30 before I'm 30

Update 4

2009-03-14T21:02:00.003Z

Well it's been a while since I last blogged, and I've been busy. I'm back at work now after 13 weeks off due to the broken-ness. Still having physio, but getting stronger day by day. I'm starting to feel normal again now (well as normal as I can be!)

Anyway, since my last post I have completed the following tasks
Had photos taken in a photobooth with Ed
Bought MAC and not felt guilty about the cost (actually I'm now addicted)

Also I've started on two other tasks
Visit New York
Send and receive at least 5 postcards through Postcrossing

Update 3

2009-02-02T17:50:00.002Z

I have watched one of the films from Task #12

I have joined the Organ Donation Register

Update 2

2009-01-27T21:36:00.006Z

Ok, so the task is now well under way.
So far I have:
- Adopted an animal for the year
- Ordered 2 of the movies from my list

Update 1

2009-01-12T17:30:00.004Z

Ok, so the blog is now up to date.

One task is underway (Task 1 - Photo a day for a year) and the others are scheduled to start on January 25th (My Birthday!)

30 - Start and complete the PADI Open Water diving Course

2009-01-12T17:05:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've started and completed the PADI Open Water Diving course

Why I've chosen this goal
I'd love to go diving, and can't do it without this certificate. I wouldn't be any good at snorkelling.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog

29 - Make a patchwork quilt

2009-01-12T17:03:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've made a pattern and sewed a patchwork quilt

Why I've chosen this goal
I love making things, but I've not really got any sewing machine skills. Doing this task will improve my skills, and I'll have something I can pass on to my children.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog

28 - Get a dog

2009-01-12T17:00:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
We've got a dog

Why I've chosen this goal
I've wanted a dog for a while, now Ed lives here it seems the right time to get a dog. We've always said we'd love a Weimaraner and a Dalmatian.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog with photos

27 - Send and receive at least 5 cards via Postcrossing

2009-01-12T16:56:00.001Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've sent and received at least 5 cards via Postcrossing

Why I've chosen this goal
I never had a long term penpal when I was younger, and this is similar I guess.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog

UPDATE
I'm now a post-crosser. I signed up and have my first address, the card is being sent on Monday.
Images to follow

26 - Have started TTCing

2009-01-12T16:54:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
We've actively started Trying to conceive (eek!)

Why I've chosen this goal
I want a family, three children (two boys and a girl if we're being really specific). Being an only child sucked growing up.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, but not with the specifics, don't worry!

25 - Get a tattoo

2009-01-12T16:52:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've got some bravery and got a tattoo

Why I've chosen this goal
I have a low pain threshold, or thought I did until I broke my leg. I've wanted a specific tattoo for a long time, and I now just need to get some bravery and get it done.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and post a picture as proof of completion

24 - Make and send 5 mix CD’s

2009-01-12T16:50:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've made and send 5 mix CD's to friends

Why I've chosen this goal
I love music. My friend Lou used to make legendary mix CD's, and I want to make 5 friend's smile

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog with tracklists (Prepare for the cheese!)

23 - Go on a Hot Air Balloon ride

2009-01-12T16:48:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've been on a Hot Air Balloon ride

Why I've chosen this goal
It would be an amazing thing to do, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and post pictures

22 - Join the organ donation register

2009-01-12T16:43:00.005Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've registered as an organ donor

Why I've chosen this goal
At the end of March 2008, 7,655 patients were listed as actively waiting for a transplant.
Every year the lives of thousands of people are saved or transformed through organ transplantation. By joining the NHS Organ Donor Register you can help increase this number.
Currently only 26% of the population have said they want to help others to live after their death by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog

GOAL COMPLETED
I joined the Organ Donation Register today, and have put a picture on my Photostream

21 - Spend a day at a spa

2009-01-12T16:40:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've spent the day at a spa

Why I've chosen this goal
My friend Jules and I were talking about this just after I broke my leg, so we're going to do it. Incentive to get better, and be pampered at the same time!

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog. I might post some photos

20 - Read a classic novel

2009-01-12T16:38:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've read a classic novel - any suggestions?

Why I've chosen this goal
I've not really read anything classic since my A-Levels

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog regularly with the chapter I'm on, and how I feel about the book.

