Having a bummer and then analysing it...



Patronising? Moi??? Possibly explaining a screwed up American generation.

Well I've been away... and come back again. Problem was the Blogger/Google merger thingummy which left many folk unable to publish after migration. Finally got it sorted yesterday, hence my reappearance. A bullet-point round-up will have to suffice until more regular waffles recommences:

• Most of the mental health community support has been withdrawn or axed - discharged from Day Hospital (which was only short-term anyway), Support Worker withdrawn (not incredibly surprised as I'm more on top of managing my affairs at the mo), all the central drop-ins axed... bummer! It may not be easy to quantify any outcomes, but the opportunity to touch base with fellows and have an informal contact with staff is, in my opinion, cost-effective maintenance and offers an opportunity for early intervention before a 'crisis' occurs or workers need to be allocated. The alternative is the local Mind, but unfortunately it opens irregular hours at the best of times and this week it was reported to me that only two days were available. Perhaps more importantly it just doesn't suit many people. This is in part due to the building layout but also the clique. Ah well.
• The Morissons ramble. I whizz up to the Kettering Road branch and meet up with a gang and a couple of OTs/CPNs for a wander round nearby fields. A kind've mobile drop-in I guess.
• Library. I got myself involved in a volunteer project at the local history department of the Central Library, logging collected newspaper cuttings from 1720 to 1930. Suits me fairly well at the mo which is evidenced by my remaining involved after two months.
• DLA Appeal. Was encouraged and supported by Welfare Rights and got a low award, thus getting my head just above water.
• Income Tax Rebate. Finally got round to working out how to claim it (not as easy as you may think in my particular circumstances) as it's not something one bothers about in a slough of suicidal despair. Was told it'd take 10-12 weeks and lo and behold it arrived in the 13th week.
• 'In Myself'... up and down though rather more down. Mostly Eeyore with patches of Pooh.
• The music hasn't progressed due to my low opinion of my efforts and lack of motivation. It will be noted that the only three tunes this year have been created as presents.
• Literature. Have continued trawling through the 'Classics' section at the aforementioned Biblioteca and it is still quite effective in terms of maintaining my mental health. Tomes conquered include: 'The Adventures of Roderick Random' by Tobias Smollett, 'The Ragged Trousered Philanthropist' by Robert Tressle, 'Flatland' by Edwin Abbott, 'The Shooting Party' by Isabel Colegate, 'The Idiot' by Dostoyevsky.

Phew, that'll do fer now! Just hope this publishes ok...fingers crossed... yay! See you soon.

2007 snogs

posted by Andy 08:42