Success a step at a time

Hi - I always like to start by apologizing about not writing here for a while, but if you have been reading some of my other posts, then you should know by now, that this is par for the course for me. But the apology can still stand.

Keeping a Balance.
I wanted to say a few words; really this is aimed at one of my readers who has asked for more tips on how I manage to keep enough energy to keep a status-quo.

My answer would have to be, take life a bit at a time. You could spell that another way and it would have even more meaning. Re- Question:-

How do you eat an elephant?

Answer:- One 'bite' at a time.

I digress, I prefer the former description.

-----

To Do List.
A bit at a time, means - don't write out a massive list of everything that you have to do today, (although there is nothing wrong with that if you are getting it all done).

Maybe, like me, you could easily write out an A4 sheet of 30 plus things you need to do today. This is OK for planning, but you should take that list of, lets say 30 items and reduce it by choosing just 5 top things you need to do.

Then re-write those out on a separate fresh post-it type note! - then do a mental rehearsal.- You have probably heard of this before - its called visualization.

Just try it, you will be convinced I'm sure when you find that you are getting things done instead of procrastinating.

The first way you visualize this, is to go through the five things, thinking, of- 'If I do this first and start at, [time], (look at the clock and decide a time - thinking that you are also going to need enough time, perhaps 15 minutes to finish this visualization). Write the start time next to the item on the post-it note.

Visualization.
Imagine - see yourself doing it, it may be just doing the accounts - or writing for your blog, or doing the ironing, or feeding the pets, or setting up something on a web-page.

Think of what a logical and reasonable time would be to complete it, then, looking at the clock - add that time and write it in as a 15 minute break. Then move to the next item on your to-do list.

Here's my To Do list starting this morning, just in-case you are wondering! (Its Monday 20th Dec 2010).
I just need to mention that today - I am doing 10 minute sessions on my exercise-cycle, rather than my usual single session of 40 minutes to one hour.

Don't get caught up in time time specifics, if I say 10 mins on the bike but write 9.30 ex 10 then Accounts at 9.45 - (that's still only a minimum of 10 minutes on the cycle), just get over it!

To do list, started with 5 items chosen from my bigger list.
1, Accounts. - (book-keeping really) 1 hour
2, Email sign-ins. (2 hours - to deal with email).
3, Blog Post. (any one of several of my blogs - but this you are reading, is the one today).
4, Web-page alteration.
(I assess 2 - 4 hours - I'll do what I can today and carry the work over to another day).
5, Personal - shopping for xmas. - (non business, 2 hours).

Things like exercise and taking the kids to school etc - don't usually go on my To-Do-List as these are my daily activities that are not really too hard to find time for, they are already a part of my daily life - habituated.

You may want to make writing a To-Do-List a habit too!

If I say exercise 10 - this is where you could take a break - get it! - its easy ain't it?

9.30 ex 10 (this means exercise for 10 minutes at 140 BPM - I allow 15 minutes to allow for getting on and off - getting water etc).
9.45 Accounts.
10.15 ex 10.
10.30 Accounts continued (but I also started writing for this blog post).
11.00 ex 10.
11.15 I altered to Blog writing- since I got started as soon as I thought of this.
11.30 ex 10.
11.45 blog write continued.
12.15 ex 10. (I got distracted and engrossed in writing and totally missed 12.15 - I have a timer on my computer that pops up, but I just set snooze till the next time). - etc.

12.30 OK - enough said - you get the point!
I'm going to post this now and review it later, (using a - "its good enough - just get it done" attitude), I'm going to get on with the accounts!

The rest of the day should go like this:-
1pm Shopping trip with wife- till 3pm
3pm Kids -we pick-up from school
4pm - Home - TV on but I will be watching and working on web-page alteration - poss 2 to 4 hours. (Unless I get fed-up or stuck - I'll watch some videos on YouTube if I can find some covering my web-page alteration issue). I work from home and have a family room office computer as well as a private office area, so I can work and still be involved in family life.
5pm-6pm - evening meal with family.
6pm Continue as 4pm - and work in my email-sign-in's - -breaks for trips to take son to Army Cadettes at 18.30 and 21.00- etc -

What I don't get finished today goes on tomorrows list! - etc.

I'll stop there because it is now lunch, and I have to complete those accounts. I started this Blog post yesterday - ideas and writing today. This last bit above was put in after the end of the story below. I mention this just for your information, to show you how your plans change!

My day changes with how I feel and how I want to work.
- (I'm lucky that I've realized that I like to work from home and can make a living online).

If you are not so lucky, then you have to start to create your own luck. You can do this by looking around for things to inspire you. On this website there is usually a link to a program that I am on. My best and favorite is The Secret - found in the Millionaire Secret Code - Look for a banner somewhere on this site.

Here's something that motivates me - it is the thought that if I don't motivate myself to work and enjoy working for myself on my own time and schedule; Then someone else will motivate me - Someone like a boss, if I had to get a job.

What all this is about is this; - The only thing any human has true control over is the present - or more specifically your present thoughts. - It is this present thought that will determine how your future will be;- (but not specifically).

You cannot control the past - that has gone, done, over with - so do not waste time dwelling on past failures. You cannot really control the future ither, because things will always alter the best laid plans as I have said.

What you can do is control the future of how things will be on a whole, but not precisely. I know this is a difficult subject to comprehend, but I'll tell you was someone once told me. You don't have to understand it, just accept it and believe it. (Like, you don't have to understand how a car engine works to be able to drive the car). Just get over it!

I heard a speaker at a business meeting once say, that getting things done and planning and goal setting, is just like flying a plane, you cannot see the destination - because it is maybe hundreds or thousands of miles away, (just a dream or a thought right now), the pilot knows it is there, the destination and course is set.

There will be constant alterations required to keep the flight on-course. Wind direction changes and a whole host of other things conspire (it seems) to push the plane constantly off course.

Just like in your business or working day life. People around you have their own direction, which may not be exactly the same as yours. It's your objective to avoid the distractions and keep moving toward your own objective, a bit at a time.

The chap went on to say, 'it's like traveling at night on an unlit road'. Meaning, you can only see the 50 or 100 feet ahead of you, the 'bit' that you can see in the headlights.

You have your destination, your objective (your dream or goal). You might not be able to see your destination in physical reality, but you know where it is (or have the directions) and you have a plan to get there.

You only need to see a little bit ahead - (like the bit you can see in the headlights), all the time altering course slightly to avoid obstacles, turning at junctions, judging each obstacle or problem as it arises. You may have to take a diversion that takes you away from your chosen path for a while, that's OK so long as you keep your final objective in mind.

If this happens in your day, take the diversion if it is the only or best way round the problem that has arisen. Then re-do the short to-do list of five things.

e.g. - Fixing the car - parts not available to complete the fix today, order the part and do something else off your to do list. Its not rocket science, you just need to have a plan and know how to run that plan to make it work.

e.g. Making alterations to website, it appeared to be a simple thing to learn and do, but you discovered it was harder than you originally thought, if you cannot schedule more time, outsource the work or schedule more time to learn the skills you need to do the job.

e.g. A product ordered, I sent out, was not received (probably lost in the post). It was the last of the batch, I offered a refund, -not acceptable was the reply. I found a better more expensive product and sent that in its place. Job done. It cost me my profit, but it meant more to me to have a satisfied client!

These (above) were my obstacles recently - I overcome them! Your plan needs to be - to first make a plan and then to know that there will be obstacles that you cannot plan for, but you can avoid or get round them!

My method is as easy as -123 - 1Plan - 2Do - 3Review.
You can travel thousands of miles using this method; just as in business and life, you can reach any destination or goal you have, if you take it one bit at a time.

Let me finish with this, If you start your to-do list and don't manage to keep to time, don't give up. (That one of those unknown things that happen)! It takes practice, and remember that nothing has to be perfect, it just has to get done, and before it gets done, it has to be started.

Just keep starting things and don't give up. As the boxing fraternity says, its not necessarily how many times you get knocked down, its how many times you keep getting back up!

AndyGold.
Magic secret = 'Keep trying'. - I'm proud to say, people say, they find my very trying!

Rants and Raves - What's going on!

Hi - folks,
This is a 'rave' rather than a rant. Sitting at home with my family in and out of the house, its a sunny and warm day. I've seen the F1 qualifying at 7am and have worked through the night. I was going to bed at 3am but got lost in my work and then time fast-forwarded to 6am in the blink of an eye.

I'm still sat watching TV and working, but I am well-pleased with myself. I know I did over-do the work ethic yesterday and last-night.

Well, in fact, I over did the work ethic for most of this week actually! I've been helping a friend and client get his website and blog up and running, as well as looking after all my own stuff too. I work from home and its great! I can watch TV whilst I work, knock-off whenever I want to go out for a meal with my wife, (or take her shopping).

You can become as you choose to be.

I can choose how and what and when to work, when to take a break, how long that break is and choose not to work this-day, at my leisure. It's a far cry from the heavy welding work I last did, working 12 hour shifts and a two-hour round trip to get to work.

Being black as a coal-miner and taking an hour to get clean, but being so tired, that I often didn't bother with more than a good wash, then get my food and fall asleep, six and seven days a week!

Now I sit, clean and warm, well fed and exercised, happy and content that I am my own boss. I have the time to be with my wife and children on their schedule.

Now I realise that this is getting long, I don't want to keep you too long and I want to get back to earning money. I'm just so happy that I have found 'The Secret' and I wanted to share this with you.

It has been a two week existence of bed at 3am or 5am, (my own choice), and sleeping till taking the kids to school at 8.30am. Working on my own motivational stuff, exercise and meditation, then rest and relaxation through the day, with an hours siesta at mid-day.

I do a bit more work in the afternoon before picking the kids up from school 15.15 to 16.00 hrs, then xbox games and time with the boys, evenings manning Dad's Taxi Service, to and fro - Army Cadet's, Cinema, Shopping, Scouts, then back home and car away by 21.30hrs. Then I continue to work after the kids have gone to bed..

I'm not complaining - I'm happy!
I've been paid well for my time and I get an ongoing management fee, as well as a vocal point for my own ads as and when I please. It's a great business deal for me!

So, I'm having this little 'rave' here about how good my life is right now. It seems people are always going on about their problems, but I've tuned most, if not all of those 'bad vibes' out of my life now.

For those who know me personally, will appreciate that I have had a lot of adversity in my life in past times. For the last four years however, I have managed to make big changes in my life. I tell you this, not to gloat or be big-headed, after-all, you can leave now if you want, the door is over there and no-one is holding onto you!

I tell you this, because I hope that you will take a leaf out of my book! If you do, (by the way, this blog is my version of 'My Book'), you will become more relaxed and at ease with your life. Not because you can let things go, (but that is part of it), but because you will have a master plan that you are working toward.

This 'Master-Plan', will bring you peace, in knowing you are on the road to success! It will bring you calm, when things go to the wall occasionally, (as they do for everyone), because you know you have the time, patience, money, energy, strength, and dedication and will-power to get through it!

Most of all, you will gain respect for yourself that no-one can take from you.
You can become as you choose to be.
It is just your 'own-realisation' of 'that-fact'- that is holding you back from everything that you can be and all that you can have in your life, to fulfil your desires and live the life of your dreams.

So - how do I, (because my life is a work in progress), not 'how did I', achieve this point of euphoric-level of living. Well, hey, first I must point out that I have not 'made it' yet, because I have a lot of things still to achieve in my life and I am forever coming-up with more exciting ideas as I move forward with my life.

The Secret - is The Secret.. - Oh, you're thinking I'm one of those 'wind-up merchants', aren't you? No- well I'm trying to tell you, to-what I owe my life success!

I have 'A Secret', it really is 'A Secret', but I can show you 'The Secret', if you are willing to listen and learn and have belief in yourself!

Notice..That I did not say - have belief in 'The Secret' - or 'the system' or whatever it may be! The reason for this is that I know it works, I am living proof!

Also there are many thousands of people who have gone before you, from all walks of life, that have had much success already that they can definitely say, it is due to 'The Secret' and their application of it. And, there is the pivotal part of it! How you apply what YOU learn.

And, this is why I say and reiterate; if you are willing to listen and learn and have belief in yourself! It is down to your own application of 'The Secret', that once you know and understand it AND start to put it into action, that you can have everything your heart desires. (And perhaps you don't believe me)?

Well, again I have sourced an avenue for you, to try 'The Secret', for yourself and if you don't agree that this will help you achieve all that you desire to be and have, then you can simply return 'The Secret' and go back to whatever other plan you have for achieving your plans, goals and dreams in your life!

I cannot believe that you will find any better offer than that in the world!
Get 'The Secret' now... Click here!
AndyGold
Tags: Self Belief, Success, Rants and Raves, The Secret,

Frank Kern's - Complete Core Influence- Free!

Yo, Just a quick post about one of my mentors products.

If you don't know who Fran Kern is then you are either a newbie marketer, or you've had yourself buried in your own little world for about the last ten years!

Frank Kern is one of the most successful multi-millionaire marketers online today.

I thought you would like to know, he's giving away gifts again, just for the odd referral. Just check out his short video below to find out for yourself!


Get Frank Kern's Complete-Core-Influence free! -Click here!



AndyGold

TAGS: Frank Kern, Marketing, Complete-Core-Influence,

The Secret.

Success doesn't just happen, even if you win the lottery, you still had to do something by way of buying a ticket. If you're not 'in the game' you don't even stand a single chance to win anything! You've got to be in-it-to-win-it!

The same mentality should be applied to all areas of your life! If you are not actively seeking a better income, better lifestyle, to learn and grow, then you will just stand still or even regress. Jobs become stale, trends change and life moves on.

You've got to be ready to change with life, progress to the next level and always keep moving forward.






What will YOU do? TAKE ACTION NOW, or wait till 'something comes your way'?
It is said, that - those who wait for their ship to come in are always missing the boat!

Goal Setting and Achievement.

I want to talk about goal setting and achievement this month. I believe this is so very important because without goal setting you have nothing. Some people achieve plenty in their lives and are quite unaware of the goal setting part that seems to come natural to them.

Perhaps you are one of those natural achievers who don't actually plan and conspire to become successful, if so, imagine what you could achieve if you actually did set your goals properly.

This talk is really for those of you who can't seem to get things moving. This is going to sound strange; I get stuck all the time myself! That is why I feel well qualified to talk about getting moving and keeping momentum! Yes, I have to keep reorganising and re-starting, setting and re-setting my goals in order to get things done. This is all part of achievement but I didn't realise it at first!

I look back over my successes and ask myself how did I do that? I'll sometimes remember the A, B and/or C got in my way to stop me, but somehow I still achieved it. It comes down to persistence and, if there is one thing that singularly sums up this, it is that; Achieving your goals, the work that goes into it has to be done on a regular daily basis, it is just like getting washed, it only lasts a short time and then you have to repeat the process.

The 'just like getting washed, you have to do it every day' term, hits home with me, because I used to have negative people around me who used to say that I was getting brainwashed (being asked to read books and listen to tape recordings), by some of the many organisations I have been part of in years gone by. I used to say to those ney-sayers back then - Yes, I am getting brainwashed! I'm getting brainwashed to become rich and successful. Whats your excuse?

Most people will knock your dreams, plans and goals, if you let them know you have them. I'm not sure exactly why this is, I just know that it does happen. I could go into the many reasons why I think this is, but there is little point. Just suffice to say, don't tell others of your dreams, plans and goals if you really want to succeed. You may test the ground a little with a close spouse or business partner if your objectives are similar, but I wouldn't go further than that.

So, you need to set your goals realistically. Your first goals should be to get your current life in order, getting all your bills paid on-time and designing a health and fitness regime that you can stick to. Without this there is not much point to planning for big lifestyle changes. To set your goals properly, you need to read and learn much more than we have space or time to write down here. I suggest you look to reading as many books on self development and goal setting as you can lay your hands on. There are many methods and routs you can take and unfortunately, what works for one person will not always work for someone else.

The best advice I can give, is to keep reading and learning. You are almost assured to eventually find the method and route that is right for you. I hope you aren't one of those, "I've already tried everything" people. If so, you'd better just make the final decision to give up trying now, because subconsciously, if that's what you really believe, then you are already beat. Just say "that's it, I've tried everything and nothing has worked", just give up and put yourself out of your misery, stop trying and go back to a normal life of living day to day, you'll be happy.

If that last suggestion doesn't work for you, then great, there's hope for you yet. Listen, no-one in the world has ever tried everything. It's like this, even if you could life more than one lifetime, you still would not have the time to try all the myriad of different methods that have been devised, for becoming successful in life. Think about it, millions of people have written self help and- how to be successful books. Many will be repetitious of others in the market and many will be hybrid systems based on others, most will be biographical, in that, this is the way I did it. One person success stories and the like.

Not knowing you, the way I would suggest to anyone to start on the road to success is to do what I did, starting with reading any self-development books that you can get your hand on. My first was 'Think and Grow Rich', which is old but still relevant and is also available in audio formats now, so that you can listen whilst driving, exercising or working. That would be my next tip, to fit in your new education plan, so that it merges into you current schedule. I like multitasking. By putting on a tape or a video whilst exercising I am getting twice the benefit from my time. 'Time is my only limited resource' should be your new self talk statement that comes under the heading of realisations.

Self-Talk is an important step in becoming successful, having positive self-talk and reminding yourself of how things actually are, (realisations). Keep a small pocket book, that you can carry with you at all times and write your self-talk statements into it. Read it as frequently as possible. Even to this day, (Currently Aug 2009 as I write), I still carry a pocket book of self-talk statements. I read through the book daily, mainly as part of my main goal setting and repetition hour at 6 - 7 am everyday.

I was looking through it earlier today too, whilst waiting for my wife and youngest child Liam age 8, who went shopping to pick up a pair of roller-skates for Liam. I decided to stay in the car. I often use this type of time for this purpose. It is prime moments like this, alone, that I can meditate and think through my challenges and make my plans. When my wife and Liam returned to the car, I had been thinking and busily writing more thoughts into the pocket-book. It is exciting and easy to do and I can generate lots of good ideas and develop plans that otherwise would I would not be able to spend time on.

I think that that's enough for this post, I can easily get carried away, I do have a lot more to say on this subject and if you are interested in reading further about my life and how I accomplish my goals then please return from time to time. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and I would like to help you achieve your goals too. I can offer to keep writing about the way my goals are achieved and what is important to me and what has worked for me. Perhaps, (I hope), that the things that work out for me, will also work out for you.

AndyGold.

My Feb 26 Rant!

Hi, Well I know I've posted twice today, but..

Here's the thing, I have been ill again, that prompted me to recall a funny story I have to tell you, (see the previous post).

Rants and Raves - I did warn you!

Well, my rant is about people who refuse to look after themselves. That alone makes my blood boil, especially when they start complaining about being ill or overweight, tired all the time or just under the weather!

Look at me, I'm approaching 46 and I actually never develop a cold or develop an illness myself.. I know, I know.. I'm ill... But, annoyingly, like last year (Dec 08 through to end of April 08 ) I was ill similarly, because other people nurse their cold and barking cough to plague level then come 'round to visit.

I've told everyone I know and my eldest kids (22 & 23) not to come and visit if they are ill, because I don't want to catch it. To me it is only common courtesy. I will always cover my mouth when coughing or sneezing. But, you know... people are so uncaring and idiotic...

I have had asthma & bronchitis all my life, it never stops me from doing anything I want to do. Positive mindset and all that! I do wrap-up warm when I need to, but under day to day living I always make sure I'm wearing the same level of clothing insulation on a daily basis.

When I'm home I'll strip to my 'T-shirt' indoors, jumper if it's cold. But I always make sure I've got my Thermal 'Benny Hat' as I call it - and my jacket / leather or fleece on when I'm going out. Even if I'm just going out to put the dust-bin out!

I don't care what the experts and doctors say - 'They say' - you cannot catch a cold or develop a cold, head cold or chest cold, by just being cold for a few minutes (or hours)..

Well, I'm sure they have that wrong, (or maybe I have misunderstood, perhaps they mean catch the Flu, or whatever). All I know is, if I find myself outside without my hat, in the cold, especially if there is a cold or icy wind blowing,, BANG. I catch or develop a head cold.

I get the head-aches and the thumping throbbing pain and runny nose - HOW CAN THAT BE A FIGMENT OF MY IMAGINATION? They say... "Its all in the mind" WELL, THE COLD IS - are they trying to be funny or something, because I don't get the joke!

The other day my daughter visited, she had been walking her dog (30 minutes walk away) and had not intended to come out as far as she did. Wearing only a thin jacket and T-shirt with a naked waist-line, jeans and trainers with no-socks.. When I realised she was sat talking to her mum (my wife Michelle), in the kitchen, I looked in on them..

I had heard her voice, but also the incessant sore-throat tone and coughing and sniffing sound she was making.. LET ME TELL YOU.. You cannot challenge these types of people who have this mentality. -But me being me and 'they' being 'my daughter' and being 'IN MY HOUSE', I rise to the challenge of putting my point across and kicking them out!

Am I being unfair? Am I being RUDE? Am I not a nice person for speaking out as I do?

Well, I think I am justified. She, 'my daughter', had been in the kitchen about half-an-hour before I realised she was there.. She'd been filling my kitchen with smoke from her cigarette, I actually only noticed it when I felt my chest tightening (asthma), from the smell of her smoke, (I was in the living room)!

My point is, if I can smell and breathe in her smoke from the kitchen and indeed smell it all over the house, once I had come out of my work trance, (I'll explain in a later post ' work-trance' but suppose you know what I mean if I just say engrossed in my work). I must surely have been breathing in all her cold and sore-throat germs too. I had inadvertently been breathing it in all that time without really realising it!

Well, today I'm ill. I woke this morning with a sore-throat that I cannot even swallow with, without the aid of water or honey! - My head is banging, my chest is heaving and I won't even tell you what else as you can imagine what I'm coughing up...

