Well it's the end of 2009 and some of you may have recieved a text from me this morning. Apologies for my little bit of phone spam, but this is my New Year's Eve charity drive!
I want y'all to consider donating to my challenge, and more importantly to SANE.org.uk (via this website) on this particular day of the year, where 90%* of the planet will be getting more than a few bevvies down their gullets!
* - true facts, not just some random figure I've pulled out of the air... Well OK it is of course, but still, you get the idea, right?
Please consider donating while considering the massive* sacrifice I am making in the name of charity.
* - well, massive for me anyway.
This time last year I would have already been on my way through a crate of buck fast, well OK I'm exaggerating of course, but hey, this is how they do it in all those preachy charity commercials...
Anyway, tonight is significant for me. When I decided to do this challenge the first thing I thought was, "but how will I resist drinking over New Years Eve?" and in fact I was originally planning to begin the challenge on 1st January 2010, so that I could have my big, end-of-the-year piss up!
So if you want to give a little nod and raise a glass for myself then why not donate the cost of that one pint you might have bought me on this merry ocassion and give it to a worthy charity instead?
Thanks for all your support in 2009 and I hope you all have a lovely New Year's Eve and then an even better 2010!
Thursday, 31 December 2009
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Caffeine
I remember when I was about 15, a few friends and I were at a houseparty. We were drinking alco-pops and getting typically silly, typsy and wrecking all around us.
Someone suggested trying Pro-Plus: The caffeine tablets that are designed to prevent you from falling asleep. So I took a few of these. They didn't seem to have any physical effect, I thought, as I climbed into a wardrobe and refused to come out. Several hours later I was still tweaking. I was in a violent mood, I wanted to fight or wrestle or smash something, or someone.
Eventually this pent up energy was unleashed on a close friend and it all ended in me shouting abuse it him. Somehow he was the source of my annoyance and frustration. Immediately after we fell out, I felt terrible. I knew I had been wrong, but I also felt apologising was pointless, as he wouldn't be able to believe I was sincere after seeing me behave like such a totally different person.
Weeks or maybe months later we were able to be friends again, but I never felt our relationship completely healed after my caffeine fuelled outburst.
Needless to say, I now realise that another chemical to add to my list of "substances that I react badly too" is caffeine. Today I've been feeling that same sense of pent up energy that is begging to be unleashed on something or someone quite violently or explosively.
If I could channel it creatively, then we'd all be good, but it's very hard to focus. Writing this right now, is my attempt at pulling on the reins a bit.
I'm off to Tescos in a minute to get me some decaf. Hopefully I don't kill anyone on my way to the checkout.
Someone suggested trying Pro-Plus: The caffeine tablets that are designed to prevent you from falling asleep. So I took a few of these. They didn't seem to have any physical effect, I thought, as I climbed into a wardrobe and refused to come out. Several hours later I was still tweaking. I was in a violent mood, I wanted to fight or wrestle or smash something, or someone.
Eventually this pent up energy was unleashed on a close friend and it all ended in me shouting abuse it him. Somehow he was the source of my annoyance and frustration. Immediately after we fell out, I felt terrible. I knew I had been wrong, but I also felt apologising was pointless, as he wouldn't be able to believe I was sincere after seeing me behave like such a totally different person.
Weeks or maybe months later we were able to be friends again, but I never felt our relationship completely healed after my caffeine fuelled outburst.
Needless to say, I now realise that another chemical to add to my list of "substances that I react badly too" is caffeine. Today I've been feeling that same sense of pent up energy that is begging to be unleashed on something or someone quite violently or explosively.
If I could channel it creatively, then we'd all be good, but it's very hard to focus. Writing this right now, is my attempt at pulling on the reins a bit.
I'm off to Tescos in a minute to get me some decaf. Hopefully I don't kill anyone on my way to the checkout.
Monday, 28 December 2009
Day 60
So Christmas time with my family was bloody great fun! And even though I should maybe resist the urge to say it, I firmly believe removing alcohol from my life has made me appreciate the value of friends, family and general relationships with human beings. Which is good.
So what pressies did I get for Chrimbo?
Well I got the obligatory crap clothes (might wear the jeans though), underwear and a selection box, but I also got MONEY!! (Yay! That'll go towards my London trip in January!), a Stylophone and a new coffee percolator. I've been wanting one of these for a while and now I can have that pleasing ritual, smell and taste of coffee in my kitchen every morning, allowing me to assume a faint air of maturity and sophistication. Though after 3 Espressos today, I'm gonna have to get myself some decaf.... JITTER-TASTIC!!
