Wednesday 5 February 2014
2013 -a belated review!
January
Set up my own business and started publicising it by joining The Athena Network which has been invaluable for support and referrals.
February
My best friend lives thousands of miles away, so when she’s within a country or two of me, I’ll happily go and meet her. This meant we spent a very relaxing few days eating, drinking and laughing in Nice. A cold Nice, not the sunny vision that most people have of the city!
March
Got some very interesting new clients and gave my first presentation!
April
Started a new job at an agency.
May
Sold the house!
June
Birthday spent camping in Dorset; the previous day was at MrPBR’s graduation from his master’s!
July
Spent the month camping and waiting for our new house to be built. Still commuting and managing to look like my clothes were ironed at work while gaining great coverage for our client!
August
Favourite festival and joined a new networking/motivational coaching group.
September
Started being bullied by boss so quit job and then cursed her for my need to earn more money but on the plus side an saving a fortune (£60 a day in fact) on nursery fees. Moved into new house just as the weather flips from “hot” to “wet”.
October
My mum visits from abroad. I do another presentation!
November
I have a new nephew! Also, my dad then graduates from his master’s and reveals he has a book about to be published!
December
We cook Christmas dinner at our house for the first time as everyone comes to us. I get coverage for a client in the Sun and another client into Good Housekeeping which finishes the work year on a high!
So all of the major achievements are not mine but the 101 in 1001 project is always on my mind and has spurred me on, particularly in the arena of personal development and CONFIDENCE-building. What are your plans for 2014?
Tuesday 4 December 2012
2012
I have been reading Dannie's 101 in 1001 adventure and have been both inspired by her and embarrassed by her efforts. She is a brilliant example of what can be achieved if you set your mind to it and get organised!
From travelling to Petra to watching Shakespeare at the Globe, her adventures have made me realise how horribly I have failed at the challenge.
I have an excuse. Not a good one though - being pregnant and then looking after an active little boy doesn't lend itself to throwing yourself out of planes and riding camels.
So for 2013, I'm going to plan an achievable, boring and small goal a month.
My review of 2012 - what did I get up to? Not much!
January
Went for a run for the first time since my son was born in December.
February
The boy and I appeared in the paper as we dressed up for Chinese New Year.
March
Joined the National Trust - make it my mission to get my money's worth and by the end of 2012 had visited 20 properties from Cornwall to Dorset, Somerset and Buckinghamshire.
April
Bought a new car.
May
Went to Hong Kong for a month.
June
Turned...gulp 36...
July
Started freelancing - first job was reviewing the brilliant Mark Thomas who did a show called Bravo Figaro which I most highly recommend.
August
Took the McBaby to my favourite festival
September
Drumroll. Went back to work!
October
Decided to quit job.
November
Joined a networking business
December
The Mcbaby's first birthday.
So, not very fulfilling. I'll lay out my goals for 2013 tomorrow.
See you!!
From travelling to Petra to watching Shakespeare at the Globe, her adventures have made me realise how horribly I have failed at the challenge.
I have an excuse. Not a good one though - being pregnant and then looking after an active little boy doesn't lend itself to throwing yourself out of planes and riding camels.
So for 2013, I'm going to plan an achievable, boring and small goal a month.
My review of 2012 - what did I get up to? Not much!
January
Went for a run for the first time since my son was born in December.
February
The boy and I appeared in the paper as we dressed up for Chinese New Year.
March
Joined the National Trust - make it my mission to get my money's worth and by the end of 2012 had visited 20 properties from Cornwall to Dorset, Somerset and Buckinghamshire.
April
Bought a new car.
May
Went to Hong Kong for a month.
June
Turned...gulp 36...
July
Started freelancing - first job was reviewing the brilliant Mark Thomas who did a show called Bravo Figaro which I most highly recommend.
August
Took the McBaby to my favourite festival
September
Drumroll. Went back to work!
October
Decided to quit job.
November
Joined a networking business
December
The Mcbaby's first birthday.
So, not very fulfilling. I'll lay out my goals for 2013 tomorrow.
See you!!
