3YR BIKE WARRANTY/ROSEBERYS AUCTION/-etc.

Sat 21st Nov 2015 15:34 PM GMT

LATEST NEWS...

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MY BIKE

Recently, I went and had my bike fixed at Brixton's Halfords. The cost was something like £153.00+; I hadn't had the bike serviced in absolute ages; possibly, 6 months up to a year long; the brakes weren't working at all/-etc.

I also returned back there and brought £40.00 of Labour/not parts warranty lasting up to 3 years long; so we're now in Nov/2015...the warranty should last until...Nov/2018.

This means in all I spent...

£153.00
£  40.00
   -------
£193.00

...which, I think, -considering the bike itself cost me: £199.00- is just quite simply ridiculous; however, so long as it means I can now ride feeling both safe/and, also, worry free.

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FINANCE...

GAMBLING

Recently, in fact, just yesterday, I went and played Roulette at William Hill online bookies...

http://www.williamhill.co.uk

...and, lost 1 grand. 

I borrowed the grand in the form of a bank loan; and, now, I have to repay it all back to the bank, again; which I'm sure is going to take me an awful lot of time; as I remain unemployed still.

NOTE: I might need to serious think about returning to GA/Gamblers Anonymous meetings, as before.

WORK

BENEFITS

Recently, I started signing back on at Streatham Job Centre. They had cut off my benefits completely for the previous 3 months. So, now, my benefits have been restored.

COUNCIL TAX

I need to remember to get in touch with Olive Morris house to inform them that I'm entitled to Council Tax benefit. 

SELF EMPLOYMENT

For a time, I tried going in for 'self-employment'; however, that didn't work out at all; as I didn't even manage to sell even one single thing. I was also meant to receive a job pack; which, I never ever did...? I need to talk about that to somebody...possibly, IXION work training people.

WORK TRAINING

I was doing some 'admin' role job training with FST/First Step Trust in West Norwood; near the local G.P.O depot.; however, I stopped doing that. Basically, I  found I was totally bored to death; plus, there were a million other fun things in life I could get on with doing, instead; including studying arts/-etc.

NOTE: IXION work training. Recently, I got a telephone call from IXION; they left a message on my answer machine saying I should get back to them...in order to update them on my present work circumstances.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS/EVEREST WINDOWS CONTRACT CANCELLED

I ordered 3 new windows to be done from Everest. They charged me £226.00+. I cancelled the order as being far too expensive. Nevertheless, those windows will still need to be done. Perhaps, I will try some other company such as Anglia/or, have someone fix it, privately, instead.

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ROSEBERY AUCTION HOUSE/BROUGHT 2 ITEMS

Today, I went and attended a Rosebery's Auction; and, ended up buying 1 x plate/and, 1 book; altogether the full cost was: £146.74.

I would be proud if I'd gone and brought things that were worthwhile owning. However, what I actually brought was the cheapest items they had on sale. I didn't do any pre-research; instead, I just let myself buy entirely on impulse, alone...which was a really big mistake. Afterwards, now, I realise I should not have brought these 2 items; as they are, in fact, perfectly useless to me; and, I doubt that Rosebery's will even want them back to put in a re-sale; but, instead, I think, they just wanted to get rid of it by dumping the items on to any damn fool who was willing and stupid enough to buy.

The collectors plate is no. 333 in an edition of 500. That's fairly useless.

The other item a book; contains abstract work by some Spanish author/artist; who's name I never even heard of before; and, whose work I never even seen before? In fact, after seeing it...I can honestly say I don't like it at all.

The problem was at the auction; all I got to see was the on screen slide show; I didn't not get to either see/or, handle, inspect the actual goods themselves up close; therefore, that quite simply means I didn't even know exactly what it was I was buying; not until, of course, it was all too late! Now, I feel seriously sad and sorry for myself to have gone and wasted £146.74.

Here I have the Auction book details:-

CATALOGUE
Rosebery's London
Modern & Contemporary Prints, Photography, Multiples & Editions
Saturday 21 November 2015

Item No.: 334
Description: Manuel Facal, Spanish b. 1943
"Irispaxaros", 1983
loose bound book to include screenprint in colours, etching with aquatint, and, embossing on paper and acetate, signed by the artist and author, and, numbered 25/26 in pencil, 33 x 25 cm (book) (may be subject to Droite de Suite)

Estimate: £80-120/Actual buyers price(me): £60.00 + £16.56(buyers Premium)

Item No.: 346
Description: Andy Warhol, American 1928-1987 - 'Campbell's Tomato Soup'; multiple, transfer printed glazed porcelain plate, bears printed signature, produced by Rosenthal studio-line, number 339 from a limited edition of 500, 23.5cm.

