2023

Posted on by gizzajob

So far, so good. I’m remembering to write 2023, rather than 2022. 😀

Seriously, it’s another example of life getting lifey; under an era of corruption, and handouts. 😐

The 600 Squid, home heating payment, comes via the provider; first. Cunning plan, Baldwrick?

At least there’s the FA Cup Third Round, this weekend. Arsenal away to Oxford; Monday evening. We’ve exceeded expectations, this season, so far. But, we’ll always be one injury away from disaster.

Christmas went well. Dinner, on the big day, at an old neighbour’s house. Then a dinner, with my current neighbour, on Boxing Day afternoon. My current neighbour gave me leftover turkey; which I made a curry out of; that evening.

On New Year’s Day, I weighed exactly the same as 01 December. Braving the hornet’s nest was quite an achievement.

On 13 December, I was in Belfast; Christmas Shopping Trip with WAVE in Omagh. Driving to, and from, Tamnamore park-and-ride was quite an achievement. I’m not used to driving in such cold weather. But, in the end, I got there. In Belfast I went to Castle Court; for supplements at Holland and Barrett, as well as deicer at Poundland. The latter had a self-checkout with the worst Santa Voice EVER!

I was also able to see the surreal in mundane activities. There was an old woman who gave all her food to the pigeons; outside City Hall. I enjoyed it; even though I was worried about someone yapping about the possibility of their kid sliding on the food. I see a life beyond Hospitals. 🙂

I also bought a, Portuguese, copy of ‘Hypnotised’ by the Undertones, and a twelve-inch copy of ‘A Sheltered Life’ by Carter USM at Voodoo Soup Record Shop. Plus, I viewed the Christmas Exhibition at the Engine Room Gallery; at North Street. Always up for a little culture.

Tunes:

Countdown to Christmas

Posted on by gizzajob

I am in my home; after spending Tuesday and Wednesday at a WAVE retreat cottage, in Killough, then getting buses between Downpatrick and Belfast for the day of it. The nightwatchman for the cottage brought me back, from Downpatrick, on Wednesday night; as the taxi I ordered went AWOL.

Last Friday, I got a portfolio report; from my Financial Advisor. But, the most important investment for me is another rental property – in Moortown – which is contracted; as we speak. The sale completes on Monday. However, indemnity insurance is required; as the water maps didn’t arrive, yet. Bloody Strike.

Also, I got to buy the tracks of a Belfast Busker, on Bandcamp, last Friday. While I was there, last week, I heard her perform ‘Red Right Hand’. I also heard the Busker – from Trillick – who sang ‘Grace’ fernenst a Loyalist Parade. Only a Tyrone Lad would do that. 😐

When in Belfast, this Wednesday, I got a lunch at Wetherspoon’s. However, I initially gave them the wrong table number. Senior Moment! At 43? However, a Chicken Tika with Rice for £3.99 isn’t to be sniffed at. The smell of the beer in the place; not for pansies. 😉

Another trip, to Belfast, is on the cards; for next Tuesday. It’s a Christmas Shopping Trip with WAVE in Omagh. However, I’ll take the opportunity to have a wee butcher’s at the Engine Room Gallery’s Christmas Exhibition.

Driving back, from Killough, yesterday morning was a challenge. I went back via Downpatrick, Crossgar, Saintfield, Dobbie’s Garden Centre and the M1. Getting the bus from Downpatrick to Belfast, on Wednesday, gave me a good sense of direction; beforehand. But the cold weather did stress me out. But I got back okay.

Then, yesterday, I took my Artist Friend to get his fortnightly medication injection. I went to town to get Insurance paid for my new rental property, then collect his repeat prescription. I used the opportunity to buy Evian Water, in a shop in Cookstown, for both my wipers and coolant; much needed, the coolant box was roasting.

All in all, another week of Bedlam. But I did see Coney Island, heading to Ardglass; in the Jam Jar, on Wednesday morning. Much needed rest at Killough.

Tunes:

Calm amid the storm

Posted on by gizzajob

Hurricane Ian is tormenting the Caribbean, an Asteroid was destroyed by NASA and President Biden still has his head buried in the sand.

However, I’m serene. I don’t look at the news anymore, and I love life; now. I helped my Artist Friend yesterday, by taking him to the Mental Health Unit – and Tesco – in Cookstown. Then we went to an Art Class, in Moneymore, together. I was running on pure adrenaline – as I had little sleep the night before. And dealt with melters on the road tailgating me. But it was service, gladly rendered. Also, the Art Teacher said that he used to attend Arts and Crafts Fairs at Glenmornan Gaelic Football Ground; which I photographed last month, and attempted to paint at the Class.

