Sun 030923 Visited Dulwich Picture Gallery/Berthe Morisot exhibition.../met artist, Jennifer

Sun 030923 Visited Dulwich Picture Gallery/Berthe Morisot exhibition.../met artist, Jennifer

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15:00 I made an appointment to go and visit seeing Dulwich Picture Gallery...; it is the last days of the Berthe Morisot exhibition.

- https://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk

I went there...and, it was enjoyable to see. -(Even, though, I'd gone before...I can't recall if it were, once/or, twice. I think, I went there, once, to join...; and, another time to see.)- Morisot's work is very lively and beautiful...so one can't help but to come away feeling really happy to have seen it. She depicts children very well, in particular.

I also saw there many other artist works...Boucher(can't begin to say how much I admire Boucher's work)/Fragonard/Reynolds/-etc.

I tried doing a few copies...; but, as usual, not too very successfully, I'm afraid...?!

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I saw one middle aged woman sitting down drawing -(the gallery does provide portable seats to those who wish to use such a facility)-; but, I didn't wish to interrupt her work.

So, I patiently waited until when closing time came...; and, luckily, as I was about to leave...I saw her sitting down inside of the gardens.

I asked her, 'did your drawings go well, today?' And, she answered me back quite friendly and politely. I introduced myself as, Paul; and, her name was, Jennifer. We continued to chat about art: Morisot/Hockney/Turner/Picasso/...watercolours/oil paints/acryilic...the price of art classes/-etc.

When the garden closing time came...; we both walked off together...because we were going in the same direction which is headed straight towards West Dulwich train station...walking down past Belair Park.

She said she lives in Kingston; and, has to change trains at Victoria/then, change again at Clapham Junction.

Myself, I told her I live in West Norwood; opposite the bus garage...; and, that my road to turn off at was at the side of West Dulwich train station.

I said I had only just went and visited seeing Kingston...around 2 or so days back...; taking the number 57 bus from Streatham. We talked about Hampton Castle/and, Kew Gardens.

When we both arrived at West Dulwich train station...we shook hands; and, then, parted going our own separate way.

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I must point out...this is not a woman I do fancy in any way...; so, there was nothing in the least bit 'romantic' going on...; rather, it was just merely two people who are very deeply interested in the same subject, art...discussing just that.

I said, I hope to see her, again, whenever she comes to visit Dulwich Picture gallery; but, she said she only came to view the last days of the exhibition...as she lives far away.

Whereas, myself, living only in the very next district...can go and visit seeing it, regularly...if wanted every single day...; the reason why is because it's the exhibition's very last days...; thus, the likelihood is I will go and visit seeing it some more...long before the exhibition ends.

 

Sat 020923 Visited West Norwood Library/then, Japan House, High Street Kensington

Sat 020923 Visited West Norwood Library/too, Japan House, High Street Kensington

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-> 16:00 Returned back a Ruben’s book to West Norwood Library

I returned back a book I had borrowed from West Norwood Library, yesterday...Rubens, published by Taschen.

I had glimpsed through the book...; but, still not read it, yet.

-(I figured I could buy it off eBay, instead.)-

I just didn’t wish to run up no more fines for ‘overdue’ books...which is driving me mad...especially, when funds are already low.. When one has ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...; then, one frequently forgets to renew library books on time.

So, returning back the library book...is just one other weight off my mind.

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-> 16:30 Visited Japan House, High Street Kensington

From West Norwood I jumped onto a number 432 bus...getting off at Brixton tube station bus stop. I took the tube from Brixton to Green Park, I think...I cannot recall the exact route...but, I got off at Bond Street tube station. (My original intention was to get off at High Street Kensington.)

The main reason why I got off the tube at that point was I desperately needed to take a leak...and, unlike trains, now-a-days...the tube has no toilet available. So, I got off at Bond Street tube...and, took a bus over to Hyde Park...where I was able to take a leak.

I ten walked through Hyde Park...past The Albert Museum...and, then, downwards towards High Street Kensington.

Before I reached the tube station...I reached Japan House...which I entered. There were 3 floors...I covered seeing them all. Including, a library, and, art gallery, downstairs/a restaurant, upstairs/and, in the middle -entrance floor- a food shop. Downstairs, I filled out a computer survey stating what I thought of my first visit.

Afterwards, I left. I visited two other places...Marks & Spencer food hall/MacDonald’s across the road. In either place, I brought nothing.

Finally, I took the tube from High Street Kensington...to Victoria. From Victoria I took the number 2 bus home.

I believe I arrived home somewhere around 9 PM.

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-> Conclusion

I had made an online appointment to go visit Japan House...on Mon 4th Sep 2023 where they are giving a talk...10-10:30 AM...; so, I was determined to find the place, first...before my appointment visit.

It was interesting going there...because I’d been to see/visit such areas before...having travelled there when much younger. It’s a very strange feeling...revisiting places you used to go before when young...when I hardly ever walked...just ran everywhere. Now-a-days, I find myself walking everywhere going really ‘slow’...and, all the time, wondering to myself...who the hell is this...?!

Oh I recall doing a drawing inside of a sketch pad on the tube...during the return journey home. I saw a Japanese woman sitting opposite me/she was with her partner...I don’t know what their relationship is...brother/sister...father/daughter...boyfriend/girlfriend...husband/wife.../-etc.

All I knew was I wanted to draw the woman’s head...without, actually, ‘staring’...so, I just quickly glimpsed; then, looked away...drawing purely from memory, instead. Rather disappointingly, my drawing didn’t look like the woman at all...? But, the female head drawing I did turned out fairly ok...it was executed using a multi-coloured pencil.

 

 

Thu 310823 Took multiple bus rides...; then, returned back home.

 Thu 310823 Took multiple bus rides...; then, returned back home.

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Table of contents:-

-> 16:00 My bank a/c. was £25.00 overdrawn. So, I had to go and make a deposit in Streatham.

-> 16:30 Decided to go out and do some drawing; but,...; went for a series of 4 lengthy bus rides, instead: 201/37/85/57.

- 21:00 Brought some late night lunch...KFC wrap for £1.98/and, 20 pieces of chicken/and, 2 fries for £9.99.

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-> 16:00 My bank a/c. was £25.00 overdrawn. So, I had to go and make a deposit in Streatham.

Unfortunately, when I went and checked the other day...meaning, 2 days ago...my bank a/c. was overdraw to the tune of £24.xx.

I walked down to Streatham to go and make a deposit of £25.00. Thus, my bank a/c. now says, I am £1.00 in credit. (Not a lot..?!)

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-> 16:30 Decided to go out and do some drawing; but,...; went for a series of 4 lengthy bus rides, instead: 201/37/85/57.

I wanted to go out and do some drawing; so, for that reason, I had taken with me a drawing pad/as well as, pencils/sharpener/rubber.

I decided to jump onto a number 201 bus from Streatham...which said it was going to Herne Hill station. I thought to myself, when I arrive at Herne Hills station...I could jump on a train.

