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.

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Stress

Posted on by gizzajob

Today, I got frustrated after buying something for a friend in Toronto – Christmas Present – and then buying a parcel box; only to lose the box. It was wrecked my brain all evening. I’m letting it go.

Weekend before last, I bought a £12 USB Keyboard for my MacBook Pro. I intend on buying a similar one for my Artist Friend; as I had a lend of his Laptop last month and he has a broken B key.

I react so easily under stress. I haven’t had good sleep recently. But now I can have some rest.

On a more lighter side; here are group names for dog breeds.

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Hell is other people

Posted on by gizzajob

Even as a Christian, I can have a misanthropic streak inside me. Dealing with others, in the Cattle Market of life, can be a forced exercise.

Today, I passed an old man cycling on a B Road, heading home from Portadown, and only God’s grace kept me safe. Now, I’m trying to relax. Stinking Thinking has me in a tizzy whenever I make a mistake.

I had an interview on Zoom last Thursday. No joy, but I requested feedback.

The Derry and Strabane District is subject to a localised Lockdown, now. I must be grateful that my brother’s home. My plan was to relocate to the Donemana/Aughabrack/Glenmornan/Artigarvan area. But God hit me with a two-by-four on that.

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I feel better

Posted on by gizzajob

August is starting well, for me. My IKEA bed base came this morning. However, there are some sections which require more than one person arranging it. God willing, my uncle will help me.

I ordered my first bits of recipes for suggestions from The Batch Lady – Suzanne Mulholland. She had a top time-management role in America before becoming a Farmer’s Wife in Scotland. Sounds right up my alley.

I am glad the Superstars Café is returning to normal hours from this week on. But it isn’t the same with Lockdown. They’re trying to crack a nut with a pneumatic drill.

Tomorrow, I plan to attend a Café in Draperstown for a half-price fry as part of a UK-Wide initiative throughout August. Mid Ulster is virtually Covid-free. So why should we wear masks here? We’re not New York or LA.

For now, I have to focus on reducing expenses rather than look for work. But, this Friday, I will see a Social Farm outside Claudy to see if I would enjoy it. Get back to what I was supposed to do. 🙂

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Beginning a new job – then physical ailments

Posted on by gizzajob

On Saturday, I was meant to begin a weekend job making PPE masks. However, during the induction, I developed diarrhoea and had to leave before I even started. Then I did a Covid test on Saturday afternoon – after developing symptoms – at Craigavon MOT Centre. Thank God, it was negative. 🙂 However, I need to slow down.

The feeling of disappointment left me suicidal on Saturday. Yesterday – Sunday – I was a mess. However, I feel better this morning. Fizzy Vitamin C tablets are Godsends. (I found out, from a friend, that the pills I contemplated taking wouldn’t have killed me)

Thank God that I can get a haircut this afternoon. Haircuts and shaves always make me feel better. My brother returned home Sunday before last from Derry – he got a 2:1 in Software Development at Magee – and using his beard trimmer was the answer to my prayers. I got one, just like his, on Amazon. But, since he returned home, I have slacked off on the housework a bit.

The most important thing is that I’m above ground, and I still have a chance. I also gave up my walking challenge as my health deteriorated since I began. It’s too warm for a coat, but too wet for a t-shirt. Welcome to Ireland! 😐

Mr Devlin goes to Stormont. (On Canada Day – Somme Day too)

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I wish I was in Macclesfield

Posted on by gizzajob

Today marks the fortieth anniversary of Ian Curtis’ suicide. I was meant to be in his native Macclesfield today to commemorate. However, the Tyrants have us in Lockdown. England has gradual reopening, already, while Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales still want us to stay at home.

Nevertheless, I’m learning to cope. I ordered Lavender-flavoured Organic Shampoo; I never washed my hair in the past few years. Now, I’m doing more self-care. Also, I got cotton makeup pads to apply the coconut oil I got last week for my face. The leftover plastic boxes, from the orders of Chicken Chow Mein I’ve had, can be used to store the pads. Those takeaways weren’t such a waste of money, after all. Plus, I also have leftover boxes from the Mayflower curry powder.

Also, happy Victoria Day to all Canadians. Here comes Summer. In this country, it’s wet and miserable; Summer for us. 😀

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Sunday

Posted on by gizzajob

Today is American Mother’s Day. I remembered that when talking to my Canadian friend today; she can’t visit her mum’s grave, because Canada still shuts down the cemeteries. At least we’re making more process.

Last night, I was meant to see an Otis Redding Tribute Act in Belfast. Perhaps I was licking my wounds by having a rough weekend. However, I have come out better. This evening, I will try and bid for the one affordable lot from the Art Battle auction done by Manchester Artists. It’s for the NHS and helping the nighttime economy in that city.

I am on the reserve list for the PPE mask-manufacturing jobs in Magherafelt. If someone chickens out, I might get shortlisted. Fingers crossed.

My brother’s final University exams are this coming week. He’ll graduate next month – no formal ceremony. He’ll be home at the end of June. He deserves to put his feet up once he’s back home.

Tunes:

Standing my Ground

Posted on by gizzajob

Yesterday, I ran errands in Cookstown and Magherafelt – I got masks and gloves in Cookstown; as well as A4-sized picture frames, and a downloadable photograph from a Chemist in Magherafelt to renew my driving licence online. Once I did apply online, I felt much better.

Then, in the evening, I attended a Zoom group for my Slimming World instructor- then was awarded my first ever ‘Slimmer of the Week’ award. When all and sundry were pigging out, I kept myself occupied with the internet, conversation and tea/coffee.

But, there is a delay in my mail arriving. There are a few things I’m waiting for which are in limbo. But, they’ll arrive in God’s time.

Holy Thursday today, whenever The Lord celebrated the Passover. I have the Lamb’s blood in my life. 🙂

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Back on the job hunt

Posted on by gizzajob

My online tests for the Civil Service recruitment drive was complete yesterday. Plus, I’m applying for two more jobs, filling in the forms this weekend, and also sent my CV over for a job at Victoria Bridge – between Newtonstewart and Sion Mills. Going to any lengths, and all that.

I had contemplated getting a car from a classified on Facebook. However, I was hypomanic then. It was more desperation than sound reasoning.

January has hit me like a ton of bricks. However, success is getting back up again. Giving up isn’t an option. 🙂

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