The List

Push me, poke me and prod me for these are among the things i wish to have done in the next 365 days:

Writing- Actually FINISH writing something. Even if it’s just a few little poems or short stories.
Languages- Start learning a new language and brush up on one of the ones I supposedly already know!
Dancing- Go to more clubs from different music genres (what’s the point in having a varied taste in music
if I only ever go out and dance to one type?). Also go to some form of dance class. Preferably an easy type as I
lack grace and coordination.
Tea- Try new types of teas, blend them together to make my own personal tea, do more tea tasting and share
the notes with the world, visit different tea houses, give away ones I don’t drink and organise the ones I
have so that it’s easier to drink a wider variety rather than the same six teas over and over. Lots to do there then.
Music- Go to gigs. Last year I went to a few festivals and really loved it. I want to do that again this
year but I also want to try going and seeing specific bands I like and also some random local musicians.
Sex- I love sex but I’ve recently stopped trying things. I want to try new toys, new positions. Maybe go
away for a dirty weekend. Y’know? Make it seem naughty again!
Books- I WILL try reading books from different genres. Not just fantasy, surreal humour and Georgette
Heyer/Heyeresque historical romances. I do sometimes drift into the more moving stories like The Curious Incident
of the Dog in the Night Time and The Five People You Meet in Heaven but I need to strike out more. I also want to
read more non-fiction books on the subjects that interest me for whenever a book on, say, tea comes into my hands
I adore reading it. Must seek these things out.
Blogs- I’ve stopped searching out new and exciting blogs and tend to merely read the same ones on, more or
less, the same subjects. I’m going to try striking out into the unkown and finding a new blogs on things that
interest me that I DON’T already read about from a dozen other people’s perspectives.
Walking- Not just around my local area either- I’ve found some very pretty walks that I do quite often in the
warmer weather. I’m sure there are many many more- particularly if I head out of town on a train for a couple of
stops and then randomly amble.
PLaying on swings- This is one of my favourite things that I hardly ever do anymore. I shall find parks
and try out the swings. Maybe plot a park to park walk around town for sometime when the kids are unlikely to be
around.
Baking- I used to make a mocha cake to die for. I no longer have any idea how, my last couple of attempts
have been absolutely dire, but I’m sure I’ll recreate it someday. In the meantime I can find, make and try many new
recipes. Also a good one for the secret plan for the future.
Swimming- I am an awful swimmer, I struggle to keep afloat for long. I do, however, love it. This must,
therefore, happen more often. Possibly best if i buy a swimming costume first.
Learn to proofread- I’ve kind of always wanted to do this but have been unsure of how to go about it. I
shall find out and see if I’m any good at it and if it actually holds any lasting interest for me.
Cooking- Like baking I used to make a lot but I seem to have sunk into doing pretty much the same repertoire
of meals on a random cycle. I shall learn new things and then cook them.
Grammar- I used to be a complete grammar nazi but these days I remember very little so I’m going to brush
up on that as well. It’ll probably help with the whole proofreading malarkey as well.
Traveling- I’ve always dreamt of going places and I very rarely do. Not even within England. Day trips are
easy to arrange and often inexpensive so I shall do more of this.
Photographs- not actual photography as I’ve the artistic ability of a newt so my pictures often leave a lot
to be desired but I want to get a camera and start recording the things I’m doing again. That way I won’t need to
dwell on the past as I’ll have tangible, forever evidence that it actually existed!
PLaying computer games that aren’t Civ 2- I once did this. Now I don’t remember how to play any other game.
I’m probably going to cheat with this one and start with Civ 4 as i figure small steps are better than none at all.
Go and see a Musical- a proper one, in a proper theatre. Never done that.
See a Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta performed live. I’ve also never done that. But I REALLY want to!

Some of these, like baking, I can re-use and I don’t think any of them are particularly far fetched. Obviously
there are other things that I either haven’t thought of or don’t yet know about that aren’t on there- I shall post
list updates now and again.

Now if you’ll excuse me I have shiny new things to be getting on with!

Mission Statement

I actually wrote this a few days ago on the 3rd of march but at that point I had no internet:

I realised the other day that I talk more often about the past than the present. I dwell on things that have
happened, things I remember and things that have changed whether they be good, bad or indifferent.

This made me think and I’ve decided that it’s because I’ve lost some of my momentum and ability to see into the
future. If you’ll pardon a brief look back, then I can see where I used to have plans and dreams.
I still do. The difference is that I now believe most of my dreams to be unattainable so I’ve taken what I’ve got
and fallen into a rut with it.

So, I’m trying to shake up my increasingly normal life before I become utterly introverted and dogged under by the
mundanity that is being an adult. This means venturing into the unknown, trying new things, going new places and
meeting new people, all things that I am irrationally scared of.

I think the easiest way for me to do this is to try or do something new or different every day. I’m going to
attempt to ressurect old hobbies as well as, hopefully, gaining some new ones and picking up some new skills.

In an attempt at being logical I’ve started all this by making a list of things that I like or have liked in the past. I’m also doing the LearnDirect skills and interests test to see what that throws up. Then I’m going to make a basic list of
things that I definitely want to have accomplished, or at least attempted, before 3rd March 09. Though managing to do something every day might be beyond me- I think trying to get 300 things done is feasible!

I’ve started by actually writing all this down- these sorts of things usually stay in my head!

I’ll write the list up seperately shortly.

Wish me luck folks!