I've been practicing the Neville Goddard acting as if technique. So, technically I should be writing this blog "as if" I'm already successful. I enjoy acting emotionally, but I've never had luck with Think and Grow Rich, or really any of the The Secret books, or As a Man Thinketh, etc. I have had some luck in manifestation with "raising my energy." By this I mean thinking about something I want and then saying, "yes, yes, yes..." over and over until I get a little high. I should probably do this more for the material things I want. I've also had some luck with manifestation candles, but who knows what kind of energy that's drawing down from?

Books finished this week: The Practice by Seth Godin.

I will travel to Bangkok on Nov. 26, 2024, Dad's birthday. I thought I was only staying there for eight days, which would have been perfect as I've been cash strapped, but it turns out I'll be there eleven nights. I may head up to Chaing Mai since I'll have some extra time. It'll be great to see friends, including a boo of mine named Tia. Money, thankfully, isn't an issue. I have plenty of investments, but I'm still not sure when and where to cash them out for tax purposes, and I really need to start reading more (boring) literature on this subject. Derek Sivers recommended The Investor's Manifesto and I've started it. I must admit, I'm confused by the math. Plus, with so much wonderful literature to read, it's hard to justify spending time learning about tax timing. I mean, aren't there professionals out there who thrive on this sort of thing? The problem is, I'm too cheap to hire these professionals. LOL. I guess that puts me in a quandary. I'm a Virgo, so I'll sit down and learn it dammit. Plus, I have no choice. I'll need cash at some point.

My colleagues in Saudi Arabia were mostly British and some admitted they were shocked at my candid conversations about money. I explained that about 1/3 of all Americans are comfortable talking about money, so we just kind of accept it. In UK, I suppose, no one is comfortable sharing anything. It's funny. I'm sure I got on their nerves, but very few ever admitted this to my face. The good news is I have a few very solid UK friends from the experience. The rest I'll let drift away, like leaves on a tree in fall.

Long Beach has been chilly. I headed to the beach today speedo-clad, but alas even in the sun, the wind chill was a bit too much. I only stayed about forty minutes, which is fine since it's literally across the street from my house.