This time last year, full of wine and good cheer, I somewhat foolishly made the promise to (by midnight on 31st December 2013) achieve 50 tasks in the year of my 50th birthday. So, with one hour to go until the clock strikes 12, how have I done?
1. Take Italian lessons in readiness for a trip to Montepulciano in May. *DONE
2. Climb to the Whispering gallery at St Paul’s Cathedral. *DONE
3. Take a helicopter ride. (I never quite got my act together on this one)
4. Re-vamp my skin and makeup routines. *DONE
5. Go on a course/lesson to learn how to ride a bike safely. *DONE
6. Volunteer 12 times over the year. * DONE
7. Read ’1984′ by George Orwell. * (Well I’ve been trying for the last 29 years so no surprise that I didn’t manage it this year)
8. Read 50 books and review them on http://www.goodreads.com. *(I read and reviewed 40)
9. Use only cash for one month (bar standing orders and direct debits). *DONE
10. Contact everyone on Christmas card list personally instead of sending a card. Donate money saved to a charity. * DONE
11. Enjoy dinner at Michel Roux’s Le Gavroche. *DONE
12. Go on a London walking tour. *DONE
13. Attend a cake decorating course. * DONE (ish)
14. Send book to publisher! (it’s a terrible book anyway!)
15. Write a travel article and get it published. (Does Trip Advisor count?)
16. Learn to swim a length. *DONE
17. Take an art class. *DONE
18. Take a singing lesson. (Here’s one I regret not having a stab at)
19. Have laser eye surgery. (I made the appointment but completely lost my nerve :-( )
20. Be colour analysed by a professional. *DONE
21. Set up a book club. *DONE
22. Go to see ‘Singalong a Sound of Music’. *DONE
23. Go to see a ballet. *DONE
24. Attend a meditation course/ go on retreat. *DONE
25. Scan all my photos from the last 50 years! (It might help if I knew how to scan!)
26. One night a week without TV. *DONE. – (The easiest task of all)
27. Learn a new word every week and use it. *(Got completely fed up and tongue tied with this one!)
28. Write a will. *DONE
29. Get my teeth whitened. *PUT BRACES ON! (Whitening to follow)
30. Visit the Hindu Temple in Neasden, London *DONE
31. Do something cultural once a month. *DONE
32. Write a blog. *DONE!!!!
33. Do a Race for Life. *DONE
34. See the Northern lights. *DONE
35. Liverpool – Beatle Tour. *DONE
36. Do a walking tour abroad. *DONE
37. Win a competition. (Entering one or two might have helped with this task)
38. Be in the public gallery at a court hearing. *DONE
39. Learn to hoola hoop for a minute. *DONE
40. Visit the Louvre in Paris. *DONE
41. Be in the audience of a TV show *DONE
42. Tour of Grand Central Station, New York (Maybe next year)
43. Learn to perfect a magic trick! *DONE
44. Go on a spontaneous trip with no itinerary. (I regret not doing this. Maybe next year)
45. Listen to a debate at the House of Commons *DONE
46. See a performance at the Minack Theatre in Penzance. *DONE
47. Spend an evening at a comedy club. *DONE
48. Attempt the Telegraph Cryptic Crossword every Saturday * DONE
49. Plan 60 new things to do by the time I’m 60 ( no blog, I promise) (You must be joking!)
50. ????Any suggestions? Something completely spontaneous. I need help with this one please! (Thankfully no one came up with anything!)
I have had an incredible, action packed year. Although I didn’t achieve all 50, I had a good try and had plenty of fun along the way. I have met some wonderful people and seen some fantastic places.
Thank you all for encouraging me to complete the tasks, for joining me in doing them and for reading all about them in this blog.
I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.
Love,
Joanne xx
