Lou's List :101 Things To Get Done In 1001 Days

Update..Long Time Passed

2011-06-05T23:00:00.001+01:00

Admittedly, it was quite a while ago that I should have completed my 101 list and I had kind of forgotten about it. However recently I was considering compiling a new one and looked back upon this blog.
I'm pleased to say I have since completed a few more off this orginal list so thought I'd do a wee update.

The most significant is this :.
3.Get married ..COMPLETED.
A little over 7 weeks ago me & the Mister tied the knot after 10 yrs together.

47.Buy decent bra..despite no boobage...COMPLETED

24.Go on the Falkirk Wheel...                      COMPLETED (just this week)
49.Fly a kite...                                                     COMPLETED
72.Tidy under the beds, properly..            COMPLETED, more than once

89.Throw a party!. ..a wedding.                   COMPLETED

Knitting

2010-08-20T20:03:00.003+01:00

11.Go to Knit Camp 2010 ...COMPLETED

Last week I attended Knit Camp 2010 at the very scenic Stirling University campus. Despite various problems with the organisation of the event I think most people had a fantastic time. I took a class and learnt new knitting techniques. I met online knitting friends in person. I sat and had breakfast with many of the tutors whose faces I didn't know, yet I have drooled over their knitwear designs time and time again. Then there was the marketplace..an Aladdin's Cave to us knitty peeps...All.That.Yarn...mmm

In The Bag?

2010-06-17T22:01:00.002+01:00

86.Buy 3 handbags... 2/3

Bought another handbag with birthday money from my mommy.

Back To The Island

2010-06-17T21:43:00.005+01:00

69.Trip on Maid of the Forth ...COMPLETED

A short time ago (a few weeks? I forget!) the Mister and I headed over the Forth Road Bridge for South Queensferry. There we boarded the small passenger ferry and set sail for Inchcolm Island. It was a warm beautiful day but too early in the season to be busy.

We saw grey seals and a variety of seabirds including a solitary puffin. The island itself was so peaceful and a great place for little imaginations to run riot. Boarding the boat back to the mainland one little nipper reported he had failed to find the pirates treasure!!

The Mister and I roamed the abbey ruins, climbed the incline to the WW2 guntower remains and dodged some rather aggressive nesting seagulls (think 'Hitchcock The Birds'..perhaps I exaggerate).

Make Me Over?

2010-01-27T22:42:00.002Z

27.Apply to Gok Wan for makeover! ...no progress..chickened out.

I sent and received an application form to be on Gok's show 'How To Look Good Naked' after reading they were doing a 'special' for disabled folks. Upon receiving the form I felt uncomfortable sending photos of myself in my undies to some office and not a particular liason person. It stated you could phone them and they'd get back to you. I left half a dozen messages and NOTHING. It didn't leave me confident...so I failed to submit the form. Needless to say the series is on TV at the moment. I haven't watched it yet.

Done

2009-12-27T23:09:00.001Z

74.Save £1000 from start date ...COMPLETED

Just realised another item done..now to get on with all the rest

Christmas stockings?

2009-12-19T22:13:00.002Z

76. Knit 20 pairs of socks..14/20

Just finished knitting up another couple of pairs of socks..just in time for Christmas. These were gifted to my brother and his fiance who seemed really pleased with their new footwear.

Read All About It!

2009-12-19T22:03:00.003Z

12.Get a photo/article printed in mag ...COMPLETED

I won 'Letter Of The Month' which was printed in Decembers issue of 'Simply Knitting' magazine. I wrote in about the Pudsey Bear that I had knitted from a pattern in a previous issue. I did a Guess the Birthday with the bear and raised some money for charity.

Not only was I really pleased to see my letter and photo in print but I was delighted to receive £30 in vouchers for an online yarn shop!

Jack O'Lantern

2009-11-12T23:06:00.003Z

81.Carve a pumpkin ...COMPLETED

It may not be the biggest or the best but Mr.Pumpkin was carved.

