Adrian’s All, post 2 

It’s off to work we go 

My big news is I did some work this week. First since leaving the NHS on 30 June. I got two days unpacking lorries at a food depot in Watford. It was the first manual labour I’d done for 30 years and it’s sufficient to say someone else is now typing this on my behalf. The doctors and psychiatrists say I should be right as rain by Monday; sooner if I stop crying. By coincidence the depot was next to where an old university friend lived so I took the opportunity to catch up with her and that was lovely, so every cloud and all that. And I was genuinely grateful for the work. I met some nice people there too.   

The job hunt continues daily. I’ll be straight back on it after typing up this blog. I’m applying for seasonal work as well as substantive stuff so I might be the face of your mince pies this Christmas.  

You’ll never Standalone 

It was the Standalone 10k last Sunday, and I won’t lie I’m struggling for a put-down with this one. It’s a very tough course but despite that I got my fastest time (50:34) since getting back into running. I started and finished the run with a good friend and was the recipient of a couple of acts of kindness that day that I won’t discuss but want to acknowledge. They can carry you a long way.  

There’s no stool like an old stool  

As extra cash would be handy right now, on Monday I applied to a local research company where you can donate your poo for medical purposes. After lying my way through the application form they came back to say that as I’m approaching 50, I’m too old for the programme anyway. How rude. My wife is selling some of her old stuff on Vinted currently so for a short while I thought we’d both be making money off our shit (boom boom). Alas, it’s not to be.   

Quick filim* nods  

I mentioned my review of move ‘I Swear’ last week and that’s released nationwide today. It’s had four- and five-star reviews across the board.  Do check it out, it’s brilliant. In other film news however, I saw a movie called ‘Good Boy’ on Monday. It was a typical horror story but told from the perspective of a dog. Ten people walked out of the screening at various points. I thought it was awful. However, if you like dogs it might be for you. To apply balance here is a three-star review from The Guardian. If you do see it, I’d be curious what you thought.

*filim is the Irish for film  

Bloody Mary  

I found out this week that my recent blood donation went to St Mary’s in Paddington. This was once my local hospital, so I’m pleased with that. I often wondered if a bit of you travels with your blood and some poor bugger is talking shite on the ward right now. Nonetheless it’s another thing for good causes that costs nothing and I’m very happy to do it. Sign up here if you can.  

World Mental Health Day  

It’s World Mental Health Day and I’m very happy to raise awareness of that. As the site says, mental health doesn’t take a day off. We all have it, be it good or bad and a big step is acknowledging that. I think I have good mental health because I do specific things in my week that are good for it, but I know it could be a different story if I didn’t. So do something nice for yourself today and if you can, maybe share this link with family and friends. 

London Ultra Comedy – you’re invited 

I mentioned in last week’s blog that I’ve signed up for a charity stand-up gig on 30 November. No one thinks I’m funny so it should be hilarious. Check your diary and if you’re free, come along with your friends. Some of you reading this have seen me do stand-up before and know I’ve had my ups and downs with it, so your support would be appreciated. I met some of the other people who have signed up last week. There’ll be plenty to unpick after the gig trust me. I already love them all.  

’cause you’re there for me too – look who I’m friends with  

I met Diabetes UK* legend Jo Brodie on Zoom this week and she was an absolute star. She read last week’s blog and got in touch with some helpful work tips around public engagement in the science field. She told me about her current projects including producing Computer Science for Fun with colleagues at Queen Mary’s. Check if your local school receives a copy and if not get them to place an order. I have tons of homework from Jo to mix into my job searches.   

One final bit for the friends’ section is a mention of my good friend Chrissy Norwich who has been super kind and helpful in signposting me to work opportunities. In return I’d like to share a link to her details. Chrissy is a Psychotherapist, Counsellor & Life Coach and has some availability if you would like to book an appointment.  

*Jo and I worked together at Diabetes UK back in the noughties  

Final thoughts 

I want to thank everyone who gave me feedback on last week’s post. Some thought I might have a piled a bit too much into it and I acknowledge that. It turns out this week’s is even longer. But thanks very much if you have gotten this far. Whether there’s two of you or 200 I’m deeply grateful.  

Do send any thoughts or feedback you have to adrianphelan@hotmail.co.uk