The Trials and Tribulations of a so-called Trouble Teen

Chapter 45 - Timmy's Title

Thursday mornings are only a remember that Friday is a day away. Nothing good seems to come from them. Some of the worst moments of my life have happened on a Thursday. My expulsion from Marino began on a Thursday. High school? More like High Hell. Quite frankly, I am still pissed off at myself, while also being happy I got out of there. At least this Thursday I have something to look forward to; the rehearsals for the show this coming Sunday, the possibility of finding out more about my mother's disappearance*, hanging out with Casey. But first, I have breakfast with Papá somewhere in London. Most likely another Pret A Manger.

I'm still not sure if I want to open up to my dad about things. I've already told him most things, he has enough on his plate. I don't want to be troubling him further. Perhaps if things get worse, I'll tell him. He's already in the know about enough stuff. Am I zoning out? No. Papá has given me a new fidget for the car ride into London so I don't spend all the time on my phone. I mean, that's a good idea. It takes about an hour (give or take) to get in and out of the city on a quieter day. A break from constantly staring at a screen. My health will thank me for that.

I wonder what's going on in and around the city today. I haven't really heard anything in this morning's news. Radio Surrey was just sharing the usual headlines, traffic report, weather report. Not much to imagine. Crime rates are still high, poverty rates are still high. Honestly? There's an eerie feeling about today. There's bound to be something happening, but I just don't know what. Oh, I remember - Extinction Rebellion are protesting today. I'd be there too, but I don't want to risk arrest because it could lead me to being sent back to Ireland. Being as high profile as I am, it wouldn't be a good idea either. I've had enough runs in with the police.

Today's weather is mild at best. The sun is out, it's dry and it's not too windy. I don't think October was this warm 7 years ago when I moved here. It was still in the 20s at the beginning of the month. Extinction Rebellion are definitely right, this shit is getting serious and people aren't taking climate change seriously enough. I'm doing all I can to reduce my carbon footprint (ironically thinking about this while in a car), but really it is not up to me to stop it. There are 100 companies causing 90% of the climate change activity - individuals are not responsible for everything. We still have responsibility though. We need to reduce our single use plastic consumption and demand companies switch to alternatives, such as hemp and paper.

My interest in creating a more sustainable environment and world is largely inspired by my father's work line. His company is all for sustainability in building and changing the world for good. A lot of my younger years were spent learning about the environment, climate change, the impact we have on our planet and what we can do. Papá has taken the time to talk to me at an age appropriate level about what is happening to the planet we live on. Brian has taught me an awful lot too, even taking me to his forest and showing me his sustainability projects.

//

During this drive, I've picked up areas that I think would be good filming spots, or even just good spots to tease things. There are some amazing locations that still hold their natural beauty despite being surrounded by a city and its urban hotspots. So many wonderful spots I could use. I have ideas for the band, my channel, drag shoots, and random days out just looking around at what's available. I've lived in London for 7 years yet have left so much of it completely undiscovered. Maybe my mid-term break could be spent exploring. Wait, do I even get a mid-term break? Fuck, I don't. I forgot.

It really is a lovely day today. The sun is out, the sky is blue, it's beautiful... just not the vibe I really associate with October. Some of the leaves are falling but it doesn't seem like that many yet. Where are the oranges and the browns? I can see those colours in the fast fashion stores. Just an observation I suppose. The industry has more seasons than the UK has in a day, it's scary as hell. Consumer responsibility and pressure on these big labels could possibly help reduce the consumption of fast fashion, but again who am I to judge? It is not up to the individual to save the planet when it's those big companies polluting our air.