TUESDAY 1st MARCH 2011 06:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (1.3.1941)
In East Africa... The carrier Formidable attacks Massawa again. German mines blocking the carrier's entry into the Mediterranean are being cleared.

From Washington... The US Navy forms a Support Force for the Atlantic Fleet. The main part of this unit is made up from three destroyer squadrons of 27 ships.

In Sofia... Prime Minister Filov brings Bulgaria into the Tripartite Pact.

In North Africa... Kuffra in southeast Libya is taken by a Free French force from Chad. Colonel Leclerc is in command. The French force has received some help from units of the British Long Rage Desert Group.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
The day of many workmen! Drainpipes already replaced, the soil pipe (the one connected to the toilet!) gets replaced today. The new flooring in the bathroom gets installed and the new furniture suite for the front room gets delivered!

Once the suite is in, I go hotfoot to Bradford Cancer Support for my first client there (all voluntary - my bit for the community) and then hotfoot to my practice for an evening client.

Twitter Followers = 1042 (no change)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.1 pints = 630mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Very centered yesterday, although Monday/Tuesdays aren't very challenging because I'm doing hypnotherapy - my favourite thing in all the world to do. It's adversity that really tests your abilities and purges false notions. Bizarrely it's because of adversity that I can now do what I love - without it I would have settled for a dull safe monotony that would not have added up to much. The old adage is true - if it doesn't kill you it really does make you stronger, and in fact wiser/nicer as well. Now I prioritise the pursuit of my passions rather than false notions of safety.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Never define yourself by your relationship to someone else

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

TODAY'S ONELINER
“Ah, yes, divorce. From the Latin word meaning to rip out a man’s genitals through his wallet.” : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon butty, 1 can curry, 3 chocolate bars, 1 packet crisps, 6 squares dark choc (the dark choc was for er, circulation purposes)

TRIVIA
There is only one Q in a Scrabble game.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I am already complete in myself, I am here only to experience!

MONDAY 28th FEBRUARY 2011 06:45 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (27.2.1941)
In East Africa... Asmara in Eritrea, is bombed by British planes. The RAF has now established air superiority in this area.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
With a cancellation received yesterday, I've three clients to see all neatly slotted between noon and 6pm, meaning I can have a rare easy start on Monday morning. This will give me time at home to do the monthly accounts and some client prep.

After finally getting round to moving in the last of the pots and pans, the new kitchen is finally FINALLY complete and functional! I expect the drainpipes to be replaced today. Still waiting on quotes from the joiner (garage doors and garden gates) and the vinyl flooring supplier (bathroom).

Twitter Followers = 1042 (down 3)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.1 pints = 630mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Very recently I realised my absolute completeness within myself, and can physically experience it! It has taken me a lifetime of spiritual journeying to reach this point! The challenge now is to consolidate my grip on it, to make it a continual rather than interrupted experience. My tactic for doing this is keeping my attention focused on it. Whatever external stimulus arises, I want to remain undistracted, participating fully in life but staying completely unattached to any of it - this is my goal.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
We'd all be a lot less angry if we all knew we were safe.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Who decided what SHOULD happen?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Honesty is the key to a relationship. If you can fake that, you’re in! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
2 packets crisps, burger/egg/chips, 3 chocolate bars.

TRIVIA
Pumice is the only rock that floats on water.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I already have it all!

SUNDAY 27th FEBRUARY 2011 09:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (27.2.1941)
In the Indian Ocean... The Italian merchant cruiser Ramb I is sunk by the New Zealand cruiser Leander off the Maldive Islands.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After a hectic "day off" yesterday, Sunday divides neatly into:
Ironing
Lunch
Nap
Tidying
Marital Quality Time

Twitter Followers = 1045 (up 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.76 pints = 1 litre
Wow!! : O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
If I thought my new-found understanding would stop me getting grumpy, I was to be disappointed! However, I am at least at the point where my soul can observe it happening from a distance. There is an instant powerful negative response to certain verbal stimuli, notably criticism, hostility, disrespect, the irrelevant, commands to do things I was going to do anyway, being asked to repeat myself and the blatantly bleedin' obvious. This gets notably worse when I'm hungry or tired.