Sunday 10 June 2012
36
I think the word "failure" is the best one to describe my "36 before 36" challenge. To be honest, the day came out of nowhere and hit me before I'd had a chance to take stock of where I was! Having a baby also makes it very difficult to find time to even vacuum, let alone take hot air balloon rides and the other follies I'd put on my list!
The plan was to complete 36 things before 36. I came up with the title last year when I was expecting; well before this blogger labelled it "uncatchy": http://faithhopeandcharityshopping.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/40-before-40-36-before-36-wasnt-as.html
It was one of the stranger birthdays of my life. Firstly, no one apart from my husband, dad and mum remembered. I thought my sister had forgotten, but she called me at 5pm to ask if I'd received her present and hung up on me in anger when I said it hadn't arrived.
MrPBR and the baby took me out for a meal and I tried to forget about this surprising phone call. But the next day when we were out for a walk, she called again and said she'd been led to understand that I would be in on my birthday and that I must have missed the delivery. The reason I was out was because I had bought my dad a new fridge as a surprise, so had driven down to the west country while he was out to ensure that someone was there to sign for it.
If I'd known she wanted me to stay in, perhaps I could have been, but usually when delivery people miss you, they leave a note to say where the parcel is.
She told me that she was angry because she'd paid extra to ensure the gift arrived on time and then hung up on me again before texting MrPBR to ask him to confirm our address. We've only lived here three years and she's been here several times! So I didn't get a present, got shouted at and still don't know what she sent! SHe said she was going to cancel it, so I guess I'll never know!
So I felt stupidly tearful when I looked at this list to see where I'd got to.
It's not a total disaster though; I have done the following:
3: Grow all of our own vegetables.
I've planted potatoes and tomatoes. I could hardly call it self-sufficency though!
13. Win a competition:
I won a camera that I gave to a friend as a birthday present!
17. Sell something upcycled:
I rescued some shelving from the tip and painted it with a tin of 50p paint that I spied in the bargain bucket at B&Q. I then sold it at a boot sale for a tiny profit. I don't think I'm going to make my millions from upcycling!
18. Make a baby friend
BabyPBR has a number of cute little friends from NCT, playgroups, singing classes and other activities. He has far more friends than I do!
21. Declutter anything not needed.
I am going to pat myself on the back here. The house is still a tip but a lot of things have gone. I've done two boot sales in the past month and I have very few belongings. The problem is that we have a tiny house with a total, total lack of storage. This is compounded by my parents' divorce a few years ago when my mother disappeared for a while and I had to store her belongings. We know where she is now, but she can't face unpacking her stuff as it brings back bad memories.
34. Have MrPBR compliment something I've cooked.
I have discovered the joy that is www.approvedfood.co.uk and accidentally ordered lots of pasta. Except when it arrived it turned out to be semolina! I wasn't sure what to do with this glut of semolina but discovered this recipe for orange cake WITHOUT flour!
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/orange_cake_57974
MrPBR loved it so much, he's asked me to keep making it, so there is usually some in the house!
So I'm now 36 but I'm going to keep going with the list and I'll turn it into some sort of "lifetime challenge". THis blog by Dannie has proved to be very inspirational http://myultimatelifelist.blogspot.co.uk/
Tuesday 13 March 2012
36. Have a completely different hairstyle
I came onto this oft-neglected blog as MrPBR and I have just joined the National Trust. This was something on the original 101 in 1001 challenge, but having reached the end of that, I see that it didn't make it onto my "36 before 36" list!
We're thrilled that we now have a year to visit as many properties as possible to get our money's worth! We started with Basildon Park and I have earmarked Stourhead Gardens as the next one.
Please let us know which National Trust properties you would recommend!
So back to "36 in 36". I now have a very short hair cut and it has been dyed a sort of reddish-purple colour. I don't even own a hairdryer or hair straighteners and normally just tie it up and forget about it. It's a bit of a cliche, but I do feel lighter and it is a huge confidence boost to have your hair done properly, even if it did cost about £30 more than I usually pay!
I have debated with myself whether or not to add a photo. Nah!
We're thrilled that we now have a year to visit as many properties as possible to get our money's worth! We started with Basildon Park and I have earmarked Stourhead Gardens as the next one.