OK - So its all in my mind is it? I did this to my-self, its my own fault. LOOK, my throat was prickling up even before I sort of realised my daughter was in the house, I was not thinking of illness nor sore-throats. My mind was away with the fairies on whatever I was working on!

I do agree the mind is a powerful tool, that is the only reason I am able to be sat here typing this now. I'm going off to do some exercise after writing this. One of my self-talk statements is - .

You have to think well, when you're ill!

Anyway, I just wanted to get that off my chest, after all you're the only-one here for me to talk to! Grumpy old man kicks daughter out of house!

AndyGold.

Happy Birthday - (or not)!

Hi, I want to tell you a little story from my past, get your coffee...



Years ago, working in clubland; (that's the term we old musicians used to use for doing the circuits of the old working-men's-clubs. Like nightclubs, bars, pubs, drinking establishments).




Anyway, working in clubland one night; (I should mention at this point, not wanting to sound too much like Ronnie Corbett, that in clubland, especially in working-men's clubs; everyone, (meaning -'the regulars'), always sat in the same seats).



I'll digress to say... Everyone knew everyone, you couldn't even stand in the wrong place at the bar for fear of upsetting someone. "That's my seat, my stool, my standing spot, even my turn on the pool table" (even though no money was put down and you had already put your coins in the table,- because no-one was using it). I'm sure there are still places like this!


Anyway, back to the story... Many years ago working in clubland one night, a message was passed up to the stage; (sorry about this, but I should explain also that I was playing keyboards / organ and I had a drummer and a 'compere' working with me.. (or MC as they are sometimes called, I should probably also mention that MC means Master of Ceremonies, for those of you that are not into the world of stage and entertainment).



I didn't just want to assume that you knew what I was talking about.. Anyway... I digress again, lets get on with the story..



Many years ago working in clubland one night, a message was passed up to the stage; Someone had jotted down on a thin piece of paper, a request "It's Maureen's Birthday.... 111". We did have a lot of elderly people in, there was some sort of pensioners "do" on. ....



That sounds strange doesn't it? "Do", that's how we use to talk, back then. We're having a "Do". It just meant, a social occasion, event, party.. (Again, I don't want to just assume that everyone knows what I mean)...



Anyway.. getting back to the story... Someone had jotted down on a thin piece of paper, a request "It's Maureen's Birthday.... 111". So we stopped all proceedings! This was something big! You see, in the UK, when a pensioner reaches the age of 100 they get a letter of congratulations from the Queen. That's right, I said the Queen! Queen Elizabeth II.



I don't want to digress again, but I'll have to just to say that, I remember the event, its the reason behind my story, but I don't actually remember the woman's name, so I'll just call her Maureen, it could have easily been someone called "Ida" or "Hilda", I don't think she'll be reading this at any-time in the near future and I'm probably the only-one who remember the event anyway.



So,... the names have been altered, (all except the Queen, of course), so that I can tell this story for you.. Anyway, without further "adoo", (now there's a funny term "adoo" who thought of that). Let's forget that and get on with it! .....



So like I was saying, in the UK, when a pensioner reaches the age of 100 they get a letter of congratulations from the Queen.



Then in many cases they get a letter again and again every year they celebrate a birthday..

So we went into this spiel, about how great it must be to reach the ripe old age of 111, how many wars they must have lived through, all the inventions and changes and prime-ministers they must have seen come and go... Yes we went on and on... Well the compare did!

(Not me, I was innocently sitting at the organ, minding my-own-business).



As the compare announced this birthday, there were a lot of cheers from the packed club, Maureen and her entourage were sitting at the back of the club, they were calling out things, but we could not hear them, nor actually see them properly, (stage lights in your face and all that).



The note was placed on the top of the organ, (we used to use it like an extension of the bar-on-stage. Ash trays, pints of larger and bitter, the odd whisky for the singer and some music from the artist I was backing, the compere's music, etc).. Quietly, I picked up the note and examined it more carefully...



As it turns out, on the other side of the THIN paper it said;

Maureen's 45 today,
try to 'cheer her up' she's
ill.

When you turn the paper over, (you guessed it), all it actually said on the other side was.....

" It's Maureen's Birthday! " (the "ill" part had come through the paper where it had got wet from a spot or drip of spilled drink or something... But - it looked like -

It's Maureen's Birthday!

111

So, we made our apologies, Maureen did feel better because of the laugh it gave every one!



AndyGold

We would have lit the candles on your cake, but we didn't want to speed up global warming!