Over the years I've come to manage this response so at least being in my company is no longer like walking through a minefield. The key to anger management is thorough preparation before "going in". If you know full well you're going into an environment where buttons will get pushed and raw nerves trod on, You need to have already done your mind-calming and have your coping mechanisms ready. I will be discussing some of these in my forthcoming book EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT FOR ORDINARY FOLK

The next growth point for me is, since now I know full well what to do, devising good triggers for the necessary techniques so I can get into calm mode instantly when suddenly confronted. I'm still getting caught out by not being properly prepared.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The joy in any journey is not the end, it's the path!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What positive did you learn from your last defeat?

TODAY'S ONELINER
If opening the fridge door causes stray animals and every known insect from a three mile radius to congregate outside your house, the meat is probably off. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 Greggs pasty + custard doughnut, 1 can meatballs + 2 buttered rolls, a couple of mouthfuls of choc buttons.

TRIVIA
Genuine Chippendale furniture is made exclusively from Mahogany.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I'm ready for the challenges of today!

SATURDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2011 07:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (26.2.1941)
In Ankara... The British mission led by Eden and Dill continue their Middle East tour with a visit to Turkey, but they get no real response to their efforts to interest the Turks in an alliance.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
What a lightweight! I had a double-Cointreau and shared a bottle of Cava last night, and I've woken up with a hangover! : D (ooh, it hurts when I laugh!)

A rare Saturday off and I have been press-ganged into shopping! The new kitchen is now complete and missus wants to choose roller-blinds for it this morning. In the afternoon, son wants a new Spring wardrobe.

Twitter Followers = 1043 (up 3)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.5 pints = 850mls
... just when I thought the house was drier!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A sartori moment! A mildly frustrating incident during my shift on the "supplementary job" suddenly opened my eyes. My circumstances could not bring me peace, and I could not bring peace to my circumstances, but I could, 24-7 on demand bring peace to my being! I suddenly realized I was totally complete and fulfilled in myself. My connection to the Universal Source did not depend on my connection to my circumstances, these were two entirely different dimensions of connection.

I had some time ago reached the end of seeking. Unlooked for, the end of needing has suddenly arrived. Only one goal remains - the end of all attachment. To experience that while still in mortal form will be amazing!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
While you live you have something to offer.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What is your life for?

TODAY'S ONELINER
So its not home sweet home! Adjust! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 7 spicy chicken wings, 4 bars chocolate, 1 packet crisps, 1 chicken thigh.

TRIVIA
The only river that flows both north and south of the equator is the Congo. It crosses the equator twice.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Discovery Awaits!

FRIDAY 25th FEBRUARY 2011 08:10 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (25.2.1941)
In East Africa... Mogadishu is taken by the British forces after an advance of over 230 miles in the past three days. Considerable stocks of fuel and other supplies are captured.

In the Mediterranean... The Italian light cruiser Diaz is sunk by a British submarine while forming part of the escort for a Naples-Tripoli convoy.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After an impromptu evening of marital quality time, a quiet morning before the "supplementary job"

Twitter Followers = 1040 (up 7)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.11 pints = 630mls
... Doors open a lot today, son's mates and decorator doing a lot of to and fro

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I am now a "man of a certain age", which I notice in two major ways: I am becomong increasingly long-sighted (I need reading glasses for small print) and, er, "performance". Fortunately, I have discovered by sheer accident that consuming a significant amount of chocolate whilst abstaining from alcohol "before the event" boosts performance to ensure everybody's bell rings. So it's a choice between middle-age spread or middle age droop. Hmm, it's a no-brainer! BRING ON THE CHOCOLATE!

Spiritual focus has gone back to basics and I have been calming the mind - feeling much better for it!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Evert day can be an adventure!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What will you do diffferently today?

TODAY'S ONELINER
If something starts pecking its way out of the shell, the egg should not be consumed : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bacon sandwich, 1 chocolate bar, 4 chocolate biscuits, 1 Gregg's pasty, 1 ministeak+dauphinoise potatoes, 5 profiteroles, 9 squares chocolate. Not greatly healthy but I sure had fun!

TRIVIA
The cornea in the eye has no blood supply. It receives nutrients from other body fluids and oxygen directly from the air by simple diffusion.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Peace....

WEDNESDAY 23rd FEBRUARY 2011 08:05 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (23.2.1941)
In Athens... The Greeks agree to accept a British force which at this stage is intended to be 100,000 men with suitable artillery and tank support. The Greeks are very reluctant to accept anything less since it would not be enough to fight the Germans off and would only encourage them to attack. The disposition of the British and Greek forces is also discussed. The British prefer a position along the line of the Aliakmon River but the Greeks are unwilling to give up the territory which this line does not cover. No final decision is made -- a serious omission in light of later events.

