My People

Published October 7, 2024 by helentastic67

My People

I use the term “My People” often to refer to people in my life. They can be friends, carers, receptionists at regular appointments I go to or even people I encounter in waiting rooms as I did having my standard weirdo conversations.

Today, a Wednesday, I actually had a different carer today as my regular Girl-Wednesday was off sick. I got to my chiropractor by midday. No easy feat I assure you. But after breakfast in the car on our way, nailed it. I hope you are all aware. Helen is not a morning person.

Managed to get to my favourite North Fitzroy Café, got takeout lunch but still, it counts. Got home, inhaled lunch, sorry, no photo. But then fanged it out to the acupuncture and physio, punched, stabbed and electrocuted all in the same day. I even share a moment of celebration with my Physio that I got to the Grumpy One. It is understood I’m referring to the one that stabs me. I mean, I’m grumpy too but seriously, the stabber takes grumpy to a whole new level. Should put my family in a room with the other grumpy one.

My physio entered the curtained area that I was in. I pointed to the next treatment area stating, “You know, I know someone is in there, right?” Then I point to the shoes down on the floor, the toes pointing in my direction.” And I know they are that person’s shoes?” and he finished the thought process out loud! “If they were in those shoes, they would be staring at us through the curtain?” Me: “Right?” So creepy. He literally bent in half laughing with a hand on his knee.

Honestly, I love my people, and this is why I manage to get through each and every day.

On my way home, fangin’ it and I encountered a portion of footpath blocked off for some kind of maintenance, I had not gone to pee before departing my last appointment and detours were already not on my immediate agenda. A sign directed me to use the “other footpath!” Which to be clear was fifteen metres across the road and I doubt anyone was going to stop traffic to give way to hellonwheels. I detoured down a side street and down a lane way. The cobblestones wreaking havoc to my bladder. Cobblestones are retreats at the best of times and picking the best path does not always mean you can stick to it all the way along. But, alas, I made it to the other end and back to the High Street, continuing my way. Bars had started to open and put out their tables for after work drinkers and socialisers.

I got to the garage entrance in time for someone in their car to open the gate. I fanged it down and rather than the normal fang it to the basement and back to “Open up the motor” that I normally implement. You all realise its powered by two car batteries under my seat, right?

Parked in the shed and hot footed it upstairs, via the lift. Inside, put everything down on the floor, and made a beeline to the main bathroom to the toilet. I’m just saying, disaster averted.

Which leads me to some wise words for future property developers.

Handwriting

Published April 4, 2022 by helentastic67

Handwriting

Handwriting can tell so much about someone, doctors writing is said to be hard to read. I’ve found often illegible, because apparently, it’s because there don’t want to tell you everything. But alas, my handwriting in recent years has proven to be absolutely diabolical.

I write very small and often times my carer pulls out the shopping list in the supermarket and states “Okay, I’m good except this one?” She points out what she can’t understand. Often, I look and can’t either. “I’ll give you that one!”

Another customer might be close by and she will not realise it’s my handwriting. I think others assume we are shopping together for someone else.

Today, my carer held the list and she said “Blinky Bill?” It was a kid’s ice cream back in the day (80’s) It was about 3 ‘B’ words and I problem solve like this. Let’s just keep shopping, I’ll see it and remember I need it. We were in the dairy aisle, I called out, “Baby bocconcini balls!”

Luckily, we had already purchased them close to home. I guess I would put it down to my carpal tunnel and the sometimes RSI injury.

Osteo student and one of my Japanese carers who does a tape version of acupuncture, manage both of these issues for me but, it’s lockdown in Victoria during Covid 19. I’m lucky to have kept all my carers but, my osteo students who must cut their teeth with free clinic hours before they graduate. (They need to practice and cut their teeth in order to graduate.)

Today’s Lunch – 25th September 2019

Published September 25, 2019 by helentastic67

Today’s Lunch

Good Mental Health Day

Yesterday, had a nice adventure planned and by 8am the wheels fell off. My fill-in carer had rung in sick and I was asked if I wanted them to be replaced? Just imagine I do like a shower each day, so I said yes please but, my agency outsourced me to another agency, who got lost 3 suburbs away and by the time she found me it was lunchtime.

I was in the mood to hibernate. I also thought I’d make up for doing full “Person” on Saturday, I also did hours of admin sitting at my desk. Here is Mika, her idea of helping me.

That’s right, I went out! I went up and down several times in the lift and ran into people. It’s amazing how many people you see if you keep normal hours. I was even able to help a guy who was attempting to get into the garage entrance with a slab of beer in his arms. I called to him as he was about to put it down and clicked the button for the garage gate to open. He seemed pleased and surprised.

I had been waiting for my sister to pull in to “bump in/bump out” she bought me a vacuum cleaner as mine recently died and she collected some goodies for my dad. Ok, our dad. She was going up to stay with him for a few days before going onto Canberra with our younger sister. We had lunch locally.

I did take photos but they did not work! Again! Reasons why Helen cannot do Insta. I did however make my second last bread and butter pudding Sunday night. I even had some, I normally portion and package it all up to give away. Have delivered some today and while none is going to Sydney to my administrator Noelle. She is getting a box full of goodies. Should arrive Monday?

Another crazy day, not even getting to my favourite cafe in North Fitzroy. Stayed close to my last appointment in Thornbury for lunch instead. Today’s offering a black bean pie, with a little salad and relish and medicine.

Now, off to get stabbed!

Cheers

H

Today’s Lunch – 5th December 2018

Published December 5, 2018 by helentastic67

Todays Lunch

Today’s Lunch

Good Mental Health Day

As per usual, just when my Wednesday settles back into a comfortable routine there is a spanner thrown into the works. If you need a reminder, my Wednesday used to completely revolve around lunch at my favourite cafe followed by a short walk to chiropractor then tramming it back to acupuncture close to home then a hearty walk home. But because one of those things relocated from Clifton hill away from the tram route that I rely on. I would catch taxi’s however I am lucky young John fits me into his schedule and doesn’t charge me, in his words because he says he’s a “decent human being”, and I otherwise cannot afford to do taxis and the NDIS expects me to Uber. Hell NO! So, I started getting a carer for a rather lengthy shift just to get me to my standard Wednesday appointments.

Normal Plan

Just pointing out I don’t need handholding for 4 hours but here we are and you may wonder about this “red-tape” I’ve mentioned previously in regards to funding for disability? I learned yesterday the NDIS has decided I can’t use core supports (fancy word for carer hours) to cover the mileage for my carers. I will now be billed for that separately. Only .80cents a kilometre, but if you add it up for the year? Ouch! After consulting the lovely Noelle, my blog administrator and the person solely responsible for my memes, her son also a client of the NDIS recommended I have mileage written into my service provider agreements.

Red Tape

My other solution is to only use the providers who don’t charge for mileage. My Friday chick who takes me shopping claims hers I believe on her tax, which makes me favour her for community access shifts. Are you picking up my subliminal messages of all the new names and terms for things under the NDIS? Yes, let’s recap, shall we?

Service Providers – Companies that provide carers or other needs funded and registered with the NDIS.

Core Supports – The name given to funding allocated for hiring person carers or support Workers.

Subliminal – Like, how I’ve been sneaking it into your minds that not all brain injuries are the same.

The general consensus is that all people with brain injuries sit in a corner and drool without conscious thoughts and you are getting it that I don’t have that kind of brain injury. Nailed it!

Brain Injury

Also, today is different again and not getting to my favourite cafe at all. Instead going to a free screening of a film called Defiant Lives.

https://defiantlives.com/

Lucky for you I managed to get a quick coffee break last Friday in between missions and my Friday chicks, really should call her my Girl Friday. Had this delicious little treat. It’s half a lemon tart and medicine.

Lemon Tart Latte 1

I may squeeze in a medicine at a more local cafe close to home before I get home. To be continued……….

Latte 2

Oh, and here is my first calla lily out on my balcony garden. Only planted them a few months ago.

Calla Lilly 1 Calla Lilly 2

Cheers,
H

Wonderful Wednesday 1

Today’s Lunch – 28th November 2018

Published November 28, 2018 by helentastic67

Todays Lunch

Today’s Lunch

Good Mental Health Day

Welcome to another busy week so far. Hoping Wednesday’s punchy/stabby day is a bit of calm to my mid-week.