Other than that, fun times out 'clubbing' (sort of) on Boxing Day and yesterday. Enjoying some new films and generally lazing about. I might be working on NYE but nothing confirmed yet. If I get out of it I'll be seeing in the new year at my sister's house, with a nice big dinner and more family larfs. So fingers crossed!
So what pressies did I get for Chrimbo?
Well I got the obligatory crap clothes (might wear the jeans though), underwear and a selection box, but I also got MONEY!! (Yay! That'll go towards my London trip in January!), a Stylophone and a new coffee percolator. I've been wanting one of these for a while and now I can have that pleasing ritual, smell and taste of coffee in my kitchen every morning, allowing me to assume a faint air of maturity and sophistication. Though after 3 Espressos today, I'm gonna have to get myself some decaf.... JITTER-TASTIC!!
Other than that, fun times out 'clubbing' (sort of) on Boxing Day and yesterday. Enjoying some new films and generally lazing about. I might be working on NYE but nothing confirmed yet. If I get out of it I'll be seeing in the new year at my sister's house, with a nice big dinner and more family larfs. So fingers crossed!
Friday, 25 December 2009
Day 56 (Christmas)
This morning I woke up with just the right mix of joy, self-satisfaction and desire.
I felt joy at the idea of Christmas and that feeling of everyone around you, all your neighbours, all the politicians and famous people, all feeling that same subtle sense of warmness and festive cheer to some degree. I also felt a sense of joy that I am able to wake from my bed, see that the sun is out, it isn’t as cold as other days and that I have an excuse to feel relaxed and rested. My sister is coming later to pick me up, so no need to rush or do anything.
However, it was that perfect mix of feeling relaxed and content that made me want to pick up my guitar and continue working on my recent acoustic songs. It was the same feeling that made me believe in my abilities, my potential: A realistic concept of my potential instead of the blurry, daydream version I hold onto when feeling insecure.
It’s this sense of having all I need and being comfortable in myself that motivates my creative side. I need to wake up with that feeling more often.
I wish it could be Christmas everyday…
I felt joy at the idea of Christmas and that feeling of everyone around you, all your neighbours, all the politicians and famous people, all feeling that same subtle sense of warmness and festive cheer to some degree. I also felt a sense of joy that I am able to wake from my bed, see that the sun is out, it isn’t as cold as other days and that I have an excuse to feel relaxed and rested. My sister is coming later to pick me up, so no need to rush or do anything.
However, it was that perfect mix of feeling relaxed and content that made me want to pick up my guitar and continue working on my recent acoustic songs. It was the same feeling that made me believe in my abilities, my potential: A realistic concept of my potential instead of the blurry, daydream version I hold onto when feeling insecure.
It’s this sense of having all I need and being comfortable in myself that motivates my creative side. I need to wake up with that feeling more often.
I wish it could be Christmas everyday…
Thursday, 24 December 2009
Day 55
Well it's Christmas time again. I've got my pressies all wrapped up and I'm chilling out by the Christmas tree, with my laptop, broadband, external hard drive (with hundreds of films) and TV (just in case) all next to me. Oh and not to forget those lovely mince pies!
Heading up to my parents tomorrow and looking forward to the festivities. Yes, all those silly, pointless things that make Christmas what it is. I love them. Just for one day.
Other than that, not much to report. Been out a couple of times to bars with friends, have been questioned about my reasons for doing this Sober For A Year challenge a few times and have found zero temptation to drink. I guess there's sometimes a tiny little part of me thinking (as I predicted before it would) "I've quit long enough now, I've nothing more to prove anymore, a wee drink would hardly be a big deal now!" which is just my willingness to give into social pressure. My willingness to question my own principles. It still bothers me that I can give into self-doubt so easily. I guess I can be modest, I don't give myself enough credit for the cool things I have done in my life, because I think modesty is more 'attractive', but actually it often just means people don't respect you or take you so seriously.
Well, I see big changes in the New Year. New things and shiz. Hopefully.
For now, I'm away to watch some crap 80s Sci-Fi. Yeeeeeeeeeeeooooooo!!
Have a good one folks!!
Heading up to my parents tomorrow and looking forward to the festivities. Yes, all those silly, pointless things that make Christmas what it is. I love them. Just for one day.
Other than that, not much to report. Been out a couple of times to bars with friends, have been questioned about my reasons for doing this Sober For A Year challenge a few times and have found zero temptation to drink. I guess there's sometimes a tiny little part of me thinking (as I predicted before it would) "I've quit long enough now, I've nothing more to prove anymore, a wee drink would hardly be a big deal now!" which is just my willingness to give into social pressure. My willingness to question my own principles. It still bothers me that I can give into self-doubt so easily. I guess I can be modest, I don't give myself enough credit for the cool things I have done in my life, because I think modesty is more 'attractive', but actually it often just means people don't respect you or take you so seriously.
Well, I see big changes in the New Year. New things and shiz. Hopefully.
For now, I'm away to watch some crap 80s Sci-Fi. Yeeeeeeeeeeeooooooo!!
Have a good one folks!!
Sunday, 20 December 2009
Day 51
Today I was attacked by a group of teenagers who broke onto the site, (through the large opened gate, whoops) scared the fuck out of me when opening the door to my security hut and then pelting me with snowballs!
As I started chasing them I noticed about 10 more of the wee bastards at the gate ready and I was pelted with even more frosty love! They got me a few crackers right in the gob, knocking off my glasses at one point aswell. I tried to chase them back out, to get the gate locked, but several of them used their weight to prevent me from closing it. As I was on my own, there was pretty much fuck all I could do. I tried shouting at them, but eventually I just retreated to my security hut, locked the door and phoned the police.
Eventually the group (made up of about 15 or so little employees of Satan) just gave up and left. A few minutes after that I locked the gate. I then phoned the police back to earnestly tell them not to bother coming afterall.
Obviously it was the humiliation of the situation that stung the most, but I was most concerned about the fact that if they had been smart, or inclined, having seen that I was completely helpless on my own, they could have easily broke onto the site and done whatever they wanted. Causing damage to staff vehicles nearby and all the other property here.
Had they decided to split apart and run riot about the place, I would have been royally fucked! There was no way I would have been able to catch them all or chase them about the place.
It was kinda funny though. Had I been watching the whole ordeal from another perspective I would have found it all pretty hilarious actually.
The reason I didn't see them coming through the gate though is because the design of this hut is like a green house. There are many large windows, which means throughout the day, I was being blinded as the sun moved across the sky. There are no window shades or tinting, so to sit here all day in the one spot is to basically become a human pot plant absorbing all the lovely UV rays while your retinas are fried in the process.
To combat this, instead of blinds or tints on the windows, there are other chairs strategically placed around the room that I assume I am meant to move onto depending on the time of day and position of the sun! Yea, it's funny because it's true. *sigh*
So obviously I was sitting in a position to avoid the sun at the time these wee shites broke in. Well I say "broke in" what I really mean is "walk casually onto the site without being presented with the slightest challenge".
On the plus side, I actually have something to talk about to the other security guard when he arrives at 7pm to let me go.
As I started chasing them I noticed about 10 more of the wee bastards at the gate ready and I was pelted with even more frosty love! They got me a few crackers right in the gob, knocking off my glasses at one point aswell. I tried to chase them back out, to get the gate locked, but several of them used their weight to prevent me from closing it. As I was on my own, there was pretty much fuck all I could do. I tried shouting at them, but eventually I just retreated to my security hut, locked the door and phoned the police.
Eventually the group (made up of about 15 or so little employees of Satan) just gave up and left. A few minutes after that I locked the gate. I then phoned the police back to earnestly tell them not to bother coming afterall.
Obviously it was the humiliation of the situation that stung the most, but I was most concerned about the fact that if they had been smart, or inclined, having seen that I was completely helpless on my own, they could have easily broke onto the site and done whatever they wanted. Causing damage to staff vehicles nearby and all the other property here.
Had they decided to split apart and run riot about the place, I would have been royally fucked! There was no way I would have been able to catch them all or chase them about the place.
It was kinda funny though. Had I been watching the whole ordeal from another perspective I would have found it all pretty hilarious actually.
The reason I didn't see them coming through the gate though is because the design of this hut is like a green house. There are many large windows, which means throughout the day, I was being blinded as the sun moved across the sky. There are no window shades or tinting, so to sit here all day in the one spot is to basically become a human pot plant absorbing all the lovely UV rays while your retinas are fried in the process.
To combat this, instead of blinds or tints on the windows, there are other chairs strategically placed around the room that I assume I am meant to move onto depending on the time of day and position of the sun! Yea, it's funny because it's true. *sigh*
So obviously I was sitting in a position to avoid the sun at the time these wee shites broke in. Well I say "broke in" what I really mean is "walk casually onto the site without being presented with the slightest challenge".
