It's always a challenge maintaining a smooth easy ride as a tetra and the gang. The gang are probably the most important factor of my life in ensuring an easiest possible lifestyle with the everyday living that I deal with. It's not easy having to manage four people and their various attributes that maintain a free flowing cog on the gearbox system of making my life as pleasurable as possible ! I am so lucky to have been awarded one of the highest level of care package, whereby I have a 24/7 live in as well as a daily double up to help - enabling me freedom of independence. Forever greatful, but you gotta understand that having these people around you all the time can be somewhat frustrating !! I long for, and do create the odd opportunity to just spend half an hour on my own, devoid of constant monitoring, bag checking, blood pressure monitoring etc etc etc - Again, just saying, not complaining .
So after my last blog about the resignations, moving on's, etc etc...... I was gutted to lose the stalwart , Eugene ! Very sad to see Andrea going forward to better his CV, but knowing full well that I could manage the process !. Suddenly the dark cloud of millitantness evoporated, the atmosphere changed at no 9. The PA's all smiling and happy, the air cleared and I realised that all things are for a reason, again, and often one is to self absorbed to see the woods for the trees !!! As much as I was devestated to see Eugene leave, I was freed of the hidden demons that he so controlled over the space and people who look after me. Thank you universe for releasing me of that !
So with what was a " stand in " carer, Michal, pronounced as Mishcal, and to begin with wouldn't have lasted a week, began a bond of care and a humerous nurturing I would not have believed initially. He is a total tree huger, loves to venture off on his off time to forests around the world and hike. Canada, Nepal, Asia, you name it....... He has been, done and looking for the next " out back " to explore ! Eugene having upped and left with basically no notice, saw Mishcal thrown into the deep end, but coped remarkably well !! He is Czeck - looking for an assignment of two weeks on and twoweeks off - not an easy ask !
I in the meantime had spoken to one of the carers that was on my skiing trip, who was interested in the same shift arrangement , and happened to be Czech as well. NIKE, came to mind ! Make it happen. I did, and Martin joins the gang as of next week - all sorted, relaxed and I couldn't be happier !!! Martin, now affectionately known as Martini !!
Mishcal accidentally mentioned that in his language, Mischki meant " small mouse " a term of endearment only his parents would use !! Big mistake!!! He is nearly 7ft tall, and known only as Mischki now !!. He has a fantastic sence of humour, and the other morning whilst doing my FES , and waiting for Gravity to release me of some " extra weight ", nothing was happening. As he was replacing the electronic pads, I said to him " Mischki, I think it's gonna have to be your Gold finger " that gets things going !! And I told him about Shirley Bassey's song and the 007 movie.
Blow me down if he doesn't google it on you tube, and now we have SB serenading us in the completion of bowel care !!!! I kid you not ! All of us now know the lyrics and it works !!!!
So with the two live in's now in place, Andrea leaving, there was only one slot to fill - a Mon - Fri double up. Without going into too much detai at the moment, and going against all my previous desires, I recruited a girl to replace Andrea. She is funky, new wave, on the ball and someone I so look forward to joining our team !!! She will start in May ! Be my left and right hand side and will bring a sence of stability to the team. Until such time as her present employer knows of her intentions to leave, and respecting that, suffice to say....... I'm all sorted and will post pics of the new gang shortly.
Good Ol' Meezie, my Saturday and Sunday double up, can't keep up with the pace !! He drove us in Diana to the countryside to visit Stu and ML, who have relocated to the uk. If he is not trolling me around Trafalgar Square , leister Square, China town or Soho, he is commissioned to get us wherever that weekend demands ! Thankfully, he ain't going anywhere, and one of my intentions is to get to SA this year as part of my bucket list - he would be my first choice to accompany me as he is the best " rule breaker " and willing to put up with my fight to find these legs again.
I have been asked by a number of people now, about my life prior to injury and post injury, about my upbringing, schooling, siblings, etc etc etc. perhaps a subject that I have ( for the meantime ) blotted out of my mind. But, it's definitely needs to be addressed in my going forward with ongoing recovery !! Yes, there is perhaps a lot of hidden baggage, yes I come from a large family and YES, I am the only one in a wheelchair in my family.