Estimate: £80-120/Actual buyers print(me): £55.00 + £15.18(buyers Premium)

Hammer: £115.00
Premium: £ 31.74
Total:       £146.74

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MARTIAL ARTS

KRAV MAGA, WEST NORWOOD LEISURE CENTRE

There are Krav Maga classes going on at my local WNLC/West Norwood Leisure Centre. The price is £50.00 per month. Frankly, I'm not too sure I will be able to afford it.

Today, I  went over there to WNLC, and, saw, Remy, the Krav Maga teacher; who invited me to attend a class; however, most unfortunately, I was very busy...had to go and attend a local auction, instead; therefore, I didn't go.

I still want to join in; but, I guess, that will have to quite simply wait; until whenever funds are available; and, also, I'm not so very busy.

TAI CHI, HYDE PARK

I haven't been attending doing any Tai Chi classes with American teacher Jake inside of Regents Park; where I used to go on Saturdays. Hopefully, I will go again...possibly, next Saturday; that is, if it doesn't conflict with any other classes I'm taking.

BAIJI QUAN, CLAPHAM COMMON

I haven't attended going to Clapham Common, anymore, to take FREE BaiJi Quan lesson on Saturdays; and, also, paid for (£5.00) lessons at Soho Chinese Community Centre on Tuesday evenings. Frankly, I been broke; and, also, feeling far too lazy.

TOKEI DOJO, LONDON BRIDGE, MAGDALEN STREET

I was thinking of joining Tokei Dojo to weekend lessons of Aikido/-etc. I believe, the cost is something like £15.00 per month; which, I think, is affordable. However, it's a long way to bike ride.

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FAMILY

I went to see my cousins in the country late yesterday evening. I wanted to deliver some presents, namely: series of books brought from off eBay:

Complete Vintage NEW JUNIOR ENCYCLOPAEDIA By Purnell 12 Volumes - 280 B51

...and, also, 2 x large sized illustrated children picture books costing £5.00 each: Dinosaurs/Science. I also gave them some choclate ice cream/together with a £10.00 box of choclatates brought from down at my local Sainsbury's.

Unfortunately, the little boy was ill with a serious cough; and, seemed to be in the process of giving it to the whole of his entire family; thus, I didn't stay there far too long; but, left as quickly as possible.

Father brought a new car.

The older boy showed me some 3D architectural software called: SketchUp.

http://www.sketchup.com

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WINTER WEATHER, KEEPS GETTING COLDER AND COLDER

The date is now 21st Nov 2015; and, already, the weather is becoming markedly colder; today, I rode my bike out there; and, the exposed flesh on both of my hands felt bitingly cold; my immediate thought was I need to start wearing gloves, again, real soon.

What I'm most worried about is the house has no proper central heating system to keep us warm; therefore, if the weather gets far worse...which, I honestly believe it will...then, it will be really hard staying at home; needing to carry around 'hot water bottles', constantly, all the time. I think, I will have to buy some Calor gas canister tanks to put in the heater; however, I heard it's extremely expensive, now-a-days, something like £42.00 per gas canister!

021115 ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS: Office/Adobe/Lynda

MARTIAL ARTS

I was doing FREE Tai Chi classes with a young 20+ year old American teacher called, Jake, inside of London's Regent Park during the weekends. However, Jake is only in Regent's Park on Saturday's 1PM, now; and, on Sunday's his class is in Finsbury Park, instead. Finsbury Park is too far for me to travel; which means I can only attend Tai Chi no more than 1 day per week.

For around 5 or more weeks long I haven't been attending any further Tai Chi lessons; nor have I been practicing at home; therefore, everything that I was taught is now already long forgotten...?!

I hope to return back to class, possibly, next Saturday. I should have returned back this last Saturday; however, my mind got distracted/I felt extremely lazy/it was far too wet, and, cold; plus, my bike is still in the process of getting repaired at Brixton Halford's bike shop.

BIKE

My Apollo Encounter model bike brakes were no longer working, properly, anymore; therefore, I decided to send the bike in for repairs from where I did originally buy it, namely, Brixton Halfords. Much to my dismay the quoted bill came to £164.99(including £50 labor costs); when the bike itself did originally cost £199.99. So, at first, I was extremely unwilling to pay that sum...taking the 'unfixed' bike away to 'think' about it...thought to myself that I might as well buy a brand 'new' bike, instead. However, after feeling it's much too dangerous to be riding around on the streets of London with a bike that isn't working properly; therefore, I decided to send it in for repairs, anyway.  

