mbernardi | Entries tagged with book club

Spent New Year's Day with J, went for walk in Bucham Park before lunch (kangaroo steaks!)
Saw The Adventures of Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn on TV (I have not been watching many films of TV of late
Bought Texet Power Bank (to recharge iPod) £6 at Wilco (reduced from £8), this will extend the time before I will be forced to buy a replacement.
Listened to Good Omens on iPlayer - BBC Radio production
Prior to going to to book group heard a bus knock down a pedestrian! (in the argus later) traffic stopped for hours.
To Earth & Stars pub for SF Book meeting "Good Omens" new people turned up
Sky box crashed and deleted ALL content I'd saved over the years!
Dancing wit J on Tuesdays, started to learn a new series of waltz steps.
Decided to re-read daughter of the empire (and its sequels) by wurst & feist and couldn't find my copies.
Discovered library copies at Worthing so got 1st book from there and the other 2 from Brighton (which didn't have the 1st book!)
Saw "Into the Woods" at the cinema in BH. New series of The Librarians is great fun, hope it continues, (but very Warehouse 13).
Saw dentist and got a temp filling in top left, needs proper filling next month.
Booked two tickets to see "Return to the Forbidden Planet" at the Theatre Royal in Brighton (stalls). J & I went to the matinee performance.
J had not seen it before while I'd seen at least 10 prior version. 'twas excellent as usual!
Ordered 3 throwing knives, which arrived very quickly - but were smaller than expected. I will have to source a board to throw at.
Backup of my LJ account to DW
Got my hair cut. Saw the Royal Institute Christmas Lectures (3 programs). Got first 3 episodes of Agent Carter from JA at work, very period - pity not being shown in the UK. Trying to play digital media on TV fails.
Last day of the month was the Social Dance in Crawley

The organisation I am still working for (a year after I started) is now South East CSU (Sussex IT Services).
One of the advantages of working in Worthing as I am travelling in the opposite direction to everyone going to London. As a result I have got a seat every day (apart from a couple of exceptional times).
Got the new Mercy Thompson anthology "Shifting Shadows by Pat Briggs" from Audible
For the first time I got on the wrong train (in the morning) and was travelling east (rather than west). Got off at Berwick and got in to the office an hour later than intended!
D got a second apple tree and vine, and i dug the holes to plant them into. Told him to stop buying any more trees!
Brighton Reading Group discussed Pattern Recognition by William Gibson (I didn't finish reading it) at Earth and Stars pub
Bathroom tiled so all walls and floor of bathroom covered (no longer any bare floorboards).
Went to the dentist, got filling in bottom right incisor.
Went Ballroom Dancing every Tuesday with Social Dance on the last Saturday of the month with a practice night the Friday 8 days prior to this.
Visited my family for the weekend (with a laptop issue to solve).
New Nook Simple Touch with Glowlight arrived unexpectedly. Works perfectly. However discoved that most of my books are on the US site with the Nook accesses the UK one.
Contacted support to get this resolved to no avail (Nook iOS app connects to US site)
New steel bath is finally installed (apart from the overflow)
Completed pottermore.com to date (end off Goblet of Fire)
Saw "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 3D"
Contract extended to end of March! This can of course be cancelled at any time by either party but still.. Nice to have some income while it's disappearing on bathroom refurbishment.

Very busy month, with Worldcon (see earlier posts).
Also got hair cut to shortest it has been in over forty years. Took part in MORI poll relating to radio listening (even though I don't actually listen to radio live much)
I've also been playing on pottermore.com in preparation for going to the Harry Potter Experience on 11th Sep
Updated the SD cards for my old eeePC and got triple booting linux usb hard drive working. Started LFS101x Introduction to Linux online course.
New fencing installed on one side of back garden, planted both a new apple tree and a grape vine
Brighton SF Reading Group discussed Lightbourn, which again I didn't finish (I really need to finish all these books I start).
Finished editing my 2013 Diary and sent it off to be printed (A5 size)
Used up all my eVouchers (from train delay) to buy ticket to London for Worldcon
Saw Guardians of the Galaxy at Connaught Cinema in Worthing (£3 Wed)
Checked my Oyster Card (London Travel Card) in preparation for Worldcon visit. Need to add £20 to it for journeys in London.
Picked a fair number of black berries at different times during the month (even in my garden)
Second weekend in the month was Crawley Juggling Festival - on the Saturday I did some balloon modelling, read, Kettle of Fish Cabaret in the evening was excellent as always.
On the Sunday I joined the Knife and Axe throwing workshop, actually turned out to be pretty good (should have taken a photo of my excellently matched axe throws).
Worldcon - Loncon3
Tuesday after Worldcon I was still in London and went to the British Library to see "Comics Unmasked: Art and Anarchy in the UK" last day, bought book of exhibit.
Saw the first episode of the new Dr Who at the cinema (with only 25 others - not well advertised)
My dancing partner C decided that she was unable to continue ballroom dancing (not a major issue as I normally dance with J), we'd been dancing a year and a quarter.
Bath started to leak, (dripping through the light fitting - blew the circuit breaker!) so had to get a replacement organised. (2 weeks so far without bath / shower). Washbasin has been replaced.
Managed to mung my Windows 7 PC at home (over wrote MBR with Grub2) though I also managed to recover from the problem ;-)
At work after nearly a year I got a new Windows 7 PC and found it a generally good experience.
With my Kobo Mini damaged and no longer available I have ordered a Nook ereader (so I can access my Fictionwise.com archive).
Renewed my monthly season ticket.
Dancing with J every Tue evening, but no dancing first two weeks as school closed. First Tuesday back after Worldcon. Social dance at the end of the month, we danced all the dances.

My Kobo eReader had it's ups and downs this month. The operating system / interface was upgraded to make it work more like the iOS app. Unfortunately the micro USB, used to recharge and copy files to it, got damaged do it's now unusable. In addition it appears Kobo have decided not to continue making it so a replacement is not available.
Dancing with C & J on Tuesday of every week and the social dance on the last Saturday. J arrived early but in general the number of attendees was low. Gave J a copy of Firefly (the series) for her birthday. Also booked to see the HP Experience next month with her. Paid £5 deposit for New Years party.
Weather has been warm and sunny for most of the month, so I have been wearing short sleeve shirts to work. Dress code requires a collar so T-shirts are out.
I got a discount ticket (from work) to see Billy Smart's Circus at Lancing. The seat and program together only cost £5, this may have been the first time I've seen this particular circus.
Went to see my chiropractor, and he also tried my first acupuncture on my left leg. not sure if it made any difference, did feel odd though!
Renovating my garage and back garden. CS has emptied it of his stuff and installed a back door leading to a new path in the garden. He has also installed a hefty new gate and new fencing (on the right side looking from my back door). Attempted to buy replacement front garage door but no luck.
D took me in "his" taxi to the post office to collect a package from amazon. First time he's taken me anywhere!
Bought a new watch strap, to replace the broken original one, and saw "How to Train Your Dragon 2 - 3D"
Mowed the front and back lawns (in different days).
First Monday in the month I was at the Earth and Stars in Brighton for our Science Fiction Discussion Group to talk about Device Endurance. We were relegated to a table in the main back as the upper room had been book by another function.
Had to visit the dentist to get a filling in my upper left. I arrived much too early but is was raining and I didn't want to get wet wandering around town.
Mum phoned to say that she kept getting popup adverts on her laptop, so I went to visit and sorted it out. Had to de-install a load of Adware, and a couple of apparent trojans. Started accessing pottermore.com site - eats time! but fun.
Had a cough for the end of the month, finished bottle of cough mixture.
Walk to the Post Office Delivery Office, took just over an hour and a half there and back! Collected amazon package.
Saw Monty Python Live (Mostly): One Down, Five to Go [Live at the O2] on the Gold TV channel. It was of more interest as a event than the content.
Renewed my train season ticket. Got my London hotel booking extended to a day before and after Loncon3, Mobile version of program now live.
Bought 2 pairs of shorts and 2 short sleeved shirts. Returned 2 audible books for credit.
Have had blisters on right toes, but as the first two weeks in August dancing is off, I should recover.
Last Monday of the month had a major thunderstorm. Lightning strike on electric substation at Hove station; meant no trains on South West line from Brighton. So couldn't get in to work (did get to Brighton) so went home for the day.
Sent in my Hugo and Retro Hugo votes online. Alarm clock batteries expired.
Started setup for LFS101x - Introduction to Linux at courses.edx.org/courses/LinuxFoundationX/LFS101x. Created Ubuntu 14.04.1 install on USB Disc
Also started editing my electronic diary for last year prior to printing it out.

As usual I went ballroom dancing every Tuesday, in Crawley. First week however C was ill, and I danced with a different C (whose partner was working late). Continued learning Tango with J and at the end of the moth started a simple tango in the early class with C.
First Monday of the month was the Brighton SF Book read (this month was "Cat's Cradle")
Given that MS was stopping security updates from 8th April I switched on my XP machine to get a final update.
We got infested with ants, and D had to spray sections of the kitchen. No sign since the last spraying.
Took the day off for my birthday, booked doctors appointments (re foot/leg pain and asthma review) then to TB where I was collected by my dance partner J.
We first went to Tulleys Farm, which until recently was a working farm, but has now had to become a theme farm!
Then to West Hoathly to The Cat Inn, arrived 12:00. Had green salad, steak and ale pie with chips and veg, apple and rhubarb nut crumble with custard and half of cider. Jane paid Â£50.10 for us both. Left 2:10.
Wandered around village, then to Stone Farm and back to Crawley by 3:10
Went to Rewards and finally got my Level 3 Word Processing Software (ECDL Advanced Word 2007)
Certificate at a general presentation starting at 3:30, (my certificate had a typo so it had to be replaced!) After just had a cup of tea, as I was full from lunch.
Caught the train to H and then a bus to S to surprise my sister, who had just got back from holiday herself.
We celebrated our birthdays by having a fish and chip supper and by seeing the ISS twice, once in daylight and once later in the night!
Started "Coursera - Programming for Everyone" another python programming class, and also started mowing the lawns again.
My contract at NHS Sussex IT has been extended again to the end of May, (so that's 2 months more than expected).
Ordered a new 1TB external drive, and a DVD R/RW both using a single USB connection. unfortunately the DVD was out of stock and the replacement used 2 USB wires ;-(
I've been taking more location photos for LibraryThing, including Goring Library, now I have to get around to uploading them.
Easter was this month too, and due to wanting to go to Worldcon in London in August (and Eastercon being in Glasgow) I couldn't afford to go. I did watch the announcement of the Hugo Nominees live though.
I finally got a refund from EDF on my electric bill, 3 years after moving to British Gas!
Over the Easter weekend I also made a bread an butter pudding, one of the few things I can actually cook.
I also finally managed to transfer all the data from some floppy disks my Mum had asked me to recover. Some of the files were over 20 years old (and still readable)
On 23rd World Book Night I went to Brighton Jubilee Library, Author Q&A + reading by Lisa Cutts, got free World Book Night book
Ordered and received a new Barcode laser scanner, for use with LibraryThing
I finished off sanding the bone sharing knife, that I had just started working on and then wrapped a leather handle and roughed out a sheath.
Got a new Photo ID for train travel and my previous one had faded to unreadable, than got a new monthly ticket.
Saw Rio 2 (U) at the local cinema. Sky have upgraded the Operating System in their HD+ box

This was a very busy month for me. On the first Sunday in the month J collected me to go to Ralli Hall in Hove for a free Argentine Tango class, it was interesting and fun, but not really my style.
I have started listening to audible books for an hour a day, recording the times in a spreadsheet. It forcing me to actually listen to stuff I bought and haven't got around to "reading".
This month's SF Book Club meeting at the Earth & Stars was a bit different as Amanda Hemingway came to the meeting as a guest author of our chosen book "The Devil's Apprentice" by Jan Siegel and was very interesting, we didn't actually discuss the book as much as usual as a result.
Dancing every Tuesday (except for the last Tuesday in the month due to a school play) with J. Started learning new steps in Rumba, and revised most other dances.
Social Dance was very early in the month, as the last Saturday was 22nd! the numbers were down from usual suspects, which did mean that there was more room on the floor.
Applied for a number of train delay refunds, due to poor performance as a result of the rain! Including my ticket to Grantham for 2emi6reve filkcon. This weekend I was more sociable than previously. I was joined for almost every meal and chatted in the bar area (also begged use of apple charger as mine failed!)
I got confirmation from Baldwin's that I had passed my English Functional Skill (now I'm waiting for the paper certificate).
Went to London for Picocon 31 at Imperial College, I had to leave a bit earlier than I really wanted as I had to get to Crawley for the Social Dance. It turned out to be a good thing I did as South Kensington was closed due to a demonstration.
On my last weekend I went to visit my family (my dad turned 81 earlier this week). Used my season ticked to get there for the first time, sister collected me and collected pizza and cider, which was added to fish and chips for supper.

