You Poor Thing

Published October 26, 2026 by helentastic67

You Poor Thing

I can’t tell how often over the years I’ve heard those words. This time it was last Thursday. I had been tramming home from my chiropractor’s appointment. My usual chiro has been away and I’ve been lucky to see another one I used to see thirteen years ago.

It was the first warm day of spring, I’ve a separate post to write to explain a weird thing in Melbourne called Fake Spring, hang in there for that. Meanwhile, it was the first day to wear shorts. Get out the Lilly white legs I sport. Short season means people will notice my calf-high AFO. (That’s my Ankle Foot Orthotic.) It and the Botox helps me lift my drop foot when I walk so I don’t trip over. People don’t seem to notice my cuff and collars on my left arm or my walking stick. They definitely won’t notice my Vision Australia badge stating “I have low vision”

So, “You poor thing” I get off the tram just past my home. I hold up my right arm to wave at the driver calling out a thank you. A man on his Harley stopped at the back of the tram. Elderly lady makes her comment. It’s usually delivered to me on warmer days. I lift a finger and point in the direction of my home. I’m nearly home I reassure her, with these words and continue. It’s just another fucking day really. Despite the tone this is not a pity post. It’s a Fuck You post.

I think my twice-yearly dose of CBF has set in hard. October is always crappy. It’s been four years since my father’s passing. I’m OK with this however, it’s the fracturing of my remaining family that sucks, I’ve been trying to make my dad proud. And considering I’ve been project managing several things right now that has not been easy. The wins have been few and far between and not nearly enough wins for the constant barraging of losses.

I got from fifty-three to fifty-four at the end of the month and it sucks every year. Oh, you’re still with me this is not a pity me post. Right now, I’m just trying to get through each day crossing off the items on the To-Do List. Next week, expect a more upbeat post despite the To-Do list not getting shorter. I just wish 2026 was over.

Let’s hope the upcoming deadlines passing will improve my mental state and in the New Year after catching up on blogging and the wrapping up of certain projects will allow some breathing space and future posts will context my current grumpy.

Oh, wait! Barrack Obama, yes that could be a thing. Yes please!

How Good are Old People

Published July 13, 2025 by helentastic67

How Good Are Old People

So, this is my fifth post in a sitting and I will finish this on a positive.

A few weeks ago, I was at the supermarket with a carer I don’t often have. I’ve had her before but it takes time to build a relationship with a carer so they can know my preferred products and how they manage my busy brain when I just wanna do Social Helen. Also how to navigate my low eyesight and the trolley and all the things.

We were at the checkout and she had unpacked the trolley and then moved around behind me to the outside of the checkout. In front of her was an elderly man and I mean Elderly. I caught sight of him in my good peripheral vision on my right. He had a trolley and was without speaking out loud communicating to someone on my left in my blind spot that they were there and they had a trolley. I turned to my left and saw the equally elderly lady who obviously matched the man on the outside on the checkout. I said to her “You are in my blind spot and I don’t have a husband, but I understood everything he was trying to communicate to you.”

I swear to God! This is what I love about the elderly. She responded with “Be careful what you wish for!” I asked how long they had been married, I think she said, “Sixty years” “You get less for murder!” I told her.

It’s a standard Baby Boomer reply to such circumstances which always sounds wrong but is very amusing.

Stupid

Published December 17, 2018 by helentastic67

Stupid

Now, it might surprise you to know that I get asked a lot of stupid questions. I’m generally pretty good at dealing with the ‘stupid’. At times I disappoint myself, I’ve not been able to shut down the ‘stupid’ with my first answer, so when the ‘stupid’ continues if in public, others will usually witness my frustration before the ‘stupid’ person does.

Stupid questions

Fifteen years ago, when I was working and asked stupid questions when on the phone, I would bang my phone on the surface of my desk several time. Next time it happens to you, try it.

Smile to your face

It really can bring a smile to your face.

If the person on the other end of the phone asks what that was for, you can just respond with “That was a stupid question.”

Thats a stupid question

I digress, I wear a badge on my cuff and collar from Vision Australia that CLEARLY STATES.

“I HAVE LOW VISION”

And this is the state of the ‘stupid’

A guy on the tram today, presumed it meant I worked there. Which I’ve found is common because people are idiots and don’t read.

Idiots

I always respond to this misassumption that they should read the badge. This doesn’t mean they bother to read it then, but still, this guys level of ‘stupid’ was next level. He wore glasses, but that’s not really relevant to his question. I imagine he is unaware of what Vision Australia actually does.

https://visionaustralia.org/

You don’t go there for eye tests or diagnosis. The health of my eyes is perfect. However, it’s what’s going on in my brain with my AVM that has permanently affected my vision loss and it’s not coming back.

Low Vision not good