Fri 041111 5 day trial membersship of Fitness First

THURSDAY/FRIDAY, FREE 5 DAY TRIAL MEMBERSHIP AT FITNESS FIRST GYM PICADILLY

I had recently joined 3 discount stores online...

http://www.groupon.co.uk

http://www.wowcher.co.uk

http://www.myvouchercodes.com

On Thursday 3rd Nov 2011, I received from myvouchercodes an offer to try out Fitness First gym facilities located anywhere in London. I chose to visit their Piccadilly branch which is right behind Regent Street. The appointment was made to go visit them the very next day, Friday.

Friday, I first went to Morley College in London, to print out the emailed voucher as proof. Next, I went over to the Picadilly branch of Fitness First. I arrived somewhere around 12:00 midday. I showed them my voucher; they read it; then, presented me with a 'temporary' Fitness First members card; telling me when I hand it back in when my session is all done; then, they will give me back my original voucher being signed with the current date. So, I guess, that means each time I go there they will date it; to know when I went.

I basically walked straight up to a 6 ft tall free standing filled heavy bag; and, practiced kicking/punching/and, also, doing some throwing techniques. I also used their running machines a bit. Basically, I already have a paid for monthly gym membership with...

http://www.thegymgroup.co.uk

...therefore, I didn't see any point in wasting time using machines which I already have access to in the other gym; instead, I just wanted to use Fitness First equipment which I don't otherwise have any access to.

In between work out sessions, I went and sat down, watched TV, and, poured out some FREE drinks; namely, coffee, tea, and, hot water into a paper cup.

I left Fitness First gym at 8PM which is when they close; they open at 10AM; and, also, they are closed during the weekends.

Wed 2nd Nov 2011 2 x Massage Dean St/Camden

REASON FOR GOING OUT TODAY: WEST END, MASSAGE, DEAN STREET, BE HEALTH, CHINESE

>>>

Wowcher-£11-Be Chinese Health Centre-79 Dean St(near

Soho Square). £11.00 starts from 20/10/11.

Accupuncture & cupping.

Date changed to Wed 021111 1PM

<<<

I had already booked through Wowcher a accupuncture/cupping treatement at Be Health Chinese Medical Centre located in Dean Street, near to Oxford Street.

I had previously paid £10.00 to have a chair massage by them; which was my first ever chair massage treatment.

Today, I was going to have my first ever accupuncture/and, cupping treatment. It all went ok. I felt relaxed; and, much calmer, afterwards.

I'd brought this treatment at a discount, however; and, I was told when I asked how many more treatments would I need; and, the doctor lady recommended 6. I booked with the desk receptionist 3 further appointments all for a total of £60(which is meant to be a 'special' discounted price for Wowcher voucher users).

Frankly, being unemployed, I cannot afford these treatments. However, I had already gone and booked it; so, I felt there was no point in requesting all of my money back. No 1, I don't know if they will refund me? No 2, I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble; when the people have been so nice and friendly to me.

MASSAGE, LOTUS HEATH AND BEAUTY, APPOINTMENT REBOOKED

I rode my bike to Camden Town, 97 Parkway, Lotus Health and Beauty Massage parlour. I had previously brought from Groupon, the online discount company, a 1 hour voucher to be used at Lotus; only Groupon were meant to send me the voucher through email; which they did not. I then phoned Groupon who told me they would give me some codes to use over the phone so I could book my appointment anyway. Which I did. Only when I turned up for my appointment on the day; Lotus told me that without the voucher, then, they would not be able to see me. I went over to the internet cafe, located down the road on the same street; and, tried searching to find my voucher; of course, I found none; because Groupon sent me none! When I returned back to Lotus to explain I can't find the voucher; Lotus told me to contact Groupon for a refund. When I went back home empty handed, and, contacted Groupon; they told me they would resend me the same voucher which I must print out; then, take it to Lotus to show them so they can rebook me/or else, Lotus must give me a letter explaining they have refused to see me as proof; the which proof I must email back to Groupon to get my refund. Only when I asked Lotus to rebook/or, give me proof of having been turned down they refused to give me anything. I later on in the evening went back there to see the manager; who immediately and without any further argument gave me another appointment; also, telling me to bring along my Groupon voucher as proof.

I must confess that this incident does put me off making any further massage appointments to some degree. Certainly, I will approach the whole business much more cautiously in future.

ITEMS BROUGHT IN CAMDEN/MORNING CRESCENT

I brought 3 x balsa wood airplanes 2 small/1 large from a shop called, Hobby Stores, in Camden. At the bottom of the same road as Lotus Health And Beauty.

I also went and visited Sports Direct in Morning Crescent; where I brought...

1 x sweat head band

2 x sweat arm bands

1 x Lonsdale plastic bag

1 x Lonsdale boxing briefs with built-in guard pouch

HINDE ST METHODIST CHURCH/POSSIBLE GA MEETING? ANSWER: NO

After leaving Camden; I decided to go over to Hinde St Methodist Church to attend a GA meeting; but, I could not remember which time/day? When I got there I was informed there was no meetings going on during that particular evening.

141 CLEVELAND ST/ALL SAINTS CLUBHOUSE/POSSIBLE GA MEETING? ANSWER: NO

My next stop was to go and visit Cleveland St, All Saints Clubhouse, to see if there was any GA meeting going on there; but, again, there was none. Thus, I decided to ride back home.

My bike seems to have developed a puncture somewhere; or else, it might just be that the tyres need pumping up; so, I decided to go and visit Halfords store tomorrow, p0ssibly, to get my tyres pumped up for free. Otherwise, if there is a puncture then I will need to pay for it; and, frankly, I'm broke!

I came in eventually somewhere around 11 PM.

London Zoo/3 x different types of massage

TRIP TO CAMDEN MASSAGE PARLOUR ENDED IN FAILURE

Today, I rode my bike through Regents Park, past London Zoo, then, over to Camden Town, 97 Parkway; where there is a massage parlour. I had brought a Groupon discount voucher which allowed me to have massage for 1 hour long. Only when I got there the receptionist said I must show proof of having the voucher. The trouble there was Groupon never sent me any voucher through email! Instead, when I phoned Groupon to report not having received the voucher, yet; they told me that sometimes email doesn't work; but, not to worry, as they will give me a code to go and book it over the phone; which is exactly what I did. Only, as I've already said, the receptionist asked me for proof of showing her my voucher; I went to and internet cafe to see if I could find it by checking my emails; but, of course, it wasn't there. In the end I returned back to the massage parlour; and, explained I would contact Groupon to give me a refund.

TRIP TO LONDON ZOO/ZSL LIBRARY

I decided before doing anything else to go and visit London Zoo; because it's so near; and, furthermore, I've already brought just last month a yearly visitors pass which allows me to get in FREE for a whole year. I visited the Reptile House/the Aquarium/the Bug House/the Butterfly House/the Monkey House/The Zoo House/I saw both a male & female lion/as well as, 2 tigers/some Ant eaters/Vultures/-etc.

When I left London Zoo, somewhere around 3:30 PM, by taking an exit where it just wasn't possible to climb back in, again. So, I decided to go and visit the ZSL/Zoological Society Library. My ZSL pass allows me to get in there FREE. I stayed there for around 1/2 an hour or so checking out some of the books they have; as well as, like all modern day libraries they have videos/dvd's/-etc. Only their items are not for borrowing/or, taking away. I think I left both London Zoo/and, the ZSL Library at around 4 PM.

141 CLEVELAND STREET/ALL SAINTS CLUBHOUSE

I rode my bike through Regents Park up to Great Portland Street tube station. Stopping when I reached 141 Cleveland Street/All Saint's Clubhouse. I tried going in, and, asking what was the time; but, they told me it's still very early, somewhere around 4:30PM. Too early for GA/Gamblers Anonymous meetings which start at 7PM(beginners)/or, 8PM(experienced).

I went across the road and brought from the Brazillian Tea shop a coffee for £0.99p, and, a coconut cake for £1.50; which I proceeded to drink on the streets. I also went and visited a Tavern Pub nearby; and, asked them the prices of their food/drink; but, didn't actually buy anything; apart from a Poppy for which I paid only a few pence(5p+1p spare change).

I VISITED 3 X DIFFERENT MASSAGE PARLOURS ALL IN ONE SAME NIGHT

I can't remember exactly what the street name of the first Massage Parlour was called; but, I know it is found at the end of Cleveland Street. I paid them £30.00 to do a mixture of deep massage/and, sports massage for 1/2 an hour long. The lady who treated me was Thai.

I came out there and went along to Be Health on Dean Street; where I also had brought a Groupon voucher to do both Accupuncture/Cup Massage. I was told they can't do it, now, today; so, I booked it for Wednesday 1PM, instead. At the same time, I paid £10 to have a chair massage done for 15 minutes long. The lady who treated me was Chinese.

My next stop was somewhere in the middle of Soho where I paid a further £30.00 to do a 1/2 hour massage. The lady who treated me was Chinese.

So, in all today, I spend £70.00 on doing just massage; and, this is my first taste of massage ever.

I can't say I was totally delighted with it. But, I did enjoy female hands massaging my body; note, they do only your back; and, not your front; even though the type of massage I ordered was hard; so it was, sometimes, rather painful!

Finally, I decided to return home; before I went and spent anymore money on getting further massages being done. I reached home somewhere around 12 midnight.

WENT TO FITNESS FIRST ON TOTTENHAM COURT ROAD

Paid £5 to take part in a group based exercise session. We used Kettlebells/ropes/and, 2 different variety of weights. Frankly, I was not very good at it. So, I don't think I will ever try doing that, again. But, the lesson said to me that if you have money then it's possible to train for every single evening; simply, by searching around to find proper training places.

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.