Wed 12th Oct 2011 Went Regents Park/London Zoo

8AM I woke up early as I had an appointment to go to Aura Dental Care in St John's Wood. I left home on my bike; and, it took me quite a while to get there.

8:50AM When I arrived at Aura Dental Care; the receptionist told me I was early. So, I rode around getting to know the area more; and, then, returned to see the Indian dental doctor. He told me my tooth problems are not suitable for Laser Whitening; and, that instead I should try gradual whitening, which would suit me far better; though it takes a much longer time, possibly months. He also said the cost to do gradual tooth whitening would be around £200.00 weekly.

10AM I decided to try and find a much better route to take me back to Regents Park other than the main road; and, sure enough, I discovered that a back street led to Regents Park; and, from there out to Great Portland Street tube station.

In between times I saw 2 guys practicing Krav Maga in the park; and, I joined in simply by following their movements on the side.

I also watched some sculpture garden show.

11:00AM I decided to go and visit London Zoo; the cost of a single ticket visit for an adult was £19.50. I stayed there all day long looking at animals, including birds, vulture, fish, star fish, pirhana, sea anemone, insects, tarantula, leaf cutter ants, dug beetles, stick insects, praying mantis, lion, tiger, giraffe, waterhog, Gorrilla, Monkeys, African wild dogs, -etc.

http://www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo

6PM I went to go and collect my bike; much to my deepest disappointment; a thief had stolen my newly installed back light! Then, on top of all that, part of the front light attachment went and broke when I tried to uninstall it. However, the front light still works; just can't be detached anymore!

7PM I went to 141 Cleveland Street at Great Portland Street tube station. I read the blue commorative plaque which said Samuel Morse used to live there for 3 years; musician, and, also, inventor of the famous Morse Code. I was surprised to read that; as I'd been going there for years...and, still hadn't noticed it. Today, however, there was no GA-Gamblers Anonymous meeting.

8PM I got fed up of waiting for the GA people to arrive; so, I left. Instead, of going my normal twisting route; I just decided to walk straight. I discovered a place where they do massage place really cheaply. £30.00 for 30 minutes long. I took a leaflet, and, said I would return.

http://www.spaandmassage.co.uk

I walked along Soho area; and, encountered an Oriental looking girl; I asked her how much the massage costs; she answered £16.00 per hour. Again, I said I would return.

8:30PM I came back home at around 8:30PM to 9PM.

I wanted to go back out; but, just felt far too tired!

Tue 11th Oct 2011 Kick Boxing evening class

2PM I went to Halfords in Brixton to get both front and back lights installed on my bike. The attendant gave me a bicycle pump with gauge; which I used to pump up both front/back tyre'; especially, as the front tyre was flat.

I remember mentioning that the wheel valve was not straight/but, instead, was put in crooked; the guy said come back before 12 none; and, they'd fix it.

4PM I went off to go and find Aura Dental Care in St John's Wood, Queen's Terrace; which in near to St John's Wood tube station. Eventually, I found it; it meant riding my bike past Baker Street tube station; through Regents Park; up to St John's Wood tube station. Coming back, I remember passing through Belsize Park a posh area.

7/or, 8 PM Before I came home; I decided to go and check out All Saints Clubhouse at 141 Cleveland Street; which is near Great Portland Street Tube Station. I was going there to attend a GA-Gamblers Anonymous meeting; but, then, I changed my mind by going downstairs, first; where I saw they were doing a KickBoxing lesson. I asked if I could join in; and, the answer was, yes; too, because it's a 'new' class; therefore, the lesson was FREE!

I got home very late somewhere past 11PM.

A lot going on between Fri 30th Sep to Tue 2nd Oct

Fri 30th Sep 2011

I ordered an Amazon Kindle e-Reading machine equipped with keyboard(140.00)/Wifi & 3G; also, with leather cover case, and, light(40.00); and, too, 3 year insurance from SquareTrade.co.uk(29.00). The total cost was over £210.00+!

Sat 1st Oct 2011

My Amazon Kindle with accessories was delivered to my door by the postman. It's been fun learning to get to grips with understanding 'new', and, totally unfamiliar technology to me. I'm amazed that the 3G connection is alway on; which allows me to download books 24 hours per day no matter where in the world I am; plus, the Kindle can store over 3,500 books! I have 7 days to send it back, if I wish; however, I don't think it's likely I'm going to do that; because I've been enjoying using it far too much; the sheer convenience of having all your books stored inside of a portable, and, pencil thin machine. All I can say is, wow!

I also went and brought a fish tank; together with 2 gold fish from Streatham Leigham Court Road fish shop. The first tank I brought was too small(3.50); so, I immediately went and replaced it with one much bigger(18.00). Only trouble is, about 2 days later one of the goldfish died; I had to go and buy another goldfish; so that the other goldfish wouldn't be left lonely. I'm not sure why the previous goldfish died?! Did I over feed it, possibly? Or, did I not change the water frequently enough? Or, maybe, I changed the water too quickly; so that the new temperature was too uneven? It could also be just one of those things/or, possibly, that goldfish was sick to begin with; as the other goldfish is still alive; but, if any more goldfish die; then, I might just be tempted to give up this hobby.

Sun 2nd Oct 2011

I went to visit my friend Errol Townsend in Brixton. His sister came to take out their crippled mother for the day inside of a wheelchair. Me and Errol both stayed in playing chess. I won one game/and, he won one; so, basically, we're evens.

I also brought him 2 canvases...one big/and, one small/together with some paints. I brought some paintbrushes, too; but, he said he didn't want them; and, so, I must take them back; which I did.

Mon 3rd Oct 2011

I received a parcel of a book, called, Life of Picasso Volume III, by author John Richardson; which I paid for through eBay.

I went and joined UniversalClass.com...where I paid money/and, then signed up to take the following classes; all of which I have, at least, 6 months to be able to finish.

> Art, one stroke brush

> CSS

...and, I'm also thinking of taking Poetry online, as well.

Tue 4th Oct 2011

I went down to Streatham to get back my Dulwich Picture Gallery pass card from my fellow Morley College student Alison Angus. Then, I went off cycling around. I ended up going through Tooting Bec(Tooting Athletics Track...they have MMA classes there), Wandsworth(passed by Wandsworth Prison), Putney(brought 2 T-shirts/and, some pairs of socks inside of Sports Direct sale) , Barnes(went inside of the exotic pets store/passed Putney Leisure Centre), Clapham Junction, Clapham, Streatham.

When I got to Streatham, I decided to go and buy a new goldfish to replace the one that died; the cost was less than £2.00. The guy in the fish shop was kind enough to trust me to pay him, later; because he said debit card has a minimum payment of £5.00. Anyway, I went home; replaced the goldfish; then, went back down the street and paid the man with a £2.00 coin.

I came back home, again; and, then, decided to leave to go back to Putney High Street at around 4PM...as I wanted to take a Kung Fu class at Lacy Street...between 7PM-8PM. I arrived in Putney somewhere around 5PM; I brought myself a bike safety helmet(£34)/together with 1 x 5 metre 2 plug electrical extension leads(£3.50) from Halfords. When I got to the Kung Fu class; they said it's far too early; so, I went and took a walk; I brought £5.00 worth of chocolates from a fancy chocolatiers shop. The Kung Fu lesson was loads of fun(I was one of 3 students; a short oriental guy, and, a tall english girl; + the male teacher); I especially enjoyed the fact that the 1st class is FREE! I'm not sure I will return there to go take more of those Kung Fu classes..which will need to be paid for; but, I might take other classes which are also FREE; for example, boxing is on Thu; and, that 1st class is FREE, too.

I came in late/and, feeling really tired. But, I felt I had to write a blog post before I go to bed; just in case, I do otherwise forget everything I recently went and did in the last few days!

Wed 21st Sep 2010 - Streatham Library/Chess

POST OFFICE/WASTED TRIP

8:30 AM I rode my bike down to my local West Norwood post office depot; because the postman had dropped me a 'red' card; only trouble was the card was 'blank'. The post office depot attendant informed me this was, most probably, due to a mistake having been made; but, he asked me for both my name/address just so he could go and check; after checking he came back and said that he'd found absolutely nothing. I came away feeling rather deeply disappointed; as I was expecting to see a parcel which I'd ordered from off eBay.

PHONED QVCUK TO CHECK FOR CAMERA RETURN/REFUND

When I came back home; I remembered to phone QVCUK.COM...0800 50 40 30...to check if they had received back the FujiFilm FinePix digital camera I returned last week Friday, 16th Sep 2011, during the evening. They confirmed they had received the camera/and, had already refunded back to my card the money taken: £163.00+; which should show up in around a few days time.

STREATHAM/BUILDING SOCIETY/BANK

9:30 AM I rode off with the intention to go visit Streatham building society to withdraw some money; and, then, deposit it in the bank. But, most unfortunately, I only managed to do the withdrawal part; I completely forgot all about making the deposit! When I did, eventually, remember to go make the deposit, it was far too late, after 5PM...when the bank was shut...the bank closes at around 4.30PM! This just means I have no other choice but to go make the deposit, at some time, tomorrow; only I have an appointment at 9.30PM; so, I really don't know if I will be able to make it on time to the bank or not?!

SHOE SHOP/BROUGHT 'NEW' TRAINERS TO WEAR IMMEDIATELY

Across the road from the building society is a shoe shop I always go to buy cheap sneakers. I remember buying a 'new' pair of white sneakers with 3 velcro fastenings; tossing away, at the same time, the 'old' pair I was wearing into the bin they have outside of the shoe shop. Generally, my sneakers tend to last only around 1 month long. The cost was £9.99; and, they were meant to be on sale! I felt shocked when I looked at the receipt details; which I only viewed after walking out of the shop; normally, I was expecting the price to cost somewhere around £5.00 or so.

CHARITY SHOP - BROUGHT, AT LEAST, 4 ITEMS

10 AM I entered Streatham charity shop...cancer related...and, in there I brought 4 items...

At first, I had a fiver inside of my pocket; which I used to buy the following 2 items...

1 x key ring, £0.40P+

1 x paper back book, £1.25+

(There may have been another item I went and brought; because I recall using up the whole fiver; with very little change being left.)

Then, later on, after going and withdrawing some money from the bank; I returned back to the charity shop, and, brought 2 more items...

1 x abstract artwork, £10.00

1 x Alicia Markova...marked: collectors edition...ballet book, £4.00

All of these items I, immediately, took back home.

CHARITY SHOP/STREATHAM LIBRARY/BORROWED 2 BOOKS

2:00 PM I rode back down to Streatham, again; this time with the intention to do 2 things...

1. Give to the charity shop two cameras I'd brought...

a> Digital e-Mini camera

b> Digital Tuff-cam

2. Visit Streatham library to see what sort of books they have in there which is related to photography. Only I forgot to bring along my library card!

After giving my camera items to the charity shop; I crossed the road to go and visit Streatham Library. I stayed inside of Streatham Library looking at books related to both Picasso/and, also, Photography.

1. The book of Digital Photography - Everything you need to know from beginner to pro - Chris George - ISBN: 978-1-904705-85-7

2. A life of Picasso - Volume I - 1881 - 1906 - Winner of the Whitbread book of the year award- John Richardson - ISBN: 0-7126-5337-6

I also went and did some copying of drawings/photos from a newspaper mag./and, the above mentioned Picasso book, using black biro pen/inside of a blank page exercise book.

CHESS

Looking around me, I saw around 4 x chess sets being laid out on tables; so, I walked up to one dark skinned guy, called, Mark; and, asked him if it was ok for me to play a game of chess with him; to which he agreed. I believe in all we may have played 3 or 4 games altogether. I might have won, at least, one of these games through sheer luck.

I next played another guy, light skinned Jamaican; at first, I beat him really easy. The next time, I think, I won, again. I lost the 3rd match. I won the 4th. After which he decided to quit when I offered him another game.

Because, I'd forgotten to take my library card with me; therefore, I had to tell the librarian people to hold onto the 2 books I was reading for me; until I returned back to collect them, later on, during that same evening.

7PM I rode back down to Streatham Library, again; with my Library card; to go and collect the 2 library books I told them to reserve for me. The librarians there told me that I owed them, at least, 8 books...including the 2 'new' ones I'd gone and taken out. My excuse was West Norwood Library was shut due to repairs being done; so, I would bring in the books another time.

8PM I had a final 2/or, 3 games of chess against an Italian woman called: Anna-Maria. I think, we were both evenly matched; but, she beat me, at least, twice...I can't recall who won the 3rd match; but, I know we didn't finish one game; as the Librarian came along to tell us to pack everything up.

CONCLUSION

I made a 'mental note' to re-visit Streatham Library chess club that meets on Wednesday's; because I really enjoyed it there meeting complete and total strangers; and, also, the people were very warm and friendly. A few of them seemed to be people from college; because I also heard one of them mention going to visit Morley College on Friday.

I also recall that somewhere in Thornton Heath; at the top of Bridgestock Road...and, across the road...where the bus station is; there was an advert I saw which said they meet regularly to play chess on Thursdays at around 7:30PM. So, that might be an interesting way to spend both Wed/Thu evenings, in future.

I also think Morley College has a chess club that meets on Friday evenings, as well; but, as I'm currently doing a Reiki class on Friday evenings from 6PM-9PM...lasting for the next 5 weeks long; therefore, it would not be possible for me to attend during the duration of this course.

Tue 20 Sep 2011 Dulwich Picture Gallery Photos

Recently, I went and joined in a 2 day photography course; a place was offered to me through PGTB/Paxton Green Time Bank volunteering group; the course joins together 5 adults/and, 5 teenage young offenders to go and learn a subject of their own choice; in this case, the chosen subject was phot0graphy.

The young people offenders group consisted of 2 girls/and, 3 boys. 1 girl was white/the other girl was half-caste; and, there were 3 black boys/1 of which was light brown Jamaican/the other 2 were dark skinned, possibly, African. I cannot recall any of their exact names for now, unfortunately.

Our own PGTB members group consisted of 2 guys, me, and, and elderly white gentleman called, Eric, who always wears a suit; and, the rest were women, one woman was black/the others were white; again, I forgot their names; but, I remember seeing and meeting the black woman before.

I arrived at DWP/Dulwich Picture Gallery at 12:00 midday; we all stood around outside of the gallery, at first; -I recall passing the time standing up outside doing some skipping on DWP grass-; then, later on, moved inside into a classroom.

The photography tutor was a young black guy; looked to me to be around 20's/30's; and, he'd already gone and attended college/university to go and do photography studies; as well as, worked on his own. He introduced himself to us through a computer projector slideshow; where we viewed photos he'd taken on his web site.

http://www.adrian-wood.com

He had a few photographic equipments with him...

1 x long 'professional' type of really sturdy tripod with 3 telescopic thick legs.

1 x old style camera

3 x digital Cannon EOS SLR's

We were paired up into groups of around 6; and, were told to go outside and take photos. 2 groups each used one camera; with one group taking the other group members/then, vice versa.

Adrian himself used the old style camera to go take pics of us with.

Later, when we'd finished; we returned back into the classroom; and, viewed some of the pics.