But, the understanding and acceptance has been overwhelming ! You gotta understand that ones lot is dealt, play your cards and be accepting of your fate !! Hard ! Hard ! Hard ! But easily achieved !!! So, my next blog will incorporate my life from 0 - 50, abled bodied, care free existence and having the world at one's fingertips !! Then a small hiccup of having that taken away from you and realising just how fortunate one is with life itself !!! Some make it, some fake it, and many, many don't make it !!!
This blog is dedicated to Jannie - RIP - sad news, but at peace.
Sent to you all with love and ongoing good health wishes !!! Keep trying, keep fighting for your aspirations and keep smiling !!!
G. Xx
Tuesday, 29 March 2016
Sunday, 20 March 2016
The " Tunnel " of Gloom !!!
It's not often I post two blogs so close together......... But, since the last somewhat boring one, I remembered a few things I should have included. I don't make notes, sit and think, or plan any of my blogs, I simply get the urge to share and start my " one " finger typing and let whatever comes out. In doing so, I do, afterwards sometimes think to myself..... Oh, shyte, I forgot this or that !!!.
For the best part of winter, I have the most dismal view from my apartment !! Bare trees, age old face brick arches housing warehouse depot's with trucks collecting goods 24/7 to supply Londons inner city with goods. I have endured two winters here now, witnessing the amazing autumn leaf colour changes of the two trees blocking out the railway line and collection depot. As well as the two gay robins trying desperately to set up nest with their adopted chick from the bird sperm bank - still situated under the arches. The amazing budding of the trees as they ease their way into spring with all promise of securing me with a green belt for late spring and summer !!. Funny though, over time, I have gotten to appreciate and quite like the starkness and austerity of my winter view - after all, I am living in the city, so what did I expect....... Sherwood Forest ????. I am happy enough to have the trees, in or out of leaf, see the birds, squirrels and the ever present pigeons. Life ain't bad at all.
So Rameez and I are having a puff on the balcony the other day, listening to the Chavy banter waffling up from the back road of the apartment. A constant hearing of " In'it, Bruv, F@@k ya,..........." We decide to explore that part of the hood ! Means crossing through the purple tunnel to see what's going down that end. We do so, and realise that beyond the purple tunnel lies an area of the hood cram packed with Chavy council estates - the constant " foul language, pull along suitcases, drunken spouses leaving home etc etc etc now makes sense !!! The " ya slept wiff me systa, mother, daughter..... Whatever ! Now makes even more sense !!! And we now crank up the horn/ speaker and hurry them along by shouting obscenities back. They of course cannot see us, but certainly hear us !! The tunnel has now been named " The Tunnel of Gloom " - once you pass through it....... There is only shyte to come !! Gotta love the east end !!!
Also mentioned in past blogs, is the infamous Columbia Road flower market held every Sunday. One of the oldest markets of London, where vendors ply their flowers, and street shops and cafes open to quench a persons wee thirst as well as maybe hunger pains !! It is always teaming with people - now mostly tourists, trying desperately to video the small cobbled street filled with fresh flowers - no hassle to us, we there for the late bargains, atmosphere, and the sheer joy of being able to part the crowd with the horn !! It works...... Trust me. Of course, not without altercation. We drove there, only to find the disabled bays all filled up, unyet not a chair user in sight. Not that that's too much of an issue, coz one can have a Blue Badge even if you are not a chair user. But when two people exit a cafe, clearly not disabled, having had loads to drink,and then get into the car and drive off - that " pisses " on my battery !!! More policing needed - I'm on it !!
As the new week begins, remember .... Love, Light and Laughter ! Ongoing good health wishes to you all !!
G. Xxxxxx
For the best part of winter, I have the most dismal view from my apartment !! Bare trees, age old face brick arches housing warehouse depot's with trucks collecting goods 24/7 to supply Londons inner city with goods. I have endured two winters here now, witnessing the amazing autumn leaf colour changes of the two trees blocking out the railway line and collection depot. As well as the two gay robins trying desperately to set up nest with their adopted chick from the bird sperm bank - still situated under the arches. The amazing budding of the trees as they ease their way into spring with all promise of securing me with a green belt for late spring and summer !!. Funny though, over time, I have gotten to appreciate and quite like the starkness and austerity of my winter view - after all, I am living in the city, so what did I expect....... Sherwood Forest ????. I am happy enough to have the trees, in or out of leaf, see the birds, squirrels and the ever present pigeons. Life ain't bad at all.
So Rameez and I are having a puff on the balcony the other day, listening to the Chavy banter waffling up from the back road of the apartment. A constant hearing of " In'it, Bruv, F@@k ya,..........." We decide to explore that part of the hood ! Means crossing through the purple tunnel to see what's going down that end. We do so, and realise that beyond the purple tunnel lies an area of the hood cram packed with Chavy council estates - the constant " foul language, pull along suitcases, drunken spouses leaving home etc etc etc now makes sense !!! The " ya slept wiff me systa, mother, daughter..... Whatever ! Now makes even more sense !!! And we now crank up the horn/ speaker and hurry them along by shouting obscenities back. They of course cannot see us, but certainly hear us !! The tunnel has now been named " The Tunnel of Gloom " - once you pass through it....... There is only shyte to come !! Gotta love the east end !!!
Also mentioned in past blogs, is the infamous Columbia Road flower market held every Sunday. One of the oldest markets of London, where vendors ply their flowers, and street shops and cafes open to quench a persons wee thirst as well as maybe hunger pains !! It is always teaming with people - now mostly tourists, trying desperately to video the small cobbled street filled with fresh flowers - no hassle to us, we there for the late bargains, atmosphere, and the sheer joy of being able to part the crowd with the horn !! It works...... Trust me. Of course, not without altercation. We drove there, only to find the disabled bays all filled up, unyet not a chair user in sight. Not that that's too much of an issue, coz one can have a Blue Badge even if you are not a chair user. But when two people exit a cafe, clearly not disabled, having had loads to drink,and then get into the car and drive off - that " pisses " on my battery !!! More policing needed - I'm on it !!
As the new week begins, remember .... Love, Light and Laughter ! Ongoing good health wishes to you all !!
G. Xxxxxx
Friday, 18 March 2016
PA's, Patience and ongoing inspiration !!!
So the new year kicks in, skiing course completed and a new aspiration is needed to fuel the passion to make life as exciting as it can be !! I am amazed and astounded as I could be, and rarely knock the system, but as SCI with benefits, one would assume that given the stats, the " system " would encourage people to get back into mainstream employment ! Sadly, I cannot support the current " system ". Yes one might get the benefits of Housing and council tax sorted, but under this law, then one is not allowed to work ( income related ) for more than 16 hours a week without losing all benefits !! Nobody voices this, the truth being, that if you are lucky enough to be on the highest rung of the disability grant you will then receive a monthly grant of £557, plus if you qualify " income support " allowance of more or less the same - sorry followers I cannot and will not be destined to a life of sitting in front of the tv, eating Pringles and knowing I have £1000 to survive on per month .
Few people know about the intracies of running a home in order to keep it up to the standards one should, and lots of people would agree that that money is enough to live on, etc etc etc - forgetting energy costs, water bills etc etc..... Load of shyte ! - and I won't get political in my blog. But certain MP's are routing for a reduction in benefits !!!! Let us work, let us gain independence etc etc and don't pull the carpet from undernieth us !! Ok, bitch session over !!!.
As you all know the skiing was an amazing experience !! And we have already organised a reunion for April !! As many of us that can, will travel to London for hopefully a fun filled day of eating, drinking and a bit of sight seeing thrown in !! No doubt about it, we will have fun, reminisce of the wonderful time had in Sweden, and create havoc on the streets with us rollers and strollers !!! My horn will be fully charged and ready for the crowds......... Will keep you posted !
As mentioned in my last blog, I arrived back to a PA abandonment , and a situation of having to source new PA's for various reasons !!! I have been lucky enough to secure Martin as the second live in carer / PA, who was on our course in Sweden, and am so pleased to have him on board - two weekly turn around shifts with my ' cave man ' current live in PA.Both from Czech Republic, and they will fly in and out of the U.K., to do their shifts !!! Amazing how things work out - I was totally overwhelmed by the situation , stopped worrying, gave it out to The universe and whoooola, it's all worked out.
Health wise , I seem to have plateaued at the moment - but continue to go my excersize's, standing frame and FES regime every morning in the ever hopeful manner of trying to find my legs again ! This...... Seems to be a long long journey, but, it's a journey that has taught me more outa life than I could ever have expected ! The friendship's, the patience, and the ongoing will to make the body work again !!!! Stick in a chair for life... Does not work for me. Be that as it may, one needs to accept ones deck played, and play ones hand accordingly. Finding my legs again, against all the doctors advice is a challenge I bring upon myself - it can and will be done. In time.
With the renewed attitude to 2016, that anything is possible, I have volunteered to give up some time to do some charity work, in the hopes of furthering the awareness of SCI - waiting to hear if my applications are accepted. Perhaps, I'm a little too outspoker about my condition and what people need to know, but, I cannot change that, as much as I've tried. Real is real !!! And the way I see it, is not to pussy foot around the realities, but rather " tell it like it is " - I'm WAY to out there for these " ticking " of the boxes kinda people !! I'll keep at it though !!!!
Not a terribly informative blog, but one just to let you know that I'm still here, still Breaking the rules and moving forward with my ongoing quest !! Remember to be appreciative of what we have, tell people you love, and build all bridges !! Posted with love and ongoing good health wishes !
G
Few people know about the intracies of running a home in order to keep it up to the standards one should, and lots of people would agree that that money is enough to live on, etc etc etc - forgetting energy costs, water bills etc etc..... Load of shyte ! - and I won't get political in my blog. But certain MP's are routing for a reduction in benefits !!!! Let us work, let us gain independence etc etc and don't pull the carpet from undernieth us !! Ok, bitch session over !!!.
As you all know the skiing was an amazing experience !! And we have already organised a reunion for April !! As many of us that can, will travel to London for hopefully a fun filled day of eating, drinking and a bit of sight seeing thrown in !! No doubt about it, we will have fun, reminisce of the wonderful time had in Sweden, and create havoc on the streets with us rollers and strollers !!! My horn will be fully charged and ready for the crowds......... Will keep you posted !
As mentioned in my last blog, I arrived back to a PA abandonment , and a situation of having to source new PA's for various reasons !!! I have been lucky enough to secure Martin as the second live in carer / PA, who was on our course in Sweden, and am so pleased to have him on board - two weekly turn around shifts with my ' cave man ' current live in PA.Both from Czech Republic, and they will fly in and out of the U.K., to do their shifts !!! Amazing how things work out - I was totally overwhelmed by the situation , stopped worrying, gave it out to The universe and whoooola, it's all worked out.
Health wise , I seem to have plateaued at the moment - but continue to go my excersize's, standing frame and FES regime every morning in the ever hopeful manner of trying to find my legs again ! This...... Seems to be a long long journey, but, it's a journey that has taught me more outa life than I could ever have expected ! The friendship's, the patience, and the ongoing will to make the body work again !!!! Stick in a chair for life... Does not work for me. Be that as it may, one needs to accept ones deck played, and play ones hand accordingly. Finding my legs again, against all the doctors advice is a challenge I bring upon myself - it can and will be done. In time.
With the renewed attitude to 2016, that anything is possible, I have volunteered to give up some time to do some charity work, in the hopes of furthering the awareness of SCI - waiting to hear if my applications are accepted. Perhaps, I'm a little too outspoker about my condition and what people need to know, but, I cannot change that, as much as I've tried. Real is real !!! And the way I see it, is not to pussy foot around the realities, but rather " tell it like it is " - I'm WAY to out there for these " ticking " of the boxes kinda people !! I'll keep at it though !!!!
Not a terribly informative blog, but one just to let you know that I'm still here, still Breaking the rules and moving forward with my ongoing quest !! Remember to be appreciative of what we have, tell people you love, and build all bridges !! Posted with love and ongoing good health wishes !
G
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