Well I've tried my 5th wine. Now I'm keeping an open mind about it, but the Cabernet-Syrah that one of my co-workers (and I use that term very lightly) bought to the fuddle, I tried a little, and suddenly had the urge for a pickled onion, I can only assume that it is a subconcious link between pickled onions and vinegar.
So I have tried it....but I am being fair. Knowing the person who bought the wine, it wouldn't surprise me if it was the cheapest plonk available, and so I will try another cabernet-syrah, just to compare.
Woohoo for alcohol.
Just had a quick browse of Jo's "drinks cabinet" it appears my challenges about trying 10 new drinks & 5 different wines will not be a problem in the slightest....I just hope I can get up for work in the morning.
A months worth.....
One of the main things I've done over the last month is move into my house. As part of the move I have drastically weeded my book collection (down to about 10 shelves worth) and my DVDs are next. I have a pile of stuff to go on Freecycle or Ebay and my bins are overflowing.
I feel really good about having a clearout and setting my house up as I want it to be.
I have also been getting into the wine drinking, Jo has been getting me to buy wine as well so I've had to pay attention to what I'm buying, from memory I've tried Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and a Shiraz. They were all nice, but the Tempranillo was a bit bland. I cooked Jo a meal the other day, admitedly it was only poached eggs and bacon served on a lightly toasted muffin, but it was nice.
I read a Western. I should really say something about it here...but erm....well, there isn't much to say. Not much in the way of descriptions or detail (or excitement) and given that the book was caled "Shootout at Owl Creek" I'd have expected the actual shootout to last a little more than a page and a half. I can safely say, I probably won't be reading another western any time soon.
Random acts of kindness are abound, since I started this challenge I have helped a woman carry her shopping at ASDA, helped an elderly gent carry his new TV to his car, and only yesterday gave a doddering old fella a hand getting past some idiot who had parked on the path.
There is plenty more I could say, but i don't want to bore you ;o) (assuming there is anyone reading this) suffice to say I will endeavor to keep this up to date in future ;o)
I feel really good about having a clearout and setting my house up as I want it to be.
I have also been getting into the wine drinking, Jo has been getting me to buy wine as well so I've had to pay attention to what I'm buying, from memory I've tried Cabernet Sauvigon, Merlot, Tempranillo, and a Shiraz. They were all nice, but the Tempranillo was a bit bland. I cooked Jo a meal the other day, admitedly it was only poached eggs and bacon served on a lightly toasted muffin, but it was nice.
I read a Western. I should really say something about it here...but erm....well, there isn't much to say. Not much in the way of descriptions or detail (or excitement) and given that the book was caled "Shootout at Owl Creek" I'd have expected the actual shootout to last a little more than a page and a half. I can safely say, I probably won't be reading another western any time soon.
Random acts of kindness are abound, since I started this challenge I have helped a woman carry her shopping at ASDA, helped an elderly gent carry his new TV to his car, and only yesterday gave a doddering old fella a hand getting past some idiot who had parked on the path.
There is plenty more I could say, but i don't want to bore you ;o) (assuming there is anyone reading this) suffice to say I will endeavor to keep this up to date in future ;o)
I'm back.....
Apologies for the absence. For various reasons over the last months I just haven't had the time or the inclination to update this site. I have been doing some stuff towards my challenges, but I have also been neglecting some, so if you take a close look you'll see that I have marked some of them as failed.
I'm making a change here though. This challenge was not intended to rule my life, and those tasks that I set to be completed on a weekly basis, I feel now, are too draconian. From now on I will not be worrying about completing the weekly tasks on time, so long as I am comfy that I am making the effort that will suffice for me...this is supposed to be fun after all ;o)
I'm making a change here though. This challenge was not intended to rule my life, and those tasks that I set to be completed on a weekly basis, I feel now, are too draconian. From now on I will not be worrying about completing the weekly tasks on time, so long as I am comfy that I am making the effort that will suffice for me...this is supposed to be fun after all ;o)
this is what i think happened.....
wow, what a couple of weeks.
