http://www.southlondonkravmaga.com
Beginner's class:-
Mon/Wed: 7:30-9PM
Sat: 1PM-2:30PM
Today, I went and re-joined Krav Maga self-defence; before they used to hold classes around midday inside of West Norwood tennis club; they moved premises, however; now, they hold classes at St Matthew's church in Brixton during the evenings.
The cost to re-join was really expensive; in all a total of £100.00; £65.00 for yearly insurance/and, a further £35.00 per month payment for classes. Beginner classes can be attended: Mon/Wed/Sat.
Frankly, I really don't know for how much longer I will be able to afford paying £35.00 monthly; with all of my other bills still remaining totally 'unpaid'...?! However, I felt really pretty desperate to get back into doing some sort of keep fit/martial arts training. The last time I trained with them was 2 years back, during 2012; back then I was still a beginner; and, now, 2014, I remain a beginner!
For some weird reason, I never got any further with doing martial arts, than just to remain a complete beginner all throughout my entire life. Either I lose interest; and, something else takes over both my attention/time; or else, I might run out of money; at other times, I find I can't get along with certain members/-etc. But, frankly, I never ever managed to make it anywhere past 'white belt' status.
Monday, 24 March 2014
Monday, 17 March 2014
170314 1AM-3PM Went Kingswood Library Art & Nature Class to Teach Origami
Monday, 17th March, 2014 1AM-3PM Went to Kingswood Library (Sydenham Hill) to go and teach Origami inside of the downstairs Billiards Room.
I showed them some Origami Basics.
-Vertical standing folding card
-Horizontal standing folding card
-Vertical standing folding card
-Horizontal standing folding card
The Paper Hat base, used to make various different shapes...
-Paper Hat
-Bookmark
-Pixie Hat
-Pixie Hat
-Boat
-Flat fish
-Open mouthed Basking Shark/Jaws
-Puppy/Mouse with tail
Also,...
-Decorative box
-Banger
-Envelope
It was requested that I come back next week for a second Origami teaching session.
Saturday, 15 March 2014
140314 9AM-3PM Went Lambeth College: Clapham Centre: Introductory Science
WENT TO INTRODUCTORY SCIENCE AT LAMBETH COLLEGE: CLAPHAM CENTRE
Yesterday, Friday, 9AM-3PM, I went to Lambeth College: Clapham Center to go and study Introductory Science.
So far we are into the 3rd week, I think, of an 11 weeks 'short course'. Unfortunately, I've already missed not going to 2 weeks. So I'm way behind. Furthermore, because this is a 'short course'; therefore, everything has to be crammed in; thus, if you miss weeks out; then, I'm afraid, you are left more and more further behind.
I really don't know if I will be able to catch up or not. But, at least, I'm trying. Though, I admit another part of me is thinking I might have to drop out.
Altogether, there are 3 lessons per day. So far I've missed all of the morning lessons. I only took part in the evening lessons, instead.
BROUGHT SOME LIBRARY BOOKS
I entered the college library where I discovered they had books on sale going for just 0.20p each; which is a total bargain. The only trouble was having to carry all of the books home...I brought £3.00's worth. Luckily, I had a big bag in my backpack; which I used to store the books in. Then, coming back home, I simply looped the bag handle onto one of my bike's handlebars.
The next problem is, however, will I actually find enough time to read through all of those books...???!!!
Yesterday, Friday, 9AM-3PM, I went to Lambeth College: Clapham Center to go and study Introductory Science.
So far we are into the 3rd week, I think, of an 11 weeks 'short course'. Unfortunately, I've already missed not going to 2 weeks. So I'm way behind. Furthermore, because this is a 'short course'; therefore, everything has to be crammed in; thus, if you miss weeks out; then, I'm afraid, you are left more and more further behind.
I really don't know if I will be able to catch up or not. But, at least, I'm trying. Though, I admit another part of me is thinking I might have to drop out.
Altogether, there are 3 lessons per day. So far I've missed all of the morning lessons. I only took part in the evening lessons, instead.
BROUGHT SOME LIBRARY BOOKS
I entered the college library where I discovered they had books on sale going for just 0.20p each; which is a total bargain. The only trouble was having to carry all of the books home...I brought £3.00's worth. Luckily, I had a big bag in my backpack; which I used to store the books in. Then, coming back home, I simply looped the bag handle onto one of my bike's handlebars.