19 - Buy some MAC make up and not feel guilty about the cost

2009-01-12T16:36:00.002Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've bought some MAC make up and I can smile about it

Why I've chosen this goal
I love MAC make up, but I've never felt I could justify the cost. I'm going to buy some and instead of feeling guilty about the cost I'll just enjoy it.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and take some pictures

GOAL COMPLETED
We went to MAC in Debenhams Milton Keynes on Friday 6th March because of the Hello Kitty collection. I spent £80 in store, and £50 online. Do I feel guilty, hell no! I now have a new addiction.
Here it is in all it's gorgeousness (not in this photo is some Prep & Prime and some lashes I bought)

18 - Climb a fell from an Alfred Wainwright book

2009-01-12T16:29:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've climbed one of the fells from one of A Wainwright's books

Why I've chosen this goal
Ed did Wainwright's Coast to coast walk when he was younger, and I know this would be too much for me! Climbing one of the fells in his book would be more achievable, and give me a real sense of accomplishment. It also ties in with me getting fitter.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and take pictures

17 - Cycle all the way around Rutland Water

2009-01-12T16:26:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've cycled all the way around Rutland Water

Why I've chosen this goal
I want to improve my fitness, and Ed is a mad-keen fit Mountain-biker. We both like Rutland Water, and it gives me a goal I can work to when improving my fitness.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and take some photos

16 - Put all of my photos in photo albums

2009-01-12T16:19:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've put all of my photos I like enough to print out, in albums

Why I've chosen this goal
I love looking at photos, but never really print them out. Putting this on my list will make me print them out, and put them in photo albums.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and take a photo of the completed albums.

15 - Have a professional photo-shoot with Ed

2009-01-12T16:17:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
We've had a professional photo shoot done

Why I've chosen this goal
I don't like having my picture taken, and look awful in them, but I want a nice photo of Ed and I.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog and upload the photos on Flickr

14 - Adopt an animal for a year

2009-01-12T16:15:00.004Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've adopted an animal for a year.

Why I've chosen this goal
I love animals, and I've always wanted to adopt an animal at a zoo or in the wild

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and upload some photos

GOAL COMPLETED
On 25th January 2009 I adopted a family of Churchill Polar Bears through Born Free (via WHSmiths) Here he is enjoying the snow in my back garden today.

13 - Have photos taken in a photo booth with Ed

2009-01-12T16:13:00.002Z

This goal will be complete when:
We've had our photos taken (like teenagers) in a photo booth. One of the old ones where you get 4 different photos would be even better.

Why I've chosen this goal
We haven't done anything like this. We were in our 20s when we got together, but we're both big kids at heart

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and upload the pictures to my Flickr photostream

GOAL COMPLETED
We found a photobooth that did 4 different photos, and my lovely matie Jules wanted to get some done with her hubby to be Darren, so we all went together.
This is our attempt. I look awful (I was too close to the camera) We're going to go back though soon, so I might update this with better pics

12 - Watch 10 classic films

2009-01-12T16:10:00.007Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've watched the following 10 classic films
Breakfast at Tiffany’s,
Gone With the Wind,
Casablanca,
It’s a Wonderful Life,
Some Like it Hot,
Gentlemen prefer Blondes,
~~Pillow Talk,~~
My Fair Lady,
Wuthering Heights,
High Society

Why I've chosen this goal
*shock* I've never seen any of these films! And I love the era's that they were set in.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog ticking them off as I go

UPDATE
I have ordered Breakfast at Tiffany's and Pillow Talk from Play.com and am waiting on their arrival.

We watched Pillow Talk on 30th January, which I used as my Photo a Day.

11 - See a Broadway show

2009-01-12T16:06:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've seen a Broadway show

Why I've chosen this goal
We're going to New York in April/May and I'd love to see a show on Broadway.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog with the progress.

10 - Go to Canada and Alaska to see the Polar bears

2009-01-12T15:55:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've been to Canada and Alaska, and seen Polar Bears in the wild

Why I've chosen this goal
Working in travel I've seen people go on fantastic holidays and cruises in Canada and Alaska. I've found a Cruise Tour that is perfect.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, and post lots of photos when we come back.

09 - Join a photography group

2009-01-12T15:52:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've joined a local Photography Group

Why I've chosen this goal
Since getting into photography at the beginning of 2007 via Photo A Day I've wanted to join a local photography group. Working late every other week has made this difficult as I felt I wouldn't be able to fully contribute, but I'm going to give it a go anyway.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog

08 - Learn BSL

2009-01-12T15:50:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have completed a course in British Sign Language (BSL)

Why I've chosen this goal
I've wanted to learn BSL since I was a teenager, but I've never got round to it.

