SATURDAY 2nd APRIL 2011 07:30 BST

I'm back! My ISP has beaten off its major gremlin assault and I'm back in touch with the world once more.

THIS DAY IN WW2 (1.4.1941)

In Iraq... A coup is led by the nationalist politician Rashid Ali and a group of officers calling themselves the "Golden Square." They are opposed to the British presence in the country. The Regent Faisal escapes to Transjordan. By April 3rd, a new government has been installed. The British send troops from India and the Middle East to ensure access to the vital oil supplies.

In North Africa... The British withdraw from Mersa Brega, abandoning almost the only available defensive position before the open space of the Cyrenaica Plateau.

In East Africa... Asmara, the capital of Eritrea, is taken by the British forces led by General Platt.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Garage doors and garden gates have been professionally weather-treated and will be complete today.

The Consulting Room is complete and looks mega-professional if I say so myself! A typical Saturday of some "me-time" and the supplementary job.

Twitter Followers = 1108 (up 7)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 2.25 pints = 1.3 litres : O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

I am very pleased with my performance yesterday, particularly in my strong focus. I discovered that focusing on intention was made easier by trusting in the subconscious to deliver it, an old trick Ursula James taught me. This faith means that I don't need to make any conscious effort and my conscious mind settles into a comfortable and relaxed observation/expectancy mode. With other factors now in place, and a new place for faith to focus on, I intend to release the full power of faith into my experience. Watch this space!

TODAY'S THOUGHT

When the student is ready, the Master appears.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

Are you ready to let go?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

FOR ANYONE WHO HAS CHILDREN AND DOESN'T KNOW IT, THERE IS A DAY CARE ON THE 1ST FLOOR : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

1/3 quiche, 3 choc bars, 3 biscuits, 1 packet crisps, 1 can chicken in white sauce

TRIVIA

All chemical elements heavier than hydrogen were formed at the centre of stars. Elements heavier than iron can only form in a supernova. Everything we experience is thus the direct result of a supernova.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

My intuition will deliver everything I need!

THURSDAY 31st MARCH 07:00 BST

THIS DAY IN WW2 (30.3.1941)

In North Africa... Rommel's forces attack the positions of infantry units from the British 2nd Armored Division at Mersa Brega. A fierce battle develops, in which the British come off worst but are able to halt the German advance for the moment. The few tanks with the 2nd Armored Division do not join the battle.

In the Mediterranean... The British cruiser Bonaventure is sunk by a torpedo-boat attack in the eastern Mediterranean.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Garage doors and garden gates completed! I have decided to have the doors professionally painted and the gates woodstained.

House-husband day! With all other Thursday activities ditched, the house can have my full attention daytime/termtime, or at least after the weekly shopping. With my house now also my business premises, it now makes business sense to keep the place as clean/tidy as possible, and the garden at least under control.

There will be some minor tinkering in the Consulting Room, framing and mounting my certificates, and deciding where to put the hypnotic pattern, which I use for those who prefer a visual hypnosis induction. I may just keep it mobile and plonk it on the window sill as needed, because when the client is reclined, the window dominates the line of sight.

Twitter Followers = 1101 (down 2)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 700mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

I was delighted with my own performance on Wednesday, the sternest weekly test of my Emotional Management skills. I was particularly pleased with my rapid recovery when someone trod on my rawest nerve. I have learned to feel bad and do good anyway. My next step is to go from the defensive to the offensive, using my skills to influence the mood of others in everyday life, rather than just when I'm a therapist.

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Confidence and results feed on each other.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

Do you know what you're doing and why you're doing it?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

Elephants! Please stay in your car. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

1/3 quiche, 2 choc bars, 3 biscuits, 1 packet crisps, 1 can chicken in white sauce

TRIVIA

Every year about 98% of atoms in your body are replaced. So who are you?

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

Hit as hard as you like, I'll keep coming!

WEDNESDAY 30th MARCH 2011 07:20 BST

THIS DAY IN WW2 (30.3.1941)

In North Africa... Correctly discerning that the British forces are weakly dispersed in positions which prevent mutual support, Rommel brings his forces forward from El Agheila toward Mersa Brega. Only part of 2nd Armored Division is ready to oppose him. The bulk of the Australian Division is near Benghazi and the remainder is back at Tobruk.

In Berlin... Hitler approves the army plans for the attack on Yugoslavia, to begin on April 6th. Hitler also speaks to a conference of 250 top commanders who will have important parts in the Barbarossa operation. He makes it plain to them that the war in the east is to be conducted along different lines to any previous operation. There is to be no talk of proper "knightly" behavior and commissars and Communists are to be treated with utmost severity.

In the United States... The United States takes German, Italian and Danish ships into "protective custody," effectively confiscating them.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Well the big move has happened! Getting the client couch to its new home was NOT easy and there was some minor damage to the new paintwork on the landing, but subject to some tinkering, the new Consulting Room is ready. Work on garage doors and garden gates should be complete today adding a little more "kerb appeal" to clients. Wednesday is my "least preferred" day but it has a quiet start, which I intend to use to get my mind in the right place with a little "me-time", and some deep-trance meditation. The day will be a good test of my continuing development in Emotional Management. The new defaults on BLOGGER are a good test by themselves!

Twitter Followers = 1103 (up 2)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.76 pints = 1 litre : O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

My emotional experience appears to divide into three zones. There is a Happy Zone - circumstances that will definitely make me happy - like getting a good massage! There is a Dark Zone - certain circumstances will definitely make me lose it and behave unhelpfully. These two zones are fairly fixed, so it's a case of move to one when I can and avoid the other where possible.

The third zone comprises the majority of my time and I've named it "The Battlefield". In this area, I have control over what I do by how I respond to both the environment and my own feelings. It makes sense to me to simply accept the other two zones as they are and focus my intention on The Battlefield, with the aim of its total conquest by my Intention. Once achieved, I will be ready for the Dark Zone.

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Nothing but death can stop the juggernaut of passionate belief

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

Are you ready to risk?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

THE HEALTH FOOD COUNTER IS CLOSED DUE TO ILLNESS : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

2 choc bars, 1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 can curry, 2 buttered rolls, 1 cream bun

TRIVIA

Shakespeare's most talkative character is Hamlet. None of his other characters have as many lines in a single play.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION I'm inevitably going where I'm thinking!

TUESDAY 29th MARCH 2011 07:00 BST

THIS DAY IN WW2 (29.3.1941)

In East Africa... Cunningham's South African troops take Diredawa, Abyssinia, in their advance west to Addis Ababa. The local Italian population has appealed to the British for help because of atrocities committed by deserters from the native forces after the Italian part of the garrison has withdrawn.

In the Mediterranean... Battle of Cape Matapan. The British give up the chase and return to port. In whole the operation the British lose two aircraft. The training of the British forces is given some credit for the success

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Today is RELOCATION DAY! My chief concern is getting the client couch safely from A to B but the only way is to do it and see. Off early to pack up everything else ready for 10am transport. Two clients at Bradford Cancer Support in the afternoon

I'm gradually getting the hang of the new BLOGGER defaults but I'm not liking it!

Twitter Followers = 1100 (down 1)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 700mls - again!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

I have received great encouragement in the form of the response of those I am helping, so there is currently a powerful sense of fulfilment. I am already passing on newly-acquired emotional management skills to my clients and seeing them respond to it. All good! Equally importantly, my elation is well-grounded, so I feel prepared for both success and adversity. Like anyone I can of course be broken, but there is now an acceptance of this that wasn't there before. I am no longer afraid to be hurt at least not right now!

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Believing is seeing.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

What will you do better today?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

IN THIS THEATRE - A NEW PRODUCTION OF "A WOMAN AROUSED" - COMING SOON : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

2 choc bars, 4 choc biscuits, 2 naan breads, 1 pot fruit yoghurt

TRIVIA

A single coffee tree yields only one pound of roasted, ground coffee annually.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

Bring it on!

MONDAY 28th MARCH 2011 08:00 BST

THIS DAY IN WW2 (28.3.1941)

In the Mediterranean...Battle of Cape Matapan. There is a long-range engagement between Pridham-Wippell's force and some of the Italian cruisers. The Italians suspect that a large British force is present and begin to retire. In the afternoon Swordfish aircraft from the Formidable attack the Italian ships, hitting the battleship Vittorio Veneto and the cruiser Pola. The Vittorio Veneto is able to proceed at reduced speed but the Pola is stopped. In the evening Iachino sends the cruisers Zara and Fiume and for destroyers back to help the Pola. The British ships are pressing on in pursuit hoping to come up with the damaged Vittorio Veneto when, during the night, they find the three Italian cruisers and their escorts on radar. The British approach to close range, without being sighted in return, and in a brief gun battle the cruisers and two destroyers are sunk before they can return fire.

In Belgrade... The British Chief of Staff, General Dill, is in Belgrade for talks with the Yugoslav authorities, but there is little he can offer them and no agreements of any importance are reached.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Four clients to see today, but with the first not until 11am, there's an unrushed start to the morning, further unrushed by missus announcing she feels unwell and promptly going back to sleep. (Not concerned, I don't think it's serious)

Overnight Saturday/Sunday, BLOGGER changed the way it edits the posts, costing me considerable time and causing much inconvenience and frustration. Now it won't respond how I want it to! When I try to globally change the font or justify the text, it adds lots of spaces I don't want. I now have to do all the HTML myself manually. I will investigate moving the blog to WORDPRESS instead.

This will be the last day I see clients in the Park Lane consulting room! Today I have to arrange the big move for tomorrow morning. My chief concern is getting the Client Couch upstairs and intact into its new home in my house.

Twitter Followers = 1101 (up 2)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 700mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

The first real test of my newly modified emotional management strategy came Sunday morning when BLOGGER caused me grief as described above. Caught unprepared, I was rather grumpy, but recovered by the afternoon. This morning, having encountered the same problem and lost 90 minutes of my time over it, I was ready this time and recovered within minutes.

Generally, my Practice Days and days off are much less emotionally challenging than the Supplementary job days, but with BLOGGER suddenly not co-operating and the Big Move, as well as a big Spring Clean needed, this week may prove an exception!

Missus reporting that she stood up to "The Nemesis" last week has considerably eased my worries on that score, and trusting her to continue doing so, I can be more focused.

TODAY'S THOUGHT

What you need is not the absence of challenges, but the confidence to face them.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

Right now, what can you fix?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

WE EXCHANGE ANYTHING - BICYCLES, WASHING MACHINES, ETC - WHY NOT BRING YOUR WIFE ALONG AND GET A WONDERFUL BARGAIN? : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

2 choc bars, burger/egg/chips, 1 packet crisps, 2 Fondant Fancies

TRIVIA

Africans living all their lives in rural areas have been found to have no appreciable hearing loss at age 60.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

Damn The Torpedoes!

SUNDAY 27th MARCH 2011 08:20 BST

THIS DAY IN WW2 (27.3.1941)

In Yugoslavia... There is a coup led by air force officers and their Chief of Staff, General Simovic, who becomes the new head of government. The council of Regency and Prince Paul are deposed and the 17-year-old King Peter takes nominal charge of government. British agents have had a hand in bringing the rising about. The change is very popular among the Serbian sections of the population (almost all the leaders of the armed forces are Serbian) but less so with the Croats. In an immediate angry response to the change of government, Hitler issues Directive 25 which order planning for the invasion of Yugoslavia to begin. It is to be mounted as soon as possible and the invasion of Greece is to take place at the same time. Hitler accepts that it may be necessary to defer Barbarossa to allow these new operations to take place.

In Washington... Roosevelt's $7,000,000,000 Appropriations Bill for Lend-Lease passes into law. In the Mediterranean... British forces set out to do battle with the Italian fleet. Admiral Pridham-Wippell leads four light cruisers and four destroyers from the Piraeus and Admiral Cunningham the main body of three battleships, one carrier and nine destroyers from Alexandria.

In East Africa... The Allied advance clears the Italian road blocks in the Keren position. The Italian force begins to withdraw toward Asmara. The Indian divisions have lost 4000 casualties in the Keren battles and the Italians 3000 dead as well as many wounded.

TODAY IN MY LIFE

Ironing, "me-time" and marital time!

Twitter Followers = 1099 (up 7)

Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 700mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION

My shift in emphasis was spectacularly successful! The test of time is to come, but right now it feels as if I've made a significant breakthrough. Oddly I've known for ages the importance of Acceptance and Surrender, but never really hit on a technique to apply these disciplines that works for me in every circumstance. Now I've finally found one! I've known of it for ages but only applied to specific types of fear - Dr. Susan Jeffers' FEEL THE FEAR AND DO IT ANYWAY technique. I started applying it to EVERY negative feeling and it worked brilliantly! My book is now way behind my original schedule but I'm glad now because of the important learning points I've picked up in the first quarter of this year, which I can now put into my book.

TODAY'S THOUGHT

When you stop seeing them, you're not required to stop loving them.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU

What are you going to do about your problem?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING

AFTER TEA BREAK, STAFF SHOULD EMPTY THE TEAPOT AND STAND UPSIDE DOWN ON THE DRAINING BOARD : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY

1/3 Quiche, 1 choc bar, 4 biscuits, 1 can chicken in white sauce, 1 pot fruit yoghurt.

TRIVIA

Trivia is the Roman goddess of sorcery, hounds and the crossroads.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION

My feeling won't stop me doing!

SATURDAY 26th MARCH 2011 08:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (26.3.1941)
In the Mediterranean... A night attack by explosive boats of a special Italian unit penetrates Suda Bay in Crete and sinks one tanker and cripples the British cruiser York. Following the claims by German aircraft to have sunk two of the British Mediterranean Fleet's battleships and with the promise of German air support and reconnaissance, Admiral Iachino leads the Italian Fleet on a sortie into the Aegean to disrupt the British convoys to Greece. He has one battleship, six heavy cruisers, two light cruisers and 13 destroyers.

In East Africa... The British forces occupy Harar, Abyssinia. The Italian forces and their new local allies begin an attack on Wingate's Gideon force around Burye.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Contemplation and the suplementary job. Wot no Match of the Day??!! What shall we do instead??! Oh, I've just thought of something *giggles* ; )

Twitter Followers = 1092 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.5pints = 850mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
It was hard work managing raging emotions yesterday, as if the universe rose to my challenge to "bring it on". However I didn't seem to hurt or upset anybody, so that must count as a success.

I have been assessing what I'm actualy trying to achieve. I have been harbouring subconsciously the aim to not "feel bad", but I now consider this unrealistic as that's an inherent part of this life experience as much as "feeling good". Underneath all emotions is a deeper inner peace that I'm aware of even when pissed off.

My aim now is therefore to accept upwellings of negative emotion without letting it take my focus off my intention - Feel bad but do it anyway! Feel ANYTHING but do it anyway! So, accepting the presence of any and every feeling, my intention is to use every encounter to practise my therapeutic abilities.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Take in all the information, hear all the advice, listen to all the opinions, then let your heart alone decide.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are they your enemy just because they speak harshly?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING
WOULD THE PERSON WHO TOOK THE STEP LADDER YESTERDAY PLEASE BRING IT BACK OR FURTHER STEPS WILL BE TAKEN : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1/3 Quiche, 3 choc bars, 4 biscuits, 1 can lamb hotpot

TRIVIA
In the Peanuts (Charlie Brown) cartoons, Siblings Lucy (the bossy girl) and Linus (always attached to his comfort blanket) have a third sibling called Rerun, who makes much less frequent appearances as the left-fielder in the baseball games.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Feel WHATEVER and do it anyway!

FRIDAY 25th MARCH 2011 06:15 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (25.3.1941)
In Vienna... The Yugoslav Prime Minister Cvetkovic and the Foreign Minister Cincar-Markovic sign the Tripartite Pact. The reality of the situation and the influence of German pressure is made only too clear by the cold tone of the occasion. Germany agrees to respect Yugoslav sovereignty and not to demand passage for troops.

In Belgrade... There are disturbances in Belgrade when it becomes known that Yugoslavia has signed the Tripartite Pact.

In East Africa... The 5th Indian Division renews its advance toward the Italian blocking position on the Keren road.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A quiet couple of days are expected the mornings involving some "me-time" and contemplation and a little housework, and supplementary job afternoon/evening.

Twitter Followers = 1088 (down 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25pints = 800mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
After giving my own podcast a good listening to, I was surprised at the high speed "machine-gun" sound of my conversational voice, much faster than my "therapeutic" voice. I think I need to make the former closer to the latter as my marketing strategy becomes more PR orientated.

It is my intention to turn over a new leaf today and apply my energies to every encounter, not just the ones on my terms. They're ALL opportunities to refine my skills.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Beware of what you wish for. If you want to be needed, you'll end up with the needy.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you biting a hand that's feeding you?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING
BARGAIN BASEMENT UPSTAIRS : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 choc bars, 1/2 quiche, 1 buttered ministeak+dauphinoise potatoes+peas, 6 profiteroles

TRIVIA
The attachment of the human skin to muscles is what causes dimples.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Every encounter is an opportunity

THURSDAY 24th MARCH 2011 06:35 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (24.3.1941)
In North Africa... Six weeks after the mobilisation began, Rommel's Afrika Korps is in place at the front line. In a surprise attack, El Agheila is recaptured from the British by Rommel's forces. General O'Connor and his experienced desert troops have been withdrawn and General Neame has been left to hold Libya with the under strength and inexperienced 2nd Armored Division, 9th Australian Division and an Indian Brigade. The tanks available are mostly old and more or less worn out. Collectively the Allied units have neither the desert experience of O'Connor's veterans nor the professionalism of Rommel's troops. Rommel has one German division, 5th Light, with a strong tank component and part of four Italian divisions. Rommel has been forbidden to attack by the German High Command and has been told that he will receive no extra forces.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Today's the day!! My gig at BCB Radio at noon today - a chance to promote myself and hypnotherapy in general in a full-length show, rather than the short slots I've appeared in up to now. Thanks to the Information Revolution, it's also a potentially worldwide audience.

Rather than dash round, I've decided to have a quiet morning at home first. A little "me time", a decent meditatio session, some housework. After the show, a somewhat anti-climactic weekly shopping trip before supper and preparing the evening meal. Family quality time in the evening.

Twitter Followers = 1090 (up 9)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.76 pints = 1 litre :O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I was somewhat disappointed with my own performance at the "supplementary job" yesterday. The focus just wasn't there. Fortunately the ever-therapeutic mile hike afterwards cleared my head, and I could see that resentment and frustration blinded me to the opportunities. Every encounter is a chance to practise my skills, but in certain environments this is sabotaged by misfocus on the possibility of escape. The correct focus has to be there before I go in to these unpreferred environments. Try again on Friday!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Getting pissed off is not failure, it's staying pissed off.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is your current company building you up or keeping you at their level?

GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING
Seen in a laundrette: PLEASE REMOVE ALL YOUR CLOTHES WHEN THE LIGHT GOES OUT : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon butty, 2 bars choc, 1 can chicken in white sauce, 4 choc biscuits

TRIVIA
The original purpose of the bouquet of flowers carried by the bride at weddings was to mask her body odour.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I will do the best thing for right now!

WEDNESDAY 22nd MARCH 2011 07:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (23.3.1941)
In the Mediterranean... German Stuka dive-bombers, with a fighter escort, conduct a raid on Malta. A total of 13 German planes are shot down while the British lose 2 fighters. British authorities decide to withdraw all bombers and flying boats from Malta as a result of the raid.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Wednesday is always the sternest test of my character, although it gets off to a nice quiet start, so plenty of time to get my focus in the right place. A small amount of ironing to do. I must have needed my meditation yesterday because I was in trance for an hour! Today I will start it earlier or set an alarm.

The lounge curtains are shagged! I may measure up for new ones today, and re-arrange the lounge while I'm at it.

Twitter Followers = 1081 (up 7)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.76 pints = 1 litre : O drying laundry, although still very high. I vacuumed the dust filter, which probably boosted efficiency.

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I have been reflecting some more on how my ego cannot cope with certain situations. It just doesn't respond appropriately in these circumstances, or even to the thought/memory of them. Fortunately I'm at a stage where unless caught out, I can usually flit between ego and True Self simply by shifting focus. I think that before you are ready for enlightenment, you must be conviced that there has clearly been something very wrong with your perception.

I now see the ego as a concept of Self that is neither accurate nor in my case particularly useful. However my attention is not yet developped enough to avoid slipping back into default egoic thinking in certain circumstances. I'm working on it! When nothing short of trauma "bothers" me I will know I am there.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Failure never stopped me, it was the giving up.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Imagine what your attitude would be like if you were convinced that everything would work out O.K.

NEW HUMOUR FEATURE: GENUINE STATEMENTS THAT NEEDED RE-PHRASING!
TOILET OUT OF ORDER. PLEASE USE THE FLOOR BELOW : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 peanut butter/jam sandwiches, 1/2 quiche, 2 choc bars, 1 packet crisps

TRIVIA
On an average day, 16 Canadians are having their appendix surgically removed.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Moving forward from here!

TUESDAY 22nd MARCH 2011 06:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (22.3.1941)
In the North Atlantic... The Scharnhorst and Gneisenau reach French waters. As well as scattering a convoy, another ship has been sunk, bringing the total to 22 ships and 115,600 tons for both battleships. Considerable disruption to the British convoy system has been caused.

In East Africa... In the advance west of Jijiga the Allied forces overrun another defensive position at the Babile Pass.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Abundant time today to get stuff done, my appointments at Bradford Cancer Support foreshortened to two. Tuesday is househusband day and I need to get into the habit of housework, because there's no one else! With all client follow-up done last night, I've left myself with no distractions other than a little "me-time".

Twitter Followers = 1074 (no change)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.5 pints = 900 mls : O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
There's no getting round the fact that I fluorish in some environments and feel like a cornered animal in others. As far as possible I try to avoid unsuitable environments, and where unavoidable, I become intensely focused on my True Self. My intention is to nurture the favourable environments intensely enough that they support me on their own.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
There's no prize for doing something because you should.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you in the right place?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The only thing worse than catching a guy red-handed watching porn is catching him white-handed : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl porridge, 3 choc biscuits, 1 can lamb hotpot, 1/2 quiche, 2 slices buttered bread, 1 pot fruit yoghurt, 2 bars choc, 1 choc liegois

TRIVIA
The sale of chewing gum is illegal in Singapore.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Right here! Right now!

MONDAY 21st MARCH 2011 07:55 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (21.3.1941)
In East Africa... Troops of the 11th African Division attack Italian positions in the Marda Pass west of Jijiga. After some resistance the Italians fall back despite the strength of their positions.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
For the first time in a few months, I'm blogging from the office as I've a networking 1-2-1 at 9am. Thereafter it's clients, prep and follow-up all day.

Twitter Followers = 1074 (down 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1/2 pint = 300 mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Regarding intention, I have found it best to focus on the desired "bottom line" feeling, rather than the circumstance you think would deliver it. I desire to experience continual inner peace, and I'm not really bothered how it gets delivered.
This is therefore the centre of my focus.

I have also concluded that one's dark side, just like one's inherent goodness, is fundamentally a part of my life experience, and the goal is not to eliminate it, which I don't believe possible, but rather to manage it. Perhaps controversially, I believe there are certain circumstances where it is essential ensure to ensure the long-term highest good, in the same way the part played by Gollum in the Lord of The Rings was essential to the final outcome.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Life is an experience, not a task.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Which is better, safety or fulfilment?

TODAY'S ONELINER
You cannot make someone love you. All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 buttered petits-pain, 2 choc biscuits, 2 choc bars, burger/egg/chips, 3 fondant fancies, 1 packet crisps, 1 Crunchie

TRIVIA
Thomas Edison's first major invention was the quadruplex telegraph. Unlike other telegraphs at the time, it could send four messages at the same time over one wire.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Everything will unfold as it should!

SUNDAY 20th MARCH 2011 - THE SPRING EQUINOX - 07:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (20.3.1941)
In Belgrade... In a meeting of the Royal Council it becomes clear that Regent Paul is ready to agree to Hitler's demand that Yugoslavia join the Tripartite Pact and allow free passage of German troops. Four ministers resign in protest.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Outside the usual Sunday activities of doing lunch, ironing, nap and marital quality time, my options are open! May do some client prep and if he still wants it, have quality time with son in the afternoon.

Twitter Followers = 1075 (up 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1/4 pint = 150 mls - a sudden drop!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I was pleased with my focus yesterday. A prolonged meditation in the morning helped a lot in dealing with bus problems later, a traditional raw nerve.
My intention is to become hyper-centered, focused completely on the eternal part of us, the Silent Knowing, and for this purpose pursue as priority the disciplines of meditation and centering.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Men do not plan to fail, but they do fail to plan.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What does your heart say?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, give him an X-Box and he won't bother you for weeks! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 Gregg's Pasty, 1 Custard Doughnut, 5 choc biscuits, 1 choc bar, 1 peanut butter bread roll, 1 choc liegois

TRIVIA
The man who coined the term "jogging" died of a heart attack whilst jogging and his body was found by two smokers.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I am listening to my Heart!

SATURDAY 19th MARCH 2011 06:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (19.3.1941)
In the North Atlantic... The British battleship Malaya is seriously damaged by a torpedo from U-106 when with a convoy in the Atlantic. The Malaya goes to New York for repairs -- the first major British warship to receive such help.

In Belgrade... The Germans repeat their demands on Yugoslavia. They now give the Yugoslavs five days to make a decision.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Woke early but decided not to fight it as I went to bed at a reasonable hour and slept well. Some me time and marital quality time before the supplementary job.

Twitter Followers = 1074 (up 5)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 600 mls - a surprisingly consistent rate of late.

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
The supplementary job shift was unusually quiet and I spent a lot of it having a good albeit bitchy laugh with a colleague, which transformed my usual experience. I have learned how damaging being isolated can be and the benefits of rapport to mental wellbeing. This has led to questions in my mind as to the best way to help isolated people.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
We all get by with a little help from our friends.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is love really enough?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Men are either horny or hungry, so if he's not got an erection, make him a sandwich : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 3 choc biscuits, 1 can Stagg's Chilli, 1 choc liegois, 1 packet crisps.

TRIVIA
A baked ham has graced traditional Easter tables in America for centuries. The tradition of ham served at Easter dates back to the 1600s. The colonists got the idea from their Native American neighbors. Every year the Native Americans welcomed spring with a planting festival that included the practice of smoking meats, especially venison. The colonists were fascinated with the process and decided to try it on the hogs they had raised. They salted, smoked, and stored the meat through the winter until it was perfectly cured and ready for the table in the spring, just in time for Easter.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I return to the peace within.

FRIDAY 18th MARCH 2011 06:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (18.3.1941)
In East Africa... Ethiopian tribesmen attempt to surround the Italian garrison at Debra Marcos.

In Cyprus... The British foreign minister, Anthony Eden, meets the Turkish foreign minister.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some housework and general contemplation

Twitter Followers = 1069 (up 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 600 mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I had a couple of incidents in the last 24 hours of nice enough people unintentionally treading on my raw nerves. The usual treatment of space and time is prescribed. At this point I am not confident that raw nerves can actually be healed, only managed. Where possible, the situations that trigger them should be avoided and plenty of calm detachment to make the raw nerves at least a little less raw. My current strategy is to be as calm and detatched as I can for as much of the time as I can.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
If you wait until conditions are perfect you'll do nothing but wait.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Of the many voices in your head, which will you listen to?

TODAY'S ONELINER
"Piss off Buddha!" Said the cat. "whaddya mean BE the mouse?! I'm a cat goddammit!" : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
3/4 of a Quiche, ministeak + dauphinoise potatoes, 6 profiteroles, 2 bars chocolate, 1 packet crisps.

TRIVIA
In Britain, the most common time for couples to have sex at 11pm, but they are actually at their sexual peak at 11 Am.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It's not just about me

THURSDAY 17th MARCH 2011 07:30 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (17.3.1941)
In East Africa... General Cunningham's northward advance reaches Jijiga which has been evacuated by the Italians.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Indian Head Massage class, shopping and marital quality time.

Twitter Followers = 1068 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 600 mls - nice to know that all this water is no longer damaging my house!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Not as focused as intended over last 24 hours but pleased with my rapid returns to centre. Caught offguard when small events not of my preference occurred. Current lesson is to accept the preferred and unpreferred as they arise whilst keeping detached.

The intention to make a difference is manifesting powerfully at the moment. I am being entrusted with some very vulnerable people. I feel very honoured and priviledged.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
You can handle anything with the right focus.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Who will benefit from your actions today?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The Bible was written by the same people who said the Earth was flat. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 fried eggs, 5 choc biscuits, 2 choc bars, 1 can Stagg's Chilli, 1 chocolate liegois
missus, knowing I like them, keeps buying the latter on her way home! ; )

TRIVIA
The first successful parachute jump from an airplane happened in 1918 in France - by Captain Sarret

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It's all unfolding as it should!

WEDNESDAY 16th MARCH 2011 06:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (16.3.1941)
In the North Atlantic... Kretschmer's U-99 and Schepke's U-100 are both sunk in a convoy battle. These sinkings, combined with the loss of Prien ten days previously, are a severe blow to the morale of the U-boat crews as well as a serious military loss. The sinking of U-100 is symbolic as being achieved with the aid of new radar equipment. Kretschmer is captured after his ship is sunk.

In East Africa... A small British force arriving by sea from Aden in two light cruisers, two destroyers and seven other vessels lands and captures the port of Berbera. The capture takes only a little time and immediately afterward they begin to advance inland. There are alos British gains in the battle around Keren. The 5th Indian Division, which has been unable to advance on the first day, now takes the Dologorodoc position south of the Keren road. The next five days are dominated by Italian efforts to mount counterattacks.

In the Balkans... The Italian offensive is called off. In the past few days they have incurred 12,000 casualties and taken absolutely no ground. However, the Greeks have been compelled by the Italian offensive to do nothing to strengthen their forces which face the German threat elsewhere.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some "me time" and housework before the supplementary job in the afternoon/evening.

Twitter Followers = 1064 (up 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 2/3 pint = 400 mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Wednesday is always a good stern test of where my mind is at, but I go into it calm and detatched.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
People do not remember what you said, but rather how you made them feel.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
How will you make yourself stronger?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Stress is when you wake up screaming & you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1/2 bacon butty, 1 choc biscuit, 1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 bar milk choc, 3 teaspoonfuls peanut butter

TRIVIA
The only nation whose name begins with an "A", but doesn't end in an "A" is Afghanistan.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Inevitably I will do good.

TUESDAY 15th MARCH 2011 06:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (15.3.1941)
In Occupied Poland... During the night (March 15-16), RAF bombers drop leaflets over Warsaw.

In Finland... The Finnish Diet, meeting in secret session during the evening, ratifies the Moscow peace agreement by 145 votes to three. Speaking before the vote, the prime minister, Mr. Ryti, says: "Finland, as well as the whole of Western civilization, is still in the greatest danger, and no one can say what tomorrow may bring. We believe that by choosing peace we have acted in the best way for the moment."

In Romania... An amnesty is granted to members of the fascist Iron Guard (see September 21, 1939). Eight hundred are released from prison camps after they swear an oath of loyalty to King Carol.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A morning of housework before an afternoon working for Bradford Cancer Support, and a private client in the evening.

Twitter Followers = 1062 (no change)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1/2 pint = 300 mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Going through a period of particularly strong lucidity as The Observer rather than The Character. My intention is that this continues indefinitely! It is much more comfortable! "I" and "me" now has a different definition to everyone around me. Everything now appears to me as energy constantly changing form. "Me" is simply an observation point. What "I" do seems to be a combination of my intention and the natural nature of this form. Most delicious is the peace that comes from the combination of calm and detachment.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The greater the victory, the more dangerous is the delusion of invincibility that results.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What do you really want to be?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Thanks for your e-mail - I am be out of the office for the next 2 weeks for medical reasons. When I return, please refer to me as 'Loretta' instead of 'Steve' : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon butty, 1 choc biscuit, 1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 packet crisps, 2/3 can chicken in white sauce, 1 choc liegois.

TRIVIA
Chili powder is typically a blend of dried chilies, garlic powder, red peppers, oregano, and cumin.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
No seer, just seeing, no player, just being.

MONDAY 14th MARCH 2011 06:20 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (14.3.1941)
In East Africa... Wingate and Haile Selassie establish new headquarters at Burye. The main Italian force in their area is now at Debra Markos. The Italians are negotiating with a local chief called Ras Hailu and are preparing an attack with him.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
With my three client appointments not beginning until 4pm, I have a golden opportunity to get stuff done, like all the stuff I didn't do yesterday!

Twitter Followers = 1062 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 600 mls - for a third day!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I have found that it is the perception of a threat that knocks me out of my spiritually lucid mode. Not surprising really - when faced with a lion, it's not the time to contemplate universal consciousness. You cannot serve if you don't survive! However, the problem is that the mind can exaggerate, exacerbate or just plain create a threat. To pursue my objective of being continually lucid, I now need to train my mind to distinguish between a genuine life-threatening situation, which requires a threat response, and the prospect of material/positional loss, which does not.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The survivors reacted better to change.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is your response the most appropriate for the situation?

TODAY'S ONELINER

I try not to let my mind wander, it's far too small to be let out on its own : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, burger/egg/chips, 2 fondant fancies, 2 choc biscuits, 3 chicken thighs 6 squares dark choc, 3 squares milk choc.

TRIVIA
In Calama, a town in the Atacama Desert of Chile, it has never rained.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It's NOT complicated!

SUNDAY 13th MARCH 2011 09:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (13.3.1941)
In the Balkans... In Albania, the Italian attacks toward Klisura continue but are now being held comfortably by the Greek defence.

From Berlin... Hitler issues a directive for the invasion of the Soviet Union which gives administrative control of any captured territory to the SS.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A morning of ironing, with options open in the afternoon - possibly clean bathroom and re-arrange lounge to suit the new suite. Must vacuum the dhumidifier filter!

Twitter Followers = 1058 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 600 mls - more laundry!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I was more spiritually lucid than I have been for months yesterday - the prime feeling is relief! I want to continue that today. It's quite difficult to put into words the "procedure". Your awareness takes a step back from your life experience and what you think of as your life becomes just another part of the interplay of energies that is the universe. You are no longer a player, just an observer. Your intention becomes to simply observe it all, experiencing it objectively, and your actions become simply instinctive.

My immediate objective is to hold this perspective for as long and as often as possible. My ultimate objective is to hold it continually.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Many a life was thwarted simply by the fear of disappointment.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Is this the best thing for you?

TODAY'S ONELINER
This is your computer speaking. As a computer, I find your faith in technology most amusing. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon butty, 4 choc biscuits, 1 feasters burger, 1 Cadbury's Flake, 1 chocolate liegois, 1 packet crisps

TRIVIA
John Lennon's final live performance was as a guest of Elton John at Madison Square Garden in 1974.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I cannot help but do what is right