On the plus side, I actually have something to talk about to the other security guard when he arrives at 7pm to let me go.
Saturday, 19 December 2009
Day 50
Weeeeeeeeeeee!!! 50 days sober.
Going strong. Going well. Just keeping on like the famous advertising bunny for a LARGE COMMERCIAL BRAND OF BATTERIES! UH! Yea... Mutha'uckers!
This week has been fairly lazy (again), some happenings:
I'm back to work at my wonderfully, lovely and not in any way boring and mind numbing totally dead end security guard job. Today I'm stationed in a tiny wee hut with no heat. Yay! At least I'm on my own and can amuse myself without the distraction of ... like... other people... Yay! I think... Going to be working over Christmas.
Some friends have buggered off for the holidays.
Been to a couple of gigs and things.
Started playing guitar and writing acoustic songs again.
Been letting my voice recover from the 4 hour practice with Hexxed last Saturday (still moaning about that as you can see).
Getting ready for Christmas-y things. And by 'getting ready' I mean, worrying about what crap meaningless and instantly forgettable present to buy my family for Consumerism-mas (too cynical?) ... I do like the Christmas day meal and stuff, so there, tidings to all men and t'ing.
In other newsy newsy news noos:
I was interviewed recently by Bangor Spectator regarding my experiences with Mephedrone. I have to be a little complain-y and say I was hoping the article didn't make me sound so anti-drugs, because actually I am not: Basically, I know my chemical make up, system and history to hazard a (sort of informed) guess that drugs (and alcohol) effect me in a way that doesn't represent the majority. The argument that people can take drugs and then go absolutely mental and schitzo do-lally etc. is a little bit similar to the argument for putting belts on cinema seats, because someone once fell off their chair, hurting their spleen from laughing so hard. Point is: Extreme (and fatal) reactions to illegal drug taking experiences are hardly as common place as deaths or illnesses related to alcohol, smoking, driving etc etc etc... Of course there is risk and danger with drugs, I just strongly believe the best way to approach these things is to be as well-informed as possible (i.e. gaining proper information and not just rumours from your mates) before taking risks with your health, (which I did say in the report).
Anyway, all my disclaimers aside, here's the article for those of you interested.
Hope this doesn't brand me as "drugs are bad mmmk?" guy, as that's never what I set out to be when I took on this challenge.
The point of my challenge is to get myself into a healthier state of mind, for the sake of my own mental health, based on my previous experiences with mental illness and other side effects of drink and drugs. I didn't do this to preach to any of my friends or anyone else on how they should live. It's also important for me that people know that I was never a "junkie" or an "alcoholic" before quitting drink and drugs. The reason I think it's an important distinction is because I believe people are more prejudiced against recovering alcoholics or drug addicts, seeing their recovery process as not so much a strong willed motivation to get better, but something that deserves contempt. Or they think that their recovery journey was enforced on them somehow, not a choice and so deserves no credit.
I think being a 'social drinker / user' and quitting can maybe stand to say more about are accepted norms regarding our intake of these things. Maybe.
Well this is all very serious, so here is a lovely wee festive animation from Mouth Trumpet, who have also been very awesome and linked this here blog into their "People We Like" page:
http://www.mouthtrumpet.com/xmas.html
Going strong. Going well. Just keeping on like the famous advertising bunny for a LARGE COMMERCIAL BRAND OF BATTERIES! UH! Yea... Mutha'uckers!
This week has been fairly lazy (again), some happenings:
I'm back to work at my wonderfully, lovely and not in any way boring and mind numbing totally dead end security guard job. Today I'm stationed in a tiny wee hut with no heat. Yay! At least I'm on my own and can amuse myself without the distraction of ... like... other people... Yay! I think... Going to be working over Christmas.
Some friends have buggered off for the holidays.
Been to a couple of gigs and things.
Started playing guitar and writing acoustic songs again.
Been letting my voice recover from the 4 hour practice with Hexxed last Saturday (still moaning about that as you can see).
Getting ready for Christmas-y things. And by 'getting ready' I mean, worrying about what crap meaningless and instantly forgettable present to buy my family for Consumerism-mas (too cynical?) ... I do like the Christmas day meal and stuff, so there, tidings to all men and t'ing.