In East Africa... In Somaliland the main Italian forces defending the line of the Juba River have been defeated. General Cunningham's troops are now advancing very rapidly toward Mogadishu. There is a small Free French landing in Eritrea.

In Occupied Holland... The SS raid on the Jewish Quarter of Amsterdam is completed. About 400 Jews are arrested and deported to the concentration camp at Buchenwald in Germany.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After a much-needed evening off, a quiet morning before the "supplementary job"

Twitter Followers = 1033 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 0.7 pints = 400mls
... We seem to be getting on top of the moisture in the house!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Circumstances have recently forced me to confront deep fears and face them. I now see that I have to be willing to face any circumstance without flinching. I do not believe in being reckless, inflicting unnecessary suffering, but neither will I pursue safety as an objective. I will do what is right in any circumstance that comes my way.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Daylight is the best cure for darkness

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you walking how you're talking?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Avenge yourself. Live long enough to be a problem to your kids. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 choc biscuit, 1 chocolate bar, 1 KFC 3-piece meal, 1 meatballs+spaghetti

TRIVIA
The only married couple to fly together in space were Jan Davis and Mark Lee, who flew aboard the Endeavor space shuttle from Sept 12-20, 1992.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
BRING IT ON!!!

MONDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2011 07:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (21.2.1941)
From Moscow... Changes in the Central Committee of the Communist Party are announced. Among those to be dismissed are the former ambassador to the United States, Maxim Litvinov.

In East Africa... The carrier Formidable attacks Massawa.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A mega-busy day in the consulting room with five clients to see, but with the first one not until 10am, the morning is not as rushed as when I have an 8am start. I will be unleashing my newly modified hypnotic deepener script for the first time today - the most powerfully hypnotic script I've ever produced - I'm rather proud of it!
A session on CD to record also.

Twitter Followers = 1029 (up 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 0.88 pints = 500mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A disappointing defeat yesterday in that I was SERIOUSLY GRUMPY - a series of minor frustrations caught me out, and just when I thought I was finally on top of my moods. But with any defeat comes lessons, and I realized that somewhere along the line I had dropped the discipline of surrender & acceptance, so that frustrations, instead of passing harmlessly through me, hit me like a mallet! As soon as I stopped struggling and resisting, the soreness eased. I intend to build in surrender and acceptance as an intrinsic part of my morning meditation, so it's there from the start.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Without defeats, victory has no flavour.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you putting something off to the point where it's perilously late?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 chocolate bar, 1 choc biscuit, chicken+beans, 2 buttered rolls, 2 Quorn fillets, 2 Fondant Fancies

TRIVIA
The Gecko is the only lizard with a voice

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
It will all get done!

SUNDAY 20th FEBRUARY 2010 09:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (20.2.1941)
In North Africa... The British and German patrols make contact for the first time in the desert, near El Agheila.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
I'm back!! After a day or two tying up loose ends in the kitchen, which is now fitted and in use, but still needs decorating (separate contractor) and some roller blinds thereafter.

Today is "move in and tidy up" day! I will be moving remaining stuff into the kitchen and giving the whole house a much-needed tidy up!

Twitter Followers = 1028 (up 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 0.62 pints = 350mls - lowest since dehumidifier arrived!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
After a week of struggling to control mood, yesterday I finally overthrew it, and as with any non-fatal struggle, learned a lot. Without realizing, I had been trying to THINK my way out, which you cannot do. I had to focus inward a lot deeper than I had been, and I realized that this deep inner focus needs to be continual and unbroken, not just in circumstances I don't like, if I want to keep hold of the deep inner peace I have discovered.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Those who fulfil their dreams do not settle for anything less while options remain!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you going to settle for this?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Reading about the perils of drinking upset me, so I stopped reading. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 2 chocolate bars, 1 Greggs pasty, 1 custard doughnut, 1 Feaster's burger, 1 slice choc cheesecake.

TRIVIA
"Four" is the only number in the English language that has the same number of letters in its name as its meaning.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Go deeper...

THURSDAY 17th FEBRUARY 2011 07:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (17.2.1941)
In Sofia... Under German pressure Turkey and Bulgaria sign a friendship agreement by which Turkey accepts that the movement of German troops through Bulgaria is not an act of war.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
The sequel to the missing switch and wrong floor is expected today. I anticipate an awkward discussion! Indian Head Massage Class in the morning and Shopping early afternoon, housework thereafter.