The 201 takes a very unusual route. It went down Streatham High Road...then, along Upper Tulse Hill (which is where my old Secondary School used to be...when I was aged: 11-14...before they pulled it down)...; then, around the corner...down the hill...; and, into Thurlow Park Road...going straight to the top of Thurlow Park Road...past Elm Park Road where there is a back entrance from Tulse Hill train station...and, turning off into Croxted Road...; then, moving towards Herne Hill park. These are all places I tended to travel, frequently...either on foot/or, on my bike...; but, I don't ever recall taking a bus going that way, before. This means, whenever I wish to travel down that way, in future...; I can also choose to take bus, instead.

In actual fact, when I did get to Herne Hill station...I jumped onto another bus...the time, the number, 37...which said it's going to Putney Heath. (Somehow, I 'imagined' it was going to cut across the city centre...; that's because I had misinterpreted Putney Heath as being Hampstead Heath...?! Much to my surprise, instead, of going to inner London...it went off towards outer London. It went through Brixton/Clapham Common/and, proceeded all along the Common...down to Clapham Junction...I recall seeing sights I hadn't been off to visit seeing in years; thus, bringing back loads of precious memories...then, over towards Putney East Station...and, so on...)

Eventually, I got off at Putney Heath...walked around just a little bit...not going too far...as I didn't wish to get lost in an area I don't even know...? Actually, I was looking at a nearby map of the Heath...and, I saw the Heath is large...and, even, includes Wimbledon(an area I have passed through...; but, don't know too very well). From Putney Heath I took a number 85 bus going off towards Kingston(again, I hadn't been to visit seeing Kingston in years).

I walked around Kingston High Street just for a little bit...before deciding to return back home, again. This time I jumped onto a number 57 bus...returning going all the way back to Streatham, again. (I was already 'aware' that from the bottom of Leigham Court Road...which is close to where I live...one can take from Streatham a number 57 bus off to Kingston.)

-(Whenever I see buses, I know...I feel relaxed/comfortable/safe...there's much safety in acknowledging seeing the 'familiar'; when I see buses I don't know...K numbered busses/and, 200/301/and, so on...then, I feel really confused...where the hell does that bus come from/go to, I wonder...? I recall standing up and reading what the bus stop said...the number 71 bus from Kingston takes you to see/visit Chessington Zoo...I went to see Chessignton Zoo only as a passenger in a car as a child.)-

I found it really interesting seeing the routes the 57 bus went along...; which are mostly unfamiliar to me...; but, it's certainly good to know that this bus takes you both here and there. Returning back...I came through Wimbledon. So, that whenever you wish to get somewhere really 'fast'...; you will know precisely which buses to take/as well as, which buses to avoid taking. We even went pass a number of stations: Raynes Park station. (I never got off at Raynes Park before/and, so on. If I can recall, correctly...even, Kingston itself had a station...don't know if it's either tube/or, train...?)

From Streatham I took a number 417 bus up Leigham Court Road ....getting off at St Julian's School bus stop...; which is only 2 streets away from where I live...; and, then, proceeded walking down the hill to home.

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- 21:00 Brought some late night lunch...KFC wrap for £1.98/and, 20 pieces of chicken/and, 2 fries for £9.99.

My original intention of going off down the road...was to buy some 'cookham' from Iceland...in order to make sandwiches with. Only when I arrived there...Iceland was already closed.

So, I continued walking down the road...until I reached the chicken shop at Tulse Hill. Inside there I brought £9.99 of chicken and chips...20 x chicken wings/together with 2 x fries.

Whilst I was waiting for them to prepare the food...; I crossed over the road...and, brought a £1.98 chicken wrap from Kentucky Fried Chicken.

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-> Conclusion

I didn't do any drawing, today; but, honestly, I'm not too concerned. As I see it...drawing can 'wait'...I can do drawing anytime, and, for all of: 24/7/366...whether I choose to 'stay in'...and, copy off the internet...; or, go 'outside' and draw, instead.

What I am pleased about is, at last, I'm starting to use my FREE 60+ London travel pass more and more. Whereas, before...I was hardly using it ever at all. London, is really big...; and, there are so many parts that I have never even seen/visited before...? There must be loads of parks/and, art galleries/museums/famous historical exhibition houses/-etc.

Plus, I did a little bit of walking...; and, quite a lot of discovery here and there. I saw on the bus...lots and lots places I would like to go check out seeing at some other point in time.

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-(What I should have done is bring along my iPad with me...in order to take photos...; that would have been so cool...; and, help to reinforce having seen such tremendous sights...going from city side buildings...to seeing really wide motorways...and, areas of pure greenery/-etc.)-

 

Thu 310823 12:40 PM GMT Reminder note: Must go out, and, practice drawing some more...

Thu 310823 12:40 PM GMT Reminder note: Must go out, and, practice drawing some more...

What's going though my mind is I need to take drawing a lot more seriously.

For example, I'm very well 'aware' that I do not need to go and visit an art gallery(nor pay membership fees)...; in order to practice learning to draw.

Instead, all I need to do is, quite simply, go outside...be it absolutely anywhere...close to home(the back garden/alley way/or, going for a walk down the street)/or, far away from home...; and, just remember to take some papers/and, drawing instruments along with me...including, rubbers/sharpeners/-etc.; and, basically, that's it.

The whole entire world is out there for me to go and draw...; it stands there posing for all of 24 hours, including: morning/day/evening/night....; 'moving' life: insects/animals/people 'moving'...; 'still' life: buildings/cars/streets.

But, then, I've certainly been 'aware' of this...and, for so many endless years and years...; then, why on earth did I not do it, yet...?! Perhaps, it was due to the sheer 'fear of failure'...; or, just not having developed my drawing skills sufficiently well, yet.

However, as I do gradually grow older and older...currently, I'm aged 60+...; I realize that my time here on earth/and, more importantly, my health, including: eyes/legs/heart/-etc...is not necessarily going to last, quite simply, forever. So, it's far better that I, at least, try and do something, right NOW...; before it's all too late...?!

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It doesn't really matter what I choose to draw...

- bits of grass/a weed/shrub/a leaf/flowers/a tree
- the skies above/passing clouds
- a brick/brick wall/house/church(inside/outside)/skyscraper
- a machine: a push bike/motor bike/car/taxi/truck/bus
- a person passing/or, keeping still (sitting down on the bus/inside of a chair at a cafe/or, at the local library)
- etc.

...I don't care less what I choose to draw/nor how badly the drawing comes out -(because, I feel that with sufficient practice, it should improve)-; the main thing is just, simply, 'do it'...; and, fill up a whole entire sketchbook; then, start on a next...until when something good turns up, at some point in time...; then, I will have choices open to me...namely, keep it/frame it.../or, even, try and sell it.

Wed 300823 Visited Ingeus Stockwell/also, Art4Space. Then, afterwards visited Tate Britain Gallery.

 Wed 300823 Visited Ingeus Stockwell/also, Art4Space. Then, afterwards visited Tate Britain Gallery.

