The Affair

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The Affair

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The Unknown Soldier

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The Unknown Soldier

http://video.google.co.uk/videoplay?docid=4653740754270719660

Poetry Videos

Hi, Lest We Forget...I have posted the first few of many poetry videos on the site at http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/2007/10/25/a-gift-of-poetry-videos/ Please let me know what you think regards, Allen

11th Edition - All About Mothers

Welcome! In the last edition we spoke all about fathers, well to
square up the ledger I think it's only right to talk about mothers.

I love my mum (or mom, depending on where you reside). She's always
been there for me and still loves me unconditionally. It's a
wonderful thing. Of course, we are our own people and we clash in
certain areas, but I think a mother's job is to train her
fledglings to fly the nest and look after themselves. Mum taught me
that. She has taught me many things and I'm sure your Mom has
taught you much too.

I know we don't say thank you often enough. I know I don't. Thanks
for bearing me. Thanks for feeding me. Thanks for clothing me.
Thanks for cuddling me. Thanks for MY life. Thanks for EVERYTHING.

That's what today's edition is all about really, people saying
'thank you' to their mom, whether on their wedding day, their
anniversary or just saying thank you when the time was right.

By the way, if you haven't said 'I love you' to your mother for a
while, I suggest you do. It just might help. Here are a few real
life examples of people doing just that. I hope you enjoy them. All
the very best, Allen


The Sonnet I Bought For My Mum

Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame and I am no exception. A
while ago The Guardian newspaper featured one of my poems. The full
story can be found here:

http://books.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1713744,00.html

Not exactly a glowing review but you can't win them all!! This lady
was far happier with the results:

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/poems_and_poetry/mother-day-poems.htm

Lisa couldn't read her poem without crying. But she was thanking
her Mom and Dad on the occasion of their 60th Wedding Anniversary.
Full story here:

http://www.agiftofpoetry.net/60th%20wedding%20anniversary.htm

Finally, this edition wouldn't be complete with my thank you to my
Mum, written a few years back:

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/To_Parents/parents_mum.htm

Okay, that's about it for today. I could go on but I'd better save
some for the next edition, which will be sent to you in about 7
days time. In the meantime, if I can help in any way, please let me
know.

Until then, all the very best,



Allen Jesson
Poet

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com - Uniquely written gift poetry.
http://www.giftofpoetry.com - Create your own! (With some help :o)

Enjoy Life Tip No 12 - Don't Use Your Judgment (Too Quickly)

We all use our judgement each and every day. We are preprogrammed
to do so, we wouldn't have got this far otherwise. We have so many
decisions to make in a day, so many images to take in, so much
information, our brains just can't cope with all that processing.
So we have to use judgments based on predfined or prediscovered
information. For example, if we approach a green traffic light we
decide to keep on going because our judgment is based on prior
knowledge that green means it's ok to go.

Like I say, we couldn't survive without those judgment skills.
Sadly, those skills don't often transfer when it comes to judging
people. We usually make our mind up about a person based on very
scant knowledge indeed. Often our first impression. Often on what
someone else has told you about that person. Beware! That is all I
ask. When you look at a tree you see less than one quarter of that
tree. The roots are buried underground (50%) and you can't see the
other
side of the tree so in fact, it is a lot less than one quarter but
that would be laboring the point. Because the point I really want
to make is that people are just like trees, there is a lot hidden.

Probably around 90%.

SO, I am not asking you to like and love everyone, but just give a
little more. Give a little leeway, give a little love, give a
little more time before you decide that so and so is no good.

Because deep down, I bet he or she is.

It's just up to you to find that goodness.

Anniversary Poem 9/11 Part II

This is the second poem relating to the dreadful events of 11th September 2001. The first poem can be found below.

(Written on the 15th September 2001)

The World And Its Soul (Part II)

I have been blessed and cursed with perception,
because I can see what life has in store,
and my dreams of eternal peace,
seemed to have been dashed for ever more.