The next problem is, however, will I actually find enough time to read through all of those books...???!!!
Tuesday, 11 March 2014
110314 Did Portrait Drawing at Dulwich Picture Gallery
2PM - 4PM Went Dulwich Picture Gallery, -(Courtesy of Paxton Green Time Bank)-, to go and do a FREE course in Portrait Drawing practice, which was being held inside of the Linbury Room.
The attractive young lady we drew was called, Lisa. She was slim blonde; and, wore a floral dress; with black leg stockings, and, black shoes.
We were all given a huge sheet of thick watercolour paper to start off with...; together with drawing pencil stick/graphite stick/and, kneaded eraser.
At first, we practiced doing some 'blind contour' drawing; which is a drawing exercise where you don't look down at the paper; but, instead, concentrate only on looking solely at the model, alone; whilst at the same time drawing lines 'quite blindly' onto paper representing the surface of what you see. This exercise helps you to study the model in 'full detail' with your eyes/mind...as well as, teaches you to develop both careful hand/eye co-ordination. The teacher said, not to rush; but, instead, to draw very patiently, and, slow; and, above all, remember NOT to look down at the paper. -(Needless to say, trying to resist the ever constant temptation to look was really hard...?!)
The next exercise was to re-draw over the picture...by doing a mixture of rubbing out/and, also, re-inforcing lines using charcoal/too, crayons.
The final stage was to get a clear brush dipped into water...and, just smudge the lines over...to produce a sort of painting.
At the conclusion, everyone's work was shown off to the whole group, and, carefully discussed; it was very interesting seeing the end results of what other people drew/painted; this is because everyone tends to draw differently from one another. As usual, I really wasn't very happy with my own artwork; though, others claimed they liked it. My fav. artists there was the actual teacher herself(she put on some really brilliant drawing/painting demonstrations); and, also, a guy called: Alan...who produced entirely 'unique' abstract work...but, which I thought was of simply astounding quality. In fact, I was even thinking of buying it from him; and, then, getting it framed; only trouble was, I then remembered that I was totally flat broke...so completely forget all about that idea!
Afterwards, I went into Dulwich Picture Gallery itself; and, in there spent some time copying 'masterpieces'. Bloody hell, it's hard trying to get even 'one single line right...?!' No wonder when I draw...it doesn't ever look like it...???!!!
The attractive young lady we drew was called, Lisa. She was slim blonde; and, wore a floral dress; with black leg stockings, and, black shoes.
We were all given a huge sheet of thick watercolour paper to start off with...; together with drawing pencil stick/graphite stick/and, kneaded eraser.
At first, we practiced doing some 'blind contour' drawing; which is a drawing exercise where you don't look down at the paper; but, instead, concentrate only on looking solely at the model, alone; whilst at the same time drawing lines 'quite blindly' onto paper representing the surface of what you see. This exercise helps you to study the model in 'full detail' with your eyes/mind...as well as, teaches you to develop both careful hand/eye co-ordination. The teacher said, not to rush; but, instead, to draw very patiently, and, slow; and, above all, remember NOT to look down at the paper. -(Needless to say, trying to resist the ever constant temptation to look was really hard...?!)
The next exercise was to re-draw over the picture...by doing a mixture of rubbing out/and, also, re-inforcing lines using charcoal/too, crayons.
The final stage was to get a clear brush dipped into water...and, just smudge the lines over...to produce a sort of painting.
At the conclusion, everyone's work was shown off to the whole group, and, carefully discussed; it was very interesting seeing the end results of what other people drew/painted; this is because everyone tends to draw differently from one another. As usual, I really wasn't very happy with my own artwork; though, others claimed they liked it. My fav. artists there was the actual teacher herself(she put on some really brilliant drawing/painting demonstrations); and, also, a guy called: Alan...who produced entirely 'unique' abstract work...but, which I thought was of simply astounding quality. In fact, I was even thinking of buying it from him; and, then, getting it framed; only trouble was, I then remembered that I was totally flat broke...so completely forget all about that idea!
Afterwards, I went into Dulwich Picture Gallery itself; and, in there spent some time copying 'masterpieces'. Bloody hell, it's hard trying to get even 'one single line right...?!' No wonder when I draw...it doesn't ever look like it...???!!!
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Sunday, 26 January 2014
260114 I stayed in all day long, correcting English on Bussuu.com
Sunday 26th Jan 2014
Yesterday, I was thinking of going to...
-visit my cousin, Sharon, inside of the country
-catching up on reading some library books; which so far have remained unread
-going to visit either Dulwich Picture Gallery/or, the gallery at the back of Baker Street...I forgot what it's called, exactly?
-going out, and, doing some exercise; such as running in the park/-etc.
-practice refining my drawing skills by copying the 'masters'
-etc.
Instead, I stayed in all day long in bed, typing away on my laptop computer machine; answering questions of how to correct beginner's 'bad' English (mis-spelled words/improper punctuation/-etc.)...at language learning web site:
http://www.busuu.com
...you are given 5 points reward each time you answer a question, successfully. By the end of the day, I had earned 1000 points. Answer 20 questions to get 100 points = 20 x 5; so, I must have answered, at least, 200 questions in order to receive 1000 points. Right now, my points total says, 1020.
However, when I really sit and think about it, I myself did NOT learn anything 'new'; as these were all beginner's English lessons...most of the answers to which I already knew. So, in the end, I suppose, one could say I merely 'wasted' the whole of the entire day.
On the other hand, it was always my ambition to become a teacher one day; so, in that sense, I really enjoyed it...the experience of teaching others always gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction.
I also love studying how to use the English language itself; so, at least, I got some playing with words 'practice' in; whereas, normally, all I tend to do is play at doing 'line drawings/and, producing pretty much mindless, and, meaningless scribbles!'
This English lessons exercise, no matter how 'basic' it was...has made me think more about 'the art of learning to write using proper grammar'; and, another spin off side effect is.. it makes me think about eitehr writing/or, reading 'poetry' more; which I haven't been doing in such a long LONG time...!
I HAD A SURPRISE VISIT FROM PETER OF |CHAPEL ROAD THE BIKE MENDER
Somewhere around 2/3/or, 4PM; I really can't remember which? I heard the doorbell ring. So, I went down to answer it. I was sure that nobody was due to call in on me, today. I thought to myself, it might be Jehoviah Witnesses?
However, much to my surprise, it was not them; instead, it was a guy who I'd previously encountered on Chapel Road...about 2 streets away; -(we met sometime around last year: 2013/or, was it 2012?)-; who lives just opposite where the recycling bins are. He had offered before to fix my bike when it wasn't working, properly; and, he did fix it for which service I paid him not just some money; but, also, gave him one of my 'spare' bikes to keep.
Anyway, he brought me a lose bike wheel; and, asked if I wanted it; to which I, of course, replied back, no; as I don't know anything about how to fix bikes. I explained that I buy a regular year long warranty from Brixton Halfords bike shop -(costing around £20.00 in the first year/then, £40.00 in each subsequent later years)- ; which includes 'labour; but, NOT parts'...and, so, whenever anything goes wrong with my bike; I just take it there for them to go and fix it.
He looked to be in a poor man's state. I actually think he came here to ask me to spare him some loose change, such as a few spare £1.00 coins; but, then, I told him I was totally flat broke.
He asked if I have any spare bicycle pump. So, I gave him one. He also seems to have helped himself to a bike lock; but, then again to be fair, I did offer it to him to go take. I guess, when I went upstairs to go take a quick leak in the toilet; he must have decided to take the lock out of the package/along with both keys/and, pocket the lot. I just didn't realize until the moment he was gone; and, I saw the empty package.
Oh, and, yes, I offered him an unopened pack of Almond cakes; which he quite happily took.
Funnily enough, although I remembered his name; he did not seem to remember mine; thus, I had to remind him. But, I just laughed it off...by saying a lot of the time I tend to forget people's names, too...which, most unfortunately, happens to be true!
Anyway, I don't tend to see him all that much; I think, he must have visited this same house around just 3 or 4 times. One time, during the last visit, we even went out into the garden, and, practiced doing some boxing; though, of course, we didn't fight too hard; we were meant to both continue doing boxing together; but, frankly, I got real lazy and quit.
It's hard for me to know exactly what to think of Peter; who's around my own age; told me he went to the same West Norwood Primary School...only is around 10 years younger than me; so, I certainly didn't know him at the time.
I want to trust him; but, the truth is, he's just a total stranger. So, I just have to draw a big question mark (?) there...; sometimes, these sort of relationships get stronger/and, other times, they just break; well, such is life, I guess. I certainly don't go visiting him at home, though; because I only go and visit people who I do both know well, and, trust -(almost)- completely.
Yesterday, I was thinking of going to...
-visit my cousin, Sharon, inside of the country
-catching up on reading some library books; which so far have remained unread
-going to visit either Dulwich Picture Gallery/or, the gallery at the back of Baker Street...I forgot what it's called, exactly?
-going out, and, doing some exercise; such as running in the park/-etc.
-practice refining my drawing skills by copying the 'masters'
-etc.
Instead, I stayed in all day long in bed, typing away on my laptop computer machine; answering questions of how to correct beginner's 'bad' English (mis-spelled words/improper punctuation/-etc.)...at language learning web site:
http://www.busuu.com
...you are given 5 points reward each time you answer a question, successfully. By the end of the day, I had earned 1000 points. Answer 20 questions to get 100 points = 20 x 5; so, I must have answered, at least, 200 questions in order to receive 1000 points. Right now, my points total says, 1020.
However, when I really sit and think about it, I myself did NOT learn anything 'new'; as these were all beginner's English lessons...most of the answers to which I already knew. So, in the end, I suppose, one could say I merely 'wasted' the whole of the entire day.
On the other hand, it was always my ambition to become a teacher one day; so, in that sense, I really enjoyed it...the experience of teaching others always gives me a feeling of deep satisfaction.
I also love studying how to use the English language itself; so, at least, I got some playing with words 'practice' in; whereas, normally, all I tend to do is play at doing 'line drawings/and, producing pretty much mindless, and, meaningless scribbles!'
This English lessons exercise, no matter how 'basic' it was...has made me think more about 'the art of learning to write using proper grammar'; and, another spin off side effect is.. it makes me think about eitehr writing/or, reading 'poetry' more; which I haven't been doing in such a long LONG time...!
I HAD A SURPRISE VISIT FROM PETER OF |CHAPEL ROAD THE BIKE MENDER
Somewhere around 2/3/or, 4PM; I really can't remember which? I heard the doorbell ring. So, I went down to answer it. I was sure that nobody was due to call in on me, today. I thought to myself, it might be Jehoviah Witnesses?
However, much to my surprise, it was not them; instead, it was a guy who I'd previously encountered on Chapel Road...about 2 streets away; -(we met sometime around last year: 2013/or, was it 2012?)-; who lives just opposite where the recycling bins are. He had offered before to fix my bike when it wasn't working, properly; and, he did fix it for which service I paid him not just some money; but, also, gave him one of my 'spare' bikes to keep.
Anyway, he brought me a lose bike wheel; and, asked if I wanted it; to which I, of course, replied back, no; as I don't know anything about how to fix bikes. I explained that I buy a regular year long warranty from Brixton Halfords bike shop -(costing around £20.00 in the first year/then, £40.00 in each subsequent later years)- ; which includes 'labour; but, NOT parts'...and, so, whenever anything goes wrong with my bike; I just take it there for them to go and fix it.
He looked to be in a poor man's state. I actually think he came here to ask me to spare him some loose change, such as a few spare £1.00 coins; but, then, I told him I was totally flat broke.
He asked if I have any spare bicycle pump. So, I gave him one. He also seems to have helped himself to a bike lock; but, then again to be fair, I did offer it to him to go take. I guess, when I went upstairs to go take a quick leak in the toilet; he must have decided to take the lock out of the package/along with both keys/and, pocket the lot. I just didn't realize until the moment he was gone; and, I saw the empty package.
Oh, and, yes, I offered him an unopened pack of Almond cakes; which he quite happily took.
Funnily enough, although I remembered his name; he did not seem to remember mine; thus, I had to remind him. But, I just laughed it off...by saying a lot of the time I tend to forget people's names, too...which, most unfortunately, happens to be true!
Anyway, I don't tend to see him all that much; I think, he must have visited this same house around just 3 or 4 times. One time, during the last visit, we even went out into the garden, and, practiced doing some boxing; though, of course, we didn't fight too hard; we were meant to both continue doing boxing together; but, frankly, I got real lazy and quit.
It's hard for me to know exactly what to think of Peter; who's around my own age; told me he went to the same West Norwood Primary School...only is around 10 years younger than me; so, I certainly didn't know him at the time.
I want to trust him; but, the truth is, he's just a total stranger. So, I just have to draw a big question mark (?) there...; sometimes, these sort of relationships get stronger/and, other times, they just break; well, such is life, I guess. I certainly don't go visiting him at home, though; because I only go and visit people who I do both know well, and, trust -(almost)- completely.
250114 Missed buying 2 x 2nd hand 'blank' picture frames each going for a fiver; instead, I only got 1!
Sat 25th Jan 2014
WENT DOWN THE ROAD TO GET MUM'S PRESCRIPTION FROM CHEMIST
My first appointment of the day, was to go down to the local high street chemist; to retrieve my mum's ointment prescription. I was very slow to leave home, though. Somewhere around late evening; I finally decided to go out, and, get the job done; then, immediately, come back home.
In the chemist, I also brought some Lemsip cold/flu medicine; as well as, 2 bottles of Theramed toothpaste.
I also stopped inside of a general store; and, brought 2 x toy items to give to my young cousins.
BROUGHT A LARGE WOODEN BLACK EMPTY PICTURE FRAME
On Friday I had passed by my local Emmaeus 'homeless' charity shop, which is located on West Norwood high street; and, in there I saw 2 x large 2nd hand 'blank' picture frames, each going for sale at the bargin basement price of just £5.00 each. Only trouble was, I was broke; so, therefore, couldn't afford to buy them. What I decided to do was buy them, later on, instead; whenever I could more properly be able to 'afford' it.
When I went back there the next day, Saturday; most unfortunately, I'd gone and left it far too late; I should not have waited until when evening came; but, should have gone there very early morning; as one of the smaller frames had already been purchased. Thus, leaving me to go buy the slightly larger frame; which was a bit of a difficult task having to go carry it all the way home; walking along very slowly, indeed; and, carrying it inside of both hands right up the road for 2 or 3 streets..!
Anyway, finally, I got it home; and, must say I'm pretty delighted to 'own' it. The mixture of both thick black wood/glass...I'm sure, would normally have cost me around £50.00+; because, I've seen picture frames that are less that half that size going for, at least, £20.00. That's what makes me feel so 'mad' about having lost out on buying the other picture frame so cheaply; I'm not too sure I will be able to get the same opportunity ever, again?! As usual, my really bad habit is to get to all appointments 'late!'
WENT DOWN THE ROAD TO GET MUM'S PRESCRIPTION FROM CHEMIST
My first appointment of the day, was to go down to the local high street chemist; to retrieve my mum's ointment prescription. I was very slow to leave home, though. Somewhere around late evening; I finally decided to go out, and, get the job done; then, immediately, come back home.
In the chemist, I also brought some Lemsip cold/flu medicine; as well as, 2 bottles of Theramed toothpaste.
I also stopped inside of a general store; and, brought 2 x toy items to give to my young cousins.
BROUGHT A LARGE WOODEN BLACK EMPTY PICTURE FRAME
On Friday I had passed by my local Emmaeus 'homeless' charity shop, which is located on West Norwood high street; and, in there I saw 2 x large 2nd hand 'blank' picture frames, each going for sale at the bargin basement price of just £5.00 each. Only trouble was, I was broke; so, therefore, couldn't afford to buy them. What I decided to do was buy them, later on, instead; whenever I could more properly be able to 'afford' it.
When I went back there the next day, Saturday; most unfortunately, I'd gone and left it far too late; I should not have waited until when evening came; but, should have gone there very early morning; as one of the smaller frames had already been purchased. Thus, leaving me to go buy the slightly larger frame; which was a bit of a difficult task having to go carry it all the way home; walking along very slowly, indeed; and, carrying it inside of both hands right up the road for 2 or 3 streets..!
Anyway, finally, I got it home; and, must say I'm pretty delighted to 'own' it. The mixture of both thick black wood/glass...I'm sure, would normally have cost me around £50.00+; because, I've seen picture frames that are less that half that size going for, at least, £20.00. That's what makes me feel so 'mad' about having lost out on buying the other picture frame so cheaply; I'm not too sure I will be able to get the same opportunity ever, again?! As usual, my really bad habit is to get to all appointments 'late!'
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)