I stayed in. Mostly, played on the laptop computer.
I should have done some computer studying, actually; but, for some reason...frankly, too many other problems to have to consider, namely, bills, bills, BILLS/-(with very little money left to pay them)-; so, I didn't do any online studying at all.
I need to pay...
Council Tax: £99.00 monthly/followed by 2 further payments of £98.00 monthly.
Debt Management: £80.00 monthly.
Gas repayment debts(£10.00 weekly/£40.00 monthly/£120.00 quarterly
Electric bill: £80.00 quarterly
Gas usage(£3.00 daily/£21 weekly/£84.00 montly/£252.00 quarterly)
TV licence: £140.00
Telephone bill: £40.00 quaterly + £100.00 fixed rate fee yearly.
Water Rate £160.00 yearly
House insurance: £24.00 monthly/(£72.00 quarterly)
-etc.
Nevermind, pay for...
Food/drink/snacks
Studying: College courses/online studying
Exercise: Gym/Class
Art Class
-etc.
In short, the endless bills just seem to run on and on and on...; and, the incoming money: £120.00 fortnightly is not enough to help pay all of that.
For example, in one month I get 2 x lots of £120.00 = £240.00.
The first £120...I have to take out £80.00 to pay Debt Management fees...leaves just £40.00 to live on for 2 weeks...leaving just £20.00 per week to live on...which is not enough even for food/drink;
The second £120...I have to pay £99.00 Council Tax bill...leaving just £20.00 to live on for 2 weeks...leaving just £10.00 per week to live on...makes things even far worse.
Basically, the outgoings are far more than are the incomings by a whole entire mile/(no wonder I'm tempted to gamble, sometimes; and, heaven help me if I ever were to lose)!
Thursday, 26 December 2013
Wed 25th Dec 2013 Christmas Day
Well, the main thing I remember most about this particular Christmas day was I was totally flat broke. Just £1.00 in lose change being left in the house. Nothing else left to go pay bills with/or, to buy presents for anyone.
I mostly stayed in all day; lying in bed; and, playing on the laptop computer. I tend to stay inside of one single room; which is the bedroom; as that's where the Calor Gas heater is. I'm not much looking forwards to whenever that runs out; as to buy just 1 replacement Calor Gas canister refill costs around £35.00!
When late evening came, I decided to go for a quick 15 minute bike ride around the neighbourhood; just to see if any shops would still be open on Christmas day. Much to my surprise, I discovered there were, at least, a handful or more shops still open. I think, mostly run by people who are foreigners: Muslims/-etc. who don't necessarily celebrate Christmas day on the 25th of December.
I had £1.00 in lots of broken change: 1 x 50p/2 x 20p/1x5p/5x1p; which I used to buy a bunch of bananas.
Finally, after riding all the way down the high street up to reach Tulse Hill railway bridge; I decided it's far too cold to travel out any further; -(anyway, what's the point in finding shops for...when I'm totally flat broke!)-; so, it's time to ride straight back home, again.
CONCLUSION
Wintertime is never my most fav. time of the year; and, especially so when I'm broke; and, therefore, can't afford to keep the home heated adequately. As usual, during this most awful time of the year; I just can't wait for Winter to come and go; when the weather is a lot more heated, then, the suffering seems to be a hell of a lot less. Otherwise, one feels confined to just 'one' single room inside of the house; because, otherwise, it costs far too much to keep everywhere equally heated. Basically, the central heating system just isn't working, properly; as well as, costs far too much to keep running, constantly; furthermore, it costs a lot of insurance money to go fix it...as the 2 year Warranty is already run out. Nothing to do; but, continue suffering for, possibly, the next 3 to 6 months; through Winter/Spring...until when Summer comes. We haven't had snow, yet; thank goodness; but, I just know it's coming...if not during December; then, most certainly, at sometime during the next 2 months...either January/Feburary 2014. When the snow hits; then, it's sheer bitter hell; as inside the house is -almost- just as cold as it is outside. Consequently, we have to carry around with us 'hot water bottles' everywhere.
