"There are many paths to redemption, not all of them are peaceful..."
In the words of Marvin Gaye..."What's going on?"
First it was New Zealand, where my good friends in Christchurch suffered the devastating earthquake and continual aftershocks, and now it's Japan where my niece currently resides, with their own tragic events.
I'm happy to report that all my friends and family are fine, but just what is going on?
I apprecaite the media and internet coverage is significantly advanced in these modern times, but even taking this into account there still seems to be far more disasters in recent times than in past generations.
I guess this just echoes my previous point that life is too short and you have to make the most of every moment and opportunity that comes your way.
By way of a contradiction to this sentiment, it is with much regret and a very heavy heart that I must report that although my spiritual journey to find a home remains ingrained in my physche, I must however concede defeat with certain aspects of this persuit - purely for financial reasons I hasten to add.
Therefore, my planned adventure to New Zealand, originally scheduled for August & September this year has been put back to...October 2017.
This may seem a lifetime away, but believe me six and a half years will fly by.
When I think where I was and what I was doing six and half years ago, it only seems like yesterday.
(Incidently for the curious among you, I was living in Batheaston and working for TNT in Bristol).
October 2017 will mark my 50th birthday, and what better way to celebrate this landmark occassion in style.
All my financial obligations will have been met in five years time, giving me eighteen months to raise substantial funds to really treat myself to one helluva time in NZ.
When I reluctantly reached this ultimate decision, it also coincided with the news that my good friend Ange has put back her wedding originally due for September 3rd this year.
Catching up with Ange and being part of her special day was the main purpose of my intended visit.
Hearing that her plans have changed softened the blow somewhat, although I'm still very disappointed that I will be unable to attend her wedding when she does reset the wedding date. I really hope that she understands, but having said that...never say never! You never know...circumstances may change making it possible to attend after all ~ as one door closes, another door opens?
Quite rightly she wants her wonderful city of Christchurch to be restored to some degree of normailty, and hopefully her currently condemned church can also be rebuilt back to it's former glory.
Although I'm planning for the future, I still believe in living for the present...carpe diem and all that!
So any opportunities that enter my life will be grasped with both hands, and nothing will ever be taken for granted...Live every moment ♥ Laugh every day ♥ Love beyond words ♥
Nomadic Steve
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Simple Pleasures
"when the darkness takes me over,
face down, emptier than zero,
invisible you come to me...quietly.
Stay beside me, whisper to me "Here I am", and the loneliness fades.
Some people think I'm somethin', well you gave me that, I know,
but I always feel like nothing when I'm in the dark alone,
you provide the soul, the spark that drives me on,
makes me something more than flesh and bone..."
My niece recently commented that she finds it incredible that I can stay so positive, but I really think it's just a state of mind mixed in with an inner strength and indomitable spirit. This feeling is what drives me on relentlessly on my journey to find a true home and settle down one day.
As previously mentioned, there are still plenty of simple pleasures to be experienced in life irrespective of your state of wealth.
Most ordinary folks take for granted some of these simple pleasures, but when you've experienced the bad times you can really appreciate the good times when they arrive in your life, even if they are small things.
So in no particular order here are just a few of the simple pleasures in my life which I never take for granted, but that I do really appreciate when they occur.
* sharing lunch or a drink (or both!) with a dear friend and catching up with all of their news.
* enjoying a Sunday breakfast in a cafe, reading the newspapers and watching the world go by.
* viewing your bank statement on pay day!
* hearing a familar old tune, transporting you back in time to a memorable time.
* having a cold beer with the lads on a Friday afternoon, after a hard week's graft at work.
* eating a bag of chips as you stroll along the promenade or beach if the tide is out.
* making an idiot of yourself on Wii as you try to compete with your friends' kids.
* treating yourself to a rare but inexpensive luxury from time-to-time.
* sharing a sweet kiss or warm hug with someone special in your life.
* re-living happy times & memories through shared pictures on Facebook.
* snuggling up under a duvet on a rainny Sunday afternoon watching an old movie.