In other newsy newsy news noos:
I was interviewed recently by Bangor Spectator regarding my experiences with Mephedrone. I have to be a little complain-y and say I was hoping the article didn't make me sound so anti-drugs, because actually I am not: Basically, I know my chemical make up, system and history to hazard a (sort of informed) guess that drugs (and alcohol) effect me in a way that doesn't represent the majority. The argument that people can take drugs and then go absolutely mental and schitzo do-lally etc. is a little bit similar to the argument for putting belts on cinema seats, because someone once fell off their chair, hurting their spleen from laughing so hard. Point is: Extreme (and fatal) reactions to illegal drug taking experiences are hardly as common place as deaths or illnesses related to alcohol, smoking, driving etc etc etc... Of course there is risk and danger with drugs, I just strongly believe the best way to approach these things is to be as well-informed as possible (i.e. gaining proper information and not just rumours from your mates) before taking risks with your health, (which I did say in the report).
Anyway, all my disclaimers aside, here's the article for those of you interested.
Hope this doesn't brand me as "drugs are bad mmmk?" guy, as that's never what I set out to be when I took on this challenge.
The point of my challenge is to get myself into a healthier state of mind, for the sake of my own mental health, based on my previous experiences with mental illness and other side effects of drink and drugs. I didn't do this to preach to any of my friends or anyone else on how they should live. It's also important for me that people know that I was never a "junkie" or an "alcoholic" before quitting drink and drugs. The reason I think it's an important distinction is because I believe people are more prejudiced against recovering alcoholics or drug addicts, seeing their recovery process as not so much a strong willed motivation to get better, but something that deserves contempt. Or they think that their recovery journey was enforced on them somehow, not a choice and so deserves no credit.
I think being a 'social drinker / user' and quitting can maybe stand to say more about are accepted norms regarding our intake of these things. Maybe.
Well this is all very serious, so here is a lovely wee festive animation from Mouth Trumpet, who have also been very awesome and linked this here blog into their "People We Like" page:
http://www.mouthtrumpet.com/xmas.html
Monday, 14 December 2009
wee announcements
Two things:
1. I've now turned on Email Notifications so I should be a lot better at responding to comments. Cheers for all the encouragement so far!
2. I posted about GiftAid recently and how the JustGiving page will add GiftAid for Paypal donations. Well basically I was wrong. I've since tested the system and GiftAid will be added for Paypal and/or Debit Card donations from anyone (who is a UK Taxpayer) so it's all good!
Not exactly sure what happened with a couple of the earlier donations, but they're all accounted for now. So keep 'em coming!
1. I've now turned on Email Notifications so I should be a lot better at responding to comments. Cheers for all the encouragement so far!
2. I posted about GiftAid recently and how the JustGiving page will add GiftAid for Paypal donations. Well basically I was wrong. I've since tested the system and GiftAid will be added for Paypal and/or Debit Card donations from anyone (who is a UK Taxpayer) so it's all good!
Not exactly sure what happened with a couple of the earlier donations, but they're all accounted for now. So keep 'em coming!
Day 45
Since posting before about the choices of non-alcoholic drinks available in bars, I've found something that seems to work pretty well.
*drum roll*
... Blackcurrant cordial !
It's refreshing, it's not too sweet and the price ranges from FREE to £1.
When in Dublin I was charged 1 euro per pint of it (90p).
In Belfast bars the price has been up and down.
In The Empire first it was £1 then it dropped to 20p (in the space of two rounds!)
In Lavery's it has been 20p and 25p, but mostly FREE!
In Menagerie it has always been FREE too.
I've also been charged 50p ... in some local pub...
So the soft drink market does fluctuate dramatically in this current economical climate it seems. Or depending on who serves you and what bar you're in (and how nice you smell or something), but a pretty inexpensive night out overall, yes sir!
*drum roll*
... Blackcurrant cordial !
It's refreshing, it's not too sweet and the price ranges from FREE to £1.
When in Dublin I was charged 1 euro per pint of it (90p).
In Belfast bars the price has been up and down.
In The Empire first it was £1 then it dropped to 20p (in the space of two rounds!)
In Lavery's it has been 20p and 25p, but mostly FREE!
In Menagerie it has always been FREE too.
I've also been charged 50p ... in some local pub...
So the soft drink market does fluctuate dramatically in this current economical climate it seems. Or depending on who serves you and what bar you're in (and how nice you smell or something), but a pretty inexpensive night out overall, yes sir!
Friday, 11 December 2009
day 42
Sober 6 weeks.