I mostly stayed in all day; lying in bed; and, playing on the laptop computer. I tend to stay inside of one single room; which is the bedroom; as that's where the Calor Gas heater is. I'm not much looking forwards to whenever that runs out; as to buy just 1 replacement Calor Gas canister refill costs around £35.00!
When late evening came, I decided to go for a quick 15 minute bike ride around the neighbourhood; just to see if any shops would still be open on Christmas day. Much to my surprise, I discovered there were, at least, a handful or more shops still open. I think, mostly run by people who are foreigners: Muslims/-etc. who don't necessarily celebrate Christmas day on the 25th of December.
I had £1.00 in lots of broken change: 1 x 50p/2 x 20p/1x5p/5x1p; which I used to buy a bunch of bananas.
Finally, after riding all the way down the high street up to reach Tulse Hill railway bridge; I decided it's far too cold to travel out any further; -(anyway, what's the point in finding shops for...when I'm totally flat broke!)-; so, it's time to ride straight back home, again.
CONCLUSION
Wintertime is never my most fav. time of the year; and, especially so when I'm broke; and, therefore, can't afford to keep the home heated adequately. As usual, during this most awful time of the year; I just can't wait for Winter to come and go; when the weather is a lot more heated, then, the suffering seems to be a hell of a lot less. Otherwise, one feels confined to just 'one' single room inside of the house; because, otherwise, it costs far too much to keep everywhere equally heated. Basically, the central heating system just isn't working, properly; as well as, costs far too much to keep running, constantly; furthermore, it costs a lot of insurance money to go fix it...as the 2 year Warranty is already run out. Nothing to do; but, continue suffering for, possibly, the next 3 to 6 months; through Winter/Spring...until when Summer comes. We haven't had snow, yet; thank goodness; but, I just know it's coming...if not during December; then, most certainly, at sometime during the next 2 months...either January/Feburary 2014. When the snow hits; then, it's sheer bitter hell; as inside the house is -almost- just as cold as it is outside. Consequently, we have to carry around with us 'hot water bottles' everywhere.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
Christmas Eve - Went to visit Sharon/returned due to trains being cancelled!
24/12/13
2PM - I went down to West Norwood train station to fetch my mum a free copy of Metro newspaper; the only newspapers I found were those dated from yesterday: 23/12/13.
I also saw a notice board saying, due to recent bad weather, certain trains had been cancelled.
2:30 PM I left home to go and visit my cousin Sharon in Kingswood. Rode my bike down to the bottom of Leigham Court Road, to Streatham Hill train station; was told no trains going from there, today.
3:00 PM Rode my bike to Streatham train station; was told no train going to Kingswood.
3:30 PM Rode my bike to Streatham Common train station; saw it was possible to catch a train to Purley; then, from there change to Kingswood.
4:00 PM The train came; and, was going straight to Kingswood; but, unfortunately, was totally crammed full; so there was no possibility of my being able to fit in both me/and, my bike. Decided to change my bike up; when I'd finished chaining up my bike; the train left without me!
4:30 PM The next train came along; only this time it wasn't going straight to Kingswood; instead, it was going to East Croydon; from where it's possible to change to get to Purley.
5:00 PM I caught the train from East Croydon going to Purley.
5:30 PM At Purley station I saw that all trains to Kingswood had been cancelled. I was told by the staff that if I went to Kingswood; there would be no return train back home, again; and, also, no return bus.
I decided to go back home. Purley > East Croydon > Streatham Common...where I had chained my bike up. From Streatham Common I rode back home.
7:30 PM I phoned my cousin June to say that she could come and visit us to deliver presents.
8:30 PM Cousin June came and delivered her presents; but, to the wrong door; no 88; instead, of no 92! So, I had to go out there -with a torch shining- in order to discover which house the wrong presents had been delivered at; then, pick up the presents and bring them back home. I then had to write a note explaining to the people who live at 88 that by accident a Christmas card had been dropped inside of the wrong door; so, please, if you find the card deliver it to 92.
2PM - I went down to West Norwood train station to fetch my mum a free copy of Metro newspaper; the only newspapers I found were those dated from yesterday: 23/12/13.
I also saw a notice board saying, due to recent bad weather, certain trains had been cancelled.
2:30 PM I left home to go and visit my cousin Sharon in Kingswood. Rode my bike down to the bottom of Leigham Court Road, to Streatham Hill train station; was told no trains going from there, today.
3:00 PM Rode my bike to Streatham train station; was told no train going to Kingswood.
3:30 PM Rode my bike to Streatham Common train station; saw it was possible to catch a train to Purley; then, from there change to Kingswood.
4:00 PM The train came; and, was going straight to Kingswood; but, unfortunately, was totally crammed full; so there was no possibility of my being able to fit in both me/and, my bike. Decided to change my bike up; when I'd finished chaining up my bike; the train left without me!
4:30 PM The next train came along; only this time it wasn't going straight to Kingswood; instead, it was going to East Croydon; from where it's possible to change to get to Purley.
5:00 PM I caught the train from East Croydon going to Purley.
5:30 PM At Purley station I saw that all trains to Kingswood had been cancelled. I was told by the staff that if I went to Kingswood; there would be no return train back home, again; and, also, no return bus.
I decided to go back home. Purley > East Croydon > Streatham Common...where I had chained my bike up. From Streatham Common I rode back home.
7:30 PM I phoned my cousin June to say that she could come and visit us to deliver presents.
8:30 PM Cousin June came and delivered her presents; but, to the wrong door; no 88; instead, of no 92! So, I had to go out there -with a torch shining- in order to discover which house the wrong presents had been delivered at; then, pick up the presents and bring them back home. I then had to write a note explaining to the people who live at 88 that by accident a Christmas card had been dropped inside of the wrong door; so, please, if you find the card deliver it to 92.
Sunday, 22 December 2013
Life events/Last week before Christmas 2013...
Fri 13th Dec 2013 PGTB/Paxton Green Time Bank Christmas Party
I went to Ketra Halls to the PGTB Christmas Party. I was instructed on how to build a Christmas Wreath.
I also took away a FREE art book: Creative Tension British Art 1900-1950.
I gave them one of my own 'square' format Terrence Kelly paintings showing both sea/sky.
UTILITY: GAS/ELECTRIC METERS UPGRADE
Wed 18th Dec 2013 Morning Appointment to upgrade old electric meter to pay as you go
British Gas, came and changed the Electric meter to become a 'pay as you go' meter, instead. They also left me with a top up 'key'.
Wed 18th Dec 2013 Evening HTML Code School #8 (FREE MeetUp.com event)
I went to no. 1 East Poultry Street, Farringdon, London...to attend my 2nd HTML Code School event. I listened to 2 speakers talk...including one from Microsoft. I was introduced to using Microsoft 'Surface' keyboard/tablet. I also came away with a FREE T-shirt.
Thu 19th Dec 2013 Morning Appointment to upgrade old gas meter to pay as you go
British Gas, took away the old gas meter, completely; and, capped the gas(which, in fact, was already capped); explaining that because there is no gas being used as the boiler doesn't work; therefore, there's no point paying a weekly standing charge for gas that's not even being used. When we get the boiler up and working; then, simply call British Gas to come and install a new meter for FREE.
Thu 19th Dec 2013 Morning/Evening Appointment PGTB/DPG joint event
I was meant to attend a FREE 'tea and tour' event being put on as a joint collaboration between Paxton Green Time Bank(local voluntary group)/and, Dulwich Picture Gallery. However, when I arrived; I was told that the event had in fact been cancelled; and, the lady was kind enough to give me a FREE ticket to see the whole of the gallery/as well as, view the current Whistler exhibition.
I stayed there all day long either practicing doing some drawing myself; or else, viewing artworks, instead.
I really didn't know too much about Whistler's artworks; and, was very much impressed to learn that he was a regular drawer of The Thames in London. His drawings/prints/paintings were very highly detailed so as to be pretty amazing.
I went to Ketra Halls to the PGTB Christmas Party. I was instructed on how to build a Christmas Wreath.
I also took away a FREE art book: Creative Tension British Art 1900-1950.
I gave them one of my own 'square' format Terrence Kelly paintings showing both sea/sky.
UTILITY: GAS/ELECTRIC METERS UPGRADE
Wed 18th Dec 2013 Morning Appointment to upgrade old electric meter to pay as you go
British Gas, came and changed the Electric meter to become a 'pay as you go' meter, instead. They also left me with a top up 'key'.
Wed 18th Dec 2013 Evening HTML Code School #8 (FREE MeetUp.com event)
I went to no. 1 East Poultry Street, Farringdon, London...to attend my 2nd HTML Code School event. I listened to 2 speakers talk...including one from Microsoft. I was introduced to using Microsoft 'Surface' keyboard/tablet. I also came away with a FREE T-shirt.
Thu 19th Dec 2013 Morning Appointment to upgrade old gas meter to pay as you go
British Gas, took away the old gas meter, completely; and, capped the gas(which, in fact, was already capped); explaining that because there is no gas being used as the boiler doesn't work; therefore, there's no point paying a weekly standing charge for gas that's not even being used. When we get the boiler up and working; then, simply call British Gas to come and install a new meter for FREE.
Thu 19th Dec 2013 Morning/Evening Appointment PGTB/DPG joint event
I was meant to attend a FREE 'tea and tour' event being put on as a joint collaboration between Paxton Green Time Bank(local voluntary group)/and, Dulwich Picture Gallery. However, when I arrived; I was told that the event had in fact been cancelled; and, the lady was kind enough to give me a FREE ticket to see the whole of the gallery/as well as, view the current Whistler exhibition.
I stayed there all day long either practicing doing some drawing myself; or else, viewing artworks, instead.
I really didn't know too much about Whistler's artworks; and, was very much impressed to learn that he was a regular drawer of The Thames in London. His drawings/prints/paintings were very highly detailed so as to be pretty amazing.
Wednesday, 11 December 2013
11th Dec 8PM-12:00 Visited Harvey in Clapham to go and collect book
7PM I got a phone call from my marital arts pal, Havey, who lives in Clapham, Gauden Road. He said, I should come and collect my Aikido book: Aikido And The Dynamic Sphere; because he would be leaving the country soon.
8PM I went there, and, collected the book. We both drinked Guiness beer together; and, also, spent a little time doing some stand up sparring. I showed him some BJJ moves on my iPad; but, as his house is not internet connected; I couldn't show him anything more. He also showed me some hand made nunchakus; and, we practiced a few moves; however, inside of the house, space was really very limited...so we had to go really slow; and, be very careful indeed not to break any furniture/lights/hit the walls. Much to my surprise when I asked him the time; the answer was already 12:00 midnight; thus, it was time for me to return back home. He said, he would be leaving Monday; and, I might not see him again in say 6 months to possibly 5 years.
My original intention was just to go there to quickly pick up the book; then, go off and see a Cineworld movie. However, because he invited me in, I thought it would be impolite to refuse; and, as our conversation continued on and on; I didn't see the point in interrupting him to leave abruptly. Anyway, there is no emergency, I can see Cineworld movies any day of the week. Whereas, Harvey, I might not see again for quite a long while to come. I told him to tell his wife that I wish her well.
