Effects loop

Sometimes I hold off on writing one of these blog entries, should I have some minor escapade planned. Today, I knew I needed to go out to pick up some energy meter top-ups and my medication so, logically, I chose to wait until I got home to write something. There was a certain anxiety inherent in my journey, as I now know that I will usually have something to document.

And it won’t be good.

Well, this wasn’t the worst thing ever. Just a little embarrassing. Anyway, it’s Bank Holiday Monday today, which I was totally unaware of. I know a lot of local shops have closed down due to the effects of the lockdown, but it was like the post-apocalypse out there today. I did manage to get some meter credit sorted, which was a high priority, but the shutters were down at the pharmacy I usually go to. I really don’t think dispensers of life and death medication should be allowed to close on weekends and Bank Holidays.

It is now 2023, after all. Let’s update some opening policies, shall we?

At least I got something done. Sadly, I did get barked at by some arsehole’s yappy little mutt outside the shop. Dear All Dog Owners, if your dog barks incessantly at people for no reason, please do not tie them up directly outside places of public interest. Yours Sincerely, Every Other Human Being on the Planet Earth.

Fucksakes.

Oh well, I’m back home now and the oven’s on to reheat some takeaway leftovers. I need to put a grocery order in too, but I’m not desperate for supplies as of yet.

My guitar guru has been away for a week or so sunning himself, since it is the school holidays and all that. This is why he hadn’t yet acknowledged the guitar I sent him. Apparently, his neighbour texted my friend to let him know that he’d taken a parcel delivery for him, which is how he found out. It seems he responds to his neighbour’s messages, but not mine. I’m guessing my friend will be back home today or tomorrow, so I hope he likes what I got him.

It’s so nice that people only contact me nowadays when they’re worried they might be a victim of identity theft.

Well, I treated myself to some guitar accessories last night, which should arrive Wednesday. It’s not anything fancy, just a cable, some earplugs, an ebow, and a bunch of high E strings (they tend to break the most). I’ve never used an ebow before, so I’m quite excited to play around with it. I believe it allows you to hold a continuous note without actually plucking the strings. Very cool. The above guitar guru recommended one years ago and, for some reason, it’s taken me this long to finally take the plunge.

I’m still knocking about with singer-songwriting, instead of just instrumentals. I was encourage this morning when I realised I had one of my own songs stuck in my head. That has to be good, right? I’m actually tempted to contact that music school I went to briefly a few years ago for some basic singing lessons. I think shyness is my worst enemy. A softly-spoken person stands out like a sore thumb in a northern English town.

I also rearranged some amps in my living room too, as my little music nook has gotten rather cluttered. Some gear isn’t as accessible as I’d like it to be, which creates health and safety issues. It’s a work in progress!

Since I still need to go out for my medication this week, I’m wondering whether to tie it in with a trip to the pub. I haven’t been to one since May which, surprisingly, hasn’t bothered me as much as I thought it would. I am saving quite a bit of money, I must say. Hmmm, maybe I’ll just wait until the weekend and buy in my usual party box of red wine and go crazy with some bad movies.

Smash cut to…

So, yes, that’s my life at the moment - not much happening, but lots of things bothering me. I’m feeling better off my antidepressants. Those horrible “adrenaline seizures” have officially stopped, which makes it all worth it. I can actually go to bed now without fear of my head nearly exploding.

It’s the little things in life.

I dug out the film Walk the Line to watch the other day. I actually went to the cinema with my dad to see it back in 2005. Joaquin Phoenix is just amazing in everything he does. Seriously, I think he should get an Oscar every year JUST for being Joaquin Phoenix, regardless of whether he's worked that year or not. Plus it has Reese Witherspoon in it, whom I will forever have endless time for. Hey, have you ever noticed how you never see Reese Witherspoon and Amy Poehler in the same room together?! Well I have. I’m onto you, Reese Poehler! Anyway, I can relate to Cash’s difficulties with alcohol and being cursed with a creative spirit. The bit where June Carter’s mum tells June to go help out Cash when he’s having a meltdown always makes me tear up. I’m not 100% sure why:

Maybelle: You should go down there to him, June.

June: Mama?

Maybelle: He's all mixed up.

June: I am not goin' down there, if I go down there...

Maybelle: You're already are down there, honey.

See? I couldn’t even paste that in without having a little cry. I guess everyone needs a friend, even mixed up people.

Well, my late lunch/early dinner is ready, so I best sign off here.

Do stay in touch, darlings.

Toodles!