I have four beautiful children,
My God! What sort of life have I given them?
A world full of hatred?
With hopes and dreams condemned?

I have this dreadful feeling,
that we, as one, are on the edge,
and peace to you my fellow man,
is what I really want to pledge.

But how can life carry on?
With this cancer held within?
Without freedom of speech and movement,
where on Earth can you begin?

And when I think of my children,
from new born to troubled teenage,
how do I love them on the one hand,
and contain this burning rage?

I walked with my youngest son today,
a beautiful spring day in all its glory,
but the sun had lost its golden touch,
it had lost the magic in its story.

I keep trying to look for the positives,
and look for hope on the other side,
but then I cry me a river,
and gee, how I've cried.

I do hope for peace,
but I know we must do our battle first,
we need to satisfy our anger,
we need to quench our bloody thirst.

And hope springs eternal,
and may these days into history fade,
and may we all be very proud,
be proud of the roles that we've played.

Today, I took my four year old to the beach,
and this maybe, comes as no surprise,
because I saw the answer to our dilemma,
when I looked straight into his eyes.

He didn't care too much about what had gone,
but he did care about the sand in his shoes,
and then I thought about his tomorrows,
because he has literally everything to lose.

We all still have that hate and anger,
but we need to temper that callous steel,
we need to look at our family,
and think of how others might feel.

Retribution won't be denied,
but we need to dilute with common sense,
we need the world to survive,
we still need our children's innocence.

Love is stronger than hate,
and love and justice will prevail,
and I hope my children's children,
learn from and live to tell this tale.

So, I am still bitter,
and angry on a whole,
but we need to rebuild, not destroy,
the World and its Soul.

Copyright Allen Jesson :) 2001
www.agiftofpoetry.com

This is the second poem relating to the dreadful events of 11th September 2001. The first poem can be found below.

(More at www.agiftofpoetry.com !)

Anniversary Poem 9/11

This is the first poem relating to the dreadful events of 11th September 2001.

(Written on the 12th September 2001)

The World And It's Soul (Part I)

Today I am in mourning,
the world lays heavy on my heart,
I know I have to get something down,
but I just don't know where to start.

Words have been my friend,
at most times they've served me well,
but today they are so inadequate,
because this story is so very hard to tell.

Everything for a reason,
or at least that's what I thought,
but try adding up the logic,
and today it comes to naught.

There's a baby crying somewhere,
her Daddy won't be coming home tonight,
he was in the wrong place at the wrong time,
and got involved in someone else's fight.

And as the chaos unfolded,
the sun in the sky brightly shone,
but it too seemed strangely sad,
the warmth in its smile had simply gone.

The images will always haunt me,
one last jump to save their lives,
one last thought of their children,
one last thought of their wives.

The Brothers, the brave rescue workers,
who went in when most would have fled,
so courageous and dedicated to the end,
maybe that's enough said...

Apart from; I am not a vengeful man,
but I too, have an unyielding anger deep inside,
and I pray that they get these bastards,
and that they have no place left to hide.

My children have lost their innocence,
so too the World as it grieved as one.
How do you explain this madness?
What can you tell your teenage son?

My heart goes out to the families,
and to the American nation as a whole,
for today I lost a part of me,
and so has the World and it's soul.

Copyright Allen Jesson :( 2001
www.agiftofpoetry.com


This is the first poem relating to the dreadful events of 11th September 2001. The second poem follows. (You can see more at www.agiftofpoetry.com)

Why I Love Writing Bespoke Poetry

Word for word....received yesterday...


"Dear Allen,

I am speechless with delight! You captured the essence of what I wanted and frankly I am blown away with your insight and skill! THERE IS NO ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT. I knew I was going to be happy after reading some of the poems you already have written, but this…..it chokes me just to read the title! You got it exactly!!!! Because of this, my gift to my daughter will be the all time best gift I have ever given her. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart! This is the most wonderful thing ever and I, usually verbose, cannot find words to express my feelings about this perfect poem you wrote.

I am ready to proceed! I chose the RIBBON CARD RANGE in silver please. The verse for the outer card is to be:


No matter how old we all become,
I'm still Mommy and I will always be,
I love, cherish and protect my children,
and yes, I take my role very seriously.


For the paper to be printed on…..I am not really excited about any I see on the site…. Have you any antique looking parchment paper? Less is more in my mind for that… 

How can I pay you now and finalize this? And will let me know how to order the 2nd poem as well please? Thank you again Allen, for all of this. You have helped me guarantee that I am giving my daughter a gift straight from my heart."

(name withheld until after the wedding and then I'll publish the whole poem and story as I have been kindly granted permission)

Birthday Poem

Hi - I love my job. I wake up every day to feedback like this:

Morning Allen,

As you had done poems for me before I knew it would be wonderful but I am blown away by this. Your amazing! I didnt think you could capture every thing that I wanted to say but you have and its wonderful. Thank you again I cant wait to give it to him.

Just a couple of changes, I have put them below in red. Tell me what you think….happy for your suggestions, you are the expert!

Could I just have an email copy of this? Don’t worry about printing it on paper. Oh and no objections to you publishing it on your website.

Thanks
Shiree

Get the full story about this birthday poem here:

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/2007/08/13/birthday-poem-the-promising-dockers/

Wedding Poem From Mother To Daughter

Hi - It is peak wedding season so I am writing a lot of wedding poems at the moment. This feedback was recieved after the first draft of "A Mother's Love For Her Daughter". I am not going to share the whole wedding poem until after the wedding but this was the feedback I received, word for word…


"Hi Allen, Thank you so very much, it made me cry, so I don’t know what I am going to be like at the wedding.

I have changed a few things (I feel awful for doing so as it is so beautiful) and put in my words on how I would say it. I have changed it in RED
Allen I know it’s all over the place, I hope you will fix (I know you will be able to do so). Thanks again, be in touch soon. Warm Regards, Moya"

Wedding Poem From Friend To 'Sister'

Hi - I am not going to share the whole wedding poem until after the wedding but I have just written 'Wee Sister' and this was the feedback I received after the first draft…

"Dear Allen its great. I am in floods of tears. Angela left today so your timing is great. Only a few changes i think.Could you take out the word little e.g my wee little sister and just say wee sister? In verse 8 could you remove the My God as we are christians and wouldn't say that? And finally the last verse could you say something about blessing them and remove the bit about the bed? Sorry hope this is not too picky. Thanks again.Catriona"

Gift For Anniversary

Hi,

If you're looking for a gift for your anniversary then please check out our latest site, it is all about choosing the perfect anniversary gift. All the best, Allen

Loans Finance Insurance

Hi - Talk about warming up! We've just created a hot new site. If you're looking for a great deal on loans, finance or insurance, then please check it out. (Apologies for the blatant plug but we're very proud of this one :o)

Global Warming

I can't help but think that we're in trouble. Serious trouble. I read recently that scientists are predicting that one of the Poles will COMPLETELY melt by the summer of 2040. Rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, the end of the Gulf Stream? Blimey! I can just imagine the tide of humanity that will be forced to move to higher or more fertile ground. Of course, the people on that hallowed ground will not welcome all the millions of new 'invaders' with open arms and then the real trouble will begin. I think the weather will be the least of our problems. It will be a catastrophe of gigantic proportions and literally, God help us.

But that got me thinking, maybe we can help ourselves.

It is obviously not too late. Take the UK for instance, who are about 1% of the world's population and about 2% of the total carbon emissions (because the average UK citizen is twice as carbon greedy as the average Worldishman). But the whole country could become carbon neutral and the world would still have 98% of the problem. This is the real issue. This is a GLOBAL problem that needs GLOBAL co-operation. Everyone needs to work together to reduce the carbon levels and the other greenhouse gases. That is why I think we are in trouble. We are CRAP at co-operating globally because we all want to look after our own back yard, our own interests, our own countries, our own economies. Look at the UN. I rest my case.

No government has EVER been voted in on what they are going to do for the PLANET.

Look, we are not going to stop China or India developing at the rate they are going. They too will eventually catch up with the UK and become twice as carbon greedy as the average. But they are the average, they are HALF of the world's population!

So, science and industry got us into this mess and they are the ones that will have to get us out of it. Look, there are many, many solutions to the carbon level problem and personally, I think plankton has got great potential. But who is going to pay for the seeding of trillions and trillions of plankton just so that they can suck the carbon out of the atmosphere and die and fall to the bottom of the ocean (thereby trapping the carbon on the sea floor)? It is a global problem. It is a global bill. Who is going to pay? I fear, eventually, we will all pay a far greater price than we ever dreamed possible. Don't take comfort from those scientists that say global warming is not happening, they are probably on the payroll of some oil giant somewhere. Confusion and doubt in the public mind is their greatest ally. They want you to keep driving your car and burning that electricity oil. They are looking after their own interest. That's all. Isn't it time we looked after ours?

Look, I haven't got all the answers but I do know we need to take action and take it now, before it is too late. Over to YOU.

Antique Engagement Rings

Hi,

We've just added the finishing touches to our latest site, it's all about antique engagement rings and is well worth a visit. All the very best, Allen

Start A New Religion

Enjoy Life Tip No 11

START A NEW RELIGION!

If you're fed up with what is currently on offer (religion seems to
cause a lot of death and mayhem if you ask me) then I think it is
time to start your own!

All you need to do is come up with a few 'rules' and start living
by them.

Here are a few of the 'rules' for my new religion, which is so new,
it doesn't even have a name yet (suggestions please)

FORGIVENESS

You need to forgive the past, forgive others and above all, forgive
yourself.

BIGOTRY

All humans are 99.99% identical. Don't let that 0.01% difference
bias your opinion of another, especially when it comes to color,
creed, religion or race.

EDUCATION

If your child's education does not EXPAND the mind then it is not
education at all, it is something entirely different.

FAMILY

Being 'family' does not legitimize intolerable or unacceptable
behaviour.

REGRET

Regret is a wasted emotion unless it is used as the propulsion to
move forward.

NOW

The past is set in stone, the future hasn't happened yet. There is
only NOW. But too often we spend time regretting the past, worrying
about the future and forgetting to live in the NOW.

So, to sum up, forgive, don't be a bigot, educate, do not accept
unacceptable behaviour, have no wasteful regrets and live in the
NOW.

So NOW, what shall we call it?

Ideas for names and new rules please....

Father's Day Gift

10th Edition - All About Fathers and Father's Day

Welcome! I'd like to talk about fathers. I know from my
own experience that fatherhood can be a difficult role and I think
many underestimate just how difficult it is, to provide the right
amount of freedom, guidance and discipline, a tricky balancing act
at the best of times. My own theory is that I will just love my
children unconditionally, forever, no matter what. Easier said than
done at times but it is my life's plan, even if at times it feels
like that love is not returned (but I did leave their mother so I
forgive and understand them).

By the way, if you haven't said 'I love you' to your father for a
while, I suggest you do. It just might help. Here are a few real
life examples of people doing just that. I hope you enjoy them. All
the very best, Allen


Goodbye Dad - Trust In The Lord

Mike's father was sadly diagnosed with terminal cancer and was
given only months to live. This is how Mike said goodbye:

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/To_Parents/trust-in-the-lord.htm


Hello - Dad

On a much happier note, Jen wanted something from their unborn baby
to the new father, Jeff. The poem is written from the baby's
perspective which I think adds a nice touch...

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/Birth/birth-newborn-dad.htm


Thanks Dad - An Unselfish Role

Why does everybody leave it until the last moments to say I love
you? A truly touching story...

http://www.agiftofpoetry.com/Death/poems_about_death_unselfish_role.htm

Busy Fool?

There are some days I feel like a busy fool. But then again, my web-sites do attract 1,000's of visitors every day and that certainly wouldn't have happened without that ' busyness and foolishness', so I think on that note I will end this post and get back to being a busy fool, working on ALL of these web-sites.....

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Birth Records

Hi - Now that my own record of 5:43 is in the record books it's head down and bum up now that the running is over. I have decided to run another one so my marathon career is not quite over yet. In the meantime, I'm still working on a number of Internet business models, some of which are starting to bear fruit. I will keep you more informed on those as time goes on. This is one of them and I thought I'd share a very useful resource for looking up birth records or public records. I'm quite amazed at just how much information is available at the touch of a button. If you're looking for information on anyone, whether it be an employee, friend or partner, then I recommend http://www.usa-public-records.info/

Preparation, Perspiration + Determination

Well, what can I say? I made it!

In truth, there were many times I thought I'd never get to write this post, especially when I went down with a flu/chest infection only 6 weeks before the race. During that time I didn't train for 3 weeks so the last week before the marathon was quite intense, with me desperately trying to catch up with my planned training regime.

The Sunday before the marathon I just about managed a 3 mile run but then 6 on Monday, 9 on Tuesday, 12 on Wednesday and a 22 mile run/walk on Thursday had me in mentally good shape. We got to London on the Saturday to register and stayed overnight in a hotel. Early night after a bowl of pasta and woke early on the Sunday feeling relaxed. Had a healthy breakfast and left hotel with time in hand.

Then disaster struck!

A tube train decided to break down in the tunnel under the Thames, blocking all tube traffic, the only way to the start at Greenwich, on the other side of the Thames. After waiting on our train for 30 minutes and then being shuttled off to another stationary train, I decided to take my risks elsewhere. This was about 30 minutes from start time and I was still 4 mile from the start line!!

Of course, that part of London was cordoned off so there was very little transport around. My basic plan was to catch a cab and get as close as I could and then run from there. Best laid plans and all that. No cabs (I did flag 2 down but they told me there was no way through) so all I could do was run (and walk when I realized the cause was lost) to the start. With 26 miles to run, I went and added 4 miles to the journey!! Still, I managed to get across the start line around 30 minutes behind schedule and off I went.

To be honest, because of the train trouble I wasn't alone and it wasn't long before I was overtaking some of the early walkers. Mind you, my race plan had been shot to bits and I had to step on it to avoid being overtaken by the 'sweep up bus', which is the official tail of the marathon (which is followed by the paint removers, barrier removers, sweeper uppers etc.). I was determined to stay in the race proper and despite having already covered 4 miles prior to starting, I felt pretty good after the first 10km. The crowd were ABSOLUTELY fantastic and despite 'running' at our sedate pace the cheers for the laggards were as big as for the front runners. As the temperature started to rise, it got tougher. Officially, temperatures reached 23.5C but it felt a lot hotter in some places. I drank 7 litres of water! No wonder they ran out of water at some stations as we were all very thirsty (Note to organisers: The unfittest people are at the back of the race and they need water too!). As you can see from my times, after the first hour I started to slow considerably but I'm proud to report that I ran all the way around, apart from when I was drinking the water and then I walked. Like I said, the crowd were FANTASTIC and there must have been over 1,000,000 watching. What was so heartening was here were total strangers, shouting out your name and just ENCOURAGING. They also offered much needed jelly babies, slices of orange, boiled sweets etc.etc., all paid for out of their own pocket. IT WAS THAT SUPPORT THAT GOT ME THROUGH. Do you know what happens when you're knackered and someone offers you a jelly baby from their outstretched hand? You keep going, that's what. You know someone cares, enough to give you a jelly baby and trust me, that's more than enough.

MORAL TO THE TALE

In the last 6 months, I have lost around 18lbs. I am now fitter than I have ever been. I have also raised over $2500 for my chosen charities, with more to come. (A sincere thanks to all those that have donated). I've also had a lot of quiet running time, a time for reflection (never could get my mp3 to work) and many of my 'problems' I have found a solution to. I have made remarkable progress in my business and that will come to fruition later this year. I still have work to do on some relationships but I will work on those in the coming months (now I'm not running so much). I guess what I'm trying to say is that this whole thing has been an immensely satisfying and rewarding experience. Just think, I couldn't run a mile 6 months ago! I encourage you, no, I implore you, to challenge your future, to see what you can achieve with a little bit of Preparation, Perspiration + Determination.

I'm sure, that like me, you will be amazed at the results.

Finally, there must have been every nationality, creed, color and religion in that crowd on Sunday and it gives me great hope for the future. I didn't see anybody in that crowd wanting to go to war or to see people suffer. No, they just wanted a good time and to help so as not to see others in too much pain.

Now, there's a recipe for the future, let's get rid of all these weapons and spend that money helping others from around the world get through their own individual marathon of life. We can do it! Regardless of creed, color, race or religion, if we just cheered each other on and gave a little bit of help when we could, I'm sure as a race, as a human race, we would be, just like I was, amazed at the difference we would all make.

Trust me, one jelly baby goes a long way...

Thank You

Hi,

This is a just a quick thank you to all those out there who have lent their unwavering support. Thank YOU! To be honest, your generosity overwhelms me and I feel very humble. Thanks again, your thoughts and deeds do not go unnoticed. All the very best. Allen

Off The Island + Running For Charity

Well, we're getting serious now. Ran 18 miles on Friday (well, walked 2 of them but had to get off the island as the island is only 12 miles in circumference) and the plan was to run 20 this week. However, my wife has decided to give me her lurgy so I'm not feeling up to anything at the moment. Anyway, good for weight loss as I sweated buckets last night (urrgghh!) as the good guys (white blood cells) waged war with whatever is trying to undermine my efforts to finish this marathon in one piece. That reminds me of how all this started:

It was mid October 2006 and I was lying there, soaking up the last of the summer sun in the south of France. We'd had a sumptuous lunch of local cheese, crusty bread and the obligatory bottle of red wine. I was just about to doze off but something was blocking my view – my stomach!! In fact, if we'd been on the beach Greenpeace would have tried to put me back in!! Over 15 stone and 5 foot nine shouldn't belong in the same sentence but that is where I was, technically obese.

I also couldn't run a mile.

It was in that moment I decided I had to do something about my 'growing' problem.

"I think I'll run a marathon" was just one of 12,000 thoughts I had that day but it has led to number 41750 running around the inner London suburbs on April 22nd, all 26 miles and 385 yards of them! In fact, it has led to a whole lot more than that and I am now in training proper. I also ran in a half marathon at Silverstone (see below) so with that, I was just about halfway there.

It's not all about my stomach though and I'm hoping to raise £4,000 for Mencap (helping people with learning disability), a school in Ghana (can't afford a padlock, let alone books and desks) and the homeless in Colchester (why are they so?).

This is where you come in. On Friday I ran/walked 18 miles and there was nothing left in the locker. What with jogger's nipple and other delicate parts becoming far too delicate to mention, I was struggling. My legs had given way and my puff was gone. I'll be 49 this year, I'm just too old and too unfit to do this and I need your help to get me over the finishing line. I know by the time mile 20 comes, all I will be thinking of is how much money I'm raising by doing this. Literally, those thoughts will fuel each staggered step. So, please find below a donation button and just do what you can. 100% of the proceeds are going to the above causes so please ask friends and family to help if you want to. Please complete by April 14th so I have an idea what's at stake, especially for those last 6 miles.

Finally, let me say a big THANK YOU in advance. I really do appreciate your help and I know I won't make it without you.

Thanks again and all the very best, Allen

100% Of Proceeds To Charity

Allen Jesson Beats Nigel Mansell At Silverstone!!

