Home› All Encompassing Trip

I've had a really fascinating few weeks.

harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
edited February 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
I'm now living on my own in a town in which I have no one around me. Not saying this to be melodramatic but it's just how it is. After work I come back to a flat which is quiet as a nun's orgasm, then I sometimes go out to drink on my own to while away an evening, or I get a table for one at Pizza Express. Or I write or draw.

Anyway, the other week I met a guy called Paul. He was getting drunk in a pub and randomly came over and sat at my table and started pouring out his life story. He's bipolar and was on a low. He became a brilliant friend after I spent a couple of hours drinking with him and convincing him that life is, in fact, worth living. He then introduced me to a friend of his, Andy, who is a medicated paranoid schizophrenic. Both these people have ended up being excellent, genuine, amazing people who, in a very short time, have become my best friends. They started introducing me to a bunch of lovely people with mental health difficulties who all used services at a charity called Mind. They invited me to a social event they went to and were proud of. More lovely people there. This has become my chief social group around here, and the amount I'm learning about them and myself is staggering.

The things I've learned can be summed up thusly: Fuck superficiality. It's amazing how a bunch of excellent people suffering mental health difficulties can have so much in common, and such a connection with, yours truly. And yet they're stigmatised by society and shoved into a quiet corner. Why?

I'm no longer lonely because of these people. So this is sort of a tribute to Andy and Paul then. Thanks guys; you won't read this, probably, but my life's made a dramatic turn around because of you guys.
'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

- the great Sir Leo Harrison
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Brain of J.LoBrain of J.Lo Posts: 3,259
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    I'm now living on my own in a town in which I have no one around me. Not saying this to be melodramatic but it's just how it is. After work I come back to a flat which is quiet as a nun's orgasm, then I sometimes go out to drink on my own to while away an evening, or I get a table for one at Pizza Express. Or I write or draw.

    Anyway, the other week I met a guy called Paul. He was getting drunk in a pub and randomly came over and sat at my table and started pouring out his life story. He's bipolar and was on a low. He became a brilliant friend after I spent a couple of hours drinking with him and convincing him that life is, in fact, worth living. He then introduced me to a friend of his, Andy, who is a medicated paranoid schizophrenic. Both these people have ended up being excellent, genuine, amazing people who, in a very short time, have become my best friends. They started introducing me to a bunch of lovely people with mental health difficulties who all used services at a charity called Mind. They invited me to a social event they went to and were proud of. More lovely people there. This has become my chief social group around here, and the amount I'm learning about them and myself is staggering.

    The things I've learned can be summed up thusly: Fuck superficiality. It's amazing how a bunch of excellent people suffering mental health difficulties can have so much in common, and such a connection with, yours truly. And yet they're stigmatised by society and shoved into a quiet corner. Why?

    I'm no longer lonely because of these people. So this is sort of a tribute to Andy and Paul then. Thanks guys; you won't read this, probably, but my life's made a dramatic turn around because of you guys.

    That's fucking great, and inspiring. :)
  • Stone Is GodStone Is God Posts: 1,331
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    I'm now living on my own in a town in which I have no one around me. Not saying this to be melodramatic but it's just how it is. After work I come back to a flat which is quiet as a nun's orgasm, then I sometimes go out to drink on my own to while away an evening, or I get a table for one at Pizza Express. Or I write or draw.

    Anyway, the other week I met a guy called Paul. He was getting drunk in a pub and randomly came over and sat at my table and started pouring out his life story. He's bipolar and was on a low. He became a brilliant friend after I spent a couple of hours drinking with him and convincing him that life is, in fact, worth living. He then introduced me to a friend of his, Andy, who is a medicated paranoid schizophrenic. Both these people have ended up being excellent, genuine, amazing people who, in a very short time, have become my best friends. They started introducing me to a bunch of lovely people with mental health difficulties who all used services at a charity called Mind. They invited me to a social event they went to and were proud of. More lovely people there. This has become my chief social group around here, and the amount I'm learning about them and myself is staggering.

    The things I've learned can be summed up thusly: Fuck superficiality. It's amazing how a bunch of excellent people suffering mental health difficulties can have so much in common, and such a connection with, yours truly. And yet they're stigmatised by society and shoved into a quiet corner. Why?

    I'm no longer lonely because of these people. So this is sort of a tribute to Andy and Paul then. Thanks guys; you won't read this, probably, but my life's made a dramatic turn around because of you guys.

    The reason why you view them differently is because you actually took the time to get to know these people with no prejudice. Most of society supposedly has a pre-conceived notion of what people with mental health issues are like. Most people think they are fit for a straight jacket.

    It speaks volumes about you that you would take the time to get to know these people and not just write them off.
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me.
  • Steve DunneSteve Dunne Posts: 4,965
    hey congrats mark! and btw - if you see my ex-girlfriend over there tell her to buy you a pint!
    I love to turn you on
  • GreenTeaDiseaseGreenTeaDisease Posts: 3,359
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    I'm now living on my own in a town in which I have no one around me. Not saying this to be melodramatic but it's just how it is. After work I come back to a flat which is quiet as a nun's orgasm, then I sometimes go out to drink on my own to while away an evening, or I get a table for one at Pizza Express. Or I write or draw.

    Anyway, the other week I met a guy called Paul. He was getting drunk in a pub and randomly came over and sat at my table and started pouring out his life story. He's bipolar and was on a low. He became a brilliant friend after I spent a couple of hours drinking with him and convincing him that life is, in fact, worth living. He then introduced me to a friend of his, Andy, who is a medicated paranoid schizophrenic. Both these people have ended up being excellent, genuine, amazing people who, in a very short time, have become my best friends. They started introducing me to a bunch of lovely people with mental health difficulties who all used services at a charity called Mind. They invited me to a social event they went to and were proud of. More lovely people there. This has become my chief social group around here, and the amount I'm learning about them and myself is staggering.

    The things I've learned can be summed up thusly: Fuck superficiality. It's amazing how a bunch of excellent people suffering mental health difficulties can have so much in common, and such a connection with, yours truly. And yet they're stigmatised by society and shoved into a quiet corner. Why?

    I'm no longer lonely because of these people. So this is sort of a tribute to Andy and Paul then. Thanks guys; you won't read this, probably, but my life's made a dramatic turn around because of you guys.

    that's awesome! I would love to be out one night and just come upon friends like that!
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    Steve Dunne wrote:
    hey congrats mark! and btw - if you see my ex-girlfriend over there tell her to buy you a pint!

    I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a joke but I've got 2 pre-prepared answers, just in case:

    1. OK, I will do. :)

    2. LOLZ! I'm still waiting to see a few of mine... I'm thinking 'delusions of grandeur' might apply to every one of them. :D
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • normnorm Posts: 31,146
    good for you mark....that's a great story....:)
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    GreenTeaDisease wrote:
    that's awesome! I would love to be out one night and just come upon friends like that!

    These guys haven't faced episodes since I've known them because they're disciplined with their medication. I'm sure there's a lot for me to learn, but it suits me fine. I'll take it as it comes. :) The cool thing is, I keep meeting people and having them shake my hand and sit at my table and have a drink. And they're all connected in some way to Andy and Paul.
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • GreenTeaDiseaseGreenTeaDisease Posts: 3,359
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    These guys haven't faced episodes since I've known them because they're disciplined with their medication. I'm sure there's a lot for me to learn, but it suits me fine. :)

    well, I mean regardless of their health issues, it's great that you were able to move to a new town and meet new friends so easily!
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    GreenTeaDisease wrote:
    well, I mean regardless of their health issues, it's great that you were able to move to a new town and meet new friends so easily!

    It certainly doesn't happen every day, certainly not to me. But these people have no barriers or prejudices.
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • urbanhippieurbanhippie Posts: 3,007
    A friendship is like any other relationship...you get out what you put in :)
    If you get a lot from their friendship then the chances are, they get a lot from yours.
    Open minded and non-judgemental people are hard to come by and often the most open minded and non-judgemental people are those that have been judged themselves.

    Keep it up, you ;)
    A human being that was given to fly.

    Wembley 18/06/07

    If there was a reason, it was you.

    O2 Arena 18/09/09
  • memememe Posts: 4,695
    Well, we knew already you liked 'em crazies since you spent so much time around here :p

    I'm really glad you made good friends. There's nothing like friends to ground you and make you feel at home in this world.
    ... and the will to show I will always be better than before.
  • Stone Is GodStone Is God Posts: 1,331
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    It certainly doesn't happen every day, certainly not to me. But these people have no barriers or prejudices.

    Those are the people, I've found, that you can grow most from as a person.
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me.
  • Steve DunneSteve Dunne Posts: 4,965
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    I'm not sure if that's supposed to be a joke but I've got 2 pre-prepared answers, just in case:

    1. OK, I will do. :)

    2. LOLZ! I'm still waiting to see a few of mine... I'm thinking 'delusions of grandeur' might apply to every one of them. :D

    HA! :D You know me and my 'SNAP OUT OF IT' mentality! I love delusions of grandeur! Make her buy many pints!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I love to turn you on
  • eyedclaareyedclaar Posts: 6,980
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    I'm now living on my own in a town in which I have no one around me. Not saying this to be melodramatic but it's just how it is. After work I come back to a flat which is quiet as a nun's orgasm, then I sometimes go out to drink on my own to while away an evening, or I get a table for one at Pizza Express. Or I write or draw.

    Anyway, the other week I met a guy called Paul. He was getting drunk in a pub and randomly came over and sat at my table and started pouring out his life story. He's bipolar and was on a low. He became a brilliant friend after I spent a couple of hours drinking with him and convincing him that life is, in fact, worth living. He then introduced me to a friend of his, Andy, who is a medicated paranoid schizophrenic. Both these people have ended up being excellent, genuine, amazing people who, in a very short time, have become my best friends. They started introducing me to a bunch of lovely people with mental health difficulties who all used services at a charity called Mind. They invited me to a social event they went to and were proud of. More lovely people there. This has become my chief social group around here, and the amount I'm learning about them and myself is staggering.

    The things I've learned can be summed up thusly: Fuck superficiality. It's amazing how a bunch of excellent people suffering mental health difficulties can have so much in common, and such a connection with, yours truly. And yet they're stigmatised by society and shoved into a quiet corner. Why?

    I'm no longer lonely because of these people. So this is sort of a tribute to Andy and Paul then. Thanks guys; you won't read this, probably, but my life's made a dramatic turn around because of you guys.

    Got room in your club for an anti-social, eco-terrorist, pistol-packing poet who hasn't spend a day sober in 15 years? Cuz my mom needs some friends...
    Idaho's Premier Outdoor Writer

    Please Support My Writing Habit By Purchasing A Book:

    https://www.createspace.com/3437020

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000663025696

    http://earthtremors.blogspot.com/
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    Steve Dunne wrote:
    HA! :D You know me and my 'SNAP OUT OF IT' mentality! I love delusions of grandeur! Make her buy many pints!!!!!!!!!!!!

    If Paul's anything to go by, getting her to buy many pints won't be a problem. Getting her to give some of them to me... might be. :D
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    eyedclaar wrote:
    Got room in your club for an anti-social, eco-terrorist, pistol-packing poet who hasn't spend a day sober in 15 years? Cuz my mom needs some friends...

    She probably already goes. I'll probably meet her next Monday or Tuesday night at the next Mind social night. :D
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • eyedclaareyedclaar Posts: 6,980
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    She probably already goes. I'll probably meet her next Monday or Tuesday night at the next Mind social night. :D

    Sweet, and since you are so accomodating, maybe I'll swing by as well. Be warned, I am much, much worse...
    Idaho's Premier Outdoor Writer

    Please Support My Writing Habit By Purchasing A Book:

    https://www.createspace.com/3437020

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000663025696

    http://earthtremors.blogspot.com/
  • MattCameronKicksButtMattCameronKicksButt Posts: 4,317
    Good work, Mark! Although I'm not surprised you made friends so quickly. And well done for not judging. I'd be a bit freaked out if a stranger came to my table and just started talking to me about their life.
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    eyedclaar wrote:
    Sweet, and since you are so accomodating, maybe I'll swing by as well. Be warned, I am much, much worse...

    I know. They already have a file on you. They wouldn't tell me much (patient confidentiality); all they said was 'You gotta watch out for that one.' ;)
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    MattCameronKicksButt wrote:
    Good work, Mark! Although I'm not surprised you made friends so quickly. And well done for not judging. I'd be a bit freaked out if a stranger came to my table and just started talking to me about their life.

    Tbh I welcome it. People are normally so fucking private. I hate it when people build walls.

    I'll probably end up dead in a gutter for it but at least I had fun while I was here. (That was supposed to be a joke but it's made me just a little bit depressed.) :D
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • eyedclaareyedclaar Posts: 6,980
    MattCameronKicksButt wrote:
    Good work, Mark! Although I'm not surprised you made friends so quickly. And well done for not judging. I'd be a bit freaked out if a stranger came to my table and just started talking to me about their life.


    Well, I was born in the magical year of 1973, before disco had become the end all be all of American pop music... And that's when the trouble started...
    Idaho's Premier Outdoor Writer

    Please Support My Writing Habit By Purchasing A Book:

    https://www.createspace.com/3437020

    http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000663025696

    http://earthtremors.blogspot.com/
  • harmless_little_f***harmless_little_f*** Posts: 8,005
    eyedclaar wrote:
    Well, I was born in the magical year of 1973, before disco had become the end all be all of American pop music... And that's when the trouble started...

    *pulls up a chair* This is good MCKB. Hang on, I'll get you a pint and you can hear all about it. You won't be sorry and - hey, look at that - the night is young.
    'We're learning songs for baby Jesus' birthday. His mum and dad were Merry and Joseph. He had a bed made of clay and the three kings bought him Gold, Frankenstein and Merv as presents.'

    - the great Sir Leo Harrison
  • MattCameronKicksButtMattCameronKicksButt Posts: 4,317
    eyedclaar wrote:
    Well, I was born in the magical year of 1973, before disco had become the end all be all of American pop music... And that's when the trouble started...

    Okay Grandpa Simpson. I get it.

    I agree with you, harmless. I think a lot of people aren't willing to try and understand others but you can't blame them. Humans are generally followers like a pack of dogs. :confused::D
  • Riot_RainRiot_Rain Posts: 348
    My brother is a paranoid schizophrenic (with a personality disorder) and if he were on this board (which he isn't, he's more into Madrugada and Dr Dre) he would have been very pleased to see your post, Mark.

    My bro is refusing to stay in the quiet crazy corner and has become the spokesperson for the Dutch patients organisation for schizophrenics. Unfortunately, there's a lot of prejudice and ignorance out there (most people think schizoprenia=multiple personality disorder), but things are changing. Slowly, but surely. Meds are much better nowadays as well. Side effects are still a bitch though.

    Anyhoo, glad to hear you're doing okay :)

    PS I miss Pizza Express. No such thing here in Vienna!
    Like a cloud dropping rain
    I'm discarding all thought
    I'll dry up, leaving puddles on the ground
    I'm like an opening band for the sun
  • LizardLizard Posts: 12,091
    that's nice.

    :)
    So I'll just lie down and wait for the dream
    Where I'm not ugly and you're lookin' at me
  • Heineken HelenHeineken Helen Posts: 18,095
    harmless_little_f*** wrote:
    Tbh I welcome it. People are normally so fucking private. I hate it when people build walls.
    I agree... most of the fun I've EVER had is when I let my wall drop and think 'fuck it' and just have fun with complete strangers. It can be brilliant. Random meetings with people are fantastic and the fact that they're so random and come out of nowhere can just change your life dramatically, I love it :)

    sorry about the ban mark and I hope Paul and Andy help you through it
    The Astoria??? Orgazmic!
    Verona??? it's all surmountable
    Dublin 23.08.06 "The beauty of Ireland, right there!"
    Wembley? We all believe!
    Copenhagen?? your light made us stars
    Chicago 07? And love
    What a different life
    Had I not found this love with you
Sign In or Register to comment.