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Table of contents:-

-> 13:00 Visited Ingeus -(job restart)- offices in Stockwell...arrived there too 'late'...said they would give me a next re-scheduled appointment.

-> 14:30 Visited Art4Space, Stockwell...; invited me to come and see them on open day Tue evenings.

-> 15:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery. Did a few drawings...

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-> 13:00 Visited Ingeus -(job restart)- offices in Stockwell...arrived there too 'late'...said they would give me a next re-scheduled appointment.

I went and visited Ingeus for a 1 PM appointment...; but, unfortunately, because I left home 'late'; therefore, I arrived there late by 20 minutes long!

At first, they told me wait...as my advisor might have gone for lunch...; so, I sat down and waited inside of the reception room...until 2 PM came.

At 2 PM, I walked up the receptionist, again...; and, asked has my advisor, Negad, arrived, now? They told me she has decided to reschedule our appointment to a next date in time...as I had arrived far too late.

At which point, I signed out...the receptionist book; and, left.

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-> 14:30 Visited Art4Space, Stockwell...; invited me to come and see them on open day Tue evenings.

Just outside of Ingeus building...the first corner is, Jeffery's Road; where there is an Art4Space building. I used to go there to do voluntary ceramics/pottery/gardening(moving and clearing stuff). So, I decided to go back, and, check them out...to see if the building still existed/and, was open.

I saw some new people there...; but, when I spoke they remembered who used to teach...and, indeed, is still teaching. I was told to return back on open day which is, next week, Tuesday evening(that is, if I can remember...?).

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-> 15:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery. Did a few drawings...

As usual, whenever I go and visit Stockwell; because Vauxhall is the next neighbourhood down...; and, just over Vauxhall bridge is where one finds Tate Britain Gallery...so, I just have to visit it...whilst still being inside of that area.

After all, I did buy myself an 'expensive' yearly pass which expires in December 2023; so, I only have a few more months left to use it still. There's just no point in 'wasting' all of that money that was spent...with only 4 months left to use it...; and, I'm really not too sure when I will be able to afford to buy another...(as there are so many other really 'important' bills to pay, including: gas/electric/water rate/tv/internet/phone/-etc.)?

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-> Conclusion

Frankly, I haven't been exercising much...no skipping/no running/no martial arts(shadow kick boxing)/-etc. However, at least, today, I got out into the 'fresh air' for a bit; and, also, practiced doing some artwork drawings.

None of my drawings make me feel happy, though; they are really poor in quality. I guess, I got to draw loads and loads...before I can expect to see any real improvement...???

 

 

Fri 250823 Visited Ingeus/Tate Britain Gallery

 Fri 250823 VISITED INGEUS/TATE BRITAIN GALLERY

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Table of contents:-

-> 12:00 midday, visited Ingeus in Stockwell

-> 13:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery, spent all day there...until when closing time came at 6 PM

-> 18:30 Return bus journey home...so tired...almost fell asleep...?!

-> Conclusion: Didn’t get enough sleep, last night.

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-> 12:00 midday, visited Ingeus in Stockwell

Had a very important appointment, today; the job centre said I must go and attend Ingeus appointment in Stockwell.

As usual, I arrived there 'late'. Anyway, they didn't complain...; and, I saw my advisor, Negad. She treated me well, as usual. We did a survey on the computer; another appointment was made...; and, then, I left.

NOTE: She did offer me 2 computer based courses...; but, said she would contact me further about it, in future...going to attend Southwark College in Waterloo.

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-> 13:00 Visited Tate Britain Gallery, spent all day there...until when closing time came at 6 PM

From Stockwell, I took the number 88 bus...which drops me directly outside Tate Britain gallery doors.

I decided to stay there for the rest of the evening...from 1 PM - 6 PM closing time.

I did a few drawings...; and, also, visited the upstairs Tate membership room...where I drew some more...looking downwards through the windows...onto unsuspecting visitors, below.

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-> 18:30 Return bus journey home...so tired...almost fell asleep...?!

I went back home by number 2 bus to West Norwood garage.

If I'm in the mood to go mess around...; then, I will take the longest possible journey home...; thus, delaying my home coming by going here and there.

However, I was feeling really tired out...; so, I just jumped on a number 2 bus...to return home, straight away...; needed to have some rest.

In fact, I was feeling so tired on the bus...; that I almost fell asleep...; when the last bus stop came...West Norwood garage...; I was 'slow' to wake up...but, made it off the bus, anyway...waking up more...when I encountered smelling 'fresh air' outside.

I climbed up the hill, slowly...really slowly...just like an old man does...going most incredibly slow. My legs have got problems...namely, chaffed thighs...when my two thighs brush against one another it hurts...this causes me to walk very slowly, indeed. However, all I got to do is put some water on it...; then, after a day or two...my thighs are back to normal, again...; as is my walking. I think, I'm going to have to use Vaseline to stop the thighs from chaffing...; then, I might consider going out for a lot longer...; instead, of coming in so soon.

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-> Conclusion: Didn’t get enough sleep last night.

When I think about it...it all begins to make sense. I didn’t sleep, properly, last night. I already knew I had a midday appointment to wake up to...; but, nevertheless, I chose to go to bed late...way past midnight...; furthermore, I kept the TV on...which also served to keep me awake...; thus, I only slept rather fitfully...both sleeping/then, waking up, again.

That, all of a sudden, realization...explains why I felt so damn tired during the evening. I need to get some proper sleep...otherwise, I just can’t function well.

 

 

Thu 240723 Visited Tate Britain gallery

 Thu 240723 18:05 PM GMT Visited Tate Britain Gallery 5-6 PM/Pencil on A4 paper/Female Head(back)

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When closing time came at 6 PM; all of Tate Gallery visitors were ushered out.

I decided instead of going straight home; to sit down at the top of the steps...and, draw some other visitors who were also sitting on the steps, below...which meant I drew them being seen from the back; and, this is one of those 'quick' drawings.

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I recall the girl's hair was really quite beautiful to watch...; but, I couldn't quite get all of the details down right...; so, this is just a mere partial likeness. She was speaking to some guy...who was also sitting beside her.

Wed 230823 Skipped

 Wed 15:00 PM Age 60+: Went outside into the alleyway, and, practiced doing some 'skipping/running'.

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A SHORT, QUICK AND SIMPLE 'KEEP FIT' ROUTINE: SKIP/RUN...3 TIMES PER DAY...(BY FAR THE HARDEST PART, I FIND, IS 'STICKING' WITH DOING ANY SORT OF 'KEEP FIT' ROUTINE...I TEND TO GET REALLY VERY BORED AND QUIT...WHICH IS WHY I LIKE TO, CONSTANTLY, VARY DOING ANY EXERCISE)

I decided to try picking up a rope...to go skipping, again. (It's been a while since I ever tried doing that...feels, to me, like whole weeks and weeks of just sitting around doing absolutely nothing to 'keep fit'...?!)

In my mind I made up a very simple routine...