The last few days have involved (prepare for Bullet Points!! *KAPOW!*):
Hopefully going to be experiencing more of said 'Phat Beats' in the Menagerie tomorrow night, courtesy of ECKER Christmas Party. Yes please sir. I shall indeed have more bass in thine face! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
The last few days have involved (prepare for Bullet Points!! *KAPOW!*):
- Being interviewed about my experiences with Mephedrone (which will hopefully draw some folk to this blog).
- A lovely "not a party" with some very cool people. A Reich of 29 and 30 year olds (See here). It was LOVELY. LOVELY!!!
- The premier of Geoff Gatt's solo album "Ten Year Road" at the Black Box, where I caught up with a bunch of the old "Hippos Crowd" (people who I acted/sang alongside with, in Geoff's musical Hippos In The Shower)
- Potential for some gigs with a new electronic music project.
- A really enjoyable lunchtime concert performing with the QUBe.
- Seeing The Ex, 65DaysofStatic and Battles in Dublin. (Adebisi Shank also played but only caught their last song, I've seen them live a few times, they're awesome, just a shame the people I was with didn't get to... Well it was their own fault for dilly-dallying over their Guinness in the pub wasn't it? They've only got themselves to blame, don't they?... I digress. ) Anyway, 65Daysofstatic played some new stuff and it was insanely good! Big Prodigy-esque beats with guitars. I wasn't expecting it and I danced my boney ass off! Battles are amazing performers. Guitar and keyboard playing at the same time, along to bass loops, while John Stanier bangs the drums like a ticking machine (poor bugger): Quite an exciting experience. Although I must confess that I don't find their music that inspiring. Some very nice grooves, but a bit too much arsing about. Class musicians and totally on top of their game though.
Hopefully going to be experiencing more of said 'Phat Beats' in the Menagerie tomorrow night, courtesy of ECKER Christmas Party. Yes please sir. I shall indeed have more bass in thine face! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Monday, 7 December 2009
Mouth Trumpet
Check out my loverly yellow Mouth Trumpet T-shirt...
... This one is called "Burger Man".
Loads more at www.mouthtrumpet.com
... This one is called "Burger Man".
Loads more at www.mouthtrumpet.com
^_^
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Day 37
According to my calculations I am now 10.1% through my Sober For A Year Challenge.
For some reason it seems more significant when I look at it like that.
In other news, so far this weekend I've had two new sober experiences. These are both causing me to look at a few things in a new light.
And after much deliberation, I think I think this will lead to positive change. I think.
For some reason it seems more significant when I look at it like that.
In other news, so far this weekend I've had two new sober experiences. These are both causing me to look at a few things in a new light.
And after much deliberation, I think I think this will lead to positive change. I think.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Day 35
Just a quick post to say...
FIVE WEEKS SOBER! Whoo-hoo!!
I've been busy this week with sound design (for an animation) and preparation for a Doctor Lilt gig tomorrow night in Lavery's Bunker (more info here).
Tonight I'm looking forward to getting out of the house to see Rachel Austin playing in Charlies Cafe at 7pm!
Meanwhile, check out these awesome cats:
Mouth Trumpet
They make some very cool T-shirts and all being well they will be supporting my Sober For A Year Challenge. More on this soon!
FIVE WEEKS SOBER! Whoo-hoo!!
I've been busy this week with sound design (for an animation) and preparation for a Doctor Lilt gig tomorrow night in Lavery's Bunker (more info here).
Tonight I'm looking forward to getting out of the house to see Rachel Austin playing in Charlies Cafe at 7pm!
Meanwhile, check out these awesome cats:
Mouth Trumpet
They make some very cool T-shirts and all being well they will be supporting my Sober For A Year Challenge. More on this soon!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Giftaid
Giftaid is pretty sweet:
"Gift aid is tax relief on money donated to UK charities.
"Gift aid is tax relief on money donated to UK charities.
We treat donations as if the donor had already deducted basic rate tax from them. The charity can then reclaim this tax to increase the value of a donation."
Basically this means that for every £5 donation there's an extra £1.41 in Giftaid that the charity gets. That's the good news.
The bad news is that something (I'm yet to fully understand, even after the Just Giving help team and I have been emailing back and forth) is preventing people from donating using a debit card. Apparently when you choose this option the donation goes into my Paypal account, but it doesn't go through JustGiving.com, meaning no Giftaid is added.
I guess it's a bit of a shame that some donations won't be able to recieve the added bonus of Giftaid, but I don't want to scare people off from donating with whatever means they have, so please keep it coming!
As for the debit card donations, I've put them through JustGiving from my Paypal account.
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