* giving a little something to somebody in need, knowing that you've made a difference.
* visiting a new town or city, or re-aquainting yourself after a long absense.
* finding a 'fiver' or better still, a 'tenner' in the back pocket of your old jeans.
These are just some of the simple pleasures in my life ~ make the most of them and enjoy them at every opportunity!
Nomadic Steve
face down, emptier than zero,
invisible you come to me...quietly.
Stay beside me, whisper to me "Here I am", and the loneliness fades.
Some people think I'm somethin', well you gave me that, I know,
but I always feel like nothing when I'm in the dark alone,
you provide the soul, the spark that drives me on,
makes me something more than flesh and bone..."
My niece recently commented that she finds it incredible that I can stay so positive, but I really think it's just a state of mind mixed in with an inner strength and indomitable spirit. This feeling is what drives me on relentlessly on my journey to find a true home and settle down one day.
As previously mentioned, there are still plenty of simple pleasures to be experienced in life irrespective of your state of wealth.
Most ordinary folks take for granted some of these simple pleasures, but when you've experienced the bad times you can really appreciate the good times when they arrive in your life, even if they are small things.
So in no particular order here are just a few of the simple pleasures in my life which I never take for granted, but that I do really appreciate when they occur.
* sharing lunch or a drink (or both!) with a dear friend and catching up with all of their news.
* enjoying a Sunday breakfast in a cafe, reading the newspapers and watching the world go by.
* viewing your bank statement on pay day!
* hearing a familar old tune, transporting you back in time to a memorable time.
* having a cold beer with the lads on a Friday afternoon, after a hard week's graft at work.
* eating a bag of chips as you stroll along the promenade or beach if the tide is out.
* making an idiot of yourself on Wii as you try to compete with your friends' kids.
* treating yourself to a rare but inexpensive luxury from time-to-time.
* sharing a sweet kiss or warm hug with someone special in your life.
* re-living happy times & memories through shared pictures on Facebook.
* snuggling up under a duvet on a rainny Sunday afternoon watching an old movie.
* giving a little something to somebody in need, knowing that you've made a difference.
* visiting a new town or city, or re-aquainting yourself after a long absense.
* finding a 'fiver' or better still, a 'tenner' in the back pocket of your old jeans.
These are just some of the simple pleasures in my life ~ make the most of them and enjoy them at every opportunity!
Nomadic Steve
Monday, March 7, 2011
The McCambridge Redemption
"Just a revoluntionary with a pseudonym ~ I'm serving a sentence to write life's sentences..."
My spiritual journey to find a home has taken up residence for the next five years in Chichester, West Sussex unless anything startling occurs in the meantime.
The old phrase 'never-say-never' still rings true, but being realistic I have to accept that my forseeable tenure is at my current address. Not that I'm complaining - far from it, as I'm happy and grateful to be sharing a home with great people in Josie & Glen.
I must admit though it is difficult sometimes when I've been exclusively independent for the past twelve or so years, but I just need to keep my head down and get on with life as best I can.
It's at times like this that the analogies and metaphors for prison life ring true once again.
Firstly, I feel like I'm serving a sentence which is testing my spirit, fortitude, and strength as personisfied by the main character, Andy Dufresne in 'The Shawshank Redemption'.
And then secondly, I feel inspired by the comical genius of Ronnie Barker aka Norman Stanley Fletcher in the sitcom 'Porridge' who uttered the following three rules to prison life:
"1. bide your time,
2. keep your nose clean...and,
3. don't let the bastards grind you down!"
Fletch's many pearls of wisdom help to keep me going, as like he also said, 'little victories' can lift the heart.
You can't buck the system, but you can have the occassional little cheer along the way.
I am in the process of utilising a supportive company (McCambridge Duffy) to enable me to re-finance my assets and debts, which will involve being tied into a legally binding commitment for the next five years.
During this period I may well be restricted in lavish expenditure such as exotic holidays, women (lol) or gifts, but all this will do is make me appreciate my life all the more when this commitment has expired.
Like I always say, you have to experience the bad to appreciate the good, and I know the time will soon fly by. In the meantime I will still find a way to enjoy myself even if it may be slightly down-scaled from before.
There are many simple pleasures in life to be experienced.
I enjoyed a great day last weekend with my good friend Jo in Winchester, and in a months time I will be visiting my great friends Glenn, Ruth & 'Rose in Ireland.
Two years have passed since I previously spent some time in the company of these wonderful people, so I still have so much to look forward to.
Then there is my ever-so-supportive friend, Elona - hopefully we can arrange a time to meet up for a lazy lunch again, and she can tell me all her wonderful news in person.
And finally, I hope to arrange a time to see Lou and her girls as this always makes me happy :)
As the legendary blues guitairst BB King sang..."Let The Good Times Roll".
Nomadic Steve
My spiritual journey to find a home has taken up residence for the next five years in Chichester, West Sussex unless anything startling occurs in the meantime.
The old phrase 'never-say-never' still rings true, but being realistic I have to accept that my forseeable tenure is at my current address. Not that I'm complaining - far from it, as I'm happy and grateful to be sharing a home with great people in Josie & Glen.
I must admit though it is difficult sometimes when I've been exclusively independent for the past twelve or so years, but I just need to keep my head down and get on with life as best I can.
It's at times like this that the analogies and metaphors for prison life ring true once again.
Firstly, I feel like I'm serving a sentence which is testing my spirit, fortitude, and strength as personisfied by the main character, Andy Dufresne in 'The Shawshank Redemption'.
And then secondly, I feel inspired by the comical genius of Ronnie Barker aka Norman Stanley Fletcher in the sitcom 'Porridge' who uttered the following three rules to prison life:
"1. bide your time,
2. keep your nose clean...and,
3. don't let the bastards grind you down!"
Fletch's many pearls of wisdom help to keep me going, as like he also said, 'little victories' can lift the heart.
You can't buck the system, but you can have the occassional little cheer along the way.
I am in the process of utilising a supportive company (McCambridge Duffy) to enable me to re-finance my assets and debts, which will involve being tied into a legally binding commitment for the next five years.
During this period I may well be restricted in lavish expenditure such as exotic holidays, women (lol) or gifts, but all this will do is make me appreciate my life all the more when this commitment has expired.
Like I always say, you have to experience the bad to appreciate the good, and I know the time will soon fly by. In the meantime I will still find a way to enjoy myself even if it may be slightly down-scaled from before.
There are many simple pleasures in life to be experienced.
I enjoyed a great day last weekend with my good friend Jo in Winchester, and in a months time I will be visiting my great friends Glenn, Ruth & 'Rose in Ireland.
Two years have passed since I previously spent some time in the company of these wonderful people, so I still have so much to look forward to.
Then there is my ever-so-supportive friend, Elona - hopefully we can arrange a time to meet up for a lazy lunch again, and she can tell me all her wonderful news in person.
And finally, I hope to arrange a time to see Lou and her girls as this always makes me happy :)
As the legendary blues guitairst BB King sang..."Let The Good Times Roll".
Nomadic Steve
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Somewhere Else
"I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars...the rest I just squandered."
The above infamous quote from the legendary George Best, sort of resonates with me too!
And the title 'Somewhere Else' applies to me in that the full lyrics read as follows:
"I've seen enough, everyone I love lives somewhere else."
Since my recent health scare, I've found myself questioning my mortality and what (if anything) I will leave behind in terms of my legacy.
When you also consider the devastating events in Christchurch, you realise that life is too short and you must make the most of it.
So what if it appears that I've wasted my money on wining and dining women...I can recall as many happy times as I can sad heartbreaks, and I know that I have helped out at least three lovely ladies financially, so I can honestly say that I have contributed in helping them to turn their respective lives around.
As content as I am living in West Sussex once again, I can honestly say that family apart, all the people that I love do indeed live somewhere else.
This is the essence of my entire blog - my spiritual journey to find a home.
I've already bored you with all the details of my persuit for happiness through previous blogs, but my heart (or at least a small part of it) remains in Berkshire, Somerset & Gloucestershire, Ireland and New Zealand.
My journey continues onwards and I remain open to any opportunities that come my way.
To all of you living somewhere else...and you know who you are ~ I LOVE YOU ALL!
Nomadic Steve
The above infamous quote from the legendary George Best, sort of resonates with me too!
And the title 'Somewhere Else' applies to me in that the full lyrics read as follows:
"I've seen enough, everyone I love lives somewhere else."
Since my recent health scare, I've found myself questioning my mortality and what (if anything) I will leave behind in terms of my legacy.
When you also consider the devastating events in Christchurch, you realise that life is too short and you must make the most of it.
So what if it appears that I've wasted my money on wining and dining women...I can recall as many happy times as I can sad heartbreaks, and I know that I have helped out at least three lovely ladies financially, so I can honestly say that I have contributed in helping them to turn their respective lives around.
As content as I am living in West Sussex once again, I can honestly say that family apart, all the people that I love do indeed live somewhere else.
This is the essence of my entire blog - my spiritual journey to find a home.
I've already bored you with all the details of my persuit for happiness through previous blogs, but my heart (or at least a small part of it) remains in Berkshire, Somerset & Gloucestershire, Ireland and New Zealand.
My journey continues onwards and I remain open to any opportunities that come my way.
To all of you living somewhere else...and you know who you are ~ I LOVE YOU ALL!
Nomadic Steve
Friday, February 25, 2011
Canterbury Tales
"Christchurch is undoubtedly one of New Zealand's most liveable cities, combining an easy-going provincial charm with an emerging energy and verve of a metropolis. Modern bars and restaurants complement Gothic architecture, and locals know how lucky they are to blend all the attractions of a city with the relaxed ambience of a small town..."
The above excerpt taken from the 14th edition of New Zealand's Lonely Planet guide book, may seem contradictory to the current plight of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake, but due to the special people that live in this fantastic city, I have every confidence that this beautiful place will be restored to its' former glory before too long. The strength and spirit of the people, as personally witnessed on numerous occassions, will shine through once again...of that I am absolutely sure.
Located within the Canterbury region, Christchurch is traditionally the most English of the cities in New Zealand. Although I often site Queenstown and Wanaka as my spiritual homes, there remains a special place in my heart for Christchurch too.
This is partly based on the fact that I first set foot on New Zealand soil in Christchurch to finally realise my dream, and also for the fact that I have a great friend living there in Angela Paul.
I first arrived in Christchurch in November 2008, and stayed at the Chateau On The Park hotel for a couple of nights. I was to return there a week or so later for a further few nights, and then when I decided to return to NZ in March 2009, I used this beautiful hotel as a base for the start and end of my monthly adventure.
The Chateau is a lovely hotel with friendly staff and fantastic facilities.
I enjoyed some fun times here; one story I'll recall a little later...the rest you'll have to leave to your imagination, as like I said previously...a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. Lol!
To reach the city centre from The Chateau you need to navigate either around or through the spectacular Botanic Gardens. I've never been a real horticulturist or garden lover, but I must admit I enjoyed walking through these gardens on countless occassions on my way into the city centre. It has a very calming influence on you, and the variety of colours on display lifts your heart.
Once in the city itself, there is plenty to marvel about.
The tremendous Cathedral Square with the street entertainers and mini-markets keep you enthralled for hours, and any city with two Starbucks on hand will do for me!
There are also plenty of great restaurants to eat at, and I remember one fantastic Italian lunch I enjoyed with Ange, as well as a classic risotto dish I shared with some friends, Brian & Christine at the same restaurant, naturally washed down with a gorgeous bottle of red wine.
As well as the regular shops there are the usual souvenir stores, and as mentioned in an earlier blog there is also the best tattooist I've ever experienced - Otautahi Tatu.
I was extremely pleased to hear that all my friends there were safe and sound after the earthquake, as was Ange and all of her family...my heart goes out to all the residents in Christchurch and any affected elsewhere in the Canterbury region.
To conclude my blog I'll leave you with a fun story as indicated earlier.
On one memorable occassion I was enjoying my first taste of the legendary Mac Gold beer in The Chateau bar, whilst watching the Rugby League World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand.
The bar was full of Kiwi's with two exceptions - me and an Australian fella.
Now this guy was the stereo-typical loud mouth Aussie, who just wouldn't shut up.
The All Blacks were convincingly beating the English (no suprise there), and there was the expected good natured banter between the Kiwi's in the bar and myself. Generally, they weren't gloating at all but the Aussie guy wouldn't let up. In the rugby league world Australia are the kings, whereas in the union game the Kiwi's naturally feel their beloved All Blacks rule the world. The Aussie fella continually reminded everyone in the bar of this, and of what was to happen to the All Blacks when they met the Aussies in the impending final (Australia were the overwhelming favourites against the winners of the New Zealand/England semi-final).
Fortunately at half-time he departed and left us in peace, but not before I endeared myself to all of the Kiwi's in the bar, by repeating a comment I once heard from Billy Connolly...
"YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL AN AUSTRALIAN...BUT YOU CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH!"
Even better was to follow as the New Zealand underdogs came from behind to spank the Aussies in the final.
Christchurch - I wish you all well from the bottom of my heart.
Nomadic Steve
The above excerpt taken from the 14th edition of New Zealand's Lonely Planet guide book, may seem contradictory to the current plight of Christchurch after the devastating earthquake, but due to the special people that live in this fantastic city, I have every confidence that this beautiful place will be restored to its' former glory before too long. The strength and spirit of the people, as personally witnessed on numerous occassions, will shine through once again...of that I am absolutely sure.
Located within the Canterbury region, Christchurch is traditionally the most English of the cities in New Zealand. Although I often site Queenstown and Wanaka as my spiritual homes, there remains a special place in my heart for Christchurch too.
This is partly based on the fact that I first set foot on New Zealand soil in Christchurch to finally realise my dream, and also for the fact that I have a great friend living there in Angela Paul.
I first arrived in Christchurch in November 2008, and stayed at the Chateau On The Park hotel for a couple of nights. I was to return there a week or so later for a further few nights, and then when I decided to return to NZ in March 2009, I used this beautiful hotel as a base for the start and end of my monthly adventure.
The Chateau is a lovely hotel with friendly staff and fantastic facilities.
I enjoyed some fun times here; one story I'll recall a little later...the rest you'll have to leave to your imagination, as like I said previously...a gentleman doesn't kiss and tell. Lol!
To reach the city centre from The Chateau you need to navigate either around or through the spectacular Botanic Gardens. I've never been a real horticulturist or garden lover, but I must admit I enjoyed walking through these gardens on countless occassions on my way into the city centre. It has a very calming influence on you, and the variety of colours on display lifts your heart.
Once in the city itself, there is plenty to marvel about.
The tremendous Cathedral Square with the street entertainers and mini-markets keep you enthralled for hours, and any city with two Starbucks on hand will do for me!
There are also plenty of great restaurants to eat at, and I remember one fantastic Italian lunch I enjoyed with Ange, as well as a classic risotto dish I shared with some friends, Brian & Christine at the same restaurant, naturally washed down with a gorgeous bottle of red wine.
As well as the regular shops there are the usual souvenir stores, and as mentioned in an earlier blog there is also the best tattooist I've ever experienced - Otautahi Tatu.
I was extremely pleased to hear that all my friends there were safe and sound after the earthquake, as was Ange and all of her family...my heart goes out to all the residents in Christchurch and any affected elsewhere in the Canterbury region.
To conclude my blog I'll leave you with a fun story as indicated earlier.
On one memorable occassion I was enjoying my first taste of the legendary Mac Gold beer in The Chateau bar, whilst watching the Rugby League World Cup semi-final between England and New Zealand.
The bar was full of Kiwi's with two exceptions - me and an Australian fella.
Now this guy was the stereo-typical loud mouth Aussie, who just wouldn't shut up.
The All Blacks were convincingly beating the English (no suprise there), and there was the expected good natured banter between the Kiwi's in the bar and myself. Generally, they weren't gloating at all but the Aussie guy wouldn't let up. In the rugby league world Australia are the kings, whereas in the union game the Kiwi's naturally feel their beloved All Blacks rule the world. The Aussie fella continually reminded everyone in the bar of this, and of what was to happen to the All Blacks when they met the Aussies in the impending final (Australia were the overwhelming favourites against the winners of the New Zealand/England semi-final).
Fortunately at half-time he departed and left us in peace, but not before I endeared myself to all of the Kiwi's in the bar, by repeating a comment I once heard from Billy Connolly...
"YOU CAN ALWAYS TELL AN AUSTRALIAN...BUT YOU CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH!"
Even better was to follow as the New Zealand underdogs came from behind to spank the Aussies in the final.
Christchurch - I wish you all well from the bottom of my heart.
Nomadic Steve
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
The Reckoning
"...and you can have it all, my empire of dirt, I will let you down, I will make you hurt.
If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way"
~ Johnny Cash
So here I am in the week of my personal reckoning!
My entire future appears to be mapped out, dependent on decisions received concerning my health, my finances, and personal life in my persuit on my spiritual journey to find a home.
On Monday February 21st I visited St.Richards hospital in Chichester for a full examination to finally attempt to find out what's been causing my illness since last November.
I received the standard gastroscopy exam as expected, but due to some discovered damage in my stomach I also had a biopsy to see what's wrong. Unfortunately, I won't get any results until the end of the week.
There is still excess acid being produced by my stomach, which is travelling back up my oesophagus causing the lining of my chest walls to scar, but hopefully the continual medication that I can now resume taking will control this, or at least keep the condition in check. The whole process has left me rather delicate and sore, and I feel so tired...too tired to actually sleep, but I feel that if I could nod off I'll be able to sleep for a week!
The letter from The Financial Ombudsman Service arrived as expected, and they sided with my old bank.They did however admit certain liabilities and compensation is to be awarded, but this is rather insignificant as it just gets eaten up by the exsisting debts.
I immediately contacted an independent debt relief agency, and they proved exceptionally helpful.
They advised me that the best course of action in my specific circumstances is to request an Independent Voluntery Arrangement (IVA), rather than go down the bankruptcy route.
All the appropriate information has been passed on and I'm currently awaiting my request for an IVA to be approved by my creditors, and if I'm successful then this becomes legally binding.
I will then repay a fixed sum of what I can realistically afford for the next five years, and this will only stay on my credit file for an additional year providing I maintain all payments throughout the term of the agreement.
In effect this is just like a personal loan, but my creditors are getting repaid only approximately a third of my outstanding debt. I'm not particularly proud of this course of action as previously I've always been very good concerning my financial commitments and obligations, but I honestly have little choice.
And finally, as previously indicated I had some hopes of a romantic nature, although I was understandably cautious. It's still early days but I think this caution is justifiable as what can I seriously offer a woman other than a kind heart and a good soul? I believe that money shouldn't matter more than love itself, but in reality this isn't really the case. I remain a humble man who is poor in life but rich in love...but that just isn't enough in the modern world.
I also tried to improve my circumstances by applying for a company position as a Research Analyst in Wellington, New Zealand. But I was overlooked for this vacancy, although I remain very doubtful whether I could have obtained the neccesary work visa anyway, due to my financial situation.
This also means that my New Zealand adventure planned for later this year may have to be reconsidered.
But on reflection I reckon with a bit of stringent budgeting I can still save enough to enjoy my friend's wedding celebrations, and have a great time in my spiritual home...Ange, I won't let you down!
Despite the recent earthquake in Christchurch, where Ange is due to be married, I am determined to visit this wonderful country for a third time.
So for the forseeable future my home remains in Chichester, West Sussex whilst I try to live my life as best I can. I am shortly going to be visiting my good friend Jo Rolfe in Winchester, who I haven't seen for a few years despite constantly keeping in touch. I also hope to arrange another visit to enjoy a lunch with my great friend Elona in Theale, especially as she's proved so supportive in helping me with some forms connected to my refinancing.
Another trip to Cheltenham beckons too, as I hope to see Jimi, Denn and the boys again.
And hopefully, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend I shall finally make good my promise to return to Ireland to catch up with my great friends Ruth, Glenn & 'Rose.
If any romantic developments happen then this may well result in a change of venue, but like I say my current circumstances don't exactly offer much hope.
Despite the support of my family and a close network of friends, I do have a sense of feeling awfully alone.
But my spirit remains upbeat despite all of these issues, and I intend to put a positive spin on events if possible. No matter what the future holds, I've been in worse situations in the past and I survived all of those to live and tell the tale...SO BRING IT ON!
Nomadic Steve
If I could start again, a million miles away, I would keep myself, I would find a way"
~ Johnny Cash
So here I am in the week of my personal reckoning!
My entire future appears to be mapped out, dependent on decisions received concerning my health, my finances, and personal life in my persuit on my spiritual journey to find a home.
On Monday February 21st I visited St.Richards hospital in Chichester for a full examination to finally attempt to find out what's been causing my illness since last November.
I received the standard gastroscopy exam as expected, but due to some discovered damage in my stomach I also had a biopsy to see what's wrong. Unfortunately, I won't get any results until the end of the week.
There is still excess acid being produced by my stomach, which is travelling back up my oesophagus causing the lining of my chest walls to scar, but hopefully the continual medication that I can now resume taking will control this, or at least keep the condition in check. The whole process has left me rather delicate and sore, and I feel so tired...too tired to actually sleep, but I feel that if I could nod off I'll be able to sleep for a week!
The letter from The Financial Ombudsman Service arrived as expected, and they sided with my old bank.They did however admit certain liabilities and compensation is to be awarded, but this is rather insignificant as it just gets eaten up by the exsisting debts.
I immediately contacted an independent debt relief agency, and they proved exceptionally helpful.
They advised me that the best course of action in my specific circumstances is to request an Independent Voluntery Arrangement (IVA), rather than go down the bankruptcy route.
All the appropriate information has been passed on and I'm currently awaiting my request for an IVA to be approved by my creditors, and if I'm successful then this becomes legally binding.
I will then repay a fixed sum of what I can realistically afford for the next five years, and this will only stay on my credit file for an additional year providing I maintain all payments throughout the term of the agreement.
In effect this is just like a personal loan, but my creditors are getting repaid only approximately a third of my outstanding debt. I'm not particularly proud of this course of action as previously I've always been very good concerning my financial commitments and obligations, but I honestly have little choice.
And finally, as previously indicated I had some hopes of a romantic nature, although I was understandably cautious. It's still early days but I think this caution is justifiable as what can I seriously offer a woman other than a kind heart and a good soul? I believe that money shouldn't matter more than love itself, but in reality this isn't really the case. I remain a humble man who is poor in life but rich in love...but that just isn't enough in the modern world.
I also tried to improve my circumstances by applying for a company position as a Research Analyst in Wellington, New Zealand. But I was overlooked for this vacancy, although I remain very doubtful whether I could have obtained the neccesary work visa anyway, due to my financial situation.
This also means that my New Zealand adventure planned for later this year may have to be reconsidered.
But on reflection I reckon with a bit of stringent budgeting I can still save enough to enjoy my friend's wedding celebrations, and have a great time in my spiritual home...Ange, I won't let you down!
Despite the recent earthquake in Christchurch, where Ange is due to be married, I am determined to visit this wonderful country for a third time.
So for the forseeable future my home remains in Chichester, West Sussex whilst I try to live my life as best I can. I am shortly going to be visiting my good friend Jo Rolfe in Winchester, who I haven't seen for a few years despite constantly keeping in touch. I also hope to arrange another visit to enjoy a lunch with my great friend Elona in Theale, especially as she's proved so supportive in helping me with some forms connected to my refinancing.