Finally, at the end of the day, around 5PM; we were briefed to get ready for the final day of the course which would be in 2 days time, Thursday; the older members are to meet at DWP at 9.30 AM; when we will be transported off to the young people's school, Fairfax; to go spend the rest of the day 'editing' photos.

Frankly, I really don't know exactly what it is going to be like visiting a young offenders school; but, I'm trying my best not to think 'negative' about it; and, instead, simply, hope everything will turn out for the best...!

After all, when I was a teenager myself, I also went and dropped out of school; so, I don't feel totally out of my depth; and, can identify with these young people to some more or less degree.

Sun 18SEP11 16:25 PM Lost £230.00 William Hill

The truth is any excuse will do...and, my excuse today was I had a £250 bank balance...for me to go gambling.

I did a really 'mad' bet; by investing all £250.00 in William Hill's Roulette; saying to myself, I only wanted to win just 10.00; then, I would quit; by playing the game which I'm most highly familiar with; surely, this would be, really and truly, easy...?

I remember, at the highest point I was up £270.00...which is winning £20.00 on top of the £250 I'd invested; but, I just couldn't quit; because I wanted to win, at least, £25.00 on top, instead. (Though, I honestly believe even if I did win £25.00 I still wouldn't have stopped; because I would have wanted to go win more...!)

At a mid point in the game, my balance said just over £90.00; but, I still didn't wish to quit; deciding to try and win all that I'd lost back; it's called, 'chasing after your losses'; the which strategy, usually, causes you to lose even more; maybe, even absolutely everything. Next thing, I knew, I had won around £190.00 back...and, was just down by £60.00, alone; I had to bet big, though, gambling very nearly everything which is how I managed to gain such big returns.

At the end point in the game; I decided to go 'all in'...hoping to recover back what was my full original total of £250.00 investment stake. The final bet I made was for £180.00; the bet lost; and, I ended up having lost £230.00 altogether; leaving me with just £20.00 investment to go and play with/or else, withdraw.

I feel totally sick, completely disgusted with myself; for going and gambling with money which wasn't even mine; but, instead, a very close relative's money! I HATE gambling! I HATE the hold it keeps on me. No matter how long I do STOP for; I ALWAYS wish to return back to it, and, chase after my loses, again...with the DREAM of endless winnings being possible...which is a really BIG MISTAKE...as all it does is accumulate more and more endless losses!

I have got to wake up, and, NOT gamble, anymore/or, if I truly can't stop myself...then, go and seek eternal help and support, by visiting Gambler's Anonymous organization at 141 Cleveland Street, outside of Great Portland Street tube station in London; and, sooner rather than later; before I go and run up any further losses.

Fri 16 Sep 2011 - evening. Camera/Reiki/Martial arts

4.30 PM - RETURNED BACK DIGITAL CAMERA TO QVC FOR A FULL REFUND

I brought a digital camera, FujiFilm FinePix S3200 model with 24x Zoom, from...

http://www.qvcuk.com

...for around £140.00 + £20.00 accessories. I was allowed 1 month to go and try it out to see if I liked it enough to wish to keep it. Only when I went to eBay, and, also, amazon online book store; I discovered that both of their prices was cheaper; and, furthermore, there is a different FujiFile FinePix model which is called, S4000, with 30x Zoom going for just £20 more. So, I decided as today was my last chance to send it back for a full refund; I might as well do it; then, when I get the refund money I can buy the S4000 model, instead. I believe it cost around £9+ to send back using signed delivery; because I explained to them at the post office that the goods are valued at £140.00+; and, I don't want it to get lost!

6:15 PM - JOINED MORLEY COLLEGE REIKI COURSE

My original thought in going to visit Morley College was to return 4 huge library books; which I did; carrying them inside of my backpack whilst I rode my bike.

I then tried to use the Morley College computers in the adjacent room to the library; but, I was told if I'm not a member of the college doing an actual course there; then, I would not be allowed to use their computers. So, I went back down to the reception, and, purely on an impulse decided to join any course at random...the one I selected was Reiki Level I...a kind of Japanese spiritual healing art...for which I paid £97.00. The class is Friday 6PM-9PM/one day per week for 6 weeks long; at the end of the course, you are meant to gain a certificate; which will allow you to join Reiki Level II. Level III classes are being taught elsewhere. The class had around 15 students; 90% women; I think, I was one of only 2 guys; the other guy was Japanese, AJ. The teacher is a nigerian black lady, Jo, who, apparently, has already been trained up to Reiki 'expert' level III.

It was an interesting class...consisting of learning about Reiki history; and, also, we did some meditation/deep breathing; as well as, some aura sensing; but, I really must confess that I myself did not sense anything at all! There is a part of me that wonders if it's all a big hoax; and, therefore, a total waste of money; what on earth did I spend nearly £100 on this crap for?! However, there is another part of me that thinks I must give it plenty of time...maybe, I will be able to understand and appreciate more, later on.

9:30 AM I was cycling back home from Morley College; when I ended up at Fusion keep fit/martial arts centre in Elephant & Castle. There I glimpsed a black guy practicing striking against a heavy bag; and, also, 2 other guys indulging in what looked like Wing Chun sparring. I decided to get off my bike; and, go and take a much closer look standing up outside of the front door.

The instructor came over, and, we talked; I asked him how much? He said, £30.00, Thursday's 8AM-9PM/or, 10PM?! He next invited me inside; and, I did some light freestyle sparring with him. He was strong; and, I sensed he could have taken me out cold at anytime; but, he was also controlled, and, knew how to pull his strikes...he both punched/kicked me in the head...but, instead, of striking deep; just merely tapped against the surface of my skin. We sparred for around 10/or, maybe 15/20 minutes; then, I felt tired, and, decided to quit; especially, as I basically got fed up of the fact that I couldn't really penetrate his guard; but, he could easily pentrate mine...maybe, I got one or two lucky touches in...but, compared with his getting nearly everything in!

I thought, maybe, that's something for me to go and try next Thursday; however, I'm worried about the cost...how long would I be able to afford it?! I'm deeply concerned, too, that I might not be fit enough to keep up with any heavy exercise routine...which might leave me feeling very deeply embarassed; and, therefore, never wish to go back; another concern is that I might not stick with learning it...due to ADD/Attention Deficit Disorder/and, also, sheer frustration/impatience...it, usually, takes a long time to get to improve...like, maybe, years...as opposed to mere weeks/months; but, I want everything to work effectively like right NOW!

CONCLUSION

Been a very interesting evening. It amazes me that whenever I stay in; hardly anything much ever happens; but, then, when I go out...wow...loads and loads of endless things start happening! This makes me, sometimes, wish to go out...and, never come back in, again...just stay out there, forevermore.

On the other hand, I know my mum is expecting me to come back home before the clock strikes midnight...or else, she might not be able to sleep; so, I returned home, thinking to myself I could go out at night when she is still asleep, possibly?!

I'm also thinking I went and joined Vauxhall gym...which is open 24 hours per day...maybe, I should go over there at night to go do a workout...rather than waste the £14.99 monthly regular gym membership!

Tomorrow, I should also like to ride all the way up to Croydon, to go and practice doing some boxing for which I paid £20.00 for the month; but, only went there 1 week every single day; but, didn't go the next week which again is a total waste! I now have just 2 more weeks boxing gym membership to go use up.

I'm trying to add all of this up...

14.99 Vauxhall keep fit gym (24 hours)

20.00 Croydon Boxing (7 days per week)

30.00 Fusion Kung Fu Elephant & Castle (Thursday evenings, 8AM-10PM/4 x per week)

====

64.99 monthly

...I'm going to have to decide which one/or, two of these to cut out; and, which one to keep; but, there's no way I can see myself being able to afford that sort of fee every single month!