I went to a tutorial on Tuesday evening, as part of an OU course I am doing called ‘Introduction to the Humanities’. It has elements of Literature, Philosophy, History, Art, and Art History that I find very interesting and educating. It also has Religious Studies as part of the course content, and last night we covered religion. Nothing is guaranteed to cause more debate. Once the group had got over the initial ‘must be careful not to offend anyone’ situation, we had a very lively debate. A couple of the atheists in the group were somewhat dismissive of religious groups. Then Richard Dawkins came into the debate (author of the God Delusion). So I suggested that atheists, as a group that held the belief there was no divine being, and with an unofficial leader such as Dawkins, resembled a religious group (collective belief, and a ‘spiritual’ leader)…. this didn’t go down well.

Fortunately nobody challenged me on my beliefs. We are all touched by religion in some way or form throughout our lives, so it is difficult for anybody to be entirely objective – because we are in a way all tainted, or influenced whether we like it or not. I have always found the leap of faith required to be a firm believer in the almighty a difficult one. I like to see evidence or proof in most things. A historian will always look for primary sources to validate an event. The same with the scientist who likes to prove something through fact. The ‘leap of faith’ can  therefore be difficult for a lot of us.

It’s an interesting topic. But fortunately the next assigment will offer two options, one on religion, and one on history of science. I intend to stay on the religious fence and do the assignment on history of science.

The good thing is, that the religious topic has occupied my mind, and allowed me to ignore my team losing again last night. The back is still sore, and a collegue remarked to me today that I ‘walked like an old man with a poker up his arse’. Nice.

On arriving at home from work last night I got out of the car and felt a ‘twinge’ in my back. Ouch. Which detiorated to the point where getting out of the car when arriving at work this morning was a major and painful exercise. Pain killers and heated pads are allowing some movement now. But, a muscle pull in the back has to be the most inconvenient of all. Every movement reminds you that it hurts. It wouldn’t be so bad if I knew I had done it doing something worthwhile, but just getting out of the car….

On a brighter note Ellie slept through the night last night. Good girl. I couldn’t have got out of bed anyhow. Tricia has kept her off school today as she is still under the weather, but better than yesterday. Nikki is feeling a lot better, which is just as well as she is having her final exam of the current series tomorrow, a PE A level exam. That should be it until the summer then. Robbie is hoping that his sisters won’t be sharing their illness with him.

I have a tutorial tonight for the OU course I am presently doing, so looking forward to that. Not looking forward quite so much to the essay I will have to write this weekend though.

Not much to say day 1. A visit to the gym went nicely, and is helping in the continual fight to keep middle age in check. Lost 2lbs last week, and feel absolutely no different as a result. I am on the fat wagon at the moment. At 96 kg, a medical professional has told me I am nearly 20kg to heavy. Which is frightening. I would argue 10 is more the case. But, any weight thats off right now is for the best.

I have spent much of the last few days trying to forget about football, and the demise of my team from Cup Finalists last season, to relegation material this season. A defeat at home to Watford was hard to take. I am looking to reduce stress and anxiety in my life at the moment. West Ham aren’t helping. I came into work yesterday, Sunday, (highly unusual for me) to get ahead of the workload, and that has helped.

A disturbed night last night, as my youngest, Ellie was unwell. Nikki, our oldest is not well either. Some sort of flu/cold virus. Something for the rest of the family to look forward to. Children. You love them, nurture them. They give you germs.

Three bean soup for lunch. Excellent. Just about filled half my left leg. I’m not sure how I will get through to the evening meal. Apparantly the hunger is good for me, keeps me keener and more alert.

Paul