Calm mid week

However, first I must mention a lovely woman I called my friend that I heard passed away a month ago. I met her when I knocked on her door. 15 years ago. She squinted at me suspiciously and I reassured her she did not know me. I introduced myself and inquired as to the cumquats over her back fence. I’m sure I can’t do her justice in a Wednesday foody post but I’m sure to do a full post about her at a later date. I would hear from Kath around December as she would call people instead of doing Christmas cards. I knew Kath from when I lived in Clifton Hill before and straight after I developed my disability. Kath was a morning regular at the cafe near where I first lived and everybody knew her. From my visits with her I learnt she had been a nurse in the ICU brain injury ward at St Vincent’s hospital. When she would update me on her breakfast companions, she once told me they had “fallen off their perch!” Which I prefer “They went to God!” Which is how I diplomatically like to put it when someone dies. I know it’s really hard for the older generation when they keep losing their friends because they outlive them.

Kath 1

Every time I spoke to her. she would announce happily how old she was. It would go like this “Oh Helen I’m 94 this year and I don’t want to live forever.” She lived to be 97 which was a pretty good innings. I always found her interesting because she didn’t seem to have that Grumpy old lady era. I have a few other older lady friends and one of them has always been in that era and I’ve known her for the same amount of time and has never disclosed her age. What is it with older ladies and their age? My friend Betty is only 87 and doesn’t want to get to 97. Clifton Hill won’t be the same without her presence.

Kath 2

Otherwise have been in the city the last 2 days. Tuesday all afternoon even coming home in peak hour on the tram to get home just before 7pm! Didn’t even get my medicine. Might need to sneak in a second medicine later today.

Peak hour

So, today’s lunch is a salami pizza with a side salad and my medicine.

Salami Pizza Salad Latte

And just reporting my friend in Texas received her latest parcel only a week late. She seemed pleased! It’s gone already, apparently.

Package arrived

Cheers,
H

Today’s Lunch – 14th November 2018

Published November 14, 2018 by helentastic67

Todays lunch

Today’s Lunch

Good Mental Health Day

First, I want to mention with great sadness while America has mass shootings and it’s really awful, Melbourne last Friday had an incident of our own. When some ass-hat who decided because they couldn’t deal with, whatever issues they couldn’t deal with, to take it out on others and a well loved and respected Melbourne icon is now without a hero and beloved kind soul.

https://junkee.com/bourke-street-attack-sisto-malaspina/181642

Pellegrini’s is a place I used to go for great coffee in the top of the city back in the 90’s after dinner and before clubbing and could always be relied on for great coffee to help get me through. My uncle when in town from Queensland, I know would go there. I will go once again. Sit at the counter to enjoy my medicine.

Pellegrinis

Now, on a lighter note. I had a dinner party on Saturday night and number 1 reasons why I shouldn’t go on Instagram?

Lasagne

Food arrives and forget to take a photo before eating/serving dinner, in all fairness, my guests arrived in time to take my lasagne from the oven. I usually take it out after I’ve let the top brown I put on the foil and after another hour or so it’s a safety hazard for me to take it out one-handed. So, timing is of the essence. Threw together a salad. (Not pictured) and my guests provided a baked cheesecake. Which was delicious! It is just so rare to have company at home and it’s even better to be able to be relaxed. Better than going out.

Dinner Party

Crazy day Monday, with my NDIS review, mum was here over night and when she is here, we smash out ‘all the things that don’t get done unless she is here’. You picture those crazy crime scene maps with the red string?

Crime Scene

That’s what we did to Melbourne in my mums little racing car. Think mum was a rally car driver in a previous life. Her, Mazda and Google Helen (I’ve recently been called) and a Sally the GPS (after Sally the over-locker!) totally writing that post later! We even got to the Swedish warehouse.

After exactly a year of apartment living, I have worked out the best place to hang out to ‘accidentally’ run into my neighbours. While hanging out in B1 (the basement level where my scooter shed resides) while mum went to get the racing car, my neighbours came down for whatever reasons, one I even got to give him the light globe I had bought for him when I got some for myself, the other neighbour who was heading off for work. She is a night shift nurse and some grumpy guy who parks next to my shed. He was really friendly, (note sarcasm)

Basement

Now back to normal programming, have slotted back into normal Wednesday programming with the assistance of a carer, I’m getting to my favourite cafe in Clifton Hill, then my standard punchy/stabby day.

Accupuncture

Today’s offering, a chicken and turmeric salad and my medicine.

Chicken Latte

Cheers,
H

Gloves 4 Love

Published April 27, 2018 by helentastic67

Gloves

Gloves 4 Love

Today, some weeks after attempting a process of buying gloves for both my carers and myself with some of the NDIS funding I have been allocated, I was discussing with the woman over the phone whether to commit to buying boxes or cartons. Um? How many in a box? How many boxes to a carton?

Gloves 4 Love

I’m likely moving in the next few months, so I explained if I have a Costco size store of rubber gloves here my mum will demand – Why the hell did you order so many?

Carton of gloves

So, to avoid unnecessary grumpy, I only ordered three boxes, two for the carers and one for me.

Why do I have to buy them theirs?

But she did laugh when I briefly toyed with getting a bulk supply and moving them on the black market.

Black Market

Is there a black market for latex gloves?

Sometimes it’s the little things, the humour came out to play again.

Funny gloves

One of my favourite things people will say or ask of me when they ask me what happened to me is. “You should see the other guy?”

See the other guy

Sometimes it’s all about where you are, when asked. Today a man asked me this while in the waiting room at the Acupuncturist. I thought for a moment if he was familiar with me and a friend who I used to chat with while waiting to be stabbed.

Look familiar

I decided no, he wasn’t familiar with my friend Damo and responded as he intended and responded “Dead”

But I felt the need to explain my moment of contemplation and explained my friend used to get acupuncture here also, but has since decided he’s done with Acupuncture.

Meet my friend Damo.

Damo and Helen 3

He’s had two strokes! Note: how much better than me he looks.

New Year

Published March 16, 2018 by helentastic67

New Year

I know you can’t tell because it’s probably July or August. Just a guess, in reality and certainly in my world it’s January 4^th, yes.

The crazy life, that is Helen begun. Went to bed early last night, OK, technically 1am, so whatever.

Jamima, lord love her, pestered me all night. Her nose and whiskers on my face, walking all over me not sure where to settle, scratching at my covers, the licks and fang-like bites = Pest.

Sitting on face

Also equals not nearly enough sleep. Woke at 6am and pressed the Mepacs Alarm so someone, somewhere knew I’d made it through the night, barely but I did, still qualifies.

Wake up early

My carer Miss Tina arrived before 10am and I fell into the wall when I got up. Definitely not a good sign.

Washed my hair today, even though it’s not a normal day to do so. It’s going to be hot today. Wet hair will help me stay cooler. Had a light breakfast and by 12pm I went back to bed for a 25-minute power-nap. Jamima came to me straight away. I could practically hear her say. “Hey, what are you doing?”

Wash hair

I confess I growled for her to leave me alone. Slept like the dead, scrambled up, got shoes on, brushed teeth etc and got on my bike.

OK, got on Hell on Wheels and full speed ahead to my parking spot at my last appointment.

Hellonwheels

On the way, encountered a young man (child, whatever) trying to drag his dog off the High Street around the corner. The dog was trying to ‘do’ something. I slowed down enough to tell him “I hope you’re going to pick that up!” Because I could tell he had no intention of doing so.

Dog poop

He muttered something to do with my mouth. I didn’t hear but he’s lucky I was running late for my pick-up.

Had the ‘Go-Slow’ all the way. Where people are just dawdling along, taking their sweet-ass time, chatting on the phones, I had a text beeping and reminding me it was neglected, but I went knowing full well it was Young John. I was late.

I parked at the Acupuncturist, managing not to smash my head into the pole at the front. (Because I don’t see it!) Took my flag inside so it wouldn’t get stolen. Make joke to have fun with the flag in my absence. You heard me.

Need walking stick today, can’t text, too many distractions around. Walk to the designated location and see Young John is waiting for me.

Getting into taxi

Felt like a Princess as I just walked right up to the taxi, opened the door and got in. He was on the phone to one of his taxi driver buddies on speaker.

Feel like a princess

Young John spent the weekend in hospital as he had a nasty infection that required surgery and had started to go septic.

Lift to my favourite café, it’s closed until Mid-January. Damn it! But really, it’s the only time they close, find alternative.

Coffee and huge Rumball – lunch. Rumball sub-standard, sad.

