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:

Moving next month

Posted on by gizzajob

With September on its way, I don’t have to worry about school or Uni anymore, I will be moving to a bungalow I placed a deposit on – a few miles from where I live – within the next three or four weeks. God willing, the sale of my family home and land concludes this coming Friday.

Given the amount of money I’ll receive, minus the value of my new home, I should have enough to last me thirty years; provided I maintain an expenses cap of £1,000 a month. With the prices of goods going up alarmingly, that will be a mammoth task. However, I have become teachable. I may even begin growing spuds for myself. (the new bungalow has a greenhouse in its back garden, as well)

I have also started using Brave browser, and they have ‘Rewards’ with Crypto Trading. Perhaps I would need help on that, I have about as much foresight as those who planned the Afghanistan/Iraq invasions. However, I have been curious on the issues of alternative investments. Never enter the Jungle without a Guide.

Last Wednesday, I was at Belfast Zoo with WAVE Omagh. Which brings me to the Proposed Troubles Pension. I have up to five years to complete the application, but only get one crack at it. Hopefully, I’ll get sufficient evidence of my Mental Health issues, and loss of income, caused by my Father’s death to merit an award.

That’s the plan.

Meanwhile, in the Gaelic Football World, Tyrone defied logic by beating Kerry in yesterday’s All-Ireland Semi-Final. In Proper Football, the Bees are still unbeaten. But Arsenal still haven’t scored, and had another tame surrender.

Clips:

Christmas – As an Aspie

Posted on by gizzajob

Being an Aspie – taking a ‘Career Break’ (lol) – I feel isolated. Friday was thirty years – to the night – since my father died in the Troubles. I ended up with a case of ‘poor-me-syndrome’ that night. However, I am grateful that I can focus on myself and helping others.

Yesterday evening, the Christmas Lights were switched on in Ardboe. It was full of parents and kids – with ‘Free Food’ (though, not in the Slimming World context, lol), and I felt isolated. In the end, a man I know – who was buying cigarettes from himself at the shop brought me home. I didn’t even get to see Santa, or the lights switched on. Such is life.

Yesterday morning, I was up since 3:45 am and was making chicken for my slow cooker at 5:10 am. The 1978 vintage gave up the ghost; there was smoke coming out of it. In the end, I ordered a new slow cooker online from Argos; at 6:20 am. The delivery arrived this afternoon; at 4:30 pm, and now the bird is stewed. 🙂

This coming Wednesday, there’s a Christmas Shopping Trip in Belfast I’ll attend. I plan to buy a gift for an online friend, and buy lights for my tree; I’ll put up the tree next Sunday. Most of the decorations were purchased on Friday at Home Bargains in Cookstown. I was with my neighbour and her five-year-old granddaughter. She’s a bright little girl, but she turned my brain into spaghetti.

Also, on Friday night, I attended a prayer vigil for the young man from Ballinderry, who’s critically ill in intensive care at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Not the news one wants to hear at Christmas time.

This morning, the electricity was off. I failed to realise about the furnace switch until I was wondering why the bled radiators weren’t omitting heat. I’m learning as I go along. 🙂

Tunes:

July Madness – And a new chapter in my life

Posted on by gizzajob

The Twelfth was last Friday – the day celebrating the Victory of William III over James II in 1690. As eggs are eggs, there are sectarian conflicts then. A Catholic man was savagely attacked in Kilkeel; while a Protestant Couple from Castledawson were chased out of their home by a Republican Mob. Most in Northern Ireland holiday away during then. I stayed at home. Although I bought groceries at Springisland Store that morning.

On Sunday, I went to People’s Park in Dun Laoghaire for a picnic with a Meetup group. The Meetup itself was run by an American woman who Lectures at a Protestant Theological College based in Carolina. (not sure which one, though) She said she has done missionary work in Africa and is in Ireland to do consultancy for the College.

Yesterday – Tuesday – I signed off the Condition Management Programme. I have now progressed to Antrim New Horizons. If I don’t start with them next Monday, it will be a few months later.

Last week, I was at the Apple Store in Belfast, as my MacBook Pro has a broken r key. Turned out that the MacBook Pro is too old to be fixed. However, I was advised to buy a remote keypad. Then, I ordered a Logitech keypad from Amazon. It arrived on Thursday. Then I had to use DuckDuckGo to learn how to open the battery latch. (Bluetooth didn’t work on my MacBook Pro)

Also, last week, I got to see my Cousin’s kids from Dubai. They were with the seven-year-old son of my other Cousin, and they were playing Minecraft on their Tablets. Being modern kids, the boy from Dubai called his Cousin a, “Douche!” while the girl said, “OMG!” I got some laughs out of that.

 

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