In case you've had a rough day, here is a quick 7-Step stress management technique recommended in the latest psychological texts. The funny thing is that this really works.

Try this:
1. Picture yourself near a stream.
2. Birds are softly chirping in the cool mountain air.
3. No one but you knows your secret place.
4. You are in total seclusion from the hectic place called "the world."
5. The soothing sound of a gentle waterfall fills the air with a cascade of serenity.
6. The water is crystal clear.
7. You can easily make out the face of the person you're holding underwater.

See! You're smiling already.

Just a little something I happened across which will no doubt be appreciated by all the geeks out there!
http://www.errorwear.com/

Got the following sent round on email at work today
- sums up what's happening to us nicely!

Ten civil servants standing in a line,
One of them was downsized - then there were nine.
Nine civil servants who must negotiate,
One joined the union - then there were eight.
Eight civil servants thought they were in heaven,
'Til one of them was redeployed - then there were seven.
Seven civil servants, their jobs as safe as bricks,
But one was reclassified - then there were six.
Six civil servants trying to survive,
One of them was privatised - then there were five.
Five civil servants ready to give more,
But one golden handshake reduced them to four.
Four civil servants full of loyalty,
Their jobs were all advertised - then there were three.
Three civil servants under review,
One left on secondment - then there were two.
Two civil servants coping on the run,
One went on stress leave - then there was one.
The last civil servant agreed to relocate,
Replaced by 10 consultants at twice the hourly rate.

Just a couple of notes while I remember!

• Thanks to Tim and assorted neighbours for the roast dinner on Sunday, look forward to the next gathering!
• I'm off on holiday for a week this Saturday, back to Exmoor with the National Trust, so will see you all in a week and a bit.
• Hi Tom, alas won't be around when you're passing by at the weekend (see above), but glad to hear things are going well in Wales!

It's official - Lego is great, as the BBC says so!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4434057.stm

I'd just like to point you in the direction of StickCricket http://www.stickcricket.com/ - it's great! With a little practice you too can be creaming the world's best bowlers all over the park!

Reminds me of an old cricketing joke:
"This bowler has got me flummoxed. I can't decide whether to play a gentle cut shot through the slips or blast him all over the ground."
(Apologies to non-sporting readers who are confused at this point, but play the game anyway, it's great!)

I'm reckoning the theme of this month is birthdays and beer. Thus:

• Happy Birthday Elaine for today, and looking forward to celebrating tomorrow!
• I'm off for a long weekend of walking up in Exmoor on April 14-16th
• Advanced notice of Andy's birthday on the 23rd - I'm sure we'll be down the pub at some point, the more the merrier
• Reading Beer Festival - April 28th-May 1st - make sure you're there (unless you happen to be out of the country obv.) - check the website for times and list of beers (mmmmm pressed rat & warthog!): http://www.readingcamra.org.uk/beer_festivals/Reading2005/

See y'all soon!
Kev

Apologies to residents of Reading who saw the snow turn to rain and rapidly disappear as soon as I'd written the last entry. I've a got a photo or two to prove it was there thought!

Hurrah! The snow in Reading has finally settled overnight! We've been watching it fall lightly on and off for the past week without any result, and jealously watching the rest of the country disappear beneath drifts also. Enjoy!

Highlights from Shrove Tuesday (yesterday):-
Pancake count = 2 savoury, 3 sweet (sugar and lemon)
Alcohol count = 1 pint (last one before Lent)

Just an even shorter one to add a quick MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone! See you at the New Years party?!

Just a quick one to say "Well Done!" to the Burnfest organising committee for this year's (slightly delayed) event. The count-down to the next one has already begun!

Rejoice! For the one they call Coz has returned to us, and we are most pleased to welcome her back. I propose celebrating with fire and loud bangs - oh yes we're doing that anyway. Hurrah!

And we went and saw Martyn Joseph last night, which was great.

And I'm being exceedingly good this week and getting to work early (thanks for the wake up calls Ellie!), as I seem to be inexplicably busy right now. Must be the season. So Happy Advent everyone (will save proper Christmas greetings for later message I think).

Yay it's my birthday! *Sigh* for have turned 25 today. This should probably mean increased maturity and seriousness of purpose... oh well, there's always next year. In the meantime, let alcohol and Lego rule!!
Thanks to one and all for the gifts and salutations, which are much appreciated. Hope to catch up asap.
Love, Kev

Hello. I've just spent 3 days on a training course in a quiet backwater of Kent, where we spent probably more time eating and drinking than actually doing any training. Stayed overnight in a lovely old pub, thereby minimising the distance from bar to bed. Sampled (one or two - Ed) pints of Shepherd Neame ale - can highly recommend the 'Late Red'!

P.S. And hark I say unto you - PIE!