Don’t people know how to make a rumball? They should not be the size of a golf ball, for starters, but onward.

Rum balls

It’s now 2pm, time to hustle to Chiropractors.

“I’m well adjusted!” Yeah, she chants…

Short walk, short tram ride. Some serious texting, another short walk. Get stabbed – eight times.

OK otherwise known as Acupuncture. Made a call (I was in a separate room today) to register my ongoing interest in a Community Housing waitlist. Took four of my own needles out as I needed to pee. Not the first time.

Acupunture

Scooter ride home past the scene of the earlier crime.

Sometimes, just sometimes, I want to be wrong. He did not clean up after his dog.

Stopped down the street to chat to Matt who is building the apartments. His son 21, who has Autism was also there and his carer.

Building site

Brief stop at landlords to chat to their grandkids, “What did Santa bring?” And home around 6pm. Bring in washing and water the back garden.

Now inside…

Arrive home

Hot off the Press – 16th October 2017

Published October 16, 2017 by helentastic67

Hot off the Press 1610

Hot off the Press

Sweet Mary Mother of God! Monday and I’ve been such a zombie! Still managed 2,000 steps, but absolutely knackered! I have a feeling you will not want to Google that word, so I just mean I felt wiped out all day. I was actually hungry for lunch before what I deem lunchtime. Made it home in one-piece by tram and walking. Then had my medicine, and a serious hit of sugar…..

Knackered

Turned out, upon sending a shout out to my Kinesiologist friend it was a full moon last Friday. Now, my crazy-lady hormones are not in sync with the full moon and I don’t want to go out and howl at the moon (meow?) but I do notice my energy is completely zapped at the full moon. And the 1AM curfew kinda goes out the window, as does the anti-Pre-Dinner kip. Managed to avoid the kip but just barely. Oh, heard back from the real estate about the property I found online last night……AND it’s already gone! Really hating the whole house hunting thing.

Full moon

Tuesday, a spanner in the works for my normal program, it’s the day I actually enjoyed last week’s foodie good mental health day post. Saw my Chiro a day early to make room for a different appointment on Wednesday. Got to get to the Community Health Centre for a massage so that was a bonus. Ate a delicious chicken salad there I had picked up earlier. I forgot to do some food styling so no photo. Went for a big walk to the bank and back and was lucky to be given a lift home. Arrived home to discover I left my phone in Michael’s car. Before questions arise, yes! I’m that person who feels like they have had an arm cut off without their phone. You can have the left one, it doesn’t work!

Lost phone

My phone was likely on silent! So, if I rang it he wasn’t likely to hear it and I otherwise didn’t have numbers stored anywhere else. It’s the problem with technology. Messages via social media and was happy to hear within a few hours my phone was safely with Michael. Hope to be reunited tomorrow amongst the chaos.

Thursday, still feeling like a complete zombie. After a few hours of trying to get in touch with the lovely Young John, he took me to where my phone was to collect it. It was a very efficient trip there and home again. I felt a little jet-lagged even. No speed limits broken but I got home and my cup of tea was still warm enough to drink as I had to leave my breakfast, to not put Young John’s schedule out. Checked my pedometer and Michael did nothing to boost my digits. Sadly. Got to rest a little before I went out again for my first appointment for the day.

Zombies 1

Back to the dreaded dentist! I had my first 2 fillings to be mended done, as they only needed some of the existing filling drilled away, cleaned up, dried off and refilled I bare-knuckled it. The teeth were right next to each other making it easier and we agreed if I felt any pain I would raise my left hand. No! I reminded her it would be my right hand. (Again!) I worked out this time what it is that makes me squirm. (Irony) it’s all the packing they wedge down against my tongue that makes me feel nauseous and then, there’s that exciting ‘drowning’ sensation. The packing is obviously meant for her not me.

Dentist

Anyway, left there on foot and walked (got some steps in) to the tram. Trammed it to my neighbourhood and as I had not had lunch yet (it was 3.30pm) and I had 30 minutes to spare so I had a coffee and a French donut. Not photo worthy but got me through. Made it to acupuncture, fell asleep waiting. Got stabbed, caught up on messages and after about 20 minutes I couldn’t wait any longer to get to the bathroom, took out my 8 needles and got a taxi home. The weather had gotten rather untrustworthy by then.

Acupunture needles

The zombie feeling kicked back in and I vowed to get to bed early. Sat on the couch, felt a bit of a migraine coming on but by the time I caught up on some admin the night progressed as usual.
Stop Press! I made it to bed last night by 1. 30am……..At least it was close to my self-imposed curfew! Now you should appreciate why I didn’t make the time earlier which is what Ms Jillian (my Shrink) wanted me to achieve. She is clearly dreaming. As much I have told her.

Dreaming

Spent the day making calls, locked in the date for my NDIS review. Can’t believe it’s taken 6 months. Now to get new quotes for things I am trying to get funded, new letters of support. Fingers crossed, if I get everything I need I might not need to move.

Now I’m dreaming.

Managed not to have a kip. Ok, helped that I had a visit from the famous Aunty Christine. Who told me she has never seen my hair look so messy. I have a million pins up there right now. Let’s see if I can get a before and after photo tomorrow?
Lucky, unlucky, you be the judge.

Helen's hair before 1

And look, here is another few……
(I just want you to know this was without any notice or preparation, from my blind-side.)

Helen's hair before 2 Helen's hair after

And then even posing, I still look hungover and stoned!

Helen sitting on couch

I consider this my default-look. (At times referred to as my ‘Resting Bitch Face)
So despite not drinking or smoking I guess it is what it is. A little insight into my look. Again, got to bed again last night by 1.30am. (I don’t like to think at all related to my default look!)

Helen Resting Bitch face

Friday, my adventure with my lovely young carer Jennifer, got to K-Mart, Aldi, Coles, the bakery, the butchers and Lincraft.

I’ve started getting Christmas presents………I can’t help myself. Home and (never say I don’t know how to motivate, Jennifer never needs motivating). Together we made a big batch of minestrone and I also marinated some chicken in Portuguese marinade and while Jennifer my carer departed around 6.30…….. I finally had my custard scroll and my coffee around 7.30pm, dinner even later. Bottled the minestrone (yield;8 Passatta bottles) around midnight. Then got to finishing my admin and emails. Now 2am Saturday morning I’m going off-grid or I’m going to try.

Minestrone

Over the weekend, nice weather in Melbourne, over the week, I’ve had some t-shirt days and some wool days. More t-shirt days coming. A very lazy weekend making me a very happy girl. Monday is going to be a crazy day, even going to see a potential new home. Keeping in mind, I move house, I have some financial flexibility and can get my new fur-baby. Here’s hoping.

Cheers,
H

Happy Monday

Today’s Lunch Special – 21st June 2017

Published June 21, 2017 by helentastic67

Today's Lunch

Today, I thought I’d explain why I do my foodie lunch on a Wednesday. At times, I will hibernate for a long weekend and it saves me some money. I catch up on perceived or real chores at home and try to not spend money I don’t have.

Then on a Wednesday, by the time I get out to do my standard Punchy/Stabby day. (Chiropractor/Acupuncture) its real-peoples lunch time. To avoid eating lunch at 5pm when I return home, I eat here. At my favourite cafe. (No, I’m not telling! Its popular enough!) for a month I stopped coming in desperate efforts to live without….and save some money.

The older more familiar staff here know me by name, know my medical situation and I know a little something about them. The newer, younger staff see me as a young professional. (Note; Young/Professional!) I come in, do some ‘work’, eat my lunch. Smile and wave a friendly goodbye when I depart.

The owner, Robert even stops to say hello. I have even bought in sum of my foodie treats which he appreciated. Clearly, on a home bake level but the thought and different flavour I imagine he appreciated. He told me so! He once ate one of my ginger kisses right in front of me and he genuinely liked it.

After a few days in isolation, I returned here on a Wednesday and I gather my absence was noticed. Robert came down from his office and without ignoring his business and responsibilities, he said in passing “Hello Beautiful!” and I nearly cried.

So, the cost of lunch out is also part of my good mental health. This amazing lunch today, is a chicken and Mediterranean filo pastry thing. (Note; didn’t catch the name) with a nice little side-salad and a latte.

Chicken Filo

The cost of this tasty lunch was only $15.10.
I shouldn’t feel guilty about this should I?
And yet I’m learning some valuable lessons right now between ‘Want & Need’ & Humiliation.
Stay tuned.

Latte