I bumped into an old friend, yesterday: who — flatteringly — wanted my advice, buying a laptop.
Well, one can’t not, can one?
I, of course? Suggested getting a Mac: which the friend concerned felt was a bit out of her budget.
But I WAS able to suggest a reasonably priced laptop. I’ve installed Ubuntu as the operating system: as the friend concerned only really needs it for web-surfing, email and accessing Facebook.
Today is one of my days off: and not one where I’d had anything planned, per se.
But I DID bump into an old friend: in Brentwood Library.
One who was looking to buy a laptop, from the Brentwood branch of CeX.
And who — flatteringly — wanted my advice on which one would be a good buy.
Well, yes, obviously, I told her to get a Mac!
But as she felt that was out of her price bracket? Went for a HP laptop. I’ve just installed Ubuntu onto it for her, and been able get a rough idea of the machine’s individual foibles.
Hopefully?
The lady concerned will be pleased.
~≈∑≈~
At ANY rate?
At any rate, I know the one thing I DID have planned was catching up with some TV.
Given that there was nothing on terrestrial TV I wanted to catch?
I usually have the radio on, at this time of the morning.
Usually? Usually, you can guarantee I’ll be listening to Radio 4’s Today programme: as I am at the moment.
The Thought for the Day? Told us that the relics of Saint Thomas à Becket are being transported back from Hungary: to Canterbury Cathedral, the church where he was killed by Knights Templars on the apparent orders of the king. (The ‘Who will rid me of this troublesome priest’ incident, if you know your history.)
The reason that caught my attention?
Is the fact I grew up in Brentwood.
The major Anglican Church is Saint Thomas’s, and the town was on the pilgrimage route from the north, to Canterbury, the site of the saint’s veneration.
I am glad I don’t have that sort of shift happening, today!
I’m working five in the evening: until half past nine.
I’m thankful, actually.
It means I can possibly — and sneakily — have a nap at some point, today.
Two long shifts, one after the other, are a bit heavy!
~≈†≈~
Actually … ?
Have you been watching the news?
If you have, you’d’ve seen the news of the EgyptAir plane that crashed on Thursday.
Since then? We’ve seen reports that, apparently, smoke was detected in one of the toilets: and, not long afterwards, in the planes computer systems.
Obviously, there’s speculation about what could’ve happened.
But, ex-smoker that I am?
I’m wondering if someone on that plane sneaked into the loo to have a cigarette … which they stubbed out on the floor: setting off a catastrophic chain of events, when the stub burnt through the floor, and important bits of wiring …
Who knows?
Certainly not me.
I just know I used to sneak into the loos for a smoke, on long trains journeys …
The two box sets I’d ordered from Amazon, so you know.
Frankly?
I’m currently ripping through the box set of Series nine of Dr Who: and have to admit, I’m rather impresseds with the extras: granted, they’re not as extensive as the ones on the David Tennant years.
But quite a bit more than the Matt Smith serials.
All that … ?
All that, and it’s got Last ChristmasandThe Husbands of River Song!
Although I think I’ve got a confession. I am SORELY tempted to spend a little of my savings money.
Remember, a few months ago, I managed to ruin an external hard drive I had? One with a heck of a lot of backed up TV shows.
Frankly, the only one that’s still missing is the rebooted Battlestar Galactica: which was a fantastic piece of work, and one I felt to be better than the original series.
I am sorely tempted to break into my savings, to get the box set.
I actually got home, just before seven. Grabbed something to eat … and had a shower.
And only THEN decided that, as I had the evening to myself, I should really be taking a little time to just sit in Front of the TV, and watch something.
As I was feeling clean, after a hard days work!
Clean and fed, I think I can safely say … I wanted to catch up.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll realise I’m having issues.
With my stomach, so you know.
Which is why, yesterday, I had a quick series of blood tests: checking out what’s happening with my glucose levels, and liver.
There ’ll be an ultrasound, at some point: to check on my kidneys.
Hopefully, that’ll me know what on Earth’s happening.
~≈Ç≈~
Which reminds me …
I’m off to work, today: an hour earlier than usual, after being contacted by the boss, yesterday.
Quite what’s happening, I don’t know. I know we’ve a couple of new people who’ve recently started, and I’m wondering if one has decided the job’s not for them.
You’ll know — if you’ve been reading me for the past few weeks — my stomach’s been playing up.
Lord knows why!
But?
I managed to pay a visit to my GP, a few days ago: who’s booked me in for some blood tests: which is hopefully going to show any problems with kidney and liver function.
Oh, and double check on my thyroid, as well.
I’m also due an ultrasound scan, as well: again, to check my kidneys.
You know, I managed to do myself a huge favour, last night.
Watching an episode of House of Cards, as you’re asking.
Which means I managed to avoid catching of this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Whether that’s a good thing, I don’t know: I do know, courtesy of the BBC, that the UK’s entry came third from the bottom, and that the competition was won by the Ukraine.
A song about how horrible Josef Stalin was, apparently.
Personally?
I still think the 1991 French entry, Amina, who placed second, was HAD!!
~≈Ê≈~
Just as a quick afterthought, there?
I managed to treat myself, yesterday.
Yep. I’ve added another book to my reading list. It’s at the bottom of the pile, by my bedside, so you know.
Recently, as you’re no doubt aware, I’ve been getting a seriously nasty set of stomach cramps.
That, seemingly, wasn’t shifting.
Yesterday, though, at work?
I managed to take in the Buscopan I’d been prescribed. As well as having a sandwich for dinner, instead of the usual chicken, and drinking LOTS of water.
I think I can say I managed.
Right now … ?
All I’ve got on my mind …
Is the earworm left to me by a friend on Facebook …
This going to be rushed: or, at least rushed … ish.
Why … ?
Well, Blogger seems to be having trouble, this morning: I’m getting a near enough consistent 502 error, across all browsers and from all user account on my computer.
You’re right: this post, plus three more for the Gazette, Mum’s birthday, hang around waiting for Apple to phone to sort out an issue with my account, hopefully get a visit from an old friend …
Not that I’m complaining, much.
I’m just wondering when I’m going to get time to buy Mum a birthday card … !
You know, it’s not often I manage to bag a copy of last night’s Gotham through … alternative … mean …
But last night’s … ? Last night’s episode — episode 16, Prisoners, showing us Jim Gordon’s time in prison — is beautifully twisty.
The Penguin’s biological father has turned up, and Bullock … ? Has turned to Carmine Falcone for help in releasing Jim.
It’s an oh, so much DARKER episode than most.
And one I got hold of … ?
Because of last night’s final.
~≈Ÿ≈~
This year’s World Championship final, between Mark Selby, and Ding Junhui saw Selby winning his SECOND world title: in a match that saw him winning 18-14.
Absolutely fascinating match to watch, I should add: despite eventually losing by four frames, Ding manages to clock up several century break: and, in the 15th and 29th frames, playing some serious — and seriously engrossing — tactical frames.
Personally … ?
The game was a fantastic final, with both players doing very well.
Congratulations to Mark Selby.
Personally? I think we’re going to see Ding Junhui in more finals …