Step 1> skip...up until the point when I find I have to stop...either the rope gets entangled in my feet/or else, I just feel far too tired...; then, continue doing this for, at least, 3 sets

Step 2> finally, when 3 sets of skipping is done...go for a run up and down the alley way...slow/fast...according to how it is I feel...weak/strong...?

I repeat doing this same routine 3 times per day; starting from today. I don't need to do everything, all at once...; but, I can go out...skip 3 sets/then, run...for 3 times per day...at any time of day/night.

As it is, I went and completed doing just 2 sets, today; with 1 more still left to go do...; maybe, I will complete doing that last set some time, later on/or, tonight...; but, I promise myself to do it before I go off to sleep.

Well, I just completed doing the 3rd set of skip/run; and, as proof, I decided to video record it as well...using my iPad Air2.

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CONCLUSION

For me, at age 60, it's very important, indeed, to keep the heart muscle pumping really hard/and, and, also, get both my 'legs/arms' to stay in some sort of shape...by simply 'moving' both the 'legs/arms' together...and, also, it helps to improve one's overall co-ordination.

The running, also, helps...; in that I've always found 'walking' doesn't seem to affect my 'heart/breath' as much...; but, whenever I run...it clearly affects my leg strength/breathing/stamina/heart...; which, in turn, gives me some self-confidence that whenever I 'need' to run...to catch a bus/or, because I'm 'late' getting to a very important appointment...; then, I can feel sure it's possible for me to be able to do a little bit of sprinting.

If my running improves more over time...; then, eventually, I will go running all the way around the block...; and, then, come back...; instead, of just moving up and down the alleyway...which is a much shorter distance.

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WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE FIT...???

Of course, as somebody who has always held a life long interest in all different sorts of 'keep fit' training...; therefore, I'm all too very well 'aware'...that just....
- bouncing up and down using a jump rope
- running up/down the alley way
...is NOT keep fit; but, instead, it's just merely paying attention to only a small part of keeping fit.

True fitness, involves the whole 'body/mind'...it involves doing such things as...

- stretching
- walking/running/climbing stairs
- strength training (lifting weights)
- jumping (explosive movement)
- coordination (legs/plus, arms)
- proper technique(s)
- self-defence: boxing/kicking
- movement/dance/developing rhythm
- eating/drinking, correctly (avoiding too much sugar/salt)
- relaxation/meditation/deep breathing
- general 'mental' well being: good thoughts/good words/good deeds
- going out and 'socialising'/and, not just keeping yourself strictly to yourself
- etc.

...so, 'run/skip' is just a small part of this; but, at least, it's a very important 'beginning'. To quote the ancient Chinese saying: "The longest journey always begins with the first step."

Whenever one gets the 'adrenaline' to flow...; then, one also finds the necessary 'energy and strength' to want to include doing so much more.

 

 

Tue 220823 Studying YouTube Bash scripting tutorials.../paid £60 towards electric bill

Lately, I've checked out YouTube videos that teaches one how to do Bash Shell Scripting...

 - (224) Bash Scripting Full Course 3 Hours - YouTube

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I did go down to Streatham to pay a bill...costing £60.00.

It was a surprisingly hot sunny day...; but, I felt depressed; as I know after paying the £60.00 bill; there will be hardly any money left inside of my current a/c.; just merely £1.00.

Normally, on a hot sunny day, I would have gone out to visit seeing a gallery/museum/or, just travelling, maybe. But, I felt little or no energy...; maybe, the sunshine left me feeling dehydrated...; just wanted to return straight back home, instead.

I also noticed I was sniffling...; it made me think I could have contracted Covid, again...; which tends to happen quite invisibly; plus, it's been ages since I've had any back up Covid injections.

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When I returned back home...I signed into British Gas web site...and, paid them £60.00 towards the £220.93 electric bill; thus, still leaving me to pay the remaining balance of £160.93.

I rang up British Gas...stating I was 'late' to make the £60.00 payment. Does the payment agreement still stand. They answered me, that no payment agreement has been cancelled.

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CONCLUSION

Although, I went out...it was not a happy occasion...with all of the money in my a/c's left being totally depleted. So, I'm really struggling financially speaking to pay all of the endlessly incoming bills...??? Also, fixing up the house is impossible...in particular, the roof most desperately needs repairs...; with me having no money available to do that.

On a different level, normally, I would have run a bit; but, instead, I just merely walked. That deeply upset me, too...; as, normally, I at least attempt to do some exercise; however, today, I did not...; didn't feel enough energy/strength.

Thu 170823 Experimented with Linux Mint OS. Went CoOp to buy some cat pellet food £3.00

Mostly, I stayed in all day...

PROGRAMMING/LINUX MINT OS/OPERATING SYSTEM

I studied some programming stuff...in particular, I tried running Linux Mint OS.

- https://www.linuxmint.com

...the problem was I had burned it to run from a DVD disc; and, that meant each time I had to restart the computer...and, 'wait' sometimes up to: 10/20/30 minutes...for the damn operating system to load...??? Sometimes, I just gave up 'waiting'...; plugged out the computer from the back...and, rebooted into Windows 10 Pro.

Another time, it all worked perfectly fine...until I tried shutting down the computer...; and, the damn thing kept spouting out endless error messages...?! So, once again, I had to pull out the back power chord...just to be able to reboot into Windows 10 Pro.

Each time the program went and successfully loaded, however...; I started to become more and more familiar with using Linux Mint OS; and, even got to like it...when everything was up and working right.

My own guess is, I'm going to have to figure out some way to install the thing...in full/as opposed to just doing a partial 'try out'...; then, hopefully, things will run a lot more smooth. For now, though, waiting for it to load...is no fun at all. In the days of 'instant' computing...and, SSD drives...; we are no longer willing to sit and 'wait'...?! Instead, we just wish to get on with working, immediately, right away.

10:50 PM WENT TO BUY THE CAT SOME PELLET FOOD...COSTING: £3.00 A BOX

I constantly debated about whether to go out down the road to go and buy the cat some pellet food; which had run out completely. 

As usual, I tend to leave everything right up until the very last moment. So, with just 10 minutes left before the CoOp superstore closes...I started running off down the road.

As soon as I reached the bottom of the road...luckily, a 68 bus came; which took me 2 stops down...where I got off...crossing over the road; and, entering into the CoOp.

I brought one box of Whiskas cat pellet food chicken flavour...for £3.00; and, then, returned back home.

On the bus some big white guy...tried to climb onto the bus...without paying for any ticket. The coloured bus driver objected...stating that unless he pays his fare; then, the bus ain't going to move. The white guy cursed at the black driver saying that he was being racist...because he only wanted to go just one stop...and, didn't see the point in paying £1.50 to do that. However, he coloured bus driver stood his ground really quite firmly. Then, the white guy, after realising he is going to get nowhere...hit on the coloured driver's door...and, then, got off.

LIFE IS UNPREDICTABLE

Man, it's a strange thing life...you never quite know exactly what is going to happen, next...? You might think you are going down the road for the very simplest of things...go pick up a newspaper/go for a quick walk/run around the block...to get some 'fresh air'; and, then,...???

This is why I try to be extremely careful whenever I leave the house...even, if it's just to do something 'casual'...such as dump some rubbish half way down the road at the public tip. I try to make sure that both front/back doors are locked quite firmly shut...; and, that all lights are turned off...; and, no water tap has been left running/nor any electric fire left on.

Because, you just never ever know...if you go out...will you come back in still in one piece/alive or dead...?! A stranger's dog could bite you -(it has happened to my mum, before...; just as she was getting off the bus)-; and, I've certainly run into dogs behaving really aggressive towards me...for no other reason than they felt like it.

Other times, I've run into people drunk/on drugs/or, just plain 'racist'...who come towards you with a totally 'fuck you' attitude. You just got to pretend to stay cool; and, just 'ignore' them as much as you possibly can; otherwise, who knows...how that situation might tend to escalate. When somebody is in the mood to go looking for a fight...it doesn't take too much to trigger them off more and more.

    

  

Wed 160823 Catching up...Ingeus/British gas/Insurance/-etc.

There are many things I should have done, today; including, get in touch with...

- Ingeus (am I still able to 'sign on' for benefits...or, did cut me off?!/Did they completely disconnect me from 'signing in' to Ingeus platform...?!/I need to sent in the 'latest' job search...)

- British Gas/Electric Bill (didn't pay £60.00 on time)

...unfortunately, my mind seems to be completely distracted by 'worry'.../and, also, getting on with doing other things...which should really 'wait'. 

----

22:58 Ingeus

I sent in to Ingeus my 'latest' job searches...dated up to 160823.

I also signed in to Ingeus web site...; apparently, my next appointment is on the 250823 midday.

(I don't think they've cut me off...otherwise, I wouldn't be able to sign in to the Ingeus portal/so, hopefully, my entitlement to benefits will still remain in place.)

----

Still have to deal with...

- British Gas/Electric Bill

- Legal & General Insurance (unpaid)

Tue 150823 Returned home from S/Missed Ingeus 140823 'mandatory' appointment...?! British Gas Electric £60 'unpaid'

I went to visit seeing S on Sunday evening; and, returned back home on Tue evening.

Over there I introduced C to writing web pages. In particular, we covered what are single tags/paired tags. h/p/br/b/i/u/-etc. 

As soon as I entered the house, I went and opened up the back garden door; and, immediately, fed the cat...who hadn't been fed before for, at least, 1 day.

-----

Ingeus

Then, I checked out what was my next Ingeus appointment...; unfortunately, it said on the 14th I was meant to go and visit them..; which, obviously, I missed...as I wasn't home that day. I'm really not too sure how much this is going to affect my benefits...?!

I tried phoning up Ingeus...claming I was too ill to attend that day; they just simply said somebody will get in touch. 

When I phoned them, again, on the next day...they, simply, stated exactly the same thing.

I think, I'm going to have to 'sign in' to the Ingeus platform...to discover when my next appointment will be...; tha is, if they haven't completely closed down my Ingeus a/c.?!

-(I also have to send them notice of my 'latest' job searches...; which I usually do on Monday's.)-

-----

I used my Tue 15 benefit to pay both...

£82.xx Thames Water  

£47.xx TalkTalk (internet/phone)

I cashed the £75.00 government voucher at West Norwood Post Office.

 
-----

G gave me a sum of money £200.00; which, when I came home,

- I ordered one take away 'fish and chips'/plus, 'sausage in batter'/plus, 'Jamaican Pattie'. In all I spent around £10.00.

-I tried to part pay off my Cashplus a/c. I owe them £500.00; and, have to pay them £25.00 a month in interest. So, I deposited £190.00; thus, leaving me with balance due of £310.00 still left to pay; hopefully, that will cut down the amount of monthly interest owed, now.

On the other hand, my bank a/c, now, says totally flat broke; and, it isn't until another 2 weeks time before I am due to receive any benefit money, again; so, until then life is going to be a bit of a struggle...??? 

-----

NOTE: I need to get in touch with British Gas...as the £60.00 fortnightly payment agreement due on Tue 15 for the Electricity, apparently, has not been paid, yet. I tried going to visit their web site...; and, looking at previous history of payments...and, just can't see it. 

I think what I might have done...is send that money to CashPlus, instead; thus, completely forgetting that the Electricty still hasn't been paid, yet...?!  

£220.93 British Gas Electric still owing.

Sun 130823 S phoned me...saying they are going to visit

10:47 PM GMT 

I awoke, fed the cat; then, let her out to go run inside of the backgarden.

I checked out my online/and, telephone balance...in order to find out if my accounts are overdrawn.

The CashPlus loan a/c. is £501.xx overdrawn!

I also checked Utility bills due online.

I owe Thames Water £82.xx.

I owe TalkTalk (phone/Internet): £47.xx

I owe TV Licensing: £80.00 

Next, I went and played an online game of Facebook chess. Apparently, I lost due to the time having ran out...without my even noticing...until when it was all too 'late'...?! 

Visited both WilliamHill/Ladbrokes online to take advantage of playing FREE bets.

11:33 PM Got a phone call from S to come and pick me up

Started getting dressed.

Sat 120823 Played online/offline chess : got beaten; took out 3 library books/brought artworks plus books Emmaus

 Sat 120823 16:33 PM GMT Played Chess both 'online/offline'...and, every single time I got beaten...!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Table of contents:-

-> Played 'live' chess online...got beaten 5 times in a row. Still haven't won 'one' yet...?!

-> Cat had no food left...; had to go out to buy her some...from West Norwood CoOp supermarket. Brought 3 x cat food pouches for £3.15p.

-> Visited West Norwood Library...where I took out 2 x graphic novel books/and, 1 other book related to Neurodivergent people such as Asperger's Syndrome(which is related to my own diagnoses...decided I wanted to read up about it some more...)

-> Returned back home...fed the cat/noticed the government had sent me a letter...which was a £75.00 cash voucher...you need to take down to your local Post Office..

-> Visited my local Emmaeus -(homeless)- Charity shop; brought 2 paperback books/3 x artworks; together with a large A2 size carry portfolio. In all I spent, £11.00.

-> (Was meant to visit the Post Office to cash a voucher...; but, let myself get 'distracted'.) Went over to West Norwood library...where they hold a Saturday Chess Club...open to all and sundry. They beat me 4 times in a row...after which I 'quit'. (Just couldn't take getting beaten, anymore!)

-> CONCLUSION: I'll go see/visit a gallery/museum, tomorrow, maybe...?

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> Played 'live' chess online...got beaten 5 times in a row. Still haven't won 'one' yet...?!

I can recall playing 'live' chess online somewhere...only, I seem to have forgotten where online it was...; let me go check my web browser history: [CTRL] + [H].

I think, I was playing 'live' online Chess as a part of Facebook games.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> Cat had no food left...; had to go out to buy her some...from West Norwood CoOp supermarket. Brought 3 x cat food pouches for £3.15p.

The cat was begging me for food all morning long...; but, frankly, I had no more cat food left to give her any.

I got so fed up of her, constantly, begging...that I just picked her up...and, put her outside in the garden.

So, I knew, this very same morning...I've got to make the trip down to West Norwood CoOp supermarket to buy her some food.

I brought 3 x packages of Cat food. Usually, the price is 0.60p each; but, much to my utter surprise...the cost has now gone up to: £1.05 each...so, in all, I had to spend £3.15.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> Visited West Norwood Library...where I took out 2 x graphic novel books/and, 1 other book related to Neurodivergent people such as Asperger's Syndrome(which is related to my own diagnoses...decided I wanted to read up about it some more...)

I now have quite a few library books out...something like 11...I will need to remember to 'renew' these online...if I don't wish to incur any further library book fines.

The last time, I had to pay them £10.00 in library book 'overdue' charges...; don't wish to repeat that situation...as I honestly cannot 'afford' it...?! (The whole idea about borrowing library books for FREE...is you shouldn't have to pay for it.)

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> Returned back home...fed the cat/noticed the government had sent me a letter...which was a £75.00 cash voucher...you need to take down to your local Post Office..

When I returned back home...the first thing I did was open the garden door...to let the cat in...so, that I could feed her one of the three cat pouches I'd brought.

That leaves 2 more cat pouches left...; I feed her both morning/evening...after which I shall have to go out to buy some more cat food, again; that'll, most probably, be coming Monday...when I need to buy some more.

I saw 2 letters having come in through the door letterbox. I opened up both...all the time, worrying, it might be a bill.

- Letter 1 said, they are switching the debt company to whom I'm paying £5.00 monthly to go clear a bill...to debt company with a different name.

- Letter 2 said, the government is giving those people who are the most needy a £75.00 cash voucher...which you need to take to the Post Office with ID to cash.

I thought to myself...a gift of £75.00 is just what I 'need', right now. Though, I can also think of, at least, 7 or so overdue bills which that same £75.00 could go towards.

Anyway, I decided to leave home, again...; in order to go visit the Post Office.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> Visited my local Emmaeus -(homeless)- Charity shop; brought 2 paperback books/3 x artworks; together with a large A2 size carry portfolio. In all I spent, £11.00.

There are 2 branches of Emmaus along the high street...; one close to where I live...just 2 streets away/and, the other branch is across the road.

I went and visited both branches. In the first branch -closest to where I live-; I brought 2 paperback books costing 0.50p eac/plus, 1 hard back book costing £1.00...so, a total of £2.00 was spent on books.

These 3 books are related to...

- Artist: Chuck Close (hardback: £1.00)
- 101 Spy Gadgets for the Evil Genius
- 15 minutes Fitness/Pub. DK

In the next branch of Emmaeus -(located across the road)-; I brought 3 x artworks...2 painted boards costing £3.00 each/and, 1 Renoir board(a print), also, costing £3.00.

I also brought an old A2 sized art carrying portfolio...for just £1.00.

So, in all I spent £11.00 in both Emmaeus Charity shops.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> (Was meant to visit the Post Office to cash a voucher...; but, let myself get 'distracted'.) Went over to West Norwood library...where they hold a Saturday Chess Club...open to all and sundry. They beat me 4 times in a row...after which I 'quit'. (Just couldn't take getting beaten, anymore!)

My original intention was to go and visit West Norwood Post Office...; where I needed to cash a voucher. However, my mind got 'distracted'...and, instead, of entering into the Post Office, first...; I crossed over the road, and, visited the library, instead; because, I was curious to find out if any Chess games are going on...? When I went it...I saw there were Chess tables/timers out. At first, I just watched others playing...feeling totally mesmerized; next, I decided it was time for me to play.

The first guy I played...the match lasted fairly long. In Chess, there is a 'start' game/'middle' game/'end' game. Well, this match lasted all the way up until the 'end' game came. However, I have to admit, all throughout the game...I did feel outplayed...; knowing this other guy was a much better player than me...so, I felt 'pressured' all the way.

The next guy, I played...he is a 'regular' there...who, actually, runs the Chess club....so, I met him/played against him many times. Just don't ask me what his name is...; as, frankly, I forgot...?! Anyway, very rarely do I win against him...as I'm the kind of guy who tends to make really 'dumb' mistakes...due to impatience/lack of concentration...a good Chess player will totally capitalize on any such weakness. Anyway, I lost that game, too. I think, it lasted only up until when the 'middle' game came, this time.

The final guy, I played...well, he beat me during the 'start' game...in something like 6 moves I just could NOT believe it...; then, he explained to me...that there was a legal move I could have done, but, missed it...so, he showed me the legal move...and, suggested we continue playing from there. Needless to say, this led to another really 'quick' win by him. I just stood up...shook his hand...and, congratulated him on being a 'Chess Genius'. Nobody tends to beat me that 'fast'...!

I walked out of the library...feeling quite happy to have had a game/(not too happy about getting beaten, though...which, always, makes me feel somewhat 'sore' inside...like am I really stupid/or, what...?!); also, I did a little bit of socialising with total and complete 'strangers'...without getting into arguments/quarrels/fights...that's all good. A 'safe' way to have started the day.

What was bad...is when I came out of the library...; all of a sudden, i remembered I had a voucher to cash at West Norwood Post Office across the road from West Norwood library; only, today is now Saturday...when the Post Office closes, early...around midday; furthermore, they won't be open, again...not until Monday. So, as usual, I got there 'late'...all due to ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...doing things I should NOT be doing/and, completely forgetting about what I 'should' have been doing.

Well, it's no big emergency, I suppose...I can 'wait' until when Monday comes...in order to go pay the bills.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-> CONCLUSION: I'll go see/visit a gallery/museum, tomorrow, maybe...?

When I awoke, I swear, my 'original' plan had been to go and visit a gallery/museum...and, do some drawing; but, as they say...

'The best laid plans of mice and men...do tend to go awry...?!'

Seeing a galley/museum...can 'wait' until when tomorrow comes, I guess.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------

Thu 100823 Visited the National Gallery/Paid off PraGroup bill £30.00/Nil balance

 Thu 100823 20:29 PM GMT Visited the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

---------------------------------------------------------------

Table of contents:-

-> 10:00 AM Awoke...with severe neck pain...two days all in a row

-> 10:30 PM Fed the cat...completely ran out of all cat food/decided to give the cat some sardines in a tin...(one of 2 tins left...meant to feed myself)

-> 11:00 AM Cooked rice...forgetting about my morning Job centre appointment

-> 12:06 PM Streatham Job Centre, arrived there 'late'...the sign on guy about to take his lunch break

-> 13:00 PM Savings 'fast' running out...had to withdraw another £50.00...to pay bills/£350.00 previous balance...now, says just £300.00 left.

-> 14:00 Returned back home...paid PraGroup a final £30.00 online...; thus, cleared off paying what was the 'original' £1,500.00+ Barclaycard Mastercard bill in full.

-> 4:30 PM St Thomas Hospital 'Physiotherapy' appointment...arrived there just in time...3 minutes early.

-> 17:00 PM Visited the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 10:00 AM Awoke...with severe neck pain...two days all in a row

I awoke to severe neck pain, yet, again; -two days in a row, now-; thus, making getting out of bed really 'painful and slow'.

I got to find a way to 'rest/sleep' properly...so, that my neck doesn't keep on hurting. I think, it comes from the following...

1> The pillow I'm using is far too soft.

2> The wall near the bed head is really 'cold'/as is the metal bedhead itself...so, I don't get any sort of relief from placing my head there.

3> The house itself is 'cold/damp/wet'...leaking roofs everywhere...and, I had to turn off the 'central heating', totally...as I cannot afford to pay British Gas...£600.00 bill per quarter...?!

4> I have to 'turn/twist' in order to watch the TV...which is situated off to the side of the bed.

Things are not quite as simple as placing the TV at the foot of the bed...; because the ceiling -at the bottom of the bed- leaks whenever it rains...and, I don't want the TV electrics to get wet...which would 'destroy' the TV(I cannot afford to buy a next TV)!

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 10:30 PM Fed the cat...completely ran out of all cat food/decided to give the cat some sardines in a tin...(one of 2 tins left...meant to feed myself)

Unfortunately, all of the dry cat food pellets is nearly done...; so the box is almost empty of any contents. Nevertheless, I gave the cat some of the few cat pellets that was left.

Normally, I would give her pouch food (meat/fish) in the morning; but, all of the pouch food is completely gone...?!

So, instead, there were 2 tins of sardines...which I actually brought to eat myself...with some bread.

I decided to give the cat 1 tin of sardines during the morning...as, otherwise, she keeps on 'begging' me to go feed her...; which makes me feel really guilty and ashamed.

In a single tin of sardines...there is 3 fish...; normally, what I would do is...eat 2 fish myself...and, give the cat 1 fish to go and eat, raw. However, this time...because there was no cat food pouches left...I switched it...and, gave the cat 2 sardine fishes to eat, raw...whilst I eat one of the sardines myself.

The sardines come coated in 'red tomato sauce'...which I drained into a plate...so, the cat could go lick it all up...which she did do with great enjoyment.

When the cat had finished eating, I let her out to go run inside of the back garden, as is usual.

I placed the one sardine fish that was left over...into a frying pan...and, cooked it/heated it up...adding on top both table salt/table pepper.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 11:00 AM Cooked rice...forgetting about my morning Job centre appointment

I was feeling really hungry...so, I decided to throw into a cooking pan 2 cups of white rice...carefully, washing it 3 times...in warm water/then, finally, poured on some cold...just enough to cover the rice by 1 cm...turned on the electric twin hub cooker...and, left the rice to 'slowly' cook there.

- added 1 x tin of corn (the last tin)

- added 1 x tin of green peas

- added 1 x tin of chick peas (2019/out of date...I smelled it...and, it smelled ok)

- diced up half a white onion/and, too, half a red onion

- diced up a 1 tomato

...sprinkled everything with salt

...added 1 tablespoon full of butter.

Then, when I looked up at the time...as I was waiting for the pot of food to cook, properly. I realised that my job center appointment was 11:40 AM...and, the time on the wall clock showed that it was, right now, 11:40 AM on the dot...therefore, I was already 'late'....?! So, I stopped cooking; and, just turned off the pot...I can properly cook it, later on.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 12:06 PM Streatham Job Centre, arrived there 'late'...the sign on guy about to take his lunch break

I arrived at Streatham Job Centre for a 11:40 AM appointment...at 12:06 PM, instead. So, the 'sign on' guy was about to take his lunch break at 12:00 midday.

I had some difficulty getting over there...
first, absent mindedly and in a total hurry, I found I'd taken the 'wrong' route...; so, after walking/running down the road for some way...I had to run all the way back up the hill, again...in order to cross over the street at the top...then, keep on moving along...for around 1 mile.

When I reached the job centre I was sweating whole buckets.../and, my legs were completely gone, almost.

Anyway, the 'sign on' guy knows me really well...; and, so, he knows I'm on my way...by both 'walking/running' over there.

He let me 'sign on' late...; and, promised me everything was going to go through ok. 'You should get paid in 3 days time'...meaning, by next Tuesday.

I sincerely apologised to him for being so slow...; and, then, very quickly left...so, that he can go to have his lunch.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 13:00 PM Savings 'fast' running out...had to withdraw another £50.00...to pay bills/£350.00 previous balance...now, says just £300.00 left.

I had to go and withdraw another £50.00 from out of my £350.00 balance...; thus, leaving me with just £300.00 in savings left.

I have to pay a PraGroup Barclaycard Mastercard loan bill...£30.00 left still to pay off/and, also, the Water Rate. If I can't pay the Water Rate in full...; then, at least, I could contribute something by making a 'part' payment towards it. The outstanding Water Rate bill is around £79.xx.

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 14:00 Returned back home...paid PraGroup a final £30.00 online...; thus, cleared off paying what was the 'original' £1,500.00+ Barclaycard Mastercard bill in full.

At the start of the month...I had to pay PraGroup £210.00; but, due to my making regular payments...; -(ignoring buying my favourite 'chicken n chips' at £10.00 per time/combining taking out my other savings/-etc)-; and, making further sacrifices here and there...; I was able to reduce that bill down to say just £30.00 left to pay.

When I returned back home from Streatham I paid Pra Group, £30.00; thus, leaving me with a nil balance to pay.

I truly cannot say just how good it feels to have, finally, paid off...what was an original' bill of £1,500.00+...due to Barclaycard Mastercard...which took me years/if not decades long to clear...!

Now, I still have left to pay 3 lots of £5.00 which is £15.00 monthly...to other creditors.

£500.00 CashPlus loan due (£25.00 monthly)

3 for £5.00 monthly payment agreement...
£3,500.00 Barclaycard VISA due
£350.00 NCOEurope (I forgot exactly which 'credit card' needing paying there)
...and, there's another one, I seem to have forgotten the name...?

Then, I got on top of it all, a further...

£2,000.00 Nat West overdaft loan

So, in all I currently owe creditors somewhere around: £7,000.00..; and, I only got £300.00 in savings left; this makes me completely 'bankrupt', I'm afraid!



---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 4:30 PM St Thomas Hospital 'Physiotherapy' appointment...arrived there just in time...3 minutes early.

As usual, I get to all my appointments really 'late'. (ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder...constant 'distractions'...?!)

I realized I had an important Physiotherapy appointment to make at St Thomas Hospital...at either 4 PM/or, 4:30 PM..and, I really couldn't remember which...as I just couldn't find where was the 'latest' appointment letter...?! Though, I did find a 'last' appointment letter...which I could use to identify me at reception.

I eat some rice somewhere around 3 PM.

Nearing 4 PM I rushed off down the road...; in a 'mad dash' to get down to the bus stop...all because I know I'm going to get there 'late'. When I did arrive at the bus stop...after running all the way straight down to the bottom of the road. I realised I had forgotten to take my 'bus pass' along with me...?! Thus, I had to rush all the way back up to the top of the hill...to go and collect it at home...inside of my top coat pocket; then, rush back down to the bottom of the hill, again.

I climbed up onto a number 196 bus...; which went from West Norwood to Brixton. At Brixton, I got off the bus...and, switched to taking tube train, instead. The tube took me to Green Park station...where I switched to the Jubilee line tube...taking me off to Waterloo.

When I got out of Waterloo station...I felt totally 'disoriented'...as I couldn't see St Thomas hospital being anywhere near...after carefully watching the skyline all around...? I had to ask questions...as I knew the hospital is not too far away from Waterloo station. When I got answers...I had to do some more walking/running.

Eventually, I saw St Thomas Hospital up ahead...near the London Eye tourist attraction...; I passed by the London Eye...and, then, went over and across Westminister Bridge road...the hospital is located on the other side of this road.

Walking/running into the hospital...I had to stop to ask questions...as to where is the 'Physiotherapy' department. They told me Lambeth Wing/3rd floor...; so, I took the lift going straight upwards. Coming out the lift...not too sure which way to turn...left/right...? Asked some further questions...turned right...found the Physiothearapy department sign.

When I arrived at the receptionist desk...I asked the nurse, anxiously...have I missed my appointment or not...as I really couldn't remember if it was 4 PM/or, 4:30 PM...the current time said 3 minutes before 4:30? -(I had already missed the previous appointment/and, they said if I missed a next...they would, immediately, 'discharge' me...; and, all this after having to wait a whole entire year to get to be seen by them. The bike accident happened on 6th Aug 2022/and, the hospital appointment was 10th Aug 2023.)-

The nurse assured me that I was 3 minutes early. So, she registered my name as being there...and, just told me to sit down and wait to be called. I waited for, at least, 20 minutes...; then, returned back to the receptionist nurse...asking is the consultant here/or, not...? Or, how much longer do I have to wait...after patiently waiting 20 minutes long. She said she would chase it up...; when she returned back to me...; she said the consultant was there.

Eventually, a Muslim looking sort of guy...short/slim...came up to the reception area and called my name. I replied back...yes, it's me. He took me off to a curtained off hospital area inside the ward.

He explained that he had sent me some exercises to do through an email; did I get it...? I told him, yes, I had seen the email...and, signed in to the web site...; but, I was afraid to do any arm exercises in case things might get worse...instead, I wanted to see an actual consultant, face to face, first; so, they could tell me what exercise is best to do/or, not.

He asked me to do a few 'push/pull' exercises...to test how well my left arm is working. Push/pull his arm up/down/sideways.

Anyway, his final conclusion was...I was ok...the arm had pretty much healed...with just a few niggles here and there. He said, so long as I approach doing exercises, slowly...; then, gradually, things should improve.

He also said he would make another appointment in 8 weeks time; and, he would email me some further exercises to do.

I just left it there...thanked him/too, the receptionist for their help/support...and, then, left Taking a plastic cup of water to drink before I left that floor.

Went back down in the lift...; then, walked back out into the street/sunshine, again.

(It was a sunny day, thanks be to Dear God. I don't need to worry about the house roof, constantly, leaking...; and, having to place down buckets...to go catch up all of the rain water.)

---------------------------------------------------------------

-> 17:00 PM Visited the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square

The famous Westminister 'clock tower' called, Big Ben...which I could see straight up ahead of me...on the other side of the Westminister Bridge...is located just opposite Trafalgar Square...and, at Trafalgar Square...there is The National Gallery. So, I really couldn't resist getting on a bus...to go and take a 'quick' look.

These are areas I used to frequently haunt when younger. But, now, that I'm older...and, slower/less strong...I tend to go visit seeing there far less. (There used to be a time when I would walk/run around this same area 24 hours per day.)

In fact, I got a little bit 'distracted' -(ADD/Attetion Deficit Disorder)- and, went and visited...the area at the back of The National Gallery...namely, St James Market...where I entered Japan House. I walked around inside of there...and, explored seeing both 'upstairs/downstairs'...looking at the food/drink/manga comics/learn to read/write Japanese Kanji books. After I realised it's getting really 'late' to go visit seeing The National Gallery which will be closing, soon; I very quickly walked straight back upstairs/then, out.

When I did arrive at The National Gallery...the guards there told me...in 10 minutes time we will close. I told them I only wanted to ask the receptionist a quick question. So, they let me in...; and, showed me over to the receptionist desk. I inquired at the desk...will they have 'late night drawing', tomorrow? One receptionist said, yes...; but, she wasn't sure about the time...; I must check it online. A next receptionist who I spoke to...at the side...said, no, there is no 'late Friday' evening drawing session scheduled. Thus, I ended up getting very mixed messages here...??? But, no problem, whenever I arrive back home...I will query into much more online...by visiting seeing The National Gallery web site.

For a short time...such as a minute or two...I saw a room inside of The National Gallery that was devoted to showing off artist Paula Rego's work. I would have stayed there much longer, in fact...; but, the guards called out 'closing time' had come.

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CONCLUSION

It was a very 'busy' day...normally, I don't tend to travel around so much...nor go so far out.

it was, too, a really 'strange' experience...returning back to visit seeing old haunts. All I could think of was...what it had felt like back when I was half my age...and, had so much 'energy/strength'...; then, I would 'walk/run' absolutely everywhere...and, all in a dreadful hurry...sometimes, going and visiting seeing multiple different galleries all in 'one' single day.

But, now-a-days, my body seems to have 'slowed' down so much. I find myself walking around going at an old man's pace/and, I don't feel anywhere near the same boundless 'energy/strength' I had when I was younger.

So, it felt kind of both 'good/bad'...'happy/sad'. Good/happy to be out and about, again...; but, at the same time, bad/sad, that I really can't 'enjoy' the experience in quite the same manner as when I was 'young'. The legs can hardly 'walk/run'...the stamina is no longer there...the feelings of having boundless 'energy' to spare is far less...; and, in this sense, I felt really very deeply disappointed.

The thoughts I had inside were...a 16 year old...does not see/experience this world...in the same way a 60 year old person does. The 60 year old person is kind of 'all washed up'...as in, already 'been there/done that' before. Whereas, to the 16 year old...absolutely everything one experiences is entirely 'new'...and, therefore, different. Whereas, an old person sees, the same, the same, the same.

Man, deep down inside of me...things have considerably 'changed'...! Yes, I still have big enthusiasm...I still believe I can do this/do that...; but, compared to when 'young'...the strength needed to follow through on all of that enthusiasm...seems to be a lot less...it's almost like I really don't care, anymore...and, what happens happens...that's that. I continue to explore seeing outside.../or else, I don't...whenever feeling totally 'tired'...just return back home...and, go watch the TV/Internet, instead. Either way, it doesn't matter. But, when younger...for me, going outside was just about all and everything.

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LINKS...

St Thomas Hospital, Musculo Skeletal 'physiotheraphy' department

https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/msk-physiotherapy

The National Gallery

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