Twitter Followers = 1026 (up 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.06 pints = 600mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
After a lull Monday/Tuesday, the dark side was raging with a vengeance yesterday, but I was ready for it. When the mood is dark, strong mental effort is required to rein in the attention. A few times recently I've been caught out by the ferocity of the pull, so now at the least sensation of distress, the leash on my attention is pulled in tight.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
When you meet another like you, bless them by showing them they're not the only one.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What are you going to offer today?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The most powerful and effective laxative is your boss says "come into my office a moment please"

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 soup. Body a bit "hungover" from recent indulgences!

TRIVIA
The hummingbird is the only bird that can fly backwards.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I will do what is right!

WEDNESDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2011 07:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (16.2.1941)
In East Africa... In Italian Somaliland the 1st South African Brigade begins an important battle to seize crossings over the lower reaches of the river Juba.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some minor concerns over the kitchen to iron out - the new floor doesn't have the pattern we agreed on, and the exterior light appears not to have a switch!

Twitter Followers = 1025 (down 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 568mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Wednesday is my least-liked day and so a worthy challenge for my centering skills, compounded today by needing to challenge some people. Going into it in the right frame of mind to begin with.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
If your life seems like a desert, keep your focus on the oasis.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Will you exert your influence by fear or seduction?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The practise of keeping yourself for one sexual partner is called monogamy... or monotony. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 10 leftover Valentine's Day chocs, 2 packets crisps. Healthy huh? : D

TRIVIA
Antarctica is the only continent with no reptiles.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Today I will do what I need to do!

TUESDAY 15th FEBRUARY 2011 07:35 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (15.2.1941)
Over Occupied Poland... RAF aircraft, based in Britain, drop leaflets over Cracow and Katowice in southern Poland during the night (February 15-16).

From Washington... President Roosevelt sends James B. Conant, President of Harvard University, to Britain to discuss military technology.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
An unusually quieter Tuesday than of late due to a client postponement and an interview with Bradford Cancer Support, so an easy-going start and a chance to catch up on some client follow-up. After the interview I will have time to do some tidying up at home before heading out to my evening client appointment.

Twitter Followers = 1027 (up 3)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 600mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A calm and focused mood has returned! I intend to hold on to it by er, being calm and focused!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Passion and determination are mutually dependent.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are going to let failure be an excuse to give up?

TODAY'S ONELINER
I thought black was supposed to be slimming, but it always makes me look like the opening to a tunnel. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 BLT, 1 can curry, 1 naan bread, 1 choc bar, 1 packet crisps, 4-course st.Valentine's Day restaurant slap-up. I'm still full!

TRIVIA
The last French king was not Louis XVI, who was beheaded in the French Revolution in 1793. After the final defeat of Napoleon I Bonaparte, the monarchy was restored in 1815 and lasted until 1848, when king Louis Philippe abdicated in the 1848 Revolution. After a four-year period as a republic, France became an empire for the second time in 1852 under Napoleon III. After the disastrous Franco-Prussian war, the emperor was overthrown in 1870 and France became a permanent republic.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Whatever!

MONDAY 14th FEBRUARY 2010 08:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (14.2.1941)
In North Africa... The first units of what will become the Afrika Korps begin to land at Tripoli. The advance guard is a battalion of light infantry and an antitank unit.

In the North Atlantic... The Admiral Hipper returns to Brest, having sunk a total of eight ships on its cruise.

In Germany... Hitler meets the Yugoslav Premier Cvetkovic and his foreign minister at Berchtesgaden to urge them to join the Tripartite Pact. They still refuse to commit their country, in the hope that Hitler will soon be preoccupied with relations with the Soviet Union and that they can get aid from Britain and the USA.

In East Africa... The 22nd East African Brigade takes Kismayu with fire support from the cruiser Shropshire and other smaller vessels. Elsewhere in Somaliland the British advance is also rapid

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Three clients today and an early finish due to St.Valentine's Day soiree for two ;)

Twitter Followers = 1024 (down 3)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 710mls - Over a pint a day every day coming out the air in my house! Amazing!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Sunday is the lowest-pressure day of the week and so mood was correspondingly lighter. Meditated and contemplated as planned, but no closer to understanding the causes of poor mood, which are probably multiple. Unable to stop it reraring its head, I am pursuing good management of it by strong focus, so it doesn't hijack my behaviour.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
True courage is to feel great fear and act regardless.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What is the best thing to do right now?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Yes, some people claim to enjoy exercise. But then, some people claim to have been abducted by aliens too! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 packet crisps, 2 mini-choc bars, 2 biscuits, 2 chicken thighs.