Main thing I've got done is moving house. I am now in my new place (pictures will follow soon, honest). Spent last weekend loading, driving and unpacking a van, eating good food and drinking with friends on Saturday night, Sunday was back to the van and Sunday evening was spent gratuitously laughing at Eddie Izzard.....was a good weekend.
Alas since then I've been "under the weather" with what may have been a piggy related illness. I've been tired and easily confused (easier than normal anyway) for the last week, so I've kind of lost track of what I've been up to, but I'll do my best to cover what i can remember.
I'm classing the "explore Barnsley town centre" task as done, as I had to nip in for something the other day, on my own, and managed to take the shortest route to the 4 shops i tried. Didn't find what I as after, but was well chuffed on my way home that I knew my way around.
Whilst on my way to Barnsley I also happened across and old gent struggling to carry a TV across a car park, whilst balancing his walking stick on top of the box. I offered to help and carried the TV the rest of the way over the car park so he could get a taxi, which covers my Random Act of Kindness....don't get me wrong though, I would have done it even if it wasn't a challenge.
At some point I have helped to drink a bottle of Chianti, now I can't remember what it tasted like, or even drinking it, but there was an empty bottle in the kitchen, so I can only assume Jo and I enjoyed it as it was empty.
If I remember any more I'll let you know ;)
so very very tired....
this will be short....
I'm knackered!
moved house this weekend, had friends over, saw eddie izzard, need sleep.
will update the list at somepoint and maybe expand on the above...but for now...sllllleeeeeeeeepppppp.
I'm knackered!
moved house this weekend, had friends over, saw eddie izzard, need sleep.
will update the list at somepoint and maybe expand on the above...but for now...sllllleeeeeeeeepppppp.
Timmy and the Train (A Body on the Line)
Saturday 17th October, 7:30, Sheffield City Hall.....Tim Minchin......what a laugh, this man is soooo funny, was slightly disapointed at the lack of 'new' material (admitadley a lot of it wasn't on his old DVD but has been around for a bit) and also that he didn't play any of my favourite songs (except for "take your canvas bags....") but the man is a genius on the Piano, and his songs are hilarious. I was laughing all the way through and we had a great time, I was singing at one point too...in public, but as everyone else was too, I can't count that. One comedy show down, 5 more to go.
I was working in Leeds on Saturday, helping out at an event at the Leeds Central Library, was good fun, if a little hectic. There was no way I was going to trapise into Leeds in my car (traffic would be murder and I couldn't afford the parking fees) so I got the train in. It was an eventful journey, firstly delayed as the train in front wasn't going anywhere as the security men had to remove a passenger who was refusing to pay, and then the train had to stop as it came into Leeds whilst the driver reported a body next to the tracks and waited for the police to arrive....yes I did say body, and as yet I have no idea if it was alive or dead, or even a real body or a mannequin. I was in two minds whether to count that as my "go for a trip on a train" or not, but than i thought, it's not really a trip is it? so i'll leave that for another day.
I was working in Leeds on Saturday, helping out at an event at the Leeds Central Library, was good fun, if a little hectic. There was no way I was going to trapise into Leeds in my car (traffic would be murder and I couldn't afford the parking fees) so I got the train in. It was an eventful journey, firstly delayed as the train in front wasn't going anywhere as the security men had to remove a passenger who was refusing to pay, and then the train had to stop as it came into Leeds whilst the driver reported a body next to the tracks and waited for the police to arrive....yes I did say body, and as yet I have no idea if it was alive or dead, or even a real body or a mannequin. I was in two minds whether to count that as my "go for a trip on a train" or not, but than i thought, it's not really a trip is it? so i'll leave that for another day.
Sofas, Steps and Strange bits of meat
Friday 16th. Ooooooh sofas delivered today, many thanks to Jo, Bear and Leah for getting them into the house for me, from the sounds of it the delivery men were less than useful. The front room looks great now, just needs the TV in now.
Bear being a wonder at woodwork has had a look at the back steps and a plan has been formulated, so somepoint in the not too distant future, I'll be sorting out a lovely set of wooden steps to make life easier wen trying to get into the back garden.
Alas, as my house only contains sofas at the moment my hospitality was sadly lacking, so we retired to Jo's for coffee and food. Jo is the only person I know who can come up with a huge continental spread of absolutley gorgeous things from "stuff she has lying about". It was a good evening of food and laughter, and I'm looking forward to next weekend even more now, been a long time since we had a proper good laugh with Bear and Leah. Oh and i tried Bresaola, for those of you who don't know, it's an Italian air dried beef, and it's nice.
Bear being a wonder at woodwork has had a look at the back steps and a plan has been formulated, so somepoint in the not too distant future, I'll be sorting out a lovely set of wooden steps to make life easier wen trying to get into the back garden.
Alas, as my house only contains sofas at the moment my hospitality was sadly lacking, so we retired to Jo's for coffee and food. Jo is the only person I know who can come up with a huge continental spread of absolutley gorgeous things from "stuff she has lying about". It was a good evening of food and laughter, and I'm looking forward to next weekend even more now, been a long time since we had a proper good laugh with Bear and Leah. Oh and i tried Bresaola, for those of you who don't know, it's an Italian air dried beef, and it's nice.
Carpets and conmen
Wednesday...Woohoo I have a carpet in my living room, thanks to Jo for sorting the fitting, and, ahem, big thanks to Terry and Les, and many apologies for managing to mess up the measurements...but in my defense, a 2 can sometime look like a 3, honest. ahem.
Also finalised some of the insurances now, House and contents are covered, Car insurance has been changed, just need to make decisions on life insurance and income protection.
Also finalised some of the insurances now, House and contents are covered, Car insurance has been changed, just need to make decisions on life insurance and income protection.
What a week....
Missed out an update about last Saturday. Lovely lunch at Nandos, then as we walked out and passed the cinema, now I'm a bit fussy about films, I don't like to watch something unless i know what it's about, so when Jo suggested watching a film I perused the boards to see what I recognised. Alas, the film we both wanted to see was not starting for another hour, then something strange happened, Jo suggested going to see the next film to start, so we did. Tis odd walking into a cinema and asking for 2 tickets to the next film, even when you have heard nothing about it at all. It was definitely fun to do, and not something I'd have done normally. We ended up seeing "The Invention of Lieing" starring Ricky Gervais....well it was certainly a film. Nothing special I'm afraid, funny in a few places and generally watchable.
An afternoon of Hickory Steak Pizza, fun and games on the Playstation and an evening of good beers and nice food certainly rounded the day off well though. Only strange part was having a glass placed in front of me containing a thick liquid that tasted of Venos cough syrup. It was....drinkable...but not quite my cup of tea, apparently it was Sambucca and tasted of liquorice. Thanks Jo for introducing me to an alcoholic alternative Covonia ;)
An afternoon of Hickory Steak Pizza, fun and games on the Playstation and an evening of good beers and nice food certainly rounded the day off well though. Only strange part was having a glass placed in front of me containing a thick liquid that tasted of Venos cough syrup. It was....drinkable...but not quite my cup of tea, apparently it was Sambucca and tasted of liquorice. Thanks Jo for introducing me to an alcoholic alternative Covonia ;)
Who knew buying a house could be so complicated
Wow, not posted much recently, 2 reasons; firstly I completed on my new house last Friday, so a lot of my time last week was spent fretting and organising everything to do with the purchase, and secondly, Jo's came back from Tunisia last weekend, so I've been spending time with her and the boys.
The new house does mean I have made a start on a fair few of my tasks though. As I'm packing I am being really thorough on my sorting, so lots of stuff is going to charity shops. Plus I've sorted out some of my insurances, just a couple more to do. I spent this morning at the house measuring up for new furniture, and also trying to figure out how I can replace the back steps.
Alas it appears one of my tasks may not be possible. I have put down to redecorate, but looking at the house....nothing needs doing. I need a new carpet for the living room but that's it. I put the task in with the intention that when I bought a house I would need to do something, but I have been very lucky in finding one that I like as it is. So I've decided to leave the task in, but uncompleted. Who knows what the next 968 days will bring.
Still cracking on with the weekly and monthly tasks, hopefully now I have the house sorted (and once I have finished moving all of my belongings) I will be able to start takling some of the more "interesting" challenges.
As a little cheat, the photos I have taken this week are the ones of my new house ;)
The new house does mean I have made a start on a fair few of my tasks though. As I'm packing I am being really thorough on my sorting, so lots of stuff is going to charity shops. Plus I've sorted out some of my insurances, just a couple more to do. I spent this morning at the house measuring up for new furniture, and also trying to figure out how I can replace the back steps.
Alas it appears one of my tasks may not be possible. I have put down to redecorate, but looking at the house....nothing needs doing. I need a new carpet for the living room but that's it. I put the task in with the intention that when I bought a house I would need to do something, but I have been very lucky in finding one that I like as it is. So I've decided to leave the task in, but uncompleted. Who knows what the next 968 days will bring.
Still cracking on with the weekly and monthly tasks, hopefully now I have the house sorted (and once I have finished moving all of my belongings) I will be able to start takling some of the more "interesting" challenges.
As a little cheat, the photos I have taken this week are the ones of my new house ;)
2 weeks seems like a long time
Jo has been away for 2 weeks on holiday. Odd statement to start a blog post with, but it is surprising how much difference that has made. It's like I've had my focus taken away.
I miss her very much, but on the plus side I have had more time with the Playstation (i'm going to pay for that when she reads it)
My schedule has been kind of mashed, starting back to my old job, trying to pack my stuff for when i move, taking advantage of the lack of kids to do some spring cleaning for Jo, and I will freely admit, this has been pushed to the back of my mind.
I still managed to complete the tasks thanks to my reminders (with the exception of posting my weekly pictures, but thats only cos i killed the camera and couldn't find the charger for it - sorted now though) and over the last couple of weeks I have been in touch with so many people from my past it has been uplifting. It was good to catch up with old flames and even make new friends to boot, but when all is said and done, I'm looking forward to Jo's return on Sunday, the last couple of weeks, whilst fun and busy, i just seem to have been bouncing from pillar to post, and besides, It's much better snuggling up to Jo than to the cat.
I miss her very much, but on the plus side I have had more time with the Playstation (i'm going to pay for that when she reads it)
My schedule has been kind of mashed, starting back to my old job, trying to pack my stuff for when i move, taking advantage of the lack of kids to do some spring cleaning for Jo, and I will freely admit, this has been pushed to the back of my mind.
I still managed to complete the tasks thanks to my reminders (with the exception of posting my weekly pictures, but thats only cos i killed the camera and couldn't find the charger for it - sorted now though) and over the last couple of weeks I have been in touch with so many people from my past it has been uplifting. It was good to catch up with old flames and even make new friends to boot, but when all is said and done, I'm looking forward to Jo's return on Sunday, the last couple of weeks, whilst fun and busy, i just seem to have been bouncing from pillar to post, and besides, It's much better snuggling up to Jo than to the cat.
busy busy busy
wow, such a hectic week.
Back to Headingley library and so lots of travelling to and from work, and when i'm not there it's either packing or tidying. I have still managed to keep up with things though, hair cut, cologne worn etc, plus I went to a party in Wales where i knew virtually no-one - something i would not normally have done.
So another one crossed off, not quite what i meant when i said I'd visit wales, but hey, i've done it ;)
Back to Headingley library and so lots of travelling to and from work, and when i'm not there it's either packing or tidying. I have still managed to keep up with things though, hair cut, cologne worn etc, plus I went to a party in Wales where i knew virtually no-one - something i would not normally have done.
So another one crossed off, not quite what i meant when i said I'd visit wales, but hey, i've done it ;)
Late night blogging
Wow, what a busy couple of days, now just sat up with Jo waiting for the taxi to arrive to take her and the boys off on holiday.
My time has not been wasted though. I now have a calender set up to give me little warnings, so in theory I have no excuse for missing a challenge, and of course my savings account is now £5 better off ;)
My time has not been wasted though. I now have a calender set up to give me little warnings, so in theory I have no excuse for missing a challenge, and of course my savings account is now £5 better off ;)
Annnnndddddd....I'm back
Short interuption in updates there, just getting Jo and the boys ready for their Holiday.
So, last couple of days...what have I achieved?
Well......no goals completed, but a few more are just a little closer. For starters I spoke to my mother this afternoon, and I'm off down to visit her next weekend (hmmm wonder if I can count that as one of the 10 things I'd normally say no to? ;) just kidding Ma). As you can tell from the pictures appearing on the side I am getting a bit more into my photographs, and been learning a fair bit about facepainting too.
Everything else has been kind of plodding along, but the next few weeks promise to be rather productive when it comes to crossing things off the list.....keep an eye out for more updates ;)
So, last couple of days...what have I achieved?
Well......no goals completed, but a few more are just a little closer. For starters I spoke to my mother this afternoon, and I'm off down to visit her next weekend (hmmm wonder if I can count that as one of the 10 things I'd normally say no to? ;) just kidding Ma). As you can tell from the pictures appearing on the side I am getting a bit more into my photographs, and been learning a fair bit about facepainting too.
Everything else has been kind of plodding along, but the next few weeks promise to be rather productive when it comes to crossing things off the list.....keep an eye out for more updates ;)
They're here!
Oh yes, a rather large cardboard box was waiting for me when i got home.....I am now the proud owner of a professional standard face painting kit.
All I need now is somesuckers willing volunteers to let me practice on them.
All I need now is some
Damn the stupid people
Another quiet day. Picked up a book on photography...oh and I'm also getting every book on face painting that Leeds Library Service has.....maybe 8 books is a bit OTT.
Took a couple of pictures, nothing to fancy.
Very nearly did my "stupid people" challenge, well i say very nearly.....more like almost.....well i say almost....more like totally failed. I thought today could be the day, i really did. Right up to the point I left the house, I may just amend that one to just one journey rather than a day, if I have to drive on the M1 I have no chance.....and it goes without saying I failed the swearing one too ;)
Took a couple of pictures, nothing to fancy.
Very nearly did my "stupid people" challenge, well i say very nearly.....more like almost.....well i say almost....more like totally failed. I thought today could be the day, i really did. Right up to the point I left the house, I may just amend that one to just one journey rather than a day, if I have to drive on the M1 I have no chance.....and it goes without saying I failed the swearing one too ;)
Random Acts of Photography
No challenges completed today, but i have been getting into the swing of the photography since digging out my camera the other day.
Jo and I went for a wander round Wakefield today armed with cameras. you can see the results in my Flikr Photostream or on Facebook.
I was very impressed with some of the pictures, and of course some of them were complete flukes. I really like the refection in the milk, totally not what i was after but so much better than i expected.
Looks like the picture a week challenge isn't going to be too much of a challenge. ;)
Jo and I went for a wander round Wakefield today armed with cameras. you can see the results in my Flikr Photostream or on Facebook.
I was very impressed with some of the pictures, and of course some of them were complete flukes. I really like the refection in the milk, totally not what i was after but so much better than i expected.
Looks like the picture a week challenge isn't going to be too much of a challenge. ;)
I'm slipping
No new challenges completed today I'm afraid.
I did try a Chenin Blanc wine last night, and we've got a Zinfandel Rose to try tonight, so it looks like I'll be completeling the wine tating challenge pretty soon.
Spent today in the glorious sunshine wandering round the shops (and pubs) of Barnsley, doing a bit of exploring....but i'm not marking that challenge off as done as theres still a lot more to see.
I did try a Chenin Blanc wine last night, and we've got a Zinfandel Rose to try tonight, so it looks like I'll be completeling the wine tating challenge pretty soon.
Spent today in the glorious sunshine wandering round the shops (and pubs) of Barnsley, doing a bit of exploring....but i'm not marking that challenge off as done as theres still a lot more to see.
Sushi
mmmmm raw fish and rice.....was delicious.
Took a trip to Meadowhall today, browsed the shops, found a lovely cologne I liked and bought it (another £5 in the savings). Come lunchtime and the peckishness was setting in, what should we find but a Yo Sushi. Soooo, Miso Soup, Octopus Nigiri, Seared Beef Nigiri, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Schchimi & Dill Sashimi. Twas tres Delicious, and never having Octopus before was one of my 10 new foods too.
Got a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge for later so something else to tick off too.
Took a trip to Meadowhall today, browsed the shops, found a lovely cologne I liked and bought it (another £5 in the savings). Come lunchtime and the peckishness was setting in, what should we find but a Yo Sushi. Soooo, Miso Soup, Octopus Nigiri, Seared Beef Nigiri, Chicken Katsu Curry, and Schchimi & Dill Sashimi. Twas tres Delicious, and never having Octopus before was one of my 10 new foods too.
Got a bottle of wine chilling in the fridge for later so something else to tick off too.
Day 3....
... and a few more on the way to being done.
By a curious stroke of luck I went online to look for facepaints today, only to discover that Snazaroo (www.snazaroo.co.uk) have just bought out a new starter kit and are selling it at a ridiculously cheap price....woohoo.
I now also have my soldering iron to fix the electronic stuff, and cleaned the sand out of my camera....so photos will be a little easier ;)
I get a funny feeling today could be expensive for me....but at least my savings account will be looking more healthy.
By a curious stroke of luck I went online to look for facepaints today, only to discover that Snazaroo (www.snazaroo.co.uk) have just bought out a new starter kit and are selling it at a ridiculously cheap price....woohoo.
I now also have my soldering iron to fix the electronic stuff, and cleaned the sand out of my camera....so photos will be a little easier ;)
I get a funny feeling today could be expensive for me....but at least my savings account will be looking more healthy.
A few more to cross off....
End of Day 2, lets see, I had Jambalaya yesterday, so that was a new food. I definatley did a good deed for someone...although right now i can't quite remember what it was.
I also managed to speak to my brother (via Facebook earlier), cut my hair and took advantage of working in a library by coming home with a bag full of books on all sorts of stuff.
Going well so far, should have it done by Christmas ;)
I also managed to speak to my brother (via Facebook earlier), cut my hair and took advantage of working in a library by coming home with a bag full of books on all sorts of stuff.
Going well so far, should have it done by Christmas ;)
Day 2......
...and I'm getting organised. The Blog is up and running (tis this thing you are reading!), the list is complete and organised, and to top it off I have set up a savings account and transferred the first £15 (for the 3 tasks so far completed).
It has just struck me though that I may need to be more careful in how quickly I do these tasks, I could quite easily dash headlong into them and tackle as many as i can as soon as I can, but then that would leave me with nothing to look forward to, and also would get rather expensive.
I have also made a decision. Although these tasks are to be achieved over 1001 days, I have decided that I will call an end to the challenge if I ever get to the stage where all I have left are per week/per month challenges as by that point they should be habitual rather than challenges.
It has just struck me though that I may need to be more careful in how quickly I do these tasks, I could quite easily dash headlong into them and tackle as many as i can as soon as I can, but then that would leave me with nothing to look forward to, and also would get rather expensive.
I have also made a decision. Although these tasks are to be achieved over 1001 days, I have decided that I will call an end to the challenge if I ever get to the stage where all I have left are per week/per month challenges as by that point they should be habitual rather than challenges.
I have been given my challenge for number 100.
Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation on my blog. Damn you Jo, that means I'll have to go and learn how to do it properly. ;)
I have taken the 101 things in 1001 days challenge.
One of the things on my list was to create a blog to keep track of my exploits and achievements.....so here it is.
One down, 100 more to go!