine it’s meant to calm people while they are on hold for up to an hour, but makes it impossible for you to fall asleep.

Violin

God forbid we do something productive while on hold. But the classical music is too fast and busy. Some instruments seem much too fast, making me, for one example rather murderous!

At this point, you are probably thinking for me to Shazam, the shit out of it, the on-hold music to tell you what it is? Trust me, I just tried.

And failed….

Making me believe either Shazam only has a library of modern music (that’s an experiment for later) or they really have sped up the classical piece which I want to suggest some classical composer long since buried is rolling in his grave.

Dead composer

Any wonder the first automated voice message one hears when they call is a reminder to treat their staff with courtesy and respect. Am I the only one who does that? Actually, I must be, this is why I don’t go to my local office, I go to an office in another area, because the clientele is very obviously different. Better demographics, better educated, more respectful and I imagine many clients from 13 years ago are still going to the local Stupidlink to claim what they believe is rightfully theirs!

Respect

When I made people do work for the dole back in 2003, I had a lot of unemployed bums, who thought finishing High School was enough to set them up for life and other countless misconceptions and what life owed them.

life owes

Anyway… It’s been an hour and I’m still on hold…

On hold for an hour

Rabbit Hole

Published August 2, 2017 by helentastic67

Rabbit Hole

Follow the white rabbit! A great little reference to which 90’s cult film? Feels like I have several topics I’m waiting to cover all at once, should you be confused, understand everyone will lead me down a rabbit hole for several posts in a row, until each topic is exhausted.

follow_the_white_rabbit

While you may have imagined my blog was all going to be about ABI/Disability it’s also about me too and the reason for that is that someone recently stated this “they say you retain the personality after your ABI/TBI/whatever” that one had before their ABI etc. So, if I’ve ALWAYS HAD MY ABI, what does that say about my personality?

ABI