Managing a crisis

Posted on by gizzajob

In the Eighties, there were tv commercials here for an English Insurance company called Commercial Union – with a Citroën 2CV crashing down a cliff. Their buzzline was, “We won’t make a drama out of a crisis!” That’s my motto for Covid-19 survival. It’s not precisely ‘Fight Club,’ but I am better equipped for underground lifestyles than others.

I ended up having to apply for a tax book to get my car back on the road. And the guy I bought the car from will pay me back the £25 I had to pay – by postal order – to apply. Then, I spent the road tax online. As Benjamin Franklin said, “The only sure things in life are death and taxes!” 😐

Today, I drove to the Chemist in Coagh – to collect a repeat prescription- then withdrew cash at Ballinderry Post Office to last a week, or more. My local shops deliver to the homes – until now, I paid them either by bank transfer or PayPal. Tomorrow, I will get gloves and masks from The Hub in Cookstown, buy A4-sized picture frames at the Home Bargains beside there, and get photographs at a Chemist in Magherafelt- to renew my driving licence. (the one I have expires in June)

Today, I improvised the gloves and mask rules, wearing work gloves and a Jason Voorhees Hockey Mask for this afternoon’s errands. At least, I have a sense of humour. 🙂

The picture frame is for handwritten lyrics of an album track by Mansun – I paid the singer by PayPal. (Check out his solo work) Considering that Italians and Spaniards are singing from the balconies, I need musical therapy, too. 🙂

Tunes:

First day in new role went well

Posted on by gizzajob

Today (Saturday) was the first day of my new voluntary job. I was so eager in anticipation that I arrived over two hours early. The lady who runs the office said that was fine and I could start just whenever I arrived. There was a Teddy Bears’ Picnic event held at Lissan House for kids in the local area. It was good for my inner child.

 

The job itself went well. I completed a task in the two hours allotted that was meant to carry on next Saturday. The office manager was impressed. She said she was the the office until 3 am the night before. I actually woke up at 2:20 am in the morning as I crashed out at 5 pm yesterday.

 

Before that I was visiting a friend, originally from Ardboe, who lives in Magherafelt. Whenever I arrived she was in her room, but her two kids let me in and I got to talk to them and pat their pet dog; a female Jack Russell. Again, I’m glad to do all this because I never had a childhood growing up and felt that I missed out on so much.

 

Arsenal lost today. But, hey s**t happens! I have come to accept that we’re no longer capable of challenging for the Premiership Title.

 

I can perhaps take it easier tomorrow. On Thursday I went for a long drive to head to Newcastle in County Down. However eleven miles from the destination I thought, “Screw this!” and pulled into a shop/filling station outside Loughinisland and drove back. I headed via Ballynahinch and Hillsborough, but then lost my bearings trying to find the way to Moira and had to turn back after a wrong turn; was honked at twice by vehicles returning from work. In the end the road I was looking for was a slip road from the main Newry to Belfast road. Why do I keep punishing myself with this forced exercises when driving?

 

Glad I survived. 🙂

 

Tunes:

 

Soon time to head back

Posted on by gizzajob

Tomorrow – Monday – I will arrange the transfer of my stuff by delivery van to gran’s some time this week. Also, I will speak to my insurers about changing the address of my car insurance. I have a monthly payment due Friday and then after that only one more monthly payment to go. Perhaps I could even get money back if my insurance works out cheaper in Ardboe.

 

I am also doing a graphic design course via Coursera. I complete the week one assignment on Thursday night and passed it, then this morning I completed a Pop Quiz – pass mark 8/10 – and, low and behold, got 8/10. This after making no notes. 🙂 Week 2 has been passed a week in advance. More time to focus on the move.

 

This afternoon I got gran’s cleaner to iron my clothes and sort out all my junk. Tomorrow I’ll head to gran’s to put the bin bags into the black bin – collection on Thursday. Clearing out my clutter is ALWAYS a good feeling. 🙂

 

I have a CV sorted out based on a template provided for me by a recruitment agency, originally from Magherafelt but now based at Letterkenny in County Donegal, and I used that CV to apply for a Secretarial role at a Solicitor’s office in Banbridge.

 

I can also say that things are looking up. Over the next week I will be attending TWO Meetups in Belfast. Good to get out there with the movers and shakers.

 

Also looking forward to the release of Paul Darper’s solo EP Two. I’ll be buying it on iTunes, but the die-hard Mansunites will buy it on Vinyl.

 

I believe that a corner has been turned in my life. Onwards and upwards. 🙂