Each week I use this space to share my five thoughts – the good, the bad and the ugly.

But I’m not selfish, so I’m also very happy to donate the space to guest writers to have their say. Write to me using the contact details below.

1. I thought it was ridiculous when I heard it was the international day of happiness last week. Fancy needing a specific day to be happy. But, to top that, I found out today is national melba toast day, puppy day and near miss day. Then, to top it all, I find out last week’s international day of happiness coincided with kick a ginger day. I kid you not.

2. While I’m on the subject of happiness, did you know vets across the country are now putting dogs on Prozac? Apparently man’s best friends are so depressed even we can’t cheer them up. I suppose if you’re naturally a pack animal, but are forced to live alone, it’s bound to be a bit of a downer.

3. I can’t answer this question because I’m not woman, but I’m reliably informed a large percentage of women experience a strange clenching feeling when they are on a bridge or are climbing something high. Now, I know my fear of heights has developed with age, but I’ve never had this, and I’m told no amount of pelvic floor exercises helps either.

4. Fifty Shades of Grey, excited? I wasn’t, and I’m not talking about the book or the film. Never has there been so much hype and such a big let down, well, not since England’s footballers last entered the World Cup anyway. The total no-show eclipse left me cold.

5. CCTV cameras in toilets. And I’m not talking about the sinks and the general areas, but looking straight at you while you’re sitting in the cubicle. A sensible precaution to deter drug addicts and other dodgy goings-on, or an invasion of privacy. You decide?

Send in your 5THOUGHTS by email to aparkes@london.newsquest.co.uk Send on Twitter to @parkestheeditor Send through Facebook to facebook.com/newsshopper Or post to us at 5THOUGHTS, News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, Kent, BR5 1BT.