Its starts . . .

What a difference a day can make. Here is a prime example that you never know how things will turn out and what hand fate may deal you.

Friday I had an interview. It was for a part time job working for a Chiropractor in Richmond. It was going to be about 15 hours a week split between Richmond and Ealing. Not ideal, not by a long shot, but its work and that's always a good thing, especially after being unemployed for six months now.

I went in, talked about the role until I was informed that half an hour before my interview, the guy interviewing me, was called about the full time CA (chiropractic assistant) in Croydon was going to go off sick for a month. There was the offer of that if I wanted it. Of the two options, it certainly was appealing. So leaning towards that, we went to get a coffee and talk over the details a little more. He left to go back to the office, telling me to come back at 3pm to meet one of the two Chiropractors in Croydon and perhaps learn a little more about what I have to do and how to do it.

When I go back, I meet the fellow, whom then takes me for coffee (OMG caffeine OD!) and explains how the practice works, numbers, hours, clients etc. Its during this time (a mere half an hour after speaking to the first fellow) that I discover the CA is in fact nor returning to work and thus the roll would be full time permanent. Woohoo! By the sounds of things, I'll have my work cut out for me organising and putting systems in place.

Having spent my first day there today, Saturday, I can see a lot that needs doing. First and foremost in my mind, the place needs to be clean. Ewwww it's really, really bad! And there is just stuff everywhere. Just you wait, I'll get it in ship, shape order. You guys know what I am like.

Last night I met up with Rachel, Pax HA from Maine who was in London on her way home from France. It was really good seeing her and catching up and just talking and sharing. It was a lovely evening weather wise too, a lovely summer night sitting in The Garden Gate's beer garden. I then walked up the hill with her back to Pax to find Maria Plaza sleeping and dazed on Heather's couch! I wouldn't at all be surprised if she woke this morning wondering if it was a dream!

Life is about to sort itself out. Watch this space.

Markers

Even an electronic marking of time cannot escape the fate of simply being forgotten with the passing of time. It sounds funny to say it like that, but indeed it's the fate of all the journals I have. I've not a single journal where all the pages are filled. Its almost like I get bored with them and move onto the next one. Or perhaps the cover, the pages, the pen are a reflection of the person I am during the duration of the journal's life, and once that phase has ended, thus too must the journal.

I can't say a lot has happened in a month. But that also is a lie in itself. No longer do I find myself a resident at Pax Lodge, I now call Catford home. For a little while anyways. I'm still looking for work, the 4th of June will mark six months being unemployed, the last three of those an utter nightmare of trying to keep myself sane and occupied and my brain from becoming a stagnant mass of well, nothingness really. I think I've exhausted every puzzle book I have. I'm thinking I should start taking IQ tests just to keep my brain pumping and happy and alive.

June is almost upon me. Yes indeed it brings the promise of summer and fine weather and a life and vibe in London which most people probably hate by now, but one I am looking forward to getting to know again. Summer here is amazing. Alive. Colourful. Busy. Varied. I love it. Indeed the past week or so has seen some glorious sunshine and made my freckles which have been exposed to it, stand out with colour. I think my skin is glad to see sunshine. And a sunshine which won't burn it to the core.

South London is a rather curious place. Let me make this clear now -I did not expect a suburb like Hampstead! I am well aware that the area in which Pax Lodge sits is a rather nice one and not one replicated in many places. In saying that though, the Catford area really isn't that bad. Yes, it's a little poorer. Yes, the transport links leave a lot to be desired for, but it's not that bad. I have moments where I feel out of place amongst people, being only too aware that my skin colour is far too pale for these parts. But I don't feel unsafe. Just different. I take all experiences I have as something new to learn and feel and well, experience. From that point of view I am loving it.

And it certainly hasn't hampered my job hunting either. Since my arrival in March I think I've now hit the 500 applications/e-mails/CV lodging mark. That's insane. The number of interview to come out of that? I think I barely make 20. Of those I've been shortlisted from 400 down to 20, or 10, or 8 or even 2. But not quite close enough yet to secure an income. God I hope I can soon. I really hate being poor!

But there again, its not as bad as it could be. I have clothes and food and a roof over my head. I should be thankful for that. I'm healthy (minus a rash which I think is actually an allergy to something). For the most part I'm happy, though a job and seeing Erin again would certainly fill the quota of happiness in my life. Generally speaking. I'm doing well.

I recently went to the theatre again, this time to see A Doll's House which stars the ever amazing Gillian Anderson. Doing the maths I figured it was 10 years or so since I realised that she did theatre and that same amount of time that I promised myself that I'd see her in the flesh, performing on stage. You have to admit, that is kinda amazing! I've actually done that! Unfortunately she didn't come down to the stage door between the matinee and the evening show, but that's okay. I've still chances to come.