Michael's Meanderings

This month was a bit more exciting. I've been using the Time to Talk phone counseling, regarding possible depression due to losing my job. It has helped to talk, though I don't think I was ever clinically depressed.

On the 7th of April my Mum fell and dislocated her hip! She was admitted to Worthing Hospital, the following Sunday my Dad and sister collected me to go an see her. This put a spanner into plans for a party for my 50th birthday (and my sister's 48th). So we returned to their home for a reduced birthday tea and cake.

Monday was my 50th birthday and I'd already arranged to go to London, so first I went to the Science Museum again. As a Plus member I'd got a voucher giving me a free Birthday cake from one of the museum shops, which was very nice. I bought a couple of books (Yuri Gagarin: The First Spaceman, and As Easy As Pi: Stuff about numbers that isn't (just) maths). Then off to Forbidden Planet and got a single book there, then had a wander around Covent Garden, where I listened to Lotus Classics a classical music ensemble who dance to their own tunes. I was so impressed I bought a CD! You can hear some material streamed from their website.

I ended my day at Penderel's Oak, High Holborn, where the Science Fiction Book Club met to discuss The Vor Game. I was pointed to this meeting by filkferengi, and it was quite interesting hearing to views of people who had never read any Bujold before. Most had bought the omnibus edition of the Young Miles, so had also read The Warriors Apprentice. I don't think anyone hated the story, and all finished it. There was some issues of story background not being that clear (for those who didn't read TWA). I had a good evening and will probably be back.

The following Friday I had to get a blood test, and delivered a volunteering application to Sussex Oakleaf. The next Monday I had my hair cut, including the removal of my pony tail after 18 year. Later I went to the cinema (on Monday the tickets are cheaper) to see Source Code, a fun romp which combined Groundhog Day with Quantum Leap in a good way. This was underlined by the father of the hero being played by Scott Bakula!

The following day I went to Worthing, mostly to see Mum, but I also visited the Library and the seafront.

I dithered about if I wanted to go to Eastercon until the last minute, (as I was feeling a bit sniffley) but as I'd paid my hotel deposit already and it was going to be very sunny I decided to risk it, and I had a good time (details to follow?)

After Easter Mum was moved to Shorham Hospital, so I went to visit on Thursday after going to see my Chiropractor in Hove (halfway to Shorham-by-Sea) so managed to kill two birds with one stone. Also popped in to Shorham Library! mum was looking forward to watching the Royal Wedding on TV. I didn't bother, and was a bit sad that as someone unemployed I didn't get any benefit of the four Bank Holidays in April!

I've seen a three films at the cinema since the new year. These included: Megamind 3D, this animated feature was the first 3D film shown at the Orion Cinema, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the continuing Narnia series with mostly the same cast but a new studio.
Lastly Tangled, a retelling of Rampunzel, which mostly makes sense.
I also watched a couple of films on Sky Box Office: Knight and Day (I think) and Scott Pilgrim vs the World. This was fun but not as great as everyone has said.

I've seen my doctor re aches in my arms and fingers and numbness in my feet. So far I've had a negative blood test. I'm still visiting my chiropractor regularly, but need to do more walking.

I've recently downloaded the Audible App for my iPod, and am now downloading and listening to a number of audio books. Withe the current membership subscription they are cheaper than hardbacks and only slightly more than paperbacks.

I'm still currently unemployed, but I've final started to make a significant effort to actually find a job. I've started tracking job seeking activity in a spreadsheet.

At the end of the month the toilet started leaking again. Luckily D was able to fix it.