TRIVIA
The last soldier killed in World War I was Pvt. Henry Gunther of Baltimore, MD. The official end of the shooting was supposed to coincide with the signing of the armistice at 11:00 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Pvt. Gunther was with Company A, 313th Infantry, 79th Division of the US Army as it advanced upon Metz near the German border. Gunther's platoon ran into an ambush. Enraged by the enemy machine-gun fire, Gunther charged the German position with fixed bayonet. At the very moment that a messenger arrived with word that the war was ending at 11:00 a.m., Gunther was shot through the left temple and left side, at 11:01. General Pershing's order of the day named him as the last American killed in the war. Posthumously, he received the Distinguished Service Cross.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I won't back down!

SUNDAY 13th FEBRUARY 2011 06:35 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (13.2.1941)
In East Africa... The carrier Formidable attacks Massawa. Formidable cannot pass through the Suez Canal to join the Mediterranean Fleet owing to mines that have been dropped by German planes. These are being cleared.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A mountain of ironing in the morning and client prep in the afternoon.

Twitter Followers = 1027 (up 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 710mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Poor mood dragged on to about 4pm yesterday when it began to lift, for no explicable reason, but is still below normal. This morning I woke unnecessarily early, feeling troubled but with no good reason! I will slot in some "me time" and deep meditation to today's schedule to see if that gives me a lift or an insight. I have noticed that focus on the muladhara (base chakra) seems to ease it.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Those who want to grow surely will.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are your priorities right?

TODAY'S ONELINER
The problem with sex in movies is that you look up and realise you've lost the plot! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 XL bacon butty, 1 Feasters burger, 12 squares dark choc, 2 choc bars, 1 packet crisps.

TRIVIA
Canada is Native American word meaning "Big Village".

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Neither mood nor circumstance will deflect me!

SATURDAY 12th FEBRUARY 2011 08:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (12.2.1941)
In North Africa... General Rommel arrives in Tripoli. Nominally more important is the appointment of the new Italian Commander in Chief for Libya, General Gariboldi. Field Marshal Kesselring is in Rome as the German representative.

In the North Atlantic... The convoy SLS-64 of 19 ships is attacked by the German heavy cruiser Admiral Hipper. Seven of the ships are sunk.

In Moscow... General Zhukov is appointed Chief of the General Staff and Deputy Commissar for Defence. General Meretskov is now to lead the Red Army's training directorate.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some contemplation and online contribution to make before the supplementary job.

Twitter Followers = 1026 (down 1)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.76 pints = 1000mls - drying laundry on radiators yesterday.

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Though nothing went wrong yesterday and I didn't behave badly, I was in a poor mood all day. I think I have been neglecting the discipline of surrender - acceptance of a circumstance contrary to your preference. I have more to learn in this discipline, so it currently has my attention.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
The teacher must continually learn more.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you learning lessons or continually and repeatedly repeating them?

TODAY'S ONELINER
I'm so conceited, when I have an orgasm I call out my own name! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 XL bacon butty, 1 can beef stew, 5 chocolate biscuits, 1 packet crisps, 6 squares dark choc.

TRIVIA
The king of hearts is the only king without a moustache on a standard playing card.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I am complete in myself!

FRIDAY 11th FEBRUARY 2011 06:50 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (11.2.1941)
In Vichy France... Darlan is nominated to be successor and deputy to Petain. He is to hold office as Foreign Minister, Minister of the Interior and Minister of Information as well as his rank as Commander in Chief of the Navy.

In East Africa... General Cunningham's forces extend their advance from Kenya into the Italian Somaliland and take Afmadu.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
I have some e-mails to send off to my best business-referrers, and the ironing. In the kitchen, the plumbing and sink are now installed, but a leak under the sink needs seeing to.

Twitter Followers = 1027 (up 5)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.5 pints = 852mls - what's a little bit disturbing is where all this water was going before I bought the dehumidifier!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A good day to test my ability to focus on the highest good. The power of anger, contempt and hate is highly seductive once you have felt it.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
To inflict hurt inevitably leads to feeling it.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What is your reason for doing what you're doing?

