I find it ironic, that after I stopped going to the centre, my social calender just exploded. It is rare to have a day where I don't have something on. And such a variety of stuff as well.
For starters, the Mental Health Support Group. The monthly meeting was on the 3rd, which was actually quite interesting considering we had a liaison officer from the police attend, and explain a number of MH related issues with the police, the most important being how a number of officers are now receiving special training to deal with people who have mental illnesses or disabilities.
On the 12th, it was the monthly outing. Our trip this time was to the Reptile Park up at Kariong. Though it was a muggy day, it was a good day out. I enjoyed wandering around the place, looking at the wonderful assortment of critters, some which I have never seen before. I really liked seeing Elvis the crocodile have a feed, a pair of dingoes having a run around their pen, cassowaries, koalas, many varied species of birds (including black cockatoos, tawny frog-mouth owls and long-legged stilts who were nursing a new arrival), Tasmanian devils, echidnas (I could've belted that US tourist that called it a hedgehog... ), a platypus, snakes, lizards, monitors, goannas, and my particular favorite, a wombat. The day was even made more memorable after I scooped up a $20 note someone had dropped in the foyer, then converted it for a photo-opportunity later in the day. (I really couldn't refuse the opportunity. He was so adorable! But don't take my word for it... )
Sigh. Before the 12th I hadn't never even seen a live one before. (Plenty of road-killed ones though, unfortunately.) This one was very well behaved, and was still quite heavy for one only a year-and-a-half old. It felt like that I was cuddling a fat dog.
Then there have been the obligatory appointments with C/link, and their appointed job agencies. To get the ball rolling in the month, I saw the Salvos for the last time on the 1st, where I was finally transferred over to CRS, whose office is just across from the Post Office in Gosford. It was interesting to learn that the consultants there include psychologists and therapists. The initial meeting (on the 7th) had me just filling out some paper-work. I'm still waiting to meet my consultant.
I also had a brief appointment with C/link as well on the 4th. It was very brief. It answered one question, then created another. It seems a bit strange to be now with a Disability Employment Service, yet still getting Newstart...
This nicely leads us up to the psychologist appointments. The final one last Tuesday (8th) was my last Medicare supported one for the year. The treatment will continue in 2012. I don't need to go into too much detail about them, seeing I've already mentioned the outcome. The dietician should get a mention as well. On the 9th, I was informed that I had actually put 5 kgs back on, but honestly do not look or feel any fatter. I suggested the possibility of me having toned up thanks to soccer, and she agreed. Needless to say, I am going to try to shed a couple of kilos before my next appointment in May 2012.
There was a Mariners match as well. On the 12th, they played host to Melbourne Victory. It was the Mariners of old, squandering a number of opportunities in front of goal, and only escaping with a 0 all draw. The game was made more enjoyable by the presence of three team-mates from the soccer team. We had a meal and a couple of drinks beforehand, and discussed plans for next season, amongst other things.
The day before that, there was the interview I recorded at the art gallery in East Gosford. It can be downloaded/listened to at the Coast Arts website. Just look for the November 13th interviews.
Gaming has been good. Two trips to Sydney to play in a Blood Bowl league down there, with a third this Sunday. Of the seven opponents I have to play, I've already played five of them. I only had to have played three by the end of November. On the 5th, up to Wallsend (Newcastle) to play in a league up there. I can say that I have now managed a win in both leagues.
Finally, there have been a couple of dates. One which I have already mentioned, and the other which was last Monday (14th). It was with one of the younger female gamers here on the coast, one of the few gamers whom I have actually got time for these days. (I hardly see any of them. I don't even chat with them online either. Mind you, it's not as if I have any real reason to visit the local hang-out much these days, or have anything to talk to them about. Gaming in Sydney, I must say, has been a lot more enjoyable.) It was a nice lunch at the club, plenty to talk about, and a walk around Gosford looking at books afterwards. All in all it was a good afternoon.
Well, I think I have covered everything. I can post this, and continue to listen to the test cricket for another hour and a bit. I wonder if the Aussies will stuff this one up somehow...
Ciao!
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