More Socks

2009-11-12T22:59:00.003Z

76. Knit 20 pairs of socks..12/20
Finally got these bad boys finished.

Steamie

2009-10-27T19:54:00.003Z

26.Go see 5 theatre shows..COMPLETED

Last week I was out with the 'Knitting Gals'. The 9 of us went to the local Italian restaurant where we were served by an 'over-friendly' Irish waiter. Luckily, the food was good even though the service was cheesier than the parmesan on offer. With full belly I managed to waddle the short distance to the theatre in plenty of time for curtain up.

The show was a production of Tony Roper's 'The Steamie'. Set in a 1950's Glasgow wash house it tells of the raw hard graft of the women who toil there and the strong friendships forged. Tales of hardship and hope with a few musicals numbers thrown in this play is wonderfully written and was greatly acted. Funny, and bittersweet..a real heartwarmer.

It got the thumbs up from my knitty companions.

Ch-ch-changes

2009-10-25T22:53:00.005Z

I have deliberated over changing some items on my list for a while..but was afraid it may be regarded as cheating. However upon consulting some fellow 101 listers I have been advised to 'make the list work for me'. A kind wise soul said that if a list item no longer applies..change it for a similar item that is of interest, as long as its still a reach for you it can't be seen as copping out.

So I'm doing it..there!
24.Go on the London Eye..I have no plans to go to London within the next 300 days(or no interest at the moment) so therefore I am changing this item to:
24.Go on the Falkirk Wheel..its of equal interest to me and although I have never been to Falkirk it is closer to home and can be done as a day trip (unlike London).

Also:
11.Go to Barcelona with Gavin. This was a silly one to list in the first place as due to lung problems I can't really fly the 4+ hours to get to Barca. Besides I visited the city already in 2001.
Changing to:
11.Go to Knit Camp 2010 on my own. I love Gavin but have grown to depend on him 'being there' so much. This is a great opportunity to prove to myself I can 'go it alone'.

Thats it for now...what do you think?

Room Service?

2009-10-18T22:02:00.005+01:00

71.Stay in a posh hotel...COMPLETED.

Okay so I was thinking I might stay in lots of posh hotels during the course of this 'list stuff' but we haven't really been away much. I have stayed in a few nice hotels but now I'm not sure I consider them POSH (I'm fickle).

The only one that ticks all the boxes is perhaps 'The Caledonian Hotel' in the heart of Edinburgh.

Great city centre location in Scotland's capital
Bedroom as big as my entire house

Stunning views of Edinburgh Castle

Really polite service

Huge breakfasts

Complimentary 'Nessie' bath toy!!!

Books Busted

2009-10-17T17:12:00.003+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books..50/50..COMPLETED

At last..this one is done and dusted. I'll still obviously keep reading books but the relief is I wont have to blog every title I read from now on.
The remaining three are all Ian Rankin novels.
The Falls
Set In Darkness
The Flood (not a Rebus book..and not as enjoyable).

Mums The Word

2009-10-10T15:12:00.002+01:00

22.Spend a whole weekend with Mum..Completed

Last month I spent the weekend at my mums place. It wasn't very relaxing because:
a) My brother and his fiance were there too
b) We were all going to a friends wedding
c) Mum was fretting slightly over a&b.
So we had little mum/daughter time but we survived the weekend without any fallout so all is well and good. Hope to do it again soon but with no agenda..just knitting and cakes!

Must be said, I did miss my Mister & puppy......and laptop!!

Pumkin Time...soon

2009-10-04T19:28:00.002+01:00

81.Carve a pumpkin
It's Halloween soon..if I'm going to complete this item it will have to be this month (its the only time we see pumpkins in Scotland..in the supermarkets). Watch this space.

Ladyboy-oh-boy

2009-09-12T20:29:00.004+01:00

26.Go see 5 theatre shows..4/5

Last Wednesday my friend B and I had a night out at the theatre, but it was no Shakespeare or Chekov for us...it was pure cabaret. We were fortunate enough to bag tickets for the hottest show in town..The Ladyboys Of Bangkok. At first when the lights went down and the music began..I was hesitant. This was not through any predjudice but because the first performer to enter the fore couldn't have been farther from the beautiful kathoey I was led to believe I was here to see. I soon learned this was the 'comic turn'..and a great recurring act throughout a entertaining show. The all dancing, all singing (okay 'all miming') ladyboys were indeed both stunning and enchanting. From the overtly risque 'Dont'cha Wish your Girlfriend Was Hot Like Me' to the more traditional and utterly superb drag number 'I Am What I Am'...I was hooked.What a great fun night out.

I Love Alan Alda

2009-09-05T16:06:00.004+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books..47/50

I've now finished reading the last of the biographies I got for Christmas..

Cilla Black-What's It All About? (grr..self indulgence, Cilla thats what!)

Goldie Hawn- A Lotus Grows I The Mud

Richard Whitely- Himoff!

Terri Irwin- Steve & Me

..and a couple I picked up cheaply but enjoyed reading

Life with My Sister Madonna by Christopher Ciccone.

Things I Overhear While Talking To Myself by Alan Alda (I love Alda..such a wit).

Feeling at a loss with no book pile by my bed..I then went and ordered an assortment of 19 paperbacks from The Bookpeople. The fiction books I have got through so far have proved good choices.

The Luminous Life Of Lilly Aphrodite by Beatrice Colin, is without a doubt my favourite pick of the bunch so far. The others are:

The Welsh Girl By Peter Ho Davis

The Outcast By Sadie Jones

A Good Hanging By Ian Rankin

Gimme Some Candy

2009-07-29T21:38:00.003+01:00

33.Attend a book/music signing...COMPLETED

Recently Scottish singer/songwriter Paolo Nutini visited my local HMV to promote his new album. He and his band did a acoustic set before Paolo signed autographs. I loved his first album and this new one 'Sunny Side Up' is even better. He is so talented and still only 22. He is also pretty hot and I tried not to drool too much as he doodled on my cd cover.

MONEY,MONEY, MONEY

2009-07-29T16:04:00.003+01:00

21.Make sure I have savings in high interest account...COMPLETED

This is a tricky one in the current financial crisis..interest rates are pretty poor. However, what I have done is open a monthly savings plan which spans over 12 months with a fixed rate of interest at 6% APR.

Get The Kettle On

2009-06-20T18:32:00.003+01:00

96.Visit 3 friends in new houses..COMPLETED

Here is another item I am considering as done. The first was Joanna In Edinburgh which I have already listed. The second more recently ( but still a few months back) was Barbie and Peter (new friends/ first visit to their home) and last but not least..the Mister's sister's new home in Motherwell. We visited Karen and her family last month..a couple of weeks after they had moved in.

Sibling Dear Sibling

2009-06-19T18:00:00.004+01:00

5.Arrange brother/sister day out ...COMPLETED

I am after much thought considering this item..done. My brother and I met up in Edinburgh just after his birthday and had lunch. I think considering my health issues and his ever changing work rota ,thats as good as its gonna get.

The photo is us sibs, back in the day. The 'day' when we were about the same size.. he's now 6' 2" to my 4' 6".

The Reader

2009-05-21T22:40:00.003+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books..37/50

Okay so I haven't updated my reading for a while...here we go..

The Dynamite Kid (Brian Blessed autobiography)
Just Julie (Julie Goodyear autobiography)
Fools Rush In (Anthea Turner autobiography)
Hello (Leslie Phillips autobiography)
Our Betty (Liz Smith autobiography)
Spilling the Beans (Clarissa Dickson Wright autobiography)
My Life in Words and Pictures by Helen Mirren

...can you spot the running theme?

Denim Is Done

2009-05-12T22:37:00.003+01:00

78.Buy a pair of brand name jeans (that fit!) ...COMPLETED!

I know it looks like I have abandoned this blog but believe it or not I am still working away at s few items on the list. Thankfully I have a completed one to report...I got me some jeans! I bought 2 pairs of Fenchurch (yes that's a brand name for those not so hip!) jeans..and the best bit is they fit me. Okay so maybe they are an inch too long and I need a belt but hey I can live with that!

Russian Dolls

2009-03-03T23:23:00.009Z

34.Clean & Catalogue Russian Dolls...COMPLETED

I did this item ages ago...and now they need cleaned again..darn it!

Good Reads Times Two

2009-02-27T17:49:00.003Z

20.Read & list 50 books..30/50
Two more books read..what more do you need to know? Except both these books were fabulously well written, moving and funny. Two of the better biographies on my bedside table.

Brand Name

2009-02-27T17:39:00.004Z

26.Go see 5 theatre shows..3/5

Last Monday I went to see Russell Brand's new stand up show and it was amazing! Okay so it's not a theatre show as such but it was in a theatre and he was very theatrical..so it counts!
For a more in depth report on my 'nicht oot' see relevant post on my other blog.

Biographies Abound

2009-01-29T13:23:00.003Z

20.Read & list 50 books..28/50

I received an incredible 14 biographies for Christmas.

These are the first 3 I have read and were all very entertaining.

Stand up comedian/TV presenter Alan Carr is one of my current favourite TV personalities with his very camp humour. His book tells in part about childhood and how being the son of a football manager wasn't easy as an effeminate youngster. It's all very lighthearted..no tragic tales here.

Bafta-winning Actress Brenda Blethyn is from a different generation and her story takes the reader back to a post war era when times were tough and the people were even tougher. Again it's funny but often bittersweet. It also charts her acting career and rise to fame which came later in life than some.

'Dear Fatty' by Dawn French is written in a slightly different style. It takes the format of a series of letters written by Dawn to signifigant people in her life. The letters are addressed to amongst others..her late father who committed suicide when she was 16, her adopted teenage daughters biological mother and her comedy partner Jennifer Saunders.

..What Y'Got Cooking?

2008-12-15T14:02:00.003Z

66. Buy a new cooker...COMPLETED

Isn't it lush? All new and shiney!Now it's just a case of getting used to the new oven before cooking Christmas dinner! Thank goodness it's Gavin that does the honours or we'ed all starve.

Rebus Quartet

2008-12-12T21:16:00.011Z

20.Read & list 50 books..25/50

I have recently read 4 'Inspector Rebus' books by Fife born crime writer Ian Rankin. I enjoyed them immensly and will most definately buy some more of this series. These books are set in Edinburgh, a city in which I lived for almost 5 years. They tell of the city's gritty underbelly much of which I witnessed myself in part...Edinburgh's not all castles and bagpipes!!

NaBloPoMo? Yo!

2008-12-06T17:57:00.001Z

7.Take part in NaBloPoMo...COMPLETED

My blog posting had taken a back seat so I saw NaBloPoMo as an exercise in blogging. NaBolPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month and asks that you post every day throughout November. Half way through I struggled but fuelled by kind comments I kept on going and completed the task.

Hopefully now I will keep blogging on a regular basis and I will certainly do NaBloPoMo next year..anyone else willing?

Change Is As Good As A Rest

2008-11-21T21:14:00.001Z

I'm making an amendment to my list..

7.Apply for TV quiz show Eggheads..because as much as I love this TV show I don't think I will ever get a team together (I don't know enough people with brains as huge as mine, haha)

So I am replacing it with this:

Take part in NaBloPoMo.. (National Blog Posting Month) and post every day in November.

Works In Progress..Honest!

2008-11-19T16:11:00.003Z

13.Learn Signalong, sign language...I've got the stuff I need but have failed to put in the time as yet to memorise the signs.

34.Clean & catalogue my Russian dolls..I cleaned them (needs done again), took photos so almost done

37.Knit wearable jumper for me..that particular knit is in hibernation for the moment!

66. Buy a new cooker..hopefully here in time for Christmas!

73.Research family tree..this is very time consuming but made a start..fascinating.

76. Knit 20 pairs of socks..11/20..bought some Opal Harry Potter wool to knit myself more socks

Put A Sock In It!

2008-11-09T15:09:00.003Z

76. Knit 20 pairs of socks..11/20

I knitted a further 3 pairs of socks bringing my total since beginