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

Have I always had these traits? Did I develop my personality despite my ABI?

The last 40+ years have taken many a twist and turn, so keep that in mind as you keep reading.

Twist and turns

Cheers

But it doesn’t mean I won’t go back and forth over these topics, hang in there, it will all come together…

Hang in there

Hot off the Press – 31st July 2017

Published July 31, 2017 by helentastic67

Hot off the Press 3107a

And another week has passed and I’m wondering what a Normal week should look like? Monday, saw my shrink. I do love the adventure of going to the city, doing a little hunter/gather and ticking a few mental things off my list.

Mondays

Ironically Tuesday crashed and burned, did not have a good day. The flattest, saddest day I’ve had for a while. Just couldn’t do Person, let alone adult or human-being.

Crash and burn

Sick of family not doing what they have committed to, some family not helping at all and other family forgetting I live alone without so much as a cat! They dump their attitude on me! Always makes me think of when some old lady(parent) cries that her beautiful son has died by their own hand and didn’t even have the decency to leave a note to say why? Seriously, going back to bed until I’ve had enough sleep so I can better deal with the day! (as the roadwork continues outside!)

Wednesday, comes together nicely despite no Young John to tease me and scoop me up and make my life easier. I actually scootered a bit on Monday, then got around by tram, train, lots of steps on my pedometer around the city before another tram ride home.

Wednesday

Thursday, roadworks a constant out on my street, I had a much nicer massage at home from my lovely Caroline. I made sure the rest of the day was very low key.

Thursday

Friday, a newish carer took me out shopping, no pet shops this week sadly. Tried to not stress out my new carer I’ve got for the next month of Fridays. She is young and some of her giggly humour reminds me of my younger sister. She has a little fresh wit I like from my carers.

Friday 1

Have been on the serious Provo-trail this last week or so attempting to save some money, or catch up on rent. A friend advised the best way to save money is to not buy food! What the? You heard!
So, I’ve contacted the two major not for profit welfare agencies. Yield? $60 of which I think the checkout chic may have kept $20 of it, as it did not come off my groceries and I still spent some of my rent. All the bills are paid and the healthy pills restocked. So, now to catch up on rent.

Friday night I was out for dinner with my Boo. Wait! I haven’t been hiding anything. My Boo (sweetheart name) is a I lovely gay friend, and I had been unable to convince our friend Damo to come out. We went to a Greek restaurant and while the entree was ok, the main was substituted for a more expensive option. Not going back there.

Really want to go visit George at Helenic Republic and not just because it has my name on it!
My Boo once worked for the likes of Gordon Ramsey but now works in the Disability sector. He politely informed them what we had ordered versus what they gave us. They looked at me as if my ‘Date’ was trying to show off and that I was dating the wrong guy. Nice, right? My gay friends are the straightest looking men you will ever meet and the benefits for me is I know they like spending time with me for my stela personality.

Have ticked off 5 plus comics this last week. I started a sixth but it got dark. Sunset is around 5.30 at the moment and it snuck up on me. Looking forward to the spring blossoms outside my bedroom window just around the corner. Don’t plan on moving until then. Not that I have seriously been looking.

Forwent the single girl date night this week as I was getting into a show I couldn’t stop watching. You probably realise I watch a great deal of TV, it’s my thing. It’s how I switch off my very busy brain. It’s what entertains me and often how I mark time passing. Sounds ridiculous but…… So, I’m always behind. The distraction this week I will describe as this; Netflix, Baz Lehrmann, the Bronx, Late 70’s Disco and the Black Music scene that later became Hip Hop. Think Beastie Boys but black and all the classic 70’s clothes, cars and graffiti. And then you have a show called the Get down. Only 11 episodes, the first 90 minutes long and the rest an hour each. I know some people won’t commit to watching a show unless it’s more than a season however I understand this show was so expensive to make they couldn’t do more than a season. Baz Luhrmann does a great job though you can never say he doesn’t. I think the soundtrack would be a must have. For something very different from Helen’s normal.

Get down

The weekend has ended with a rare but welcome visit from a friend who lives hours away, but when working in this part of Melbourne for a day will come and stay over at the Chateau de Helen. Have I mentioned I’m lucky I have a spare bedroom? Single bed but….better than nothing. Phillip, I’ve known for 20 years from when he and his wife owned a toy shop in my country town that I grew up in, at a time I lived back in that area for two years in the late 90’s. His kids were just little kids then but now are all grown up. Phillip is often my tech-support and while I barely speak Apple he has a PC brain. There is lots of disrespect for Apple and lots of me telling his where to go. But between the two of us, we upgrade and de-bug my laptop! And he’s off to bed hours before me. So, here I am writing this post before I start my wind-down. Supper and a Cuppa T, I think and maybe I might make my curfew of 1am. Closer to 1 than 2 isn’t really getting 1am………but I’m trying.

Computer wiz

My left shoulder is hurting, I’ve obviously done something. I can’t feel a drag of the muscles over my shoulder and down the front of my neck. Think I’ll be asking my Chiro to tape it this week. She prompts how much/where? I will be suggesting she put layers down, pull it up and put it just everywhere, front and back of my left shoulder prompting a laugh from her. “Just put it everywhere!”

Shoulder

To another crazy adventurous week. Trying to get the digits up on the pedometer to make Young John proud.

And hoping I get that final follower to get me to 100, not that I get that much feedback in the form of Likes, I know I have my small number of serious followers who like and comment. To you few, luv your work!
Cheers,
H

Good week

Real

Published July 28, 2017 by helentastic67

Get Real

Real

Let’s talk ‘REAL’ for a moment. Will I ever get the use of my left arm back?

My Radiologist, who did my treatment, told me yes, I would. The Physio specialist upon my returning to him wondered why I was back and asking him to help me get the use of my arm back, he kinda expected me to read between the lines, when he told me he had been doing “this” a long time.

Physio

A few years ago, I saw a younger OT chick who didn’t sugar coat it when she said “Yes!” You will get the use of your arm back, but you will never get the strength and dexterity back you had before.

Ironically, I didn’t have much “before” as it was…

I think realistically, if I do every exercise I’ve ever been told to do every day, several times and the other one’s I’ve been shown to improve, if I do all the computer/gadget based activities, commit to extra tiredness and migraines every day, it will improve some.

Realistic

Someone suggest – why not have my arm amputated? To be clear, I couldn’t be offended. She was a double amputee and she had, had to choose to have both her legs amputated!

Apart from the obvious, that I wouldn’t ever know if I could prove that specialist wrong if I had NO left arm to rehabilitate, I imagine my clothes would not sit properly. I will get even more weird questions and I would instantly go on a diet and lose 5 kilos (I don’t know how many kilos does one of your arms weigh?)

Specialist