So a new year and a resolution to update my LJ more regularly than last year, so here is my first months worth.
I stayed at J's flat (in Crawley) after the New Years Eve dance.
We had full English breakfasts (at her insistence) checked out here genre photo collection, chatted generally, left in mid afternoon. raining and trains not going north of TB so train was waiting for me to board.
The main news of the month is that it has been very wet! I don't think there has been a dry day since Christmas, though we have been luckier than some as we haven't experienced flooding. According to the papers is the wettest since records began in 1910 (in the SE 200% normal levels).
I have been listening to audio books from audible, every day on my train journey. I may even get through my back catalogue of purchases (one a month for the last 2 years) though a have listened to a large number of them. Audio books are slower going than word on a page, though you can listen walking through the rain.
I finally was able to send off my hotel booking for SemiBreve (filkcon) in February, and upgraded Loncon3 (Worldcon) membership to attending
Started watching the last series of Dancing on Ice (with Torvill & Dean)
Lost a button from my overcoat, purchased replacements and re-sew on all the buttons that were loose.
First Monday in the month was the SF reading group meeting in the Earth and Stars Brighton to discuss Altered Carbon, managed to find the next 3 months books at the various libraries I visit.
Still dancing on Tuesday, with C & J learnt Balmoral Blues with J, revised Square Tango with C
Revised my LibraryThing collection in particular group edited the "from where" setting.
SugarSync account closed and synced DW and LJ so have both backed up, updated goodreads.com with books I've actually read.
Re-read The Sharing Knife quartet by LMB
D cooked a splendid xmas/new year feast of "Greek Pastitsio - revised by D" which was a w/e eating, and the left overs lasted most of the following week.
Had a couple of power cut at work, the first was just IT, but the second was the whole building.
Friday before the last Saturday in the month was practice dance night, and was also the day the Balcome Tunnel flooded causing train delays. Got to Crawley just after 7:00 and got lift from J to St W by 7:10. Practiced all te dances we knew.
Leading to Social Dance night on the last Saturday. We danced all the dances at least once. We even did a bit of teaching/learning. Bought ticket for social dance / lecture on May 31
I got my hair cut (clipper No4)
Was unable to renew one of my books in a timely manner, and had to pay 60p fine ;(
Finally upload a FAQ to the dendarii.com website sent to my by NB last year!
Season ticket is now over £200 a month but I also go a minor increase in pay so I'm marginally better off (and I don't have to buy a ticket to Crawley either so....)
Bought train tickets to Grantham (for Filkcon) and London (for Picocon).

Nearly up to date! Discovery of the month was that my return tickets to Durrington-on-Sea from Wivelsfield is the same as from Three Bridges, which mean travel to Crawley was reduced in cost.

Saw Thor: The Dark World and later in the month Gravity (really good) both at the Orion Cinema
First Monday in the month at the Earth & Stars pub for the Brighton SF Reading Group, where we discussed Man Plus. I only finished it just before the meeting.

Visited Sussex Oakleaf @ 54 Leylands Rd to discuss their needs for a spreadsheet, and provided help creating labels.

BTC had a presentation with food and drink in their new premises. I collected all my certificates (English Functional Skills still outstanding) It was good seeing my classmates some of whom had also got jobs (as had some who didn't make it).
Went to dentist again for a temp filling, proper filling next month.

Strictly Come Dancing was in Blackpool (a milestone event) during the month.

T-Shirt from Veronica Mars kickstarter arrived. Waiting for the movie with bated breath.

Visited parents, upgraded new laptop from Win 8.0 to Win 8.1, ensured MS Anti Virus was installed and running.

Bought my first season ticket TB to Durrington. This allows me to travel anywhere on permitted routes between these two stations (so I can go to Brighton, Haywards Heath and Three Bridges at no extra cost.)

Saw Dr Who: The Day of the Doctor (50th Anniversary edition) was very good, very timey wimey looking forward to the Christmas Special.

J got back from China, and we continued learning Samba, with a private lesson (at Copthorne Village Hall - J collected me at TB) to allow her to catch up on what she missed. This included Saunter Together, Samba and Jive.

Went to Strictly Social Dancing with Ian Waite at the Hawth which started at 8pm. Small dance floor but danced a bit did Ian Waite's Cha cha and jive Fit Steps routines (don't remember them now) and listened to Ian's Q&A until 10:20 for last waltz.
The following night was last end of month Saturday Social Dance at Crawley (New Years Eve being on Tue). We were able to do a bit of jive and a bit of Samba but need practice.

I'm on two different shift patterns at work, 9-5 and 8-4 they alternate every week. On the first couple of days at work I sat with JA learning the ropes
My normal travel route to work is via Brighton, where I change trains. On my way home I get a train to BH where I change. Unfortunately there are no direct trains to Durrington-on-Sea. The office is only 30 seconds walk from the station so it's very convenient.
By the end of the first week at work I was answering the phones on my own.

Still dancing on Tuesday though it's a bit tight getting to Crawley for 7:00 when I an working til 5:00 (I have to eat before travelling). Whereas on the early shift I can eat in Crawley. Paid for my New Year dance ticket. Also J on holiday most of the month, so no partner for later dance class.

Renewed dendarii.com domain for website.
First Monday in the month was the meeting of the Brighton SF Reading Group at the Earth & Stars in Brighton were we had a fairly lively discussion of the Moon is a Harsh Mistress and confirmed Man Plus for next month.

Got a Sky wifi box which allows me to connect to the internet and download media on demand. The first program I downloaded was the 2nd episode of the new series of Haven (unfortunately the fist episode wasn't available).

First week salary was paid into my bank account. Had my eyes tested and got two new pairs of glasses.
Sat my final two tests for Business Admin L3 and got confirmation that I had passed both, meaning that I had completed my certification.

Ordered my first CD from Big Finish (Dr Who: Fanfare for the Common Men) downloaded to iPod.

Mum had to have an operation removing her eye! Surgery went well, and she came home sooner than anticipated.

Storm on the last weekend of the Month, Trains disrupted on the Monday - tried to get to work but only got as far as Brighton before giving up and going home.

BBC starting the lead up to Dr Who 50th Anniversary on 23 November.

Ordered two tickets for Strictly Social Dancing @ the Hawth for J & I and I saw Vampires Rock at the Theater Royal in Brighton.

As usual went to Job Centre and Rewards on Tuesdays.
On the First Wednesday in the month I went to the Library Book Club discussion as usual, we had read my suggestion Naked In Death by J D Robb.
Dancing in the evening, on my own or with B (dance teacher) learnt new sequence dance Saunter Together
Doctor Who started a new series in this the 50th anniversary year.
On my birthday my sister collected me and then we all went off to dinner after which my parent decided to buy a new car!
The following day was my sister's birthday, we didn't go out but stayed in for a fish and chip supper. went home the following day. Dad took me which was amazing as the previous year he had been legally blind!
I continued to volunteer at Sussex Oakleaf, worked to help provide an internal audit of the organisation.
Had to visit dentist to get filling replaced.
On Tue 23rd went to dance class and then got a lift to the Crawley library for World Book Night event, with a quiz and free books. Got a bus to Three Bridges and then home.
Saw Doctor due to stye in my eye, very sticky eye cream needed to remedy this.
Went to London on 26th for an interview, also managed to visit The National Portrait Gallery for the fist time and Forbidden Planet Megastore. The interview was so limited in scope it could have been conducted over the phone, and I didn't get the job either!
I also started going dancing on Friday's in Haywards Heath in the Methodist Hall. (Where I had previously been taught in 1979!)
Went to see Iron Man 3 on the last Saturday in the month before going off to Crawley for the monthly social dance. Even without a partner I managed to dance a fair number of times, and had a good time.

I've been going to Rewards Training in Haywards Heath when ever I had to go there (or further north) and been working on my ECDL Advanced (spreadsheeet) module. ie when I have to sign on, or when I go dancing.