RECENT ONLINE MEMBERSHIPS

Online, I recently joined...

Annual subscriptions...

1> Microsoft Office software...
http://www.office.com

2> Adobe PDF files...create/edit/store...
http://www.adobe.com

3> Lynda.com (online learning)
http://www.lynda.com

05/060915 Sat/Sun Regent's Park/Hyde Park/Holland Park

05/060915 SAT/SUN: TAI CHI/JAKE

Recently, over the last 3 or 4 weeks; I went and joined a MeetUp group which offers FREE Tai Chi lessons in Regents Park with teacher Jake, 10 AM-12:00 midday.

I've been attending fairly regularly; though, sometimes, I did arrive 'late'; so missed out on some of the lessons.

This weekend I went, again. On Saturday it was just 2 of us...Jake and me/and, today, it was Christine/me/and, Jake. So, generally speaking, it tends to be a rather small group practicing, regularly; however, I tend to much prefer it that way...as I can get more 'individual' attention from the teacher.

However, I do have to admit that I have not been practicing Tai Chi away from class; and, because of this I tend to forget an awful lot; as well as, my Tai Chi in general, physically speaking, is not improving. However, mentally speaking, I think, I've learned a awful lot.

HYDE PARK STREET ARTISTS SHOW

Near to the end section of Hyde Park professional artists do show off/sell their work on Sundays. So, I walked along looking and admiring stuff; only I had no money to be able to buy anything; though, I did get to talk with a lot of the artists themselves which was very interesting.

2 Artists whose work I saw were:-

-> Sadiq Toma
http://www.sadiqtoma.co.uk

-> Lucien Simon
http://www.luciensimon.com

HOLLAND PARK/KYOTO GARDENS

I decided to go and check out Holland Park, approaching it from the Holland Park tube station end; then, moving down towards South Kensington tube station which is located at the other end. On Sunday I decided to check out Kyoto Gardens which is located inside of Holland Park.

-> The Friends of Holland Park
http://www.thefriendsofhollandpark.org/

CHURCH/FULHAM ROAD/THE LADY OF DOLOURS

On Fulham Road there is a Roman Catholic church called: The Lady of Dolours; I went and visited their 'late' evening mass on Sunday. It's a very beautiful church; with lots of statues/paintings.

-> The Lady of Dolours/Fulham
http://parish.rcdow.org.uk/fulhamroad/

-> Servite Friars
http://www.servitechurch.org/servitefriars.htm

BATTERSEA PARK

I came home after crossing along Albert Bridge to enter Battersea Park...riding my bike straight through...to come out at Battersea Dog's home; then, off home towards Vauxhall, Streatham, West Norwood.

270815 KRAV/ARTS/WORK PROGRAM/OD

MARTIAL ARTS RELATED

KRAV MAGA CLASSES COMING SOON TO MY LOCAL WEST NORWOOD LEISURE CENTER

10 AM In the morning, I received a surprise phone call from Sunnil -(my martial arts: Krav Maga, training partner) who lives in Tulse Hill. He stated that he's near West Norwood Leisure Center, I should come and meet him there. So, I agreed. It took me around 5 minutes to get ready; and, then, ride my bike down there. He said, he's there waiting for Remi the Krav Maga training instructor to appear; as he Sunnil works for these Leisure Centre's; and, Remi wanted him to introduce him to the people in charge so that he could set up running Krav Maga training courses, soon.

Eventually, Remi arrived; and, greeted me with both a smile, and, a handshake. I had a brief chat with him; in regards to the prices; and, Remi mentioned £50.00 monthly/£10.00 on a per class basis. Then, I let both of them get on with doing their business.

Myself, I went and collected a FREE Metro newspaper for my mum from West Norwood train station; and, then, set off back home, again.

ARTS RELATED

SHORT STORY WRITER: REGI CLAIRE

Sometime earlier during the week; I think, it was weekend...I was walking through Vauxhall, Vincent Van Gogh Walk; when I saw a FREE book exchange service. Take a book/leave a book. I took out a short stories book called: 'Fighting Fit', written by author: Regi Claire; which is what I'm currently reading, right now. This morning I also went to visit Amazon.co.uk web site; and, ordered 2nd volume of hers called: 'Inside/Outside', she appears to be a rather unique, and, great short story writer.

ABSTRACT ARTIST: JACKSON POLLOCK

I went and brought a book from off eBay.co.uk; won it at the bid price of around £4.00. It's a Taschen volume in regards to the life/works of famous 'abstract artist' Jackson Pollock. It was a very good introductory read; and, I was surprised to discover that I liked seeing most of his artworks where were both original, and, graphic wise very strong. (It almost inspires me to go have a go at doing some 'abstract art' myself.)

WORK RELATED

TOOTING/THE WORK PROGRAM

I was meant to attend the Streatham Job center directed work program at Tooting; however, I did not bother going for all this week; therefore, it's highly likely they will send me a letter requesting me to explain why I did not turn up; and, if I can't come up with a good enough excuse I'm sure they will add a further 3 months sanction onto my benefits; which has already been withdrawn up to OCT 9TH 2015.

Plus, I haven't been attending the Self-employment course every Thursday, neither. Which is another thing they may wish to sanction my benefits for.

Recently, I been feeling very stomach sick; so, instead, of going out...I decided to stay in; until when my stomach does fully recover. I didn't wish to have a full blown ulcer attack which might lay me back in bed for say whole entire months. However, I did not go and get any doctors certificate, neither; so, therefore, I have no official explanation/or, proof as to why I didn't attend.

I'm also meant to re-apply to work at the Bakkavour warehouse food factory in Hangar's Lane; the job interviews do take place every Monday.

FRIDAY

I woke up this morning to check my bank balance; much to my surprise, I'm -£37.00 overdrawn. Each day that I'm overdrawn the bank helps themselves to £6.00 charges per day. Plus, more interest charges on my 2 grand overdraft loan charged at the end of the month amounting to around £30.00+. This is why they say that "everyday, the rich are getting richer/and, the poor even poorer still." It's completely ridiculous!

Where the hell am I going to get £37.00 to pay this overdrawn limit off, I wonder...?!

I also checked my bank online statement -which I tend to do nearly each and every single day- because when you are poor you nearly always exist at the limit of being overdrawn...which means further charges are likely to accumulate; and, it says that OCS Cleaning company has paid me £24.00; however, I worked there 'one' night: 20th August 2015, from 7PM-1AM...which, I calculate, is 5 hours long...emptying dustbins at the Oval Cricket Grounds. If the minimum wage is: £6.50 per hour; so, 5 x £6.50 = £32.50; I believe, they are short-changing me.

NOTE: The -£37.00 OD charge still remains after I was paid by OCS...as British Gas company has charged to my a/c. two lots of...

-£38.00 (Monthly Direct debit, for having £200.00 outstanding on the gas bill to pay)
-£26.18 (Monthly Direct debit for Gas Boiler service charges)
  --------
-£64.18

200815 Quit Job: OCS Cleaning/Art Galleries: Tate Britain

200815 JOB: OCS CLEANING/OVAL CRICKET GROUNDS - FINISHED JOB/I WALKED OUT

I haven't had a 'serious' job in years/possibly, decades. Instead, what I did in the mean time I would class as being purely 'voluntary work'; either 'unpaid'/or else, very low pay, indeed.

For example, currently, I'm doing Admin work -one day per week- for a company called, First Step Trust; and, it's a 'job placement' meaning they only pay your travelling cost fares...which is £1.50 per half day: 9:30 AM-1:30 PM/£3.00 a full day: 9:30 AM-5 PM.

Streatham Job Centre sent me to the Work Program which is based in Tooting; which aims to put 'unemployed' people into proper 'paid' work. Each individual job seeker is assigned a particular Work Program Advisor. So, I told my Advisor, Philip, get me 'any' job; but, NOT cleaning; which, from my own previous bitter experience, I know I do absolutely hate! What does the Advisor go and do, next...he gets me a job in Cleaning; he even went so far as to tell me to my face that this role is 'ideal' for you. Needless to say, I didn't even bother to reply to that; otherwise, we might end up actually physically fighting together!

Anyway, the job they sent me to is OCS Cleaning at Oval Cricket Ground. It's not regular work as in Mon-Fri/9AM-5PM; but, instead, it's purely contractual work; meaning whenever there is an event at the Oval Cricket Ground such as a Cricket match...then, that's when they text you to come there to work. When the event/event's is/are over with; then, there is no further work. So, work is basically periodical...for, 'one' day/or else, a series of days. You can also chose to do either day shift/or, else night shift. I chose to do night shift...because I was so embarrassed to have to do cleaning; that I didn't wish anybody to see me doing that type of work.

I've worked there 3 days so far to date.

One Friday night, they sent me off to go and empty bins; which I did from 7PM-1PM morning.

Another Friday night, I arrived there 1 hour late; and, again, I emptied bins from around 8 PM until 10 or 11 PM.

They next hired me to work there for a series of 5 days, lasting from the 20th up to the 24th Aug 2015 from 6:30 PM upwards.

Well, on the 20th day, I went...and, as usual, emptied bins from 7 PM-1 PM...with 1 hour break in between...lasting until 2 PM. The supervisor asked me what time do I intend to leave? I answered 5 PM. Then, they asked me to go and clean the toilets. That's when I walked out...!

Ever since then I've not been back there anymore. I thought really hard about going back...; but, just can't seem to find enough 'courage' to do so...?! They are paying me the 'minimum wage' which is £6.50 per hour; and, I'm just not willing/or, desperate enough to go and clean toilets for that money; or, indeed, for any money whatsoever no matter how high. If there is one cleaning job I just can't stand; then, cleaning toilets is it. I guess, they got me at my breaking point. So, I decided to just simply quit. I will clean floors/windows/glass/empty bins; but, sorry, I ain't cleaning no toilets. Not unless I wish to end up deeply depressed/'psychopathic'; totally hating the world, and, absolutely everyone and everything in it.

So, I guess, it's back to being 'unemployed', all over again. I just cannot bring myself to go back there and do that job, anymore. My decision is 'final'. I went right up to the gates each evening: 21st/22nd(today)...but, just couldn't get myself to go in; so, instead, I rode my bike straight back home, again.

220815 ART GALLERY: TATE BRITAIN

http://www.tate.org

Visited seeing the Tate Gallery in Pimlico/also, called, Tate Britain, today.

Saw the works of: Turner/Moore/Hockney/-etc.

Forgot to take sketchbook along.

Currently, there are 2 major exhibitions going on...

Barbara Hepworth
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/barbara-hepworth-sculpture-modern-world

Fighting History
http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/fighting-history

220815 ART GALLERY: Stephen Wiltshire

Art Gallery online...

http://www.stephenwiltshire.co.uk

Facebook link...
https://www.facebook.com/Stephen.Wiltshire.Artist

I went to see the Stephen Wiltshire art gallery near Regent's Street, today. Unfortunately, the gallery itself was closed; but, I could still see the drawings from outside through the large panes of window glass; plus, there was a movie of him playing of him at work.

210815 Latest News: Art: Wallace Collection/Martial Arts: Tai Chi/Work/-etc.

140815 SELF EMPLOYMENT

I believe it was somewhere around the 14th August 2015; when I decided to try 'self-employment' selling stuff on eBay. -(Decided to apply for form Working Tax Credits; which still hasn't arrived, yet?!)- However, so far to date, I haven't even updated the site to advertise anything for sale. I just been far too busy doing many other things, instead; or, just worrying endlessly about how on earth am I going to cope with paying bills when I have no incoming money.

You see, the complication about selling stuff on eBay is...first, you need 'stock to sell'; but, how do you get 'stock to sell'? The answer, of course, is you have to 'buy stock'; only if you've got no money left...; then, how can you 'buy stock'...?!

So, I'm having a lot of trouble just getting to step 1: buying/selling...; nevermind, having reached step 2, yet: which is obtaining cash from customers.

The other thing that worries me about self-employment is...

1> Keeping constant paper records
2> Having to deal with Tax/National Insurance yourself
3> The unknown...???
4> -Etc.

150815/160815 TAI CHI WITH JAKE IN REGENT'S PARK, ALONG THE BROADWALK/LONDON ZOO END: WHITE WATER FOUNTAIN/OPPOSITE CAFE WITH SIGNS SAYING: 'SMOKEHOUSE'

I located a FREE Tai Chi event through the site
http://www.meetup.com
...which takes place inside of Regent's Park between 10AM-11PM on both Saturday/Sunday.

I attended going there on both days. As usual with me, sometimes, I got there early/other times late.

For the first 2 or 3 lessons; it was just me and teacher Jake. (A young 21 year old blue eyed American who says he's from New York.) He is a very good teacher in that he gives one extremely detailed and clear explanations; which a lot of Tai Chi teachers don't even bother doing; so that one often ends up feeling totally confused. However, with Jake you come away feeling you really know and understand the whole purpose of the lesson/movements, instead.

160815 THE WALLACE COLLECTION

Sometime, during last weekend, Sunday; I went to visit seeing The Wallace Collection; which is a small art gallery housing a private collector's artworks; which is open to the general public. This gallery is located in Manchester Square, just behind Baker Street. I was surprised to see that it contains many wonderful artworks -in fact, quite literally, 100's of them- by 'great' masters including: Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian, Boucher, Murillo, -etc. In all there are 2 entire floors to see; and, the variety of artworks is wide including sculpture/paintings/ceramics/pottery/furniture/tapestry/decorations/-etc.

190815 BIRTH CERTIFICATE ID

Recently, during this week I went to Brixton Town Hall to pick up a 'birth certificate' copy...which I'd already paid £10.00 for; and, ordered around 1/or, 2 weeks before; because I'd lost my 'original' birth certificate.

This was meant to be a pretty straight forwards process...; namely, you pay your money; you are given both a time/date to come and collect it; and, then, you're done. However, the process proved to be more more lengthy and difficult than that.

The first time I went to collect, they told me they had lost it...; therefore, they will phone me back; I received no phone call(possibly, my answer machine was too full; and, couldn't receive any further messages); so I had to return back there in order to query in person.

The second time they said, yes, they have it; however, it's been wrongly printed out onto a 'green' marriage certificate paper; therefore, will need to be corrected. Come back in an hour's time.

The third time, they seemed to have gotten it correct, printing on to 'light brown' paper(not the 'original' red as I'd been expecting). They also said that, now-a-days, these certificates are 'typed', which is much clearer to understand/read; and, then, officially signed.

Ironically, however, I wanted to use the Birth Certificate as proof of ID; but, when I read the notice which is written at the bottom it said:

"WARNING: A CERTIFICATE IS NOT EVIDENCE OF IDENTITY."

200815 OCS CLEANING AT OVAL CRICKET GROUND: 6:30 AM-1 PM

Yesterday, I went to work at OCS, again.

-(So far to date, I've worked there twice; each time on a Friday doing the 'late shift': 9PM upwards; the first night shift was from 9AM-2PM; the second night shift was short around 2 hours long...I got there late by around 1 hour, so...10AM-12 midnight.)

Recently, they offered me continuous 'late shift' work: 6:30AM upwards for 5 days: 20/21/22/23/24 August 2015.

I did my first 'night shift', yesterday, Friday. At first, everything went ok; because each time I go there I usually do just one same job which is 'emptying bins'. I emptied bins from around 7PM-1PM. Then, at around 2PM -(we had 1 hours break)- they decided to change my work to 'cleaning toilets', instead; that's when I decided to, immediately, 'sign out'...so that I don't have to clean toilets which is something I absolutely hate!

I'm really not too sure if I will be returning back there today during the evening; as I feel rather deeply ashamed and embarrassed that I might have gone and let the cleaning 'team' down; they probably view me as being a 'traitor', now.

However, I still have some serious bills to pay; and, no money to have to pay these with...my bank a/c. currently says a balance of only £0.76p. This is because my Benefit money has been sanctioned; meaning I did something wrong...signed on 'late'/or, didn't attend a job interview/-etc.; all the way until Oct 9th 2015. So, I really need money to pay all of the constantly incoming bills with really most desperately; otherwise, I would never even 'dream' of working for OCS.

Basically, Streatham Job Center insisted I do the Work Program at Ixion Business Center, Tooting, Bickersteath Road; and, the Work Program advisor, a young black guy called, Philip...who I told I will do any job; but, NOT cleaning...decided to give me the cleaning job, anyway!

210815 BARCLAYS BANK CASH CARD

Sometime, during this month August 2015 I opened a Barclays Cash Card a/c.; so that I can pay in my wages whenever I find suitable work.

The first Cash Card they sent me was plain/non-personalized; however, later on, I discovered that it's possible to personalize your Cash Card uploading a photo of yourself online; which will, then, get printed out onto the card. I received my personalized Cash Card today. Have to cut up the previous one; and, use the new, instead. The new one also has a slightly different number.

210815 BAKAVVOR FOOD COMPANY/DIDN'T GO FOR JOB INDUCTION AT 7AM TODAY

The Work Program told me to go for a 'paid' job induction today at Park Royal...which is near the end of the Central Line on the tube map...for BAKAVVOR Food company...who run 3 x large warehouses. In fact, I was meant to turn up there at 7AM.

However, I went to work for OCS Cleaning at night; and, came back home late; went to sleep around 4 AM; and, awoke around 10AM which is far too late to attend a 7AM appointment; which means I may have to re-apply, at the London Bridge branch of Ixion, for a BAKKAVOR interview all over, again; including Maths/English test/ID papers/-etc.

060815 Latest news: CAP/Birth Cert.

THINKING OF SWITCHING DEBT HELP SERVICE

PERSONAL DEBT HELPLINE

My current debt help service is PDHL/Personal Debt Help Line.

What these debt help service people do is they arrange with your creditors affordable repayments; and, also, get the creditors to freeze piling on huge amounts of interest for each and every single month.

I currently owe around 8+ grand in debt to various credit card companies/bank loans/-etc.

You arrange a regular monthly payment to help cover both their own administration costs/as well as, to cover paying off the people who you owe. For example, when I pay PDHL £80.00 monthly; around half of that payment is taken as being their admin costs. This makes the debt really slow to pay off, indeed.

NOTE: Currently, PDHL has cut down the £80.00 I normally used to pay to become £20.00 monthly, instead; due to my JSA/Job Seekers Allowance money having been sanctioned. Meaning, I won't be able to get any more benefit money not until Oct 9th 2015. In the mean time, I have no other choice except to see work in order to pay the bills.

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY

The debt help service who I've been in contact with, right now, is called: CAP/Christians Against Poverty. The main advantage of their service is they don't take any charges at all for themselves; instead, their admin is done totally for free; and, so, all the rest of your money can go towards meeting the debts you owe.

The only problem is, they want me to close down my current bank a/c.; as I owe them for an overdraft loan; and, go open a different bank current a/c. instead with another bank. So, in this way, CAP can deal with paying off the debt; without me running up any further charges. Today, I made an appointment with Barclays bank to see if they would let me open a current a/c. They told me to come back there on Aug 13 10:00 AM.

My CAP support worker is called: Vanessa Reuters. I had a talk with her today at the church in Tulse Hill, Trinity Rise. She mentioned...

-I should contact my GP to get a referral to Brixton Mosaic -(mental health)- services for Aspergers Syndrome; and, then, maybe, they could help me to find a job; also, offer other support services, possibly; such as a support worker.

-I should contact my local Center 70/or, CAB/Citizen's Advice Beaureau in regards to which benefit would be most suitable to apply for if you have Aspergers Syndrome.

-I should make sure to apply for Council Tax help as soon as possible.

In addition to which she gave me some forms to go and fill in/prepaid postal envelopes to send...if I wished to apply to CAP on my own.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE APPLICATION

Unfortunately, I went and lost my 'original' birth certificate. Therefore, I had to get in contact with Brixton Town Hall Births & Deaths Registry office to apply for another one. The young lady who works there said I should fill in a form; and, also, pay £10.00. Then, she gave me a ticket...to come back and collect the certificate at anytime between: 12:00 to 4PM on Aug 12 2015.

Personally, I was really surprised that this task was so easy to do. Because last time I tried doing it online; I found I could not; as the form was asking me for all sorts of details that I don't have such as fathers name/-etc.

Anyway, I still haven't gone and picked up the Birth Certificate, yet; so, I really don't know exactly how much help it will be to me, in future. Will I be able to use it to apply for a passport/or, driving licence/-etc.; I will just have to wait and see...?

250715 Latest updates: IXION/JSA/WORK: OCS/ADMIN/NET DOWN

APPARENTLY, MY LAST BLOG POST WAS A WHOLE ENTIRE YEAR AGO

From looking at the list of my previous diary entries here...it would appear that the last diary entry I made was during July 2014; now, however, the date is July 2015...which is a whole entire year on! Time to add some of the latest updates...

FINANCES

First, I'm totally flat broke; with, basically, no money coming in...; just loads and loads of endlessly mounting bills to pay...?!

In particular, Streatham Job Center, where I'm meant to go and 'sign on', regularly; every single fortnight to receive JSA/Job Seekers Allowance of, approximately, £70.00 per week; has sent me to go on a Work Program training scheme at, Ixion Business Center, Tooting, Bickersteth Road.

Now, the problems I'm having are...if I 'sign on' at Streatham Job Center 'late'...then, they completely cut off my benefits for the next 3 months! Also, if I arrive at the Work Program 'late' they choose to cut my benefits off for a further 3 months! Too, if the Work Program people send you for a job interview; and, you either didn't go/or else, were 'late'; then, the penalty is they stop your benefit for a further 3 months long.

Only I'm in the habit of arriving at all of my appointments 'late'; as I suffer from 'lifelong' ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder; therefore, currently, I do have no benefit money coming in at all; as they've gone and cut it off for how long...I'm not even sure; as I've made far too many offences.

SEEKING WORK/TRYING TO BUILD A C.V WITH WORK REFERENCES

Since I have no benefit money to look forwards to receiving; therefore, I have had to go out and try to find 'paid' work, instead.

PAID WORK: CLEANING AT OVAL CRICKET GROUND

Currently, I'm doing one day per week; night shift on Fridays, 9PM- a cleaning job at Oval Cricket Grounds. The wage is the minimum pay: £6.50 per hour. To date, I've worked there for only 2 weeks/meaning 2 x Friday nights...my first night shift was for 5 hours long: 9PM-2:30AM/and, the next Friday which was just, yesterday...I got there late...was meant to be there at 9PM...but, left home at 9:11 PM...and, reached there around 10PM...worked until 12PM...and, then, came back home, again.

The cleaning work involves...checking if the bins are full; if full, then, tie up the full black liner and place it inside of a large metal dustcart with 4 wheels; next, replace the removed black liner with a fresh new empty black dustbin liner. Then, move on to checking if other bins are full...and, so on.

It's dirty/smell/disgusting work; and, frankly, I do absolutely 'hate' it! However, I need to do this work...in order to gain a cleaning reference to put on my C.V.; which would allow me to work as a cleaner anywhere I please. Though, honestly, I'm not in the least bit interested in working as a cleaner, regularly; instead, I just do such a 'detestable' job if I'm absolutely desperate to gain some money.

UNPAID WORK: ADMIN/WEST NORWOOD/FIRST STEP TRUST

The actual work I'd like to do is 'admin'; and, working inside of offices. For this purpose I recently went and attended an interview last week to do admin work in West Norwood...-the place is located near to West Norwood GPO Parcel depot/which is where I first saw the advert-; the interviewer, a black woman called: Gail Dawson, said I must come in to start work on Tuesday 9AM-5PM.

I look forwards to going there, and, gaining actual work experience in office based skills. However, this work, most unfortunately, is 'unpaid'; though they do give you £1.50 morning shift/£1.50 evening shift...for travel expenses; amounting to just £3.00 daily!

My intention in going there to work for them is not the money, of course; but, instead, just so that I can say I have had some 'recent' work experience in 'admin'; the which reference I can put down on my C.V.

MY CURRENT TIME TABLE IS FAIRLY BUSY 5 DAYS PER WEEK

Currently, I have to attend the job center directed Work Program in Tooting on three days: Mon/Wed/Fri: 10AM-1PM; also, on Thu evenings I'm meant to go to Ixion, London Bridge center to do Self-Employment training; and, on Tue I'm meant to go and do voluntary 'admin' work; which means I have a full week ahead of me; there is no more, constantly, 'staying in'.

Mon: Ixion, Tooting, 10AM-1PM

Tue: First Step Trust: 9AM-5PM

Wed: Ixion, Tooting, 10AM-1PM

Thu: Ixion, London Bridge, 2:30 PM-

Fri: Ixion, Tooting, 10AM-1PM
Fri: OCS Cleaning: Oval: 9PM-

PGTB/VOLUNTARY WORK

I've been a member of Paxton Green Time Bank for around 3 years, now. The Time Bank is a voluntary scheme where they exchange 'Time credits'. Basically, you give up 1 hour of your time to say teach somebody a skill you know; then, you are entitled to have somebody teach you a skill they know, in return. Sometimes, you don't even need to share skills; it might just be somebody needs to share some company; or, they need you to clean for them; or, play games such as Chess together; or, -etc. It all counts towards your amount of Time Credits.

All last week PGTB had an Arts Installation show; and, I was there for each and every single day; sometimes, I played with children; other times, I was doing art on my own; or else, taking part in FREE art classes being given by French teacher, Fabienne. I also helped them to clean up, after the Arts Installation was done.

MY INTERNET WENT DOWN FOR A WEEK AND A HALF; AND, JUST CAME BACK ON TODAY, SATURDAY

My current telephone/broadband(internet) provider is Talk Talk. Only, the internet went down for around 1 1/2 weeks long; and, has only just come back on again, today; because they sent me an engineer to come and fix it inside of the home. What was really weird, though, was it was very simple and easy to fix; as soon as he gave me a new 'gray' lead...-the old lead got broken; accidentally, I went and stepped on it!-.,..it just worked.

However, I had reported it as not working before the lead got broken; there were only 2 lights appearing on the Router...Power/WLAN...all of the other lights were off...including, Internet; so,  it honestly surprises me that the engineer was able to fix the problem so very quickly and easily...when I myself had tried doing everything I could possibly think of before, and, it still wouldn't work?! Anyway, I'm just hoping that Talk Talk won't charge me for calling out their engineer quite unnecessarily.