Sunday, 26 January 2014

260114 I stayed in all day long, correcting English on Bussuu.com

Sunday 26th Jan 2014

Yesterday, I was thinking of going to...

-visit my cousin, Sharon, inside of the country
-catching up on reading some library books; which so far have remained unread
-going to visit either Dulwich Picture Gallery/or, the gallery at the back of Baker Street...I forgot what it's called, exactly?
-going out, and, doing some exercise; such as running in the park/-etc.
-practice refining my drawing skills by copying the 'masters'
-etc.

Instead, I stayed in all day long in bed, typing away on my laptop computer machine; answering questions of how to correct beginner's 'bad' English (mis-spelled words/improper punctuation/-etc.)...at language learning web site:
http://www.busuu.com
...you are given 5 points reward each time you answer a question, successfully. By the end of the day, I had earned 1000 points. Answer 20 questions to get 100 points = 20 x 5; so, I must have answered, at least, 200 questions in order to receive 1000 points. Right now, my points total says, 1020.

However, when I really sit and think about it, I myself did NOT learn anything 'new'; as these were all beginner's English lessons...most of the answers to which I already knew. So, in the end, I suppose, one could say I merely 'wasted' the whole of the entire day.

On the other hand, it was always my ambition to become a teacher one day; so, in that sense, I really enjoyed it...the experience of teaching others always gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction.

I also love studying how to use the English language itself; so, at least, I got some playing with words 'practice' in; whereas, normally, all I tend to do is play at doing 'line drawings/and, producing pretty much mindless, and, meaningless scribbles!'

This English lessons exercise, no matter how 'basic' it was...has made me think more about 'the art of learning to write using proper grammar'; and, another spin off side effect is.. it makes me think about eitehr writing/or, reading 'poetry' more; which I haven't  been doing in such a long LONG time...!

I HAD A SURPRISE VISIT FROM PETER OF |CHAPEL ROAD THE BIKE MENDER

Somewhere around 2/3/or, 4PM; I really can't remember which? I heard the doorbell ring. So, I went down to answer it. I was sure that nobody was due to call in on me, today. I thought to myself, it might be Jehoviah Witnesses?

However, much to my surprise, it was not them; instead, it was a guy who I'd previously encountered on Chapel Road...about 2 streets away; -(we met sometime around last year: 2013/or, was it 2012?)-; who lives just opposite where the recycling bins are. He had offered before to fix my bike when it wasn't working, properly; and, he did fix it for which service I paid him not just some money; but, also, gave him one of my 'spare' bikes to keep.

Anyway, he brought me a lose bike wheel; and, asked if I wanted it; to which I, of course, replied back, no; as I don't know anything about how to fix bikes. I explained that I buy a regular year long warranty from Brixton Halfords bike shop -(costing around £20.00 in the first year/then, £40.00 in each subsequent later years)- ; which includes 'labour; but, NOT parts'...and, so, whenever anything goes wrong with my bike; I just take it there for them to go and fix it.

He looked to be in a poor man's state. I actually think he came here to ask me to spare him some loose change, such as a few spare £1.00 coins; but, then, I told him I was totally flat broke.

He asked if I have any spare bicycle pump. So, I gave him one. He also seems to have helped himself to a bike lock; but, then again to be fair, I did offer it to him to go take. I guess, when I went upstairs to go take a quick leak in the toilet; he must have decided to take the lock out of the package/along with both keys/and, pocket the lot. I just didn't realize until the moment he was gone; and, I saw the empty package.

Oh, and, yes, I offered him an unopened pack of Almond cakes; which he quite happily took.

Funnily enough, although I remembered his name; he did not seem to remember mine; thus, I had to remind him. But, I just laughed it off...by saying a lot of the time I tend to forget people's names, too...which, most unfortunately, happens to be true!

Anyway, I don't tend to see him all that much; I think, he must have visited this same house around just 3 or 4 times. One time, during the last visit, we even went out into the garden, and, practiced doing some boxing; though, of course, we didn't fight too hard; we were meant to both continue doing boxing together; but, frankly, I got real lazy and quit.

It's hard for me to know exactly what to think of Peter; who's around my own age; told me he went to the same West Norwood Primary School...only is around 10 years younger than me; so, I certainly didn't know him at the time.

I want to trust him; but, the truth is, he's just a total stranger. So, I just have to draw a big question mark (?) there...; sometimes, these sort of relationships get stronger/and, other times, they just break; well, such is life, I guess. I certainly don't go visiting him at home, though; because I only go and visit people who I do both know well, and, trust -(almost)- completely.




250114 Missed buying 2 x 2nd hand 'blank' picture frames each going for a fiver; instead, I only got 1!

Sat 25th Jan 2014

WENT DOWN THE ROAD TO GET MUM'S PRESCRIPTION FROM CHEMIST

My first appointment of the day, was to go down to the local high street chemist; to retrieve my mum's ointment prescription. I was very slow to leave home, though. Somewhere around late evening; I finally decided to go out, and, get the job done; then, immediately, come back home.

In the chemist, I also brought some Lemsip cold/flu medicine; as well as, 2 bottles of Theramed toothpaste.

I also stopped inside of a general store; and, brought 2 x toy items to give to my young cousins.

BROUGHT A LARGE WOODEN BLACK EMPTY PICTURE FRAME

On Friday I had passed by my local Emmaeus 'homeless' charity shop, which is located on West Norwood high street; and, in there I saw 2 x large 2nd hand 'blank' picture frames, each going for sale at the bargin basement price of just £5.00 each. Only trouble was, I was broke; so, therefore, couldn't afford to buy them. What I decided to do was buy them, later on, instead; whenever I could more properly be able to 'afford' it.

When I went back there the next day, Saturday; most unfortunately, I'd gone and left it far too late; I should not have waited until when evening came; but, should have gone there very early morning; as one of the smaller frames had already been purchased. Thus, leaving me to go buy the slightly larger frame; which was a bit of a difficult task having to go carry it all the way home; walking along very slowly, indeed; and, carrying it inside of both hands right up the road for 2 or 3 streets..!

Anyway, finally, I got it home; and, must say I'm pretty delighted to 'own' it. The mixture of both thick black wood/glass...I'm sure, would normally have cost me around £50.00+; because, I've seen picture frames that are less that half that size going for, at least, £20.00. That's what makes me feel so 'mad' about having lost out on buying the other picture frame so cheaply; I'm not too sure I will be able to get the same opportunity ever, again?! As usual, my really bad habit is to get to all appointments 'late!'


Friday, 24 January 2014

240114 Gave 200+ artworks to my local Auction House: Rosebery's to sell...

Fri 24th Jan 2014

GAVE 200+ ARTWORKS TO MY LOCAL AUCTION HOUSE: ROSEBERY'S TO SELL...

Today, I went down to my local auction house called: Rosebery’s; and, there I offered them some ‘drawings/paintings/prints’ for sale, namely:
120 x Peter Orrock drawings, approximately
  28 x Peter Orrock paintings, approximately
  61 x Harry Carmean mixture of drawings/prints, approximately
…thus, in all I offered them over 200+ artworks for sale.

In return, they gave me a dated and signed receipt; and, told me that the likely date for the auction sale will be February 2014.

All I can say is, I eagerly await what the end result will be for me, financially speaking? However, I don't have 'high hopes'. First of all, the artists works that I put up for sale are relatively 'unknown'. Second, the works I put up for sale were all brought fairly 'cheaply'...with an average cost of in between £5.00-£25.00.
Furthermore, after all of the auctioneer costs have been added up, including: storage fees/detaling each item/cataloging/photographing; then, comes the actual auction seller fees + VAT, as well; then, I would expect to get back just £300.00 for the whole lot; even though it cost me over a grand to buy.

Thursday, 23 January 2014

230114 Signed up at Clapham College to go and study Science Level I

3 Appointments at Lambeth College/Clapham Centre

Today, I had 3 appointments to go and take care off; all in one same location which is Lambeth Colllege/Clapham Centre.

1PM ALS/Additional Learning Support

I explained to the guy, Simon Clarke, that I suffer from both Asperger's Syndrom/and, also, ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder. He said that's ok; the college will try and give me any further help or support that I may need.

2PM English/Maths test

I was especially afraid of having to go take a Maths test; fortunately, however, I passed both tests each at Level II ability; and, as my Science course is only Level I; therefore, I was accepted in.

4PM Science Course Interview

I showed the lady all of my previous studying certificates; and, also, my today's Maths/English results; and, she decided to accept me onto the course.

The course is 11 weeks/one day per week, Friday's; from 9AM to 3PM; and, starts 28th Feb; which is the last day of next month.

Conclusion

Frankly, I'm really worried about going and attending college at age 50+.

-The people there are nearly all far younger than me; and, honestly, I'm not used to socialising with others too much; so I wonder to myself will they either like me/or, hate me...?!

-I'm not too self-confident about my mathematical abilities/nor for that matter English? Today, I saw my passes as me being, quite simply, lucky. Many of the questions I really didn't know for 100% sure; therefore, I really had to guess. Luckily, the guesses worked! But, I'm aware there is much revision to do in regards to both Maths/English.

-I also have to do some Science prepatory study work, as well.

-I'm never too happy waking up at 9AM. I prefer to wake up somewhere past mid-day such as around 1PM.

-I tend to get distracted wanting to go do other things; ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...sometimes, this causes me to miss days out.  Also, I give in to BiPolar, as well; meaning whenever I feel depressed; then, I take the day off...rather than go to attend lessons.

-I'm not feeling very 'fit'; so, I'm worried about having to make the trip both there and back, regularly. Even though the course only lasts for 11 weeks long; that should mean March/April/May.


Thursday, 9 January 2014

Thu 9th Jan 2014 Visited Cineword: Movie: Rewatched 47 Ronin

Streatham Job Center/Went and signed on
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Today, I went and signed on at my local Streatham Job Center. I was told that I need to create a set of different C.V's; and, not just merely 'one'; with each C.V. being tailored towards doing a particular job.

I was also told to rearrange/re-write my C.V.; so that skills goes on top of Job History; and, in regards to Job History...I must leave out the dates(because my working periods are so inconsistent).

I must also add to the jobsearch site; other types of job search...such as, right now, I only have Administration listed there; I need to add more onto this list by pressing the Tab button.

British Gas Pay As You Go meter/Gas Bill: £290.00
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I stayed in all day; trying to contemplate how to pay all of the constantly incoming bills.

Recently, British Gas went and installed a Pay As You Go meter; because the Gas bill  was unusually high; thus, instead, of allowing us to pay for gas using a normal 'credit meter'; they decided to install the Pay As You Go meter; which doesn't allow a credit balance to, automatically, run up.

The terms are we owe an outstanding previous bill debt of £290.00; and, have to pay them back £10.00 each week on Wednesday; which works out to roughly £40.00 monthly.

Then, from observing the total on the Pay As You Go meter; I've worked out that we use £3.00 gas per day; this translates to £21.00 per week/£84.00 monthly/£252.00 quaterly/£504.00 6 monthly/£1008.00 yearly.

Frankly, I think, that having a Pay As You Go meter installed is a hell of a lot more expensive; than it is to run a normal credit meter.

They do allow you £5.00 credit if the gas runs out of the Pay As You Go meter, totally; however, of course, this £5.00 credit -(which only lasts 2 days)- has to be paid back.

Council Tax Bill: £295.00
--------------------------
Recently, I received a Council Tax bill stating I owe them £295.00. Frankly, being totally flat broke...I really don't know what to do about this? Tomorrow, Fri 10th Jan 2014, I will go down to the local Council Tax office, and, try to discuss it with them. Actually, I was meant to send them a letter in reply by law; and, I'm afraid, I've been lax; because I forgot to send it. I could try sending it tomorrow; but, then, I don't think it's going to reach them it time; as I was meant to reply by 10th Jan 2014 anyway!

Visited Cineword: Re-watched movie: 47 Ronin
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As a way to relive all of the constant worrying and stress over financial difficulties I'm having; I decided to go take a break by visiting the West End Cineworld. My Cineworld 'unlimited' pass is still valid; though, I really don't know how long that's going to last for...because it's £20.00 per month...and, my bank balance says, nil; so, the next time this payment is due...it's likely I will NOT be able to re-new membership.

First, I went to Haymarket Cineworld; but, the only film they had on was The Life of Walter Mitty...which I'd already seen before at Shaftesbury Avenue Cineworld; therefore, I decided to ignore going to Haymarket Cineworld; and, instead, go back to Shaftesbury Avenue...just to see if they have any films that are different.

Shaftesbury Avenue Cineworld inside of the Trocodero Complex has 3 late night movies on...all of which I'd already seen before; thus, I decided to re-watch my favorite, 47 Ronin using 3D glasses.

Returned back home 2PM
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By the time I returned back home; the time was somewhere close to 2PM.

I decided just to close up the night by running around the block. I couldn't believe it when I got back; because I discovered that I'd forgotten to take my keys with me; thus, in effect, I was shut out. I had to take emergency measures to get back in, again; luckily this worked. I swear, next time, I decide to casually go running around the block; I will check, first, that I really do have my keys available on me; otherwise, it's just far too much headache.





Thursday, 2 January 2014

Last Day of the year 2013 Tue to Wed 1st Jan New Year's Day 2014

Tue the day before New Year's Day 2013

VISITED SHARON/GEOFF...GAVE THEM BIRTHDAY CARD...GOT PRESENT: TRAINING SHOES

Went to Kingswood, Surrey to go and see my cousins. They had quite a few visitors; all waiting there to go and celebrate the New Year.

Me, I left early; only went to go and deliver a Christmas/New Year's card. They gave me a present in return: a pair of training shoes.

TRAFALGAR SQUARE NEW YEAR'S CELEBRATIONS

Later on, I went to London's Trafalgar Square; to go and celebrate seeing the New Year come in by watching the Fireworks display.

I returned back home somewhere around 2PM.

Wed 1st Jan New Year's Day 2014

BROUGHT HALFORDS 1 YEAR BIKE WARRANTY

I went to Halfords bike shop in Brixton; and, brought myself a 1 year bike warranty. Including Labor/but, NOT parts.

The good thing about it is, I don't need to think about when exactly will the warranty run out; as I know it covers me for the full entire year; right up until when next year comes.

CINEWORLD: MOVIE: PARANORMAL ACTIVITY: THE MARKED ONES

I visited Cineworld, Shaftesbury Avenue, inside of the Trocadero complex; and, watched the film called: Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones

http://www.cineworld.co.uk/whatson/6923?cinema=all&WT.ac=HmPgBlGB_Paranormal+Activity%3A+The+Marked+Ones&Pos=3

Good film: Scary/but, not too scary. Kinda odd looking; like someone recorded it on a 'normal' kind of home movie camera; but, the strength of the acting/script/story/sound effects were all top notch.