Please let us know which National Trust properties you would recommend!
So back to "36 in 36". I now have a very short hair cut and it has been dyed a sort of reddish-purple colour. I don't even own a hairdryer or hair straighteners and normally just tie it up and forget about it. It's a bit of a cliche, but I do feel lighter and it is a huge confidence boost to have your hair done properly, even if it did cost about £30 more than I usually pay!
I have debated with myself whether or not to add a photo. Nah!
Tuesday 13 December 2011
A new challenge!
I don't feel that I did very well with the 101 in 1001 list, so I've set myself a new challenge called "36 before 36" with 36 much more realistic and banal goals that I must achieve before I turn 36 in June!
Sunday 4 December 2011
November - time's up!
I actually ran out of time on the 20th November - blimey that 1001 days went by fast! Stupidly, I got pregnant (am due any minute now) so that meant there were lots of things on my 101 list that I didn't manage to do.
So here they are - they're probably the more dangerous ones:
- Learn to ride a motorbike
-Go scuba diving with DH
-Take OH horse riding
-*Learn more patience*
(think I can safely say that I haven't done this one - I lost my temper the other day when a speeding motorist drove at 80mph past my house and knocked my shopping bag out of my hand)
-Stop making jokes
- Read all of the BBC's greatest 100 books. Missed 27 of these!
-Take a hot air balloon flight
-And a sky dive
-Go to South America. Bah.
- Volunteer in Africa. No :(
*-Try harder with novel/short story.*
Haven't touched this - will try again in 2012.
*-Hire a classic convertible for a sunset drive.*
I actually did HIRE the car but haven't been able to find a date to drive it. I look forward to turning up to collect the keys with a baby seat in my other hand.
*-Get fit again*
I have been doing yoga but have pledged with MrPBR to do a 10k next year.
-Have saved £20,000. Only £17,000 short on this one!!
-Do some sort of watersport. No - insurance wouldn't allow!
*- Resurrect my conversation ability in three different languages.*
Can still just about do this in French, Spanish, Cantonese and Japanese. Have been learning German recently - more to be done when I start breast feeding!
*-A charity walk or run - not the Race for Life*
....I did the Race for Life and intended to do the Santa Jog in town, but MrPBR wouldn't let me!
*-Investigate green grants for electricity.*
Government has got rid of a lot of these. I have however found ways to reduce our electricity bill.
*-Use rainwater* - I have done this for the plants.
-*Create a PBR (an award of some sort)*.
Am thinking quite seriously about giving some sort of award to the best charity shop that I visited in 2011 in order to complete my challenge here:
www.charity365.blogspot.com
-*Be an extra in a series or film*
Far too fat at the moment! Hopefully in 2012!
-*Become a finalist in the World Nettle Eating Championships*
The event clashed with something else this year. (Fortunately?)
-*Go to a festival abroad*.
Next year! Isle of Wight? hahahaha!
*-Buy new sofa.*
We are hoping to move house in 2012 so might wait until then!
*Sell one of DH's paintings and get him commissioning drawings.*
Poor MrPBR has been snowed under at work so I've left him alone! I wish I had his artistic talent though - I would definitely make the most of it!
*-Try surfing*.
I was too big by the time the summer came around. Will see if I can take a course in the summer.
-*Stay in a tepee at a festival*.
A mere £900 at Glastonbury - I couldn't justify this so just visited one for a cup of tea while we were there!
*-Sort out memorial bench for relatives*.
I made some progress with this, but the spot I had earmarked required consent from the parish council. They agreed, but then I couldn't get hold of the bench and plaque company by which time my family started to disagree on where the bench should be placed. My idea was to put it by the sea but they thought it might disintegrate. We gave up in the end.
*-Go to a drive in movie*.
I've NEVER seen one advertised. I asked my American friend and she said that in the states these died out because it was so uncomfortable and the sound was appalling. Will keep an eye out though!
*Walking holiday/weekend*
Never got around to this.
*Cycle from one end of the Kennet and Avon Canal to another*
Next year!
*Punting*
Next summer!
*Try real tennis*
Forgot about this one! Not sure where I can do this?
*See the Northern Lights*
Went to Norway but didn't go far enough north!
*SPonsor a little girl in India*
I have given a lot of money to charity this year. Will see if I can do this before Christmas.
*INvite people round for tea*
When we moved to this house, MrPBR's brother told us that our house was "****" so I have been far too embarrassed to invite people round. I did invite my friend who is not rude for tea and scones though.
*Pier-to-pier swim for charity*
Never got around to this but hope to do some sort of swimming challenge in 2012.
*Do an Open University qualification*
No time or money! Will look into this more thoroughly in 2012.
*Do a mini triathlon*
Never saw any advertised but ANOTHER for 2012!
*Go on a cycling holiday*
Sold my bike -eeeeek!
*Try a raw food diet*
Will try this again in 2012 to help me lose all the weight I've put in.
*Become a member of the National Trust*
Money!!
*Look into franchise opportunities*
I did buy "Franchise" magazine and had a good look through before wondering if I should actually start my own business. I've given up my job so perhaps will have more time to work out what my passion is and what I should do business wise. I will also have a more realistic view of what time is available once you have a baby....
So there we are. This challenge has been great for making me do things but I think another is required!
This week I shall unveil the items from the list that I will carry out before June 2012 when I am 36 aka the "36 before 36" challenge!
Thanks for reading and best of luck in your challenges. A special shout out for Dannie who has achieved lots on her list and has proved to be very inspirational!
So here they are - they're probably the more dangerous ones:
- Learn to ride a motorbike
-Go scuba diving with DH
-Take OH horse riding
-*Learn more patience*
(think I can safely say that I haven't done this one - I lost my temper the other day when a speeding motorist drove at 80mph past my house and knocked my shopping bag out of my hand)
-Stop making jokes
- Read all of the BBC's greatest 100 books. Missed 27 of these!
-Take a hot air balloon flight
-And a sky dive
-Go to South America. Bah.
- Volunteer in Africa. No :(
*-Try harder with novel/short story.*
Haven't touched this - will try again in 2012.
*-Hire a classic convertible for a sunset drive.*
I actually did HIRE the car but haven't been able to find a date to drive it. I look forward to turning up to collect the keys with a baby seat in my other hand.
*-Get fit again*
I have been doing yoga but have pledged with MrPBR to do a 10k next year.
-Have saved £20,000. Only £17,000 short on this one!!
-Do some sort of watersport. No - insurance wouldn't allow!
*- Resurrect my conversation ability in three different languages.*
Can still just about do this in French, Spanish, Cantonese and Japanese. Have been learning German recently - more to be done when I start breast feeding!
*-A charity walk or run - not the Race for Life*
....I did the Race for Life and intended to do the Santa Jog in town, but MrPBR wouldn't let me!
*-Investigate green grants for electricity.*
Government has got rid of a lot of these. I have however found ways to reduce our electricity bill.
*-Use rainwater* - I have done this for the plants.
-*Create a PBR (an award of some sort)*.
Am thinking quite seriously about giving some sort of award to the best charity shop that I visited in 2011 in order to complete my challenge here:
www.charity365.blogspot.com
-*Be an extra in a series or film*
Far too fat at the moment! Hopefully in 2012!
-*Become a finalist in the World Nettle Eating Championships*
The event clashed with something else this year. (Fortunately?)
-*Go to a festival abroad*.
Next year! Isle of Wight? hahahaha!
*-Buy new sofa.*
We are hoping to move house in 2012 so might wait until then!
*Sell one of DH's paintings and get him commissioning drawings.*
Poor MrPBR has been snowed under at work so I've left him alone! I wish I had his artistic talent though - I would definitely make the most of it!
*-Try surfing*.
I was too big by the time the summer came around. Will see if I can take a course in the summer.
-*Stay in a tepee at a festival*.
A mere £900 at Glastonbury - I couldn't justify this so just visited one for a cup of tea while we were there!
*-Sort out memorial bench for relatives*.
I made some progress with this, but the spot I had earmarked required consent from the parish council. They agreed, but then I couldn't get hold of the bench and plaque company by which time my family started to disagree on where the bench should be placed. My idea was to put it by the sea but they thought it might disintegrate. We gave up in the end.
*-Go to a drive in movie*.
I've NEVER seen one advertised. I asked my American friend and she said that in the states these died out because it was so uncomfortable and the sound was appalling. Will keep an eye out though!
*Walking holiday/weekend*
Never got around to this.
*Cycle from one end of the Kennet and Avon Canal to another*
Next year!
*Punting*
Next summer!
*Try real tennis*
Forgot about this one! Not sure where I can do this?
*See the Northern Lights*
Went to Norway but didn't go far enough north!
*SPonsor a little girl in India*
I have given a lot of money to charity this year. Will see if I can do this before Christmas.
*INvite people round for tea*
When we moved to this house, MrPBR's brother told us that our house was "****" so I have been far too embarrassed to invite people round. I did invite my friend who is not rude for tea and scones though.
*Pier-to-pier swim for charity*
Never got around to this but hope to do some sort of swimming challenge in 2012.
*Do an Open University qualification*
No time or money! Will look into this more thoroughly in 2012.
*Do a mini triathlon*
Never saw any advertised but ANOTHER for 2012!
*Go on a cycling holiday*
Sold my bike -eeeeek!
*Try a raw food diet*
Will try this again in 2012 to help me lose all the weight I've put in.
*Become a member of the National Trust*
Money!!
*Look into franchise opportunities*
I did buy "Franchise" magazine and had a good look through before wondering if I should actually start my own business. I've given up my job so perhaps will have more time to work out what my passion is and what I should do business wise. I will also have a more realistic view of what time is available once you have a baby....
So there we are. This challenge has been great for making me do things but I think another is required!
This week I shall unveil the items from the list that I will carry out before June 2012 when I am 36 aka the "36 before 36" challenge!
Thanks for reading and best of luck in your challenges. A special shout out for Dannie who has achieved lots on her list and has proved to be very inspirational!
Friday 2 September 2011
96. Become more adept at refurbishing furniture
Done!
I had a couple of chairs that I bought in a panic once from a junk shop as I had lots of people coming round to dinner. They don’t really match anything in my house, so I painted them in that Farrow and Ball paint, so beloved of home and interiors magazines!
I am terrible at painting - I always get bored so my strokes become a bit haphazard, but since it always makes such a mess, I like to do it in one go. Fortunately, the paint is so expensive that it's got some sort of special ingredient in it which makes it look good. You can't really tell when a fool like me has been at the DIY.
The chairs, a table and a chest of drawers that I’d painted in the same colour, went on eBay, with a massive disclaimer from me. Despite that, they all sold for a good price, with one of the buyers telling me how much she loved them when she came to collect!
I’m thinking about saving up to buy some more paint (it’s about £34 a pot – so if I don’t eat for a week, I should manage it, haha!) and will be looking around the house for more things to paint. MrM said no when I offered to paint all of the floors after an inspirational week in Norway!
www.doorsixteen.com/2009/01/26/white-painted-floor-back-room/
I had a couple of chairs that I bought in a panic once from a junk shop as I had lots of people coming round to dinner. They don’t really match anything in my house, so I painted them in that Farrow and Ball paint, so beloved of home and interiors magazines!
I am terrible at painting - I always get bored so my strokes become a bit haphazard, but since it always makes such a mess, I like to do it in one go. Fortunately, the paint is so expensive that it's got some sort of special ingredient in it which makes it look good. You can't really tell when a fool like me has been at the DIY.
The chairs, a table and a chest of drawers that I’d painted in the same colour, went on eBay, with a massive disclaimer from me. Despite that, they all sold for a good price, with one of the buyers telling me how much she loved them when she came to collect!
I’m thinking about saving up to buy some more paint (it’s about £34 a pot – so if I don’t eat for a week, I should manage it, haha!) and will be looking around the house for more things to paint. MrM said no when I offered to paint all of the floors after an inspirational week in Norway!
www.doorsixteen.com/2009/01/26/white-painted-floor-back-room/
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