In the morning two Tuesdays back, my new dancing shoes arrived. They have a slightly narrower and higher heel than I'm used to, but fit well and are comfortable. Once I got used to them they were great to dancein. It was also my sign on day in the afternoon, (you no longer get a set time, its arranged in the previous meet, the day is the same though.) I then went to Rewards and spent time on learning about spreadsheets. I am actually learning new stuff in this module, unlike the standard ECDL where it was mostly refresher material. The following day was dance night so I stopped for more training early in the day. Neither partner turned up so I was danincing with the teacher duting my one lesson.

Friday I had a review with CDG in Crawley (got my train fair refunded), discussed job searching and made next appointment for the new year. I discovered the Crawley ASDA and bought some new clothes.

Fictionwise.com is closing this month, I've been buying stiff from them since Nov 2000 (though my last purchase was April last year). I tried to download ALL my ebook titles (all 576) and I managed to get most of them. I also hope to transfer them to the Barnes & Nobel Nook Books store but...

Last Monday I went to see "Rise of the Guardians" at the cinema. I originally went to see the early showing, but when I got there I realised I'd left my wallet at home and the change in my pocket was not enough to pay for a ticket ;( So home I went, but decided that I still wanted to see the movie so left again, with wallet, and hour and a half later. It was fun, though I do wonder if the Easter Bunny is a major character down under.

I also bought a Kobo mini ebook reader from WHSmiths. It was on special offer and I bought the last one in the store (it was just closing and the price was going up in the morning). It can read epub and PDF format and uses the kobo books store. However there is a simple web browser which allows purchased from elsewhere on the net. It wieghs about the same as my iPod but is twice the screen size. Uses eInk so a charge lasts a while.

Last Tuesday I visited the chiropractor, I must reduce my ipod use (especially in my left hand). It should be zero but... My thumbs do hurt, also my back has started to pain me intensely again.

Last Wednesday was busy. In the morning it was snowing as I went to training at Rewards in Haywards Heath. It was a light dusting and had all gone by lunch time. Then it was off to the Library for the monthly Book Club discussion. Two other people turned up so we decided to keep going. Then it was off to Crawley, I bought a new sheet at ASDA, there is nowhere locally to get bedding (without needing a car). Then dance lesson, K was there P was not so I didn't dance in the early lesson. It was all revision of the material we had been learning over the last year. including the new steps of the jive, and most of the sequence dances.

Friday I was back at Sussex Oakleaf, while J was there first (she was not feeling too good) I did use my keys to open the other office! I finished off the address database and generated labels in a mail merge, and showed J how to do it herself (it's not that hard once you know how). I also fixed the wireless printer (both office printers had the SAME IP address, so would only work when the other one was off) and it now prints fine.

Just discovered Sir Patrick Moore died yesterday. Space just got smaller.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Current Location: At Home

Continued working on the Python course. I've completed all 7 exercises and 3 assignments (the last one went poorly) I've only got the exam to complete (which I intend to do tomorrow).

Clocks went back so evenings are even darker.

Strictly Come Dancing has become very exciting at the halfway point, any one could win.

I got an emergency call from my Mum, their Internet had died. I had to provide a spare router and setup (and documented) the replacement systems. Stayed over then back home.

Had an interview with a local company, haven't heard one way or another as yet.

Last Wednesday went to library book club only 3 of us there. May close due to lack of interest. Then collected ECDL certificate from Rewards (and the new ECDL Advanced training manual). Then to Crawley ate at Jubilee Oak then 2 hours dancing (no K as she was exhausted by an interview earlier) But J returned.

Signed on at Job Centre and started ECDL Advanced ( Excel) at Rewards training centre.

Today saw chiropractor, got hair cut then to Crawley for fish & chips at the Jubilee Oak and then off to dancing.

Posted via LiveJournal app for iPhone.

Current Location: United Kingdom, England,West Sussex,Crawley District, Crawley

This month's book club was "The Two Pound Tram" by William Newton, for the first time I completed the book, it was a shorter book, so was an easy read. Set in Sussex during World Word II it managed to feel almost documentary even though it was almost entirely fictional.