Another trip to Cheltenham beckons too, as I hope to see Jimi, Denn and the boys again.
And hopefully, over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend I shall finally make good my promise to return to Ireland to catch up with my great friends Ruth, Glenn & 'Rose.
If any romantic developments happen then this may well result in a change of venue, but like I say my current circumstances don't exactly offer much hope.
Despite the support of my family and a close network of friends, I do have a sense of feeling awfully alone.
But my spirit remains upbeat despite all of these issues, and I intend to put a positive spin on events if possible. No matter what the future holds, I've been in worse situations in the past and I survived all of those to live and tell the tale...SO BRING IT ON!
Nomadic Steve
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Valentine's Day Blog
"Love is always new. Regardless of whether we love once, twice or a dozen times in our life, we always face a brand-new situation."
Just a short piece to wish all the other single people out there a Happy Valentines Day.
It can be quite sad sometimes on February 14th, when you see couples enjoying this special day...but don't lose hope and don't lose heart. Having said that you may be happy to be on your own, and it's far better to be alone than in a miserable relationship.
To all of you who are in a relationship, make sure you appreciate each other and spoil each other every chance you get!
As for me, a quick update since my previous blog on where I'm at after hitting the crossroads of my journey.
Technically speaking I remain single, but things are progressing nicely personally for me on a potential romantic level.
I'm slightly reserved in terms of not wanting to tempt fate too soon, as there are numerous obstacles standing in our way preventing love from running smoothly.
Fortunately, I have always been a very patient man, so I can wait...and I believe that she is worth waiting for, so time will tell I guess?
If things develop as I wish, then my long search and quest to find my spiritual home may finally be over!
Next Monday I'm attending St.Richards hospital for my long awaited gastroscopy and biopsy, and fingers crossed the examinations will finally provide some answers to my state of ill health.
On a positive note, since contracting this condition I've lost nearly a stone in weight and at least two inches around my waist...so the purchase of some new jeans and smart trousers is imminent!
Finally, the noose around my neck is tightening with regards to my old banking problem.
After nearly two years of wrangling my case has been passed from an adjudicator to an assessor at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
By the time my next blog comes around I'll finally have an answer as I've just been informed that a decision is in the post!
So all being well my love life, my health, and my wealth will all be resolved in the next few weeks.
I'll keep you all informed...watch this space!
Nomadic Steve
Just a short piece to wish all the other single people out there a Happy Valentines Day.
It can be quite sad sometimes on February 14th, when you see couples enjoying this special day...but don't lose hope and don't lose heart. Having said that you may be happy to be on your own, and it's far better to be alone than in a miserable relationship.
To all of you who are in a relationship, make sure you appreciate each other and spoil each other every chance you get!
As for me, a quick update since my previous blog on where I'm at after hitting the crossroads of my journey.
Technically speaking I remain single, but things are progressing nicely personally for me on a potential romantic level.
I'm slightly reserved in terms of not wanting to tempt fate too soon, as there are numerous obstacles standing in our way preventing love from running smoothly.
Fortunately, I have always been a very patient man, so I can wait...and I believe that she is worth waiting for, so time will tell I guess?
If things develop as I wish, then my long search and quest to find my spiritual home may finally be over!
Next Monday I'm attending St.Richards hospital for my long awaited gastroscopy and biopsy, and fingers crossed the examinations will finally provide some answers to my state of ill health.
On a positive note, since contracting this condition I've lost nearly a stone in weight and at least two inches around my waist...so the purchase of some new jeans and smart trousers is imminent!
Finally, the noose around my neck is tightening with regards to my old banking problem.
After nearly two years of wrangling my case has been passed from an adjudicator to an assessor at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
By the time my next blog comes around I'll finally have an answer as I've just been informed that a decision is in the post!
So all being well my love life, my health, and my wealth will all be resolved in the next few weeks.
I'll keep you all informed...watch this space!
Nomadic Steve
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