TODAY'S ONELINER
A woman wants one man to satisfy her every need... A man wants every woman to satisfy his one need. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 XL bacon butty, several chicken/tuna/sweetcorn sandwiches, Chicken+beans, 1 buttered roll, 5 choc bars

TRIVIA
The hyoid bone in the throat is the only bone in the human body not joined to another.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
One vision!!

THURSDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2011 07:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (10.2.1941)
In East Africa... The attacks of 4th Indian Division at Keren go on with renewed effort. The fighting is fierce over the next two days but Italian counterattacks prevent the Indian troops from making any gains. A long lull follows for the rest of the month while British commanders bring up more forces and supplies for the formal offensive which will be necessary to break the Italian positions.

From London... Churchill formally instructs Wavell to regard help for Greece as having a higher priority than exploiting the success in North Africa. He mentions the important effect on American opinion of being seen to fulfill promises to smaller nations. Colonel Bill Donovan has recently been on a tour of the Balkans on Roosevelt's behalf and is known to value the idea of fighting the Germans there. The British also hope to make a good impression on Turkey and perhaps even establish a Balkan coalition against Hitler.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
With PRONET networking group no longer a feature, a new regular Thursday routine begins today. It begins with blogging, some important client follow-up and some PR/marketing if there's time. At 0930 it's off to Shipley for Indian Head Massage class, then lunch, shopping and house-husbandry. Where Wednesday can drag if I'm not centred, Thuursday rushes relentlessly, a little too quick for my liking!

Twitter Followers = 1022 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 568mls - only half that of the last two days.

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Being centred is not sufficient in itself - there has to be CLEAR INTENT - clarity in what I'm being centred for. A narrow victory over the Dark Side yesterday made this plain to me.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
You cannot enjoy a game where the right result is a forgone conclusion.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you giving it 100% ?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Yes, that seat IS empty and mine will be too if you sit down anywhere near! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 Greggs pasty, 3 chocolate bars, 2 chicken thighs, 1 packet crisps

TRIVIA
The Joshua tree is the only tree that grows in California's Mojave Desert.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
A new beginning!

WEDNESDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2011 07:00 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (9.2.1941)
In North Africa... The British advance comes to a halt at El Agheila. There is little Italian opposition to prevent a further move, but Wavell is being compelled to withdraw troops which will be sent to Greece. He is also responsible for the campaign in East Africa and for making some provision for the defense of Palestine. In the near future, this will demand more of his attention because of German activity in Iraq and Syria.

In the Mediterranean... In an audacious attack the battleship Malaya and the battlecruiser Renown from Force H bombard the harbor at Genoa. The carrier Ark Royal also takes part in the operation, sending aircraft to attack Leghorn and La Spezia. Five ships in Genoa are sunk and 18 damaged. The Italians fail to attack the British force.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A morning mainly dealing with client follow-up and scheduling - and the shopping list!
Twitter Followers = 1018 (up 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 2 pints = 1136mls - again?! :O I can safely conclude that dehumidification was much needed!

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
In my passion for what I do I have realised its nonetheless important to confine it within time boundaries so other stuff gets done properly.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
You cannot enjoy a game where the right result has become more important than playing it.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you waiting for your ideal life to be delivered or are you creating it.

TODAY'S ONELINER
What's the chemical formula of dog urine? - k9p : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl porridge, 1 can chunky chicken, 6 biscuits, 1 packet crisps, 1 vanilla slice.

TRIVIA
Europe has one small desert - the Bledow Desert in Poland.
The environment closest to a desert in England is Dungeness in Kent.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I can deal with now!

TUESDAY 8th FEBRUARY 2011 11:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (8.2.1941)
In Sofia... The German and Bulgarian staffs agree on the detailed arrangements for German troops to enter Bulgaria.

In the North Atlantic... The Scharnhorst and Gneisenau approach the convoy HX-106 but do not attack because the escort includes the old battleship Ramillies.

In Washington... The Lend-Lease Bill is passed by the House by 260 votes to 165

TODAY IN MY LIFE
After a frenetic but fulfilling Monday, Tuesday is has a more relaxed feel with a 6-hour window between clients to get other stuff done - like this blog! It also presents marketing opportunities and time to work on my book. After the last client I'm off to Overgate Hospice, Elland to give a seminar on STRESS DISTRESS and PAIN MANAGEMENT in the evening.

Twitter Followers = 1016 (down 5)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 2 pints = 1136mls - where's it all coning from?! :O

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Monday-Tuesday sees me "back on form" after a de-centred Friday-Sunday.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Everyone needs allies if they want to progress.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you making he best use of this time?

TODAY'S ONELINER
How did a fool and his money get together in the first place?

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl porridge, 1 can beef stew, 6 biscuits, 1 packet crisps, 1 peanut butter/jam sandwich.

TRIVIA
In 1997, author Eugene Izzi hanged himself from an 11th-floor window on Michigan Ave., Chicago. Possibly by accident while researching a scene for a book.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Today I'm making a difference!

SUNDAY 6th FEBRUARY 2010 08:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (6.2.1941)
In North Africa... Benghazi is taken by Australian units following the Italian retreat. The Italian forces are streaming back along the coast road to Beda Fomm and during the day they make desperate attacks on the British blocking force there. These attacks are repulsed with heavy loss but the small British force is compelled to give some ground.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some tidying up, a small batch of ironing, talk/client prep and contemplation.

Twitter Followers = 1021 (up 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.5 pints = 852mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
A second day de-centred yesterday, although less severely than the day before. However, there are always positive outcomes from such defeats. In this case I was driven to "dust off" some old strategies to rein in my thoughts. A couple of days without the opportunity to, er, "attend to the sacral chakra" didn't help, or indeed the chance to attend to chakra-balancing in any meaningful way, but at this point in front of the keyboard, with the top of the morning to myself, these things have been addressed, and it feels like order is restored. Sunday generally offers the least challenges of other days, so a chance to put bodymind in harbour for some restorative work.

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Life is by definition movement and change.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What's the best use of a quiet moment?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Why don't they make the whole plane out of the same stuff as the black box? : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
6 squares dark choc, 1 Gregg's pasty, 1 custard doughnut, 1 can hotpot, 6 chocolate biscuits, 1 chicken thigh, 1 packet crisps, 2 chocolate eclairs. Oops! S much for "back to self-control"! : D It will be better today.

TRIVIA
To deliberately faint, squat down as low as possible, take 30 breaths as deep as poossible, then quickly stand up straight and hold your breath.....

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
So what?

SATURDAY 5th FEBRUARY 2011 09:25 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (5.2.1941)
In North Africa... The first British armored units reach the coast road near Beda Fomm with armored cars and light tanks after their drive across Cyrenaica. Heavier tank units are following rapidly. The retreating Italian columns are engaged and about 5000 men are captured. In the north the Australians take Barce.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
A quiet day expected - I will be working on my talk for Overgate Hospice and generally being kind and gentle.

Suckered by a Facebook virus! I will put it down to experience.

Twitter Followers = 1017 (down 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.33 pints = 758mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
I was completely de-centred yesterday by a remark. I guess it's not just the power of a missile but where it strikes. This one came from point blank range and struck at a weak point. The explosion was delayed until evening!

Oddly I have no regrets. The power of the dark side unleashed enabled me to eliminate a threat, or at least cripple it, but at the expense of hurting someone. It was the not wanting to hurt someone that had prevented decisive action before. I have to say that the regret about causing hurt is far outweighed by the relief I feel in quashing the threat. I'd do it again!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Did you learn or are you still just bitterly regretting?

TODAY'S ONELINER
What is a man's idea of helping with the housework? Lifting his leg so you can vacuum. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter/jam sandwich, 1 can curry, 3 chocolate bars, 1 tub ice cream, 1 chocolate dessert, 1 packet crisps, 2 bouble measures Baileys Irish Cream

..oh dear! A result of being suddenly de-centred (see above) I did enjoy it all though! : D Back to self-control today.

TRIVIA
The most remote island in the world is Bouvet Island, an uninhabited and small Norwegian-owned island in the South Atlantic Ocean It's 994 miles from any other land (Queen Maud Land Antarctica, where there is a Norwegian research station)

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Forward from here!

FRIDAY 4th FEBRUARY 2011 06:55 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (4.2.1941)
In North Africa... The British advance across Cyrenaica has now begun. Msus is taken and the forces then move toward Antelat. In the north the Italian retreat is continuing.

In East Africa... The British forces begin to attack the strong Italian positions around Keren. There are 30,000 Italian troops in this area. In the first phase of the battle, which last until February 7th, the 11th Indian Brigade manages to take Cameron Ridge but is thrown back from other positions by Italian counterattacks.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Writing! An article for BEST OF BRADFORD and prep for a talk at a hospice I'm giving on Tuesday.

Twitter Followers = 1019 (down 4)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1 pint = 568mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Facing an old familiar threat with a new attitude, returning to centre...

TODAY'S THOUGHT
A threat can evoke both fear and determination.

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
Are you look at what might happen or the best thing to do right now?

TODAY'S ONELINER
How can you tell if a man wants sex? He's breathing. : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 peanut butter sandwich, 3 chocolate biscuits, 1 meatballs+mash, 2 chocolate eclairs

TRIVIA
Each square inch of human skin consists of twenty feet of blood vessels.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Feelin' determined!

THURSDAY 3rd FEBRUARY 2011 08:40 GMT

THIS DAY IN WW2 (3.2.1941)
In the North Atlantic... The German battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau go on a commerce destroying expedition in the Atlantic under the command of Admiral Lutjens. During the night they pass through the Denmark Strait.

In Berlin... The OKH plans for the German invasion of the USSR are presented to Hitler. He again tries to draw attention away from the central drive toward Moscow which the Army planners think essential.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
With my recent (amicable) divorce from networking organisation PRONET, Thursday is now permanently "Househusband" day, but with major ongoing refurb projects on the house and the FIT FOR PURPOSE scheme filling the appointment book, I don't have time to sit on my arse watching DVDs all day! Shopping, tidying and cleaning will be permanent Thursday jobs, and this week I need to order the materials for phase 3 (the bathroom, which starts on Monday, and meet the joiner regarding phase 4 (garage doors, garden gates)

I'm also doing a quickie live interview on BCB @ 17:15 regarding the new regulatory body for Complementary Therapists in the UK, CNHC
Twitter Followers = 1023 (down 2)
Yesterday the dehumidifier extracted: 1.25 pints = 710mls

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Feeling fulfilled!

TODAY'S THOUGHT
No better time to act than now!

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What now?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Some women love wife-murderers - it means they're single! : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl of porridge, 1 Greggs pasty, 1 choc/custard doughnut, 1 can of lamb chunky chicken, 4 chocolate biscuits 1 cream bun, 1 packet crisps.
Unsurprisingly not hungry in the morning!

TRIVIA
The River Severn, the longest river in the UK, experiences a tidal wave twice a day, known as the Severn Bore. As it's a regular ancient feature, the land and river banks are shaped around it so no damage is caused

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
Feelin' good

WEDNESDAY 2nd FEBRUARY 2011

THIS DAY IN WW2 (2.2.1941)
In East Africa... The British carrier Formidable, on her way to the Mediterranean to replace the damaged Illustrious, sends its planes to attack the harbor installations at Mogadishu.

In North Africa... The Australian forces have already advanced well to the west of Derna on the coast and are discovering that the Italians are withdrawing at speed. Wavel agrees with O'Connor that 7th Armored Division should be sent hurrying across the center of Cyrenaica in an attempt to cut the Italians off. Supplies are being assembled to support this move but because the Italian retreat is so rapid the advance will have to start before the preparations are complete.

TODAY IN MY LIFE
Some pause for breath after a very busy Tuesday! I have an article to write for the BEST OF BRADFORD and may get time over for some more work on my book.
Twitter Followers = 1025 (up 1)

TODAY'S SELF-OBSERVATION
Feeling robust at the moment, coping well with occurrences that in the past would have ruined my day. In fact, I'm feeling very grateful for a current "purple patch". I intend to enjoy being "on a roll".

TODAY'S THOUGHT
One man's lighthearted quip is another's grievous insult

TODAY'S QUESTION FOR YOU
What will you do after you've got what you wanted?

TODAY'S ONELINER
Why do they lock public toilets? Are they afraid someone will clean them? : D

WHAT I ATE YESTERDAY
1 bowl of porridge, 1 can of lamb hotpot, 3 chocolate biscuits, 4 white chocolate mice, 1 peanut butter sandwich, 1 packet crisps, 1 pot fruit yoghurt - serious evening munchies!

TRIVIA
In 1989 Romanian Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife Elena became the last two people executed before the abolition of capital punishment in Romania in the following year.

TODAY'S AFFIRMATION
I have everything I need to get the best out of today!