Dear Reader(s),
You lot are fantastic. I can’t wait to give you the full details on what I have accomplished, what I have not been able to accomplish, what’s going on the new list and what didn’t make the cut.
I also need to update you on my amazing 3rd Birthday Party with pass the parcel, face painting and musical statues and soooo many vodka jelly shots.
New Post, New List and Updated Blog currently under construction…. Expect a full update soon.
As always many thanks,
Dear Reader(s),
How are you?
Again apologies I haven’t been on here for a while….. check other blogs for bigger apologies. Let’s just get on with it.
So, I have updated the list, here it is:
The List (updated 07.06.14 – did not meet original deadline!)
Let’s not beat around the bush, let’s just lay it all out there, as of today I only have 10 items completed, that’s 20 items remaining. That’s not great. On the positive side that’s a third of the way through. On the downside it would appear that I should probably start merging my tasks together to have any chance of completing them all on time. So the new plan then would be:
Or, and I think you might like this…
What if I add an item after my 30th Birthday and it becomes a 31 before 31 and we can just keep going. I like the list. Although I only managed 10 it’s nice to keep a track of what my wants and my accomplishments (however minimal). I think that we can all agree that continuing with this, would be fantastic.
In the mean time how about an update?
What about the story of when the boiler broke and the toilet broke, and my other half had to leave for a meeting and I had no where to pee? Or how about the scandal of my cupcakes being sold at a local fair for only 30p! 30p for one of these?
Check out My Buns
No filer! But 30p! I mean really. Unfortunately they were too good and all sold out, and now the Charity Committee own me and I am tied in to every seasonal fair, fayre and fait.
What about the time I went to the cake show and saw what I think is one of the best cakes ever (there were some amazing cakes there but look at this!)
Sorry I don’t know who made this, but you are incredible.
What about that time I got new wigs ‘n’ gigs?
There you go, it’s still pretty cold in this house, but hopefully there will be a new boiler in situ tomorrow. It would be nice not wearing so many layers, having a hot bath and doing the pots without seven rounds of kettle boiling.
Thanks as always for reading,
Dear Reader(s),
How are you?
I wrote a story, here it is:
It’s a bit dark for me, I must be honest. I promise the next one will be more light hearted and funny.
More updates to follow!
Dear Reader(s),
How are you today? Did you enjoy your weekend? I certainly did.
Between this weekend and last I managed to get another couple of things ticked off the ol’ list.
For example:
Visit 5 National Parks. So technically it isn’t a National Park but, to my mind it was close enough. Here check out for yourself, what do you think? That’s another step closer to hitting 5 in total.
Yesterday, I went on a Mountain Bike again for the first time in a decade. There are no pictures, and thank the gods for that. It wasn’t pretty.
I can remember why I left it so long. I am still not sitting right. In another 10 years I should be good to go again. (Note to future self, extra padding is extra comfort).
I know what you are thinking; with less that 5 months to go,I’m never going to hit everything on the list. Well, aren’t you a pessimist? You are also correct but guess what? I have loved having a blog and a list so much, that I am going to add more tasks each year and so there will be a 31 before 31 a 32 before 32 and so on and so forth. Every year I will add more to make sure that I have enough new ones to make it interesting and I would love it, if you would continue to be a part of it, because I have a feeling it’s going to get interesting.
In the mean time, I am about 4 short stories behind. But that’s ok because I have been writing them (sort of… well 1 maybe 2) but they are not on here yet because I am submitting them for competitions. Don’t worry I am not expecting anything to come of it, I know I have a long way to go, but why the hell not? Give it a go. That’s what I say.
It’s hotting up to be a pretty exciting 2014 for our lot over on this side of the world. There are at least 4 30th Birthday parties, 4 weddings (at the last count), baby showers and who only knows what else. I may not be looking good for completing the list but I have the absolute best excuse in the world. I am incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing people who want me to share in their world and as soppy as it sounds, I freaking love it…
and so what I am trying to say, is that it’s there fault. But for now lets crack on.
As always many thanks, I just hope you enjoy reading this half as much as I enjoy writing it.
Mwah x
Dear Reader,
Firstly, may I wish you a Happy and Healthy 2014.
Secondly, may I offer my apologies for not having written to you sooner. Rather embarrassingly, it seems that the last time I blogged it was in October.
Third, I am a good couple of short stories down. This will be rectified. However there is the slightly larger issue of not having completed hardly any of my 30 before 30 tasks, and there are less than 5 months remaining. (I have updated it though, so feel free to check it out).
Fourth, on the plus side, we are all moved in and the house looks gorgeous (apart from two rooms) and I have written, and edited my first ever book! Ok so it’s only 25,000 words (only! Are you freaking kidding me, that was mammoth) and so technically it comes under the heading of ‘Novella’ but do you know when the last time I finished something was? No me either. It’s a tad cheesy but I have been updating FB and Twitter with regards to the Novella status and thanks to all the comments and words of encouragement I was able to complete it. Just hope that I get the same level of support for my second one, (which I have already started!)
Let me fill you in on some of the things you missed (because I didn’t blog about them) from the last two months.
Here is the first piece of artwork I have made for the new house.
Stunning I know, I am such the talent.
We (dad and husband) decorated many rooms in the house. I helped.
In case you were interested my wardrobe choices when decorating include the jeans that you can see, with bright red flip-flops, t-shirt and shower cap. MORE Stunning.
The big news, I ran out of teabags.
Obviously, quite a standard thing to run out of teabags, but to run out of 1200 teabags? In approx 4 months? Lets do the math. For arguments sake, and simplicity lets say there were 30 days a month. 1200 / 4 / 30 = 10 cups of tea a day. This does not include, drinks made for other people, or drinks I have drunk elsewhere.
So is 10 cups of tea a day too many? If so, by how many? Do I have a tea drinking problem? It’s the New Year so now is the time to tell me. Don’t get me wrong I am almost definitely not going to do anything about it. I love tea so much.
What else happened? Oh yes I cooked Christmas Dinner for 11. What’s particularly interesting about this, is the fact that I had never cooked a Christmas Dinner before.
The turkey would cook 16-18 people and was kindly purchased by mum. However the first sign that there might be a slight problem was when I was informed that the turkey did not fit in her freezer. That’s ok she found someone else’s freezer to house it.
Also, there was no prep done as to measurements and whether or not it would fit in my single oven. Did you know that they take about 2 days to defrost? That’s right, my kitchen just had a random turkey sat on the side for 48 hours, much like a mascot. I would talk to it, and pat it. I miss it now. The kitchen isn’t the same. Before that however, I read up on how to cook and prepare said turkey and found that the crucial thing was to calculate the cooking time based on the weight. Fine. Not a problem. Small problem there is no weight on the turkey. The weight is not listed anywhere. Honestly thought that I would have to stand on the scales with it. However in the defrosting process the sticker with the weight details had fallen off. We found it thought so… phew! In the turkey went. Fun fact friends, a turkey that can feed 16-18 people is big and freaking heavy, and when you start cooking it, it gets heavier and heavier. So yes, it fit in the oven… just. But it took a team of two to remove the turkey for basting purposes. A small number of burns later, and my entire house smelt lovely.
Luckily my sister was on hand to help on the day and between the two of us, we managed to create something edible that to the best of my knowledge, didn’t poison anyone. So yay!
It’s understandable then surely, as to why I haven’t blogged since October.
No? Of course you’re right that’s no excuse. Maybe, just maybe I will make up for it in the New Year. Only time can tell on that one.
In other news Calvin Klein released a new perfume called ‘Down Town’. This is still and probably will always be funny to me.
Exciting News –
Carpet on the stairs can you believe it!
So there you have it, we are all up to date and ready to face the brave and exciting new world that 2014 has to offer.
I hope that your’s is a happy and healthy 2014 (or as much of those things as it can be). Myself, I am not a big fan of NYE but am with family, sparkling rose and kir royale so I will be fine.
Best wishes
Hi everyone,
How are we all this evening?
I am due to post my next short story (I haven’t forgotten about the missing short story either). But lately I have been too busy with my many other tasks.
For example:
As well as all of this I have also been:
Here is the proof:
Yep, that’s a heron, right on the path. I genuinely didn’t know who had right of way.
Just a little button cake.
Ahhh, so that’s why she’s not been blogging.
Between all of these things LIFE happens as well. This includes my optician telling me I don’t blink properly and as such my eyes are drying out, “your lids barely close”, to a near death experience in IKEA, which for me I would expect to actually take place in the store but no it was quite mundane. An oil spill in the car park on a dark and rainy day meant that the car gently skidded into the curb. No harm no foul, but scary as balls. (Side note: need to work on my descriptions if seriously considering writing a book!)
So there you have it, a full and comprehensive update (I am sure that you agree).
Until next time (hopefully with at least one short story).
Many thanks,
Dear Reader(s),
How does this Sunday find you? Are you recovering from a busy weekend socialising? Have you been working?
I have published another short story. It has two titles because I honestly couldn’t decide on which one to use. It is called: It Could Happen Too Easily / Semi-Autobiography and if you want to you can read it here:
Short Story 3 – It Could Happen Too Easily / Nearly Autobiographical
Of all the horribly embarrassing things that happen in this short story I can confirm that at least two have happened to me and maybe on a later blog I will tell you which two.
With this Short Story I wanted to try writing from a Third Person Perspective, if it doesn’t read as easily as it should, well that’s because I am still learning.
My official reviewer declared that the story was in parts, almost too cringe-worthy embarrassing, which is good because that’s what I was going for.
Let me know what you think, and as always many thanks,
As a Thank You here is a picture of some ducks.
Oh ok, as an extra special thank you here is a picture of me on a canal concerned about cows whilst wearing a moustache.
Dear Reader(s),
How are you? Has your day treated you well? I know they don’t always.
But then what would you know the lovely Amber Edwards changed my day right around. By nominating my Blog for an award. You can read Amber’s Blog here: http://amberjedwards.wordpress.com/2013/09/01/blog-life-my-first-blog-award/
Amber has only gone and nominated for me a Liebster Award. Can you believe it. I am just waiting for the formal invitation to drop through the door. I will have to go gown shopping and I am fairly sure that it will be televised.
I know, I know, I hadn’t heard of it before either, but I am genuinely delighted none the less.
Here it is look:
Apparently all I have to do is answer the questions below and then pick 10 unsuspecting bloggers (who have fewer than 200 followers) and ask them 10 questions.
So here are the questions that were asked of me:
1. Where is your favourite place in the world?
Honestly… bed, with a cup of tea and toast (Husband optional – sorry).
I know that the whole wide world is an option but there you go.
2. What is your favourite smell?
Fresh bread.
3. If you could be someone else for the day, who would it be?
Betty White.
4. Which celebrity do you wish you could make disappear?
Hmmm that’s tricky. I have to say probably any of the ‘Celebrities’ that go on ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ or the like. (Sorry)
5. What is your biggest ambition?
So cringe worthy but to live happily ever after.
6. What is your biggest regret?
That I didn’t take that job offer that one time.
7. What is your favourite room in the house?
Kitchen (it’s the room with the kettle & toaster in it).
8. What is your first ever memory?
I honestly genuinely can’t remember. My memories are ones that were later told to me. I could tell you what I had for tea last n– no I can’t remember that either – yes it was Spaghetti Bolognese made by my mother-in-law.
9. What is your favourite song?
Ahhhh, no I cannot answer this one as it varies on an hourly basis. But usually something by The Strokes, Bowie, Daft Punk, Soundtrack to Amelie, Amanda F Palmer, Bat for Lashes, My Morning Jacket, Muse, Radiohead… I honestly know that I have missed out lots and I could go on and on.
