My Last client...

Hello again!

I hope that this blog finds you all well!

I was originally placed in Solihull for precisely one week.  I caught the train from Chalkwell into Fenchurch street (Tower Hill), travelled across to Kings Cross and then headed for Solihull.  The journey was rather long and very tiresome.  I arrived in Solihull and phoned my clients wife to come and collect me from the station (I must admit, I am getting rather good at demanding people work around me!!! - Hey... stop chirping, it IS a new skill!)

Anyhow, Hilary collected me from the station and we drove a short distance to her home.  I received handover from the last PA and settled into my new environment.  The first things I noticed were that the bungalow was very neat, very clean, rather warm and seemingly familiar...

Hilary told me to unpack and place my case in the garage whilst she made me a cup of tea (now that is what I call 'service'!) My client was whisked away to physiotherapy by Solihull ambulance service, which left me the entire afternoon to do something with.  The late afternoon was drawing in quite quickly and I was feeling more and more tired.  Hilary said that I should go for a nap whilst Tony was out... I did... 

The first day was a little akward, as I was still getting my bearings and watching how stuff was done.  I noticed that Hilary was working from home (as she does everytime a new PA arrives).  Around 18h00 she got up and made tea.  It was nice, one meat and three vegetables (just the way Nanna cooks!) I was not expected to do anything (so needless to say, I felt rather guilty!)  For some strange reason, I began settling in and becoming quite comfortable... I became very aware of this at each passing moment and could not place my finger exactly on why.  As I sat wondering what was so familiar, it suddenly dawned on me... My grandparents home is coloured the same way (calm, neutral colours, where everything has its place and fits immaculately), their attitudes are so similar (caring, loving, calming) and they make me feel as welcome and at home. 

The next few days passed by quite quickly.  I felt more and more comfortable (and yet missing home more and more because of the familiarity).  Thursday arrived, Tony and I sat and discussed anything and everything (including the ins and outs of his accident and its repercussions).  When Hilary got home from work, we were still sat discussing their social life.  Hilary walked through the door and stopped dead in her tracks.  It was so noticeable that it made me quite concerned.  She walked round to face Tony and ask if he was ok.  I got that much more concerned.  She followed her question by: 'you don't have the TV on... is everything ok?' I smiled, he nodded.  I decided to make myself scarce and so went to the kitchen to put the kettle on.  Hilary came in behind me and told me how impressed she was that I had managed to talk to Tony without the TV being on (apparently he has not done this since his accident...) The rest of the evening went off without a hitch.  I was left wondering why my face had glowing fluorescent signs on it saying 'talk to me.... talk to me...'  

Friday night arrived, and saw me, Tony and two of his friends going to the local pub (apparently I had convinced him that it was a good idea to go to places he had not been since his accident... who knew...) It was a REALLY nice evening out.  We had pub grub (which was, as expected, rather yummy), a couple pints and then went back home.  We arrived back, Hilary had had time to soak in the bath and relax.  She looked better.  We went inside and had some tea.  Before long, it was bedtime.

Saturday arrived and Hilary gave me the day off.  She said that she knows how hard I had been working and that I deserved some time off (I like these people more and more!!!!).  Needless to say, I took the time gladly.  Hilary decided that it would be a good idea to drop me off in town, so that I could get away and not be 'tempted' (as she put it) into working... Just before I was ready to go, they called me into their room.  I went in, they handed me some money.  I turned them down as politely as I could, saying that I cannot accept their money.  I explained that I was not allowed to, and that I am already paid for my time there.  Needless to say, they would not let me leave without taking their money (salt and vinegar chips experience).  They said that I should get something for myself and that they wanted to see what I got... I was absolutely flattered.

Whilst in town, I bought myself a watch (with their money), some pyjamas (from M&S - excuse us!!!!) and various other items.  It was a lovely outing!  Around 16h00 I phone Hilary to come and collect me (as I was feeling REALLY guilty for being out).  We got back home and Hilary told me to go and sit down (she said that I had done enough and that she would do the rest of the evening...)

Sunday came around, I got out of bed, made my bed (yes, I can actually make my bed!!!!) and went to put the kettle on.  Hilary came through to the kitchen and collected her cup of tea.  On her way back to her room, she looked into my room.  She stopped, turned around and came back to me, saying that I should come and sit on her bed and drink my tea (because my bed was already made).  Later that afternoon, we had guests around for Sunday lunch.  It was lovely, they really made me feel like part of the family.  I felt so settled.

Monday morning arrived and I got a phone call from Active asking if I could stay on for a few extra days, as the PA who I was handing back to would not be able to get there for the Wednesday.  I really did not mind whatsoever.  So my time there was extended until the Friday. I turned over and before I knew it, I had tea in bed... I felt suddenly overwhelmed, thinking about home.  I stopped myself from thinking as I had to get Tony up and dressed by 08h00 (which can take up to two hours) as he had an appointment at Oswestry (one of the brilliant spinal injury care units - bordering Wales).  We were collected by a transit vehicle from Oswestry, and taken to the appointment.  We spent the best part of the day there.  We eventually arrived back from Oswestry, cold and tired.  The day had taken its toll on Tony, so he spent Tuesday day in bed.  On Tuesday night, Tony and Hilary decided that they would like to take me out to dinner down at the looal pub.  It was absolutely freezing cold outside, but they were insistent on going.  We got down to the pub, had an awesome meal, a few drinks and a good chat and then zooted back home (fighting the cold at every step)!

Wednesday and Thursday passed without much excitement.  Friday arrived and it was time to pack and get going.  As I was on my way to the car, Hilary handed me a coat (which she said I could have as it no longer fitted her) and Tony gave me his blessings.  Hilary drove me to the train station, on the way saying that if I needed a place to stay at any time, I was welcome back.  I  got out the car, dragging my suitcase behind me, sad, but knowing that I would return.

So much for all the updates...

Hello hello!

(I started writing this blog on Wednesday, and have just managed to
sit down and complete it... So please excuse the initial references to
two weeks ago!)

I have so much to say and so little time to say it (four hours
travelling should just about do the trick though!!)

- apparently it didn't!!!!!!

Last week was a blast! I managed to see the outside world with my
client, visiting physiotherapists, gyms, shops, take-out places,
shops... Such fun, such fun...
One highlight was that on the Tuesday after physio and before gym, we
went to get some lunch (no, that was not the highlight!!) after lunch
we stopped to buy some cigarettes. I ran in with my clients money,
having parked on a double yellow (luckliy driving someone who is
disabled I can do that!), and asked for the cigarettes. The guy behind
the counter asked me for my ID... I was flabberghasted!!! I said I was
23, he insisted on my ID, but I managed to convince him I was over age
and that my bag was in the car! He let me buy them with great suspicion!

HOWEVER,

It did not end here, we went shopping later on in the week, where my
client wanted to purchase a potato peeler. I picked it up and went to
the till to pay. The man behind the counter asked me for my ID. I
laughed, thinking he must be joking. He calmly explained that you have
to be over 18 to buy a knife or any object that could be used as a
weapon. He then insisted on seeing my drivers card...

Twice in one week... I tell you!!!

Anyhow, I left this placement just as I was starting to get frustrated
with the small things!

I had a brief break at Bethanys place (Friday to Tuesday) where I took
the time to look, and apply, for more jobs.
I walked around westcliff on saturday, visiting the main street (where
I bought my mum some flowers... Brownie points!!!) and got some
application forms to a local care agency.

Sunday saw me going to a forest with the family and some friends. We
stopped for Sunday roast at the local pub and then took the dogs and
kids for a walk. In total there were 5 adults, 6 children (Bethany's
three, and a boy (age 6) and his sisters (twins aged 2)) and 3 dogs
(you can imagine the chaos!!!) halfway through the walk, we stopped to
build a den out of dead trees and branches (it was really cool!) the
men were in their element, the kids mildly enjoyed it, the women
tolerated it and the dogs could care less! After we had built the den
and the kids had played in it, the hilarious bit began! One of the
little girls with us went to her mum and announced 'mummy, I need a
poo'. Her mum started chuckling, saying that she was going to have to
wait... But, to cut a long story short, by the time we left the
forest, there were 3 wet patches, two piles not resembling dogs poo,
and a few messed up leaves!!!!

Then on Monday, after dropping the boys off at school, I went for
coffee and read the local newspaper.

Tuesday saw Corley stay home from school as well as Bethany stay home
from work (her clients had cancelled at the last moment and Corley
developed an infection in his belly button). This all lead to us going
to Rachel's house and then out to lunch in Leigh-on-sea. It was
really lovely.

Wednesday arrived and chaos rained. I got up early to help Bethany get
the boys dressed and fed before school. They all rushed out the door
with seconds to spare!! I changed suitcases and left for the train
station (in the pouring rain). I boarded the first of three trains to
Solihull, Shirley, where I find myself now...

I shall keep you in suspense until at least Monday!!!!!!!!

Another week goes woosh...

Howdy!

This week has been rather dull I'm afraid... So, you may want to stop
reading as I am going to do a bit of complaining!!!!

Hmmm...... Where to begin.....

My client is the same as all my other clients... Get up early, follow
same dull routine, make food, more routine, get to bed REALLY late,
then up early again. We NEVER leave the house, we watch sports, I
cook, clean, vacuum (and yes, I even dust!!! Bet that made you smile!!!)

Let me fill you in on the interesting stuff that has occurred this
week...

I have been job hunting (online) - without much success! I shall
endeavour to visit a job centre as soon as I can get to one (and
actually have the time to do it [but, you will be glad to know that
Active says they are happy to keep me on for as long as I would
like!!!!! <ha ha, he he he.... Ow, my stomach hurts...>])

My client has had loads of medical issues which required the doctor to
come out and pay him a visit (the sad part is that this was a
highlight of my week!!)

Other than that, I have been visited by two HUGE spiders - each about
three inches long and two inches wide (no, that is not its size when
squashed!!!!) but, I do think they would have given Muffin a run for
her money!

I am so glad this client has not asked me to get rid of them (as you
could imagine what my reaction would be...) As it is, I make sure I am
a good ten feet away at all times with my feet off the ground (and if
it moves in my direction, I greet it and politely move away - um...
Yeah right... more like run away, arms flaling, screaming!!!)

I have managed to cook a roast dinner (roast beef potatoes, carrots,
cauliflower and cheese sauce, gravy, yorkshire pudding and stuffing)
as well as pudding (chocolate fudge cake and double cream). No, i was
not feeding the masses, all that food was requested by my client for
us and his brother (needless to say I was absolutely stuffed after the
meal!!) Oh, another highlight (before i forget) is that i made my
very first apple crumble and homemade custard this week (yes, it was
rather yummy)!!!

The week ahead looks as though it is going to be a little more
interesting, as we have a visit to the physiotherapist, doctors and
shopping planned (but we shall see how long those last!!!)

As for the near future, I have two clients booked... yes, TWO!!!!
(Active has really outdone themselves this time!) I have a few days
with Bethany planned this weekend, then am headed to Shirley for a
week. Following this, I have another break followed by a stay in
Exminster (Exminster sound familiar??? It should, as I have been asked
by the client, his family and the district nurses to return!) I am
looking forward to going back...

Well, that is all for now folks!!!!

Stay tuned for the next installment!