Tracking my progress
I will update this blog

07 - Do a Further Education course

2009-01-12T15:47:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've completed a Further Education course

Why I've chosen this goal
I never managed to complete my degree, and I have always regretted it. I've always wanted to do something worthwhile educationally, and I think this is the right time to do it.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog first when I've decided what course I want to do.

06 - Visit 10 Cities

2009-01-12T15:35:00.001Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have visited the following cities
New York,
Bristol,
Exeter,
Edinburgh,
Barcelona,
Bath,
York,
Sheffield,
Dublin,
Las Vegas

Why I've chosen this goal
For someone who works in the Travel Industry, I'm ashamed to say I'm not very well travelled. I want to visit these cities, and not just see other people doing it. I've chosen cities both in the UK and overseas.

Tracking my progress
I will update this blog, and add photos on my Photostream

UPDATE
We have booked our New York trip. We're off at the end of April (rescheduled from January due to broken-legged-ness)

05 - Have a pedicure

2009-01-12T15:34:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I've had a pedicure

Why I've chosen this goal
I've always wanted to have a pedicure, but I think I've got horrible feet, so I've never had it done.

Tracking my progress
I'll update this blog, I might even post a picture of my freaky feet!

04 - Make a Photo Book

2009-01-12T15:31:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have had a Photo Book of my photos printed

Why I've chosen this goal
I hardly ever print any of my photos out, and it's a shame. I always loved looking through my Nanna's photos when I was a little girl, and I want my grandchildren when I have them to do the same with my photos.

Tracking my progress
I will post a photo here in my blog when I have had my Photo book printed and sent to me.

03 - Get into a Size 16

2009-01-12T15:27:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have slimmed down to a UK Size 16

Why I've chosen this goal
I want to lose weight, and I've chosen a size 16 as a realistic goal.

Tracking my progress
I will update this blog, and you can watch me vanish on my Self Portraits on Flickr

02 - Visit 10 UK Tourist Attractions

2009-01-12T15:18:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have visited the following 10 UK Tourist Attractions
Wookey Hole,
Yorvik Viking Centre,
Diggerland,
Edinburgh Castle,
Peak Rail Steam Railway,
Roman Baths,
Stonehenge,
Lake District,
Devil’s Arse,
Blackpool Illuminations

Why I've chosen this goal
These are tourist attractions that I've never visited, but have always wanted to.

Tracking my progress
I will update this blog when I have visited any of the above attractions

01 - Complete "Photo a day" for a year

2009-01-12T14:53:00.000Z

This goal will be complete when:
I have taken a photo every day for a year from January 1st to December 31st.
I have already started this goal.

Why I've chosen this goal
I've tried to complete photo a day since 2007, and have never managed to complete the year.

Tracking my progress
You can view my Photostream on Flickr to see my progress

30 before I'm 30

2009-01-11T19:09:00.001Z

Breaking my leg in November 2008 was a turning point in my life. I decided that when I recovered, and my cast was removed, that my life and lifestyle would be changed.

Inspired by some fellow HPADers, who were in turn inspired by 101 in 1001 I decided to make my own list. Knowing my own nature for obsessing too much, I decided that 101 in 1001 wouldn't be good for me. I wanted something that I could achieve, and be able to relax and enjoy myself along the way.
I'm 27 this year, so a list of things I want to accomplish before I'm 30 seemed great. 30 things would be a good number, so 30 things before I'm 30 was born!

Starting on 25th January 2009, and ending on 25th January 2012 I will

1 - Complete photo a day for a year
2 - Visit 10 UK Tourist Attractions
3 - Get into a Size 16
4 - Make a Photo Book
5 - Have a pedicure
6 - Visit 10 Cities
7 - Do a Further Education course
8 - Learn BSL
9 - Join a photography group
10 - Go to Canada and Alaska to see the Polar bears
11 - See a Broadway show
12 - Watch 10 classic films
13 - Have photos taken in a photo booth with Ed
14 - Adopt an animal for a year
15 - Have a professional photo-shoot with Ed
16 - Put all of my photos in photo albums
17 - Cycle all the way around Rutland Water
18 - Climb a fell from an Alfred Wainwright book
19 - Buy some MAC make up and not feel guilty about the cost
20 - Read a classic novel
21 - Spend a day at a spa
22 - Join the organ donation register
23 - Go on a Hot Air Balloon ride
24 - Make and send 5 mix CD’s
25 - Get a tattoo
26 - Have started TTCing
27 - Send and receive at least 5 cards via Postcrossing
28 - Get a dog
29 - Make a patchwork quilt
30 - Start and complete the PADI Open Water diving Course

I will update this blog throughout the course of completing the list.