I feel that doing things I enjoy, rather than exert myself with daily grinds, helps me. Also, I gave up Red Bull, Hot Food Counters and Coffee over the past few months. I respond, rather than react.

Tunes:

Burnout

Posted on by gizzajob

I just browsed an Academic Report on Autistic Burnout. My Burnout was caused by strenuous revision for School – so much effort, without ideal results – until I entered final year of University in 2000/01. Then the enthusiasm for study waned.

I still have structure issues, in my life, but the sale of my family Home and Land provided a suitable nest-egg. It’s living solvent FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE which I must focus on now. Again burnout after being on the computer; then having to tidy up my place.

During the Lockdown; I took plenty of supplements. I managed the madness well. But now, it’s possibly a sense of Survivor’s Guilt. Lockdown wasn’t completely foreign to me, but it did exacerbate my anxiety.

The Academic Report in Question.

I feel exhausted to such an extent that I often don’t wake up until the afternoon. Traditionally, I’m more productive at nighttime. The work I do is mostly late in the evening.

Tunes:

Busy schedule

Posted on by gizzajob

Over the past four months, since my last post, I kept at my solicitor and accountant about the remainder of the money owed, from the sale of my family home and land. My brother and I will get the money next week. The final obstacle to financial freedom is the Probate in Dublin. This is why I don’t want a United Ireland. 🙂

This afternoon, I got my ears dewaxed at a clinic outside Randalstown. I knew the back road to get there. But after FIVE suction attempts on the left ear – the right ear only required one – I felt light-headed. But I went to a shop to buy water. Then when reentering the main Antrim to Ballymena Road; my path was cut by two tourists with Caravans. But, in the end, I got on the road; after being forced into a side park. Then I got back on the route to Toome. Then I swerved downhill on the Roguery Road to avoid Traffic cones. This, while Radio X played ‘Helter Skelter’ on ‘Best of British’ hour.

I had diarrhoea when I returned home, so I’ll lie low tonight.

And we’ll have no talk of next week’s Jubilee here. 🙂

Tunes:

Voluntarily self-isolating

Posted on by gizzajob

I had cold symptoms over the past weekend, and have decided to voluntarily self-isolate; as opposed to taking a lateral flow test. There was a video, where a can of beer produced a positive result. Therefore, I’m cautious of the test’s measurements.

Also, this Wednesday, I’ll undergo a fast. The fast is to heal families; broken by strained relationships. For so long, families in this country have been destroyed by conflicts. Usually over money, and status, as well as adultery and abuse. From my own perspective, I didn’t appreciate the role of the family unit until I had none left.

I’m still struggling with vices. But I keep picking myself up, and trying again. It’s how to succeed.

Tunes:

The Neverending Story

Posted on by gizzajob

Another planned Lockdown;

Another Booster;

Sleep issues; I moved into my new home seven weeks ago.

Money burning a hole in my pocket; Damn Fiat Currency.

Bees threw away a promising position; last-gasp equaliser by Bamford at Elland Road.

Moortown won the Tyrone Intermediate Championship, and won their Quarter-Final in Ulster comfortably.

Tru-D’oh plans the Mark of the Beast in Canada.

Arsenal blowing promising positions.

Ah, well! At least my side of the street’s clean this Christmas.

Tunes:

Moving soon

Posted on by gizzajob

I now have the keys for my new home. In the meantime, I’ll keep moving everything over; while thanking God for his goodness.

My plan is to buy another property, to rent out, while focusing on my vision; poetry and podcasting. Watch this space.

Also, I’ll attend a Month’s Mind Mass this evening – at Lissan Chapel – for a Fourth Cousin who committed suicide.

Videos:

Home and Land sold

Posted on by gizzajob

Last Friday, the family home and land sold for good. But the septic tank for the bungalow I’m set to move to is in a neighbouring premises. However, that is being seen to. Plus, I received an alert letter; as a stonking great water bill is due my way. The most obvious leakage was resolved today, but others need to be discussed with the new owner.

I had to deal with an issue which arose with the Christian Fellowship I had attended; which made me decide to stick to Facebook and YouTube to follow their services. But they’ll open a new Café next month, which I hope to attend regularly. God is shutting one door, so I may enter another.

Hard to believe that it will be Twenty years since 9/11. It will also be two years since Daniel Johnston passed away. That day is also the All-Ireland Final. Tyrone V Mayo. It will be a spectacle, but one team will be in the receptacle. (Imagine Patsy O’Hagan writing that?)

Tunes: