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? Besides, for the most part all my needs are filled.

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, 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. 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 to cash out 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.