Then I got a student discounted haircut at Boomerang in Burgess Hill

The next few Business Admin courses were shorter and got first test at the beginning of the month and the final one at the end of the month, passed both. This completed "EDI Technical Certificate in Principles of Business & Administration Level 2". Got a new ID card that will be valid for next year as I got funding to take the Level 23 course in the new year.

I upgraded Lucid Puppy Linux on my eeePC, all the advantages of the Ubuntu repository with a smaller footprint Linux.

I also finally upgraded my iPod Touch 2G to iOS 4.2.1 (which is the last version of iOS which will work on this older device). This means that iBooks is now available, up to 20 apps were updated after the upgrade. The actual upgrade process took nearly a week! possibly due to the age of the PC I was using to do the upgrade. I haven't got around to jailbreaking the iPod yet as the only feature that I really miss is the option to stop rotation, and some apps have this as an option.

I subscribe to Audible.co.uk and buy at least one audio book each month. This isn't too expensive at £7.99 each month, which if it's a reading of a hardback is cheaper than getting the book.

I have been borrowing more books from the library and have therefore managed to reduce my book purchasing by a significant amount, I've tried to reduce it to less than 2 books a week!

Had to pay my TV License which was a fairly large chunk of change. But it's worth it just for Doctor Who and David Attenborough!

After regular visits to CDG (usually every two weeks after signing on) I went for a mock interview. This allowed me to experience an interview without the pressure of wanting to get the job. I wasn't able to prepare however as I didn't know what the job was for until I arrived!

Book Club this week was King of the Badgers by Philip Hensher, this wasn't very popular either and once again I was unable to finish. Even though I haven't been particularly good at completing the books I have enjoyed the discussion and have been able to contribute something.

Completed the second Business Administration module and passed the on-line test

Got my annual flu shot, and blood test at the doctors.

Completed the excel forms for the Sussex Oakleaf Finance Team and then started helping at The Yews with admin.

During Half Term completed last week of Job search & Interview skills and handed in course work.

The Renovation Worldcon Program book arrived in the post.

After working at The Yews, I went to Rewards office and collected my ITQ certificate.

Had to return to the dentist for a tooth repair. The to the Book Club reading "Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain, which no one like and a few of us didn't complete. More of an historical source that something to read. Then got a discounted haircut.

Strictly Come Dancing started which meant a Strictly episode every day until December!

Took my third ITQ module test (Presentations 2007) at the Rewards Crawley office - passed 94%
then completed the last module at the main office in Haywards Heath "Improving Productivity Using IT" which I passed at 93% which completed the certificate.

In the middle of the month, after the Reach workshop on job search and Interview skills, I went to Zippo Circus in Crawley

Went to my family to celebrate my niece's 20th birthday, my sister gave me a lift to Haywards Heath the following day so I could sign on at 10:00.

Re-started my Business Administration course on Monday morning.

Most important event of the month was that with major help from my parents I was able to pay off my mortgage a year early. This meant that I didn't have to pay over £3000 in interest, it also meant I didn't have to worry about becoming homeless.

The next day was the monthly Book Club the book being "The Believers" by Zoe Heller which I didn't finish either.

Then the next day I saw my dentist for my 6 month check up, my asthma review at the doctors, and the first ITQ module test on Word 2007 which I passed with 97%!

The next weekend was the Crawley Circus Festival at the Hawth including the Kettle of Fish evening performance in the evening. Got a lift home, and on Sunday from I.

On Tue 9th I had to start a Work Programme Insite Appointment at CDG in Crawley, which was supposed to provided more in depth assistance to longer term unemployed. However most of their services have been covered by the Reach Program! But it's a JSA requirement. One good thing, travel expenses are re-embursed so train travel cost are recouped.

Unfortunately I was unable to got to Renovation the Worldcon in Reno, Nevada due to lack of money. but I did try to catch a flavour of the program via twitter, and streamed media.

Mum had to return to hospital again with hip problems

On Thursday 18th I returned to Central Sussex College, Crawley for a Reach workshop leading to "NCFE Award in Job search & Interview skills" this was a day a week for six weeks

I took the second ITQ module Excel 2007 and passed at 94%

At the end of the month I saw an amateur production of "Return to the Forbidden Planet" at the Hawth, which was held in the small Studio, good fun though.

Michael's Meanderings

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