If you know anything about Formula One racing, particular the UK racing scene, you will know that today's headline is a little far fetched. But it's true! Yes, on Sunday 18th March 2007 I ran in the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon (13.1 miles). So did Nigel Mansell (3 times winner of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone) and I beat him!! I came in at 2 hours and 33 minutes (don't laugh, it's the taking part that counts :o) and Nigel was somewhere behind me. Eat my dust! Seriously, I felt very pleased with myself because I ran most of the way. So I'm half way there and I have just over 4 weeks before the big one. Wish me luck!! Friday will see my first attempt at 16 miles.

If you know anything about the home auto travel insurance market you know it can be a very competitive industry. That's why I've put a site together that covers all aspect of home auto and travel insurance. Please check it out and let me know what you think!

Die Trying

It's official! I am now a globe trotter! I have trotted, or jogged, in the UK, China, Australia, South Africa and now back in the UK. China was very interesting, so a big thanks to Tim and Emma for hosting us in their Shanghai apartment for a night. I managed a short run around Century Park but I must admit the smog was a little heavy and it felt like I'd smoked 20 cigarettes when I'd finished. We then went on to sunny Australia to renuite with my beautiful children and before I knew it I was running along the sandy shores of the NSW South Coast, Lake Conjola and Wollongong in the main. Then on the way back to the UK we jogged around Joburg and finished with a few days in spectacular Camps Bay, Cape Town. Along the way I've struggled with this calf muscle so I am nowhere near where I wanted to be with only 7 (gulp) weeks to go before the main event. Today I ran 8 miles and it really hurt and I know there wasn't another mile left in the locker, let alone another 16 miles. But even if it kills me, I am going to run that marathon on April 22nd. That got me thinking, I wonder how many ideas just wither on the vine because of lack of determination, or the lack of will? I wonder how many opportunities get missed? Because it occurred to me, that to die trying is a much better way to go than to live a life that is not lived at all. Much better to fail in one big swoop than to fail a little bit every single day. Worth thinking about? I bet my life on it.

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How Big Is This Universe?

Hi,

It's been a manic month. What with starting several new sites about capital and internet marketing I haven't had time to scratch myself. I am also pleased to report that I am now an official runner in the London Marathon in April 2007. Look out for runner number 41750, that's me! I'm running for Mencap, the homeless and a school in Ghana.

Just prior to Christmas I got up to 9 mile in one hit but then I pulled a calf muscle. I've had a couple of try outs since then but without success. I'm now resting it and will have another short run tomorrow, so wish me luck. I really miss it. Sadly, my no alcohol campaign also hit the rocks over the Christmas period but I am now (nearly :o) back on track. To be honest, I think I need the discipline of running to replace it so it will be easier when the muscle heals.

Now, let's get to today's big question: Just how big is this Universe? I'm reading a couple of books on the subject at the moment and I'm absolutely astounded at the size of all that surrounds us. Whenever they talk about light years (the distance light travels in one of our years at the speed of light, which just happens to be exactly 299,792,458 metres per second or 670,616,629.384 miles per hour) I start to lose focus and my eyes start to glaze over.

So, enough to say that a light year is a long way, a very long way indeed. But it's when they start talking about this place being so many MILLION light years away, I then start to lose perspective. Blimey! How far? For example, the closest spiral galaxy to our own, Andromeda is 2.5 million light-years from Earth. So the way I understand it, I've got to sit in a spaceship, if it were possible, that travels at 670.6 million miles per hour, for around 2.5 million years and I can then get a postcard to say that I've visited the CLOSEST spiral galaxy. Blimey! Double blimey! I have also recently read that several leading physicists reckon that there may be TRILLIONS of Universes!! I'm sorry, I'm going to have to lie down, my brain has just exploded.

Final thought for today, if you are right at this moment worried about something. Try putting that problem or worry into the perspective of the Universe. It probably won't seem so big after all....wishing you a life free of worry and problems.....all the very best, Allen