8PM I went there, and, collected the book. We both drinked Guiness beer together; and, also, spent a little time doing some stand up sparring. I showed him some BJJ moves on my iPad; but, as his house is not internet connected; I couldn't show him anything more. He also showed me some hand made nunchakus; and, we practiced a few moves; however, inside of the house, space was really very limited...so we had to go really slow; and, be very careful indeed not to break any furniture/lights/hit the walls. Much to my surprise when I asked him the time; the answer was already 12:00 midnight; thus, it was time for me to return back home. He said, he would be leaving Monday; and, I might not see him again in say 6 months to possibly 5 years.
My original intention was just to go there to quickly pick up the book; then, go off and see a Cineworld movie. However, because he invited me in, I thought it would be impolite to refuse; and, as our conversation continued on and on; I didn't see the point in interrupting him to leave abruptly. Anyway, there is no emergency, I can see Cineworld movies any day of the week. Whereas, Harvey, I might not see again for quite a long while to come. I told him to tell his wife that I wish her well.
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
10th Dec 2013 9:10 PM Cineworld, Shaftesbury Ave., Film: Old Man
TIME BANK COMPUTER MEETING
Around 10:30 AM, the Paxton Green Time Bank Chair person called, Alison, phoned me up to request if I would like to attend a computer based meeting there. She explained that some programmers were coming to talk about programming for the TimeBank. Because, she knows I'm also deeply interested in computers/and, programming; therefore, she felt she should inform me.
I told here that from looking at my calender on iCloud; it said that I was already due to go to a Mental Health First Aid course; and, I was already late. Therefore, I would go to that course, first; and, if there was still any time left; I would try and make it over to the Timebank.
UPDATE: I didn't make it over to the Time Bank at all.
MHFY/MHFA-MENTAL HEALTH FOR YOUTH/MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
During the morning, I went to a MHFY/MHFA-Mental Health For Youth/Mental Health First Aid course at 336 Brixton Road.
I was meant to arrive there at 10:00 AM; but, instead, I arrived around 12:00 midday. The course went on for another hour; then, it was all over and done with.
Recently, they did send me an introductory certificate concerning Mental Health; which I received through the post. I was very happy to receive it. So, naturally, I felt I ought to return back something by attending this final part of the course. The first part was like Part I/and, this was Part II.
I can't say I learned that much about Mental Health First Aid there. Or, at least, not so much that I can clearly remember it all. In fact, I can hardly remember anything...?! But, I do recall the teachers; 2 black women on the first part of the course; and, 1 white woman on this last part of the course. The teachers were all very warm and friendly; very caring, kind, and, considerate people; because, I guess, they have had a lot of experience dealing with mental health issues.
CINEWORLD, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, FILM: OLD MAN
During the late evening, I decided to book online to see a film at Shaftesbury Avenue called: Old Man. Frankly, I really wasn't too sure exactly what to expect...??? Judging purely from the title, alone; I thought, it might be something to do with watching an old man, literally.
However, instead, it was to do with watching much younger adults getting involved in fights/sex/torture/-etc. It was a 18+ film; and, had the texture of a comic book made 'real'. A truly top quality Hollywood style revenge movie.
Would I watch it, again. Maybe. Normally, I would say, no; watching 9 out of 10 movies just the once is enough. However, in this particular case, I would indeed consider re-watching it, twice.
Around 10:30 AM, the Paxton Green Time Bank Chair person called, Alison, phoned me up to request if I would like to attend a computer based meeting there. She explained that some programmers were coming to talk about programming for the TimeBank. Because, she knows I'm also deeply interested in computers/and, programming; therefore, she felt she should inform me.
I told here that from looking at my calender on iCloud; it said that I was already due to go to a Mental Health First Aid course; and, I was already late. Therefore, I would go to that course, first; and, if there was still any time left; I would try and make it over to the Timebank.
UPDATE: I didn't make it over to the Time Bank at all.
MHFY/MHFA-MENTAL HEALTH FOR YOUTH/MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COURSE
During the morning, I went to a MHFY/MHFA-Mental Health For Youth/Mental Health First Aid course at 336 Brixton Road.
I was meant to arrive there at 10:00 AM; but, instead, I arrived around 12:00 midday. The course went on for another hour; then, it was all over and done with.
Recently, they did send me an introductory certificate concerning Mental Health; which I received through the post. I was very happy to receive it. So, naturally, I felt I ought to return back something by attending this final part of the course. The first part was like Part I/and, this was Part II.
I can't say I learned that much about Mental Health First Aid there. Or, at least, not so much that I can clearly remember it all. In fact, I can hardly remember anything...?! But, I do recall the teachers; 2 black women on the first part of the course; and, 1 white woman on this last part of the course. The teachers were all very warm and friendly; very caring, kind, and, considerate people; because, I guess, they have had a lot of experience dealing with mental health issues.
CINEWORLD, SHAFTESBURY AVENUE, FILM: OLD MAN
During the late evening, I decided to book online to see a film at Shaftesbury Avenue called: Old Man. Frankly, I really wasn't too sure exactly what to expect...??? Judging purely from the title, alone; I thought, it might be something to do with watching an old man, literally.
However, instead, it was to do with watching much younger adults getting involved in fights/sex/torture/-etc. It was a 18+ film; and, had the texture of a comic book made 'real'. A truly top quality Hollywood style revenge movie.
Would I watch it, again. Maybe. Normally, I would say, no; watching 9 out of 10 movies just the once is enough. However, in this particular case, I would indeed consider re-watching it, twice.
Monday, 9 December 2013
Mon 9th Dec 8:25 PM - Cineworld/Haymarket/Film: Blue is the warmest colour
WENT CINEWORLD/HAYMARKET TO SEE 'BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOUR'/X RATED MOVIE
I didn't go anywhere all day long; instead, I either was watching YouTube; or else, sleeping. However, I remembered having booked in advance online to see a Cineworld movie called, 'Blue is the warmest colour', at Haymarket, 8:25PM.
I left my home pretty late...close to 8PM; but, nevertheless, managed to get there on time...as the 20 minute trailers were still running. The streets were pretty much empty; so it was easy to keep cycling along.
It was an interesting French film; reminding me of Emanuelle/and, also, sex symbol, Bridgette Bardot. A young blonde teenage girl starts exploring her sexuality by going, first, with boys...; then, with girls. The French girl has a lot of sex appeal; but, I wouldn't say she's absolutely amazing; she's pretty, though; and, young; with flawless skin; very attractive to watch; and, with good screen presence that one finds it difficult to take ones eyes off her.
Certain parts of the story bored me, though; maybe, because I could identify with it...and, so knew what was coming next; or else, because I could not identify with it...as I don't tend to get too attached to people if I can help it...certainly, I don't cry over relationships gone wrong...instead, I just simply quietly move on.
I thought the Lesbian scenes were interesting in that it's not something one tends to see being portrayed on screen too often.
I didn't go anywhere all day long; instead, I either was watching YouTube; or else, sleeping. However, I remembered having booked in advance online to see a Cineworld movie called, 'Blue is the warmest colour', at Haymarket, 8:25PM.
I left my home pretty late...close to 8PM; but, nevertheless, managed to get there on time...as the 20 minute trailers were still running. The streets were pretty much empty; so it was easy to keep cycling along.
It was an interesting French film; reminding me of Emanuelle/and, also, sex symbol, Bridgette Bardot. A young blonde teenage girl starts exploring her sexuality by going, first, with boys...; then, with girls. The French girl has a lot of sex appeal; but, I wouldn't say she's absolutely amazing; she's pretty, though; and, young; with flawless skin; very attractive to watch; and, with good screen presence that one finds it difficult to take ones eyes off her.
Certain parts of the story bored me, though; maybe, because I could identify with it...and, so knew what was coming next; or else, because I could not identify with it...as I don't tend to get too attached to people if I can help it...certainly, I don't cry over relationships gone wrong...instead, I just simply quietly move on.
I thought the Lesbian scenes were interesting in that it's not something one tends to see being portrayed on screen too often.
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