10. Tell me something really unique/strange/odd about yourself that not many people know.
Not many people know this, and it’s really difficult to type… but I am addicted to tea.
Mugs of Tea.
I honestly couldn’t function without at least three a day. (Please note that said ten originally but I deleted it).
————————————————————————————-
So, here are my nominations for the Liebster Award:
1. To a fellow nearly 30-er (although admittedly I think she is further away than I am) http://diaryofadisillusionedteacher.wordpress.com her post about Roller Derby is brilliant and you should all read it.
2. http://artwithheartuk.wordpress.com – this blog is all about goodness and love and heart and you guessed it art, and they do amazing things and have fun all at the same time.
3. It’s another 30 before 30-er but she is doing some brilliant things this year (also in my mind she is the originator of the 30 before 30 and I wouldn’t have mine if she hadn’t done hers!) Here she is: http://30todobefore30.wordpress.com
4. I could never run further than 10k. I certainly couldn’t cycle or do any of the other crazy things these Iron Men do, add to that the next challenge is an Ultra Marathon, (am I reading this right?) Then here goes, and good luck to Kevin http://kevinjoneses.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/first-ironman/
5. What happens when you mix Photography and Science? This does. http://wordpress.com/#!/read/blog/id/29674749/
6. http://akashicliz.wordpress.com about a home, and the natural order of chaos in life. I read the Jam & Jerusalem post.
7. I love food and I love nothing more than eating and drinking. However a close second to that is to see gorgeous pictures of food so here you go: http://outsideoftheboxblog.wordpress.com
8. As someone currently trying to decorate her house I love knowing that other people are struggling like I am. But not these guys I love their before and after pictures. http://breenplantation.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/a-vintage-bathroom-is-reborn/
9. Oh to be that inspired… well I am now look at these DIY art-y thingy-s: http://dabndash.wordpress.com
10. If for no other reason than all 30 before 30’ers should have more Terry Pratchett reading on their lists: http://ihopeyouretakingnotes.wordpress.com
Congratu-well-done on being nominated. Now answer these questions pick your ten bloggers and be on your way.
1. What was your most memorable Meal?
2. If you could make one person read your blog who would it be?
3. What is your most favourite place in the world?
4. You have had a really stressful day what do you need to do or have in order to relax?
5. You have an unexpected paid day off next week what are you going to do with it?
6. What’s the bravest thing you have ever done?
7. Are these questions some of the hardest you have ever answered if not when was that?
8. When was the last time you lost your temper and who was it at?
9. Chocolate, sweeties or cake?
10. You’ve lost your keys, where are you most likely to retrieve them?
Phew and that’s your ten.
An Award nomination… Shucks x
This blog was ‘born’ on Friday 16th August and though I can’t quite believe it, it has already won an award thanks to Maddy over at beautify inside and out.
The award is the ‘Liebster’ award… [see cute shiny thing below] and is awarded to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.
Of course, it doesn’t come without it’s terms and conditions – one of them being I have to answer 10 questions put to me by my nominator. I think this might be interesting for my readers or it might not be depending on the reason you read this blog!
1. Do you believe in reincarnation?
Yes. Though I have no evidence of this and I don’t believe that it necessarily happens to everyone, I believe that it is possible. This doesn’t mean I believe in God as I don’t think reincarnation and God are…
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Dear Reader(s),
As you know, it is on my list to attempt to break a World Record. After the Zumba-thon fail, (of which we no longer speak) and the fact that I seem to only find out about World Record Attempts after they have happened, I have decided that there is only one thing left to do.
Therefore, I have today, contacted Guinness World Records (TM) directly, to ask about setting a new Record.
This is a bona-fide true story.
The lovely people at Guinness are going to get back to me in 12 weeks to see whether or not it is viable. Apparently they get 1000 applications a week so I am guessing that it is not likely to be a successful application, so I will keep on searching for other record-breaking attempts as well.
As you were,
Many thanks
30 Something Lucy 