Latest Developments

Hello and welcome back.

The month is August so winter will be coming to an end for this year and I'm still moving forward despite some certain hardships getting in my way. But other than that, I've been developing my plans and purposes to blend into society. At least I haven't gone to a position of giving up as I have a few people and more to catch up but this is what's happening lately.

Wellbeing

First up, I've joined the Victorian Brotherhood page on Facebook as I was having trouble meeting anyone new. The Victorian Brotherhood is an organisation for prevention for male suicide and it's worthwhile as men do struggle when times are tough and I've been there before. My biggest problem in life is not able to fit in especially when I was living in Gippsland but fortunately, I've changed my life around since I've moved to Pakenham.

One intriguing thing I've done on the night of Friday the 28th of July was I've participated in a Zoom conference where I've met other guys who are part of the Victorian Brotherhood and have certain life struggles. Although I was timid, I've spoken a bit but it's an experience. It's hard enough living by myself and not have any neighbours to talk to but on the other hand, there are other people to talk to elsewhere and that opens up what I don't like about Pakenham. There isn't much activity and it's apparently hard to meet people there. However, I came across a guy in the Pakenham noticeboard on Facebook wanting friends so I've answered him and we've been keeping in touch ever since.

Another thing to add is lately, I'm having second thoughts on my current medication. For those wandering about it, I'm currently on 40 mg of Lurasidone which is used to treat schizophrenia. However, I've had second thoughts about my apparent diagnosis after the first 2 appointments with my new psychiatrist and what I should point out is a potential side effect of drowsiness. Yes, Lurasidone can make you drowsy and at times, I'm having to consume more caffeine than I'd normally expect along with some sweets but later, I will make appointments with my psychiatrist and maybe reduce the dosage and go from here.

And finally, I've been having some back troubles as I experience scoliosis. With that, I experience inflamed upper back muscles and the posture of my spine isn't as great. All I can do is manage it with stretches, applying my ice pack and doing back stengthening exercises.

Work

With work, I'm looking to change course or simply said plan B. I'm wanting to move away from doing stock which I've been doing all the time at Repco but to add more hardship, I get paid fortnightly but the pay is a week behind which is simply awkward especially having to report my earnings to Centrelink. Then at times, my fortnightly earnings along with my Disability Support Pension don't always get consistent. It doesn't help though on public holidays, I don't work on these days.

What I'm wanting to do is whilst I'm working Monday, Tuesday and Friday, I'll aim to take up work on the free days Wednesday and Thursday in hopes to go to permanent part time. At the moment, I've been working at Repco casually all the way. Working permanent part time enables me to get some sick and holiday pay and now I'm 33 years old, I'll need to start taking things easy. If I'm stuck, I have Fran who was my employment consultant years back along with my uncle Peter who I've been better getting along with and then, there's my careers guidance counsellor from the RMIT Skills and Jobs Centre. I see Theo who's been a good and supportive person to me as looking for work can be so overwhelming. I can go on Seek but I always get lost having tons of job vacancies to choose.

With my future at Repco, I was planning to leave but I've changed my mind because I'll get good staff discounts especially that I'll pursue my new hobby working on cars. Eventually, I'll aim to work at another Repco store filling in for Saturdays only.

Art

Art is another piece for me to blend into society and it's pleasing I've taken up art again since last year. And to date, I've completed 3 paintings along with my current painting which I'll soon wrap up.

Whilst I'm here, I'll give you the preview on this project. It's called the Unmerciful Lowe. What I've been creating is my interpretation of condemning the Reserve Bank president at the time Philip Lowe raising interest rates at our expense. I've added a handful of elements such as the foreclosure sale sign depicting how households struggle with mortgage repayments therefore facing the risk of foreclosure. Next on the left is a homeless person holding a sign "seeking human kindness". At the time, I was printing out things to add to this painting. As I found a picture of a homeless person holding the sign, I felt it's a good idea to include it which will have some more impact. On the right is a bottle of milk, an apple, a head of broccoli and a pair of carrots. 

Above, I've added 4 dollar signs to illustrate the high costs of groceries. Other elements I've included 4 coins to illustrate little money and on the top, a line graph illustrating rising interest rates and strains of coronavirus and the reason I've done that is I wanted to emphasise that this whole pandemic had wrecked our global economy badly. And of course, there's Philip Lowe, the main element of this painting.

Earlier last month, I went to the Kapi Art Space up in the Dandenong Ranges to meet Heather who's the managing director of the gallery as well as an art shop and studio. I brought in 3 of my recent paintings, the abstract Mrs Brinks, Black Sheep Banned and the How? painting and so far so good, she's impressed and gave me some ideas and inspiration to later down the track start my own art exhibition. All I got to do now is build up a collection of at least 8 paintings but lately look at doing a load of 10. Along the way, I'll contact Heather for updates and some tips.

But not only that, I'll look to join the South East Contemporary Arts Network (SECAN) which'll be another step to be part of the community and grow my artistic credentials. SECAN are situated in Akoonah Park between Berwick and Beaconsfield. Members meet up every first weekend of the month but closed between January and February. It'll also be a good opportunity to further grow the community and hopefully cater for more people within my age group in which it greatly needs.

So things are coming together. However on Monday the 7th of August, I was involved in a car accident after I've finished my shift at the Dandenong Repco store. As I was trying to inch out into Bennet street, another car ran into me and the road became a crash scene.

At first, I was deeply shaken and worried what's going to happen next. However, the staff at the store had helped me and then came the emergency services and the police and paramedics have dealt with me. Once both cars are towed away, Kara who's the manager had booked an uber ride on my behalf back home and that is a pleasing experience.

Later, I've submitted my claim and I've done what I needed to do. Coming up, my car will get assessed for what repairs it needs. From what I can see along with a couple of work colleagues, the damage sustained to my car didn't look structural lessening the likelihood of the car getting written off. But for the moment, I'm taking public transport and better still, I can travel to work. Things could have gone worse.

So most of the part, things are on hold until I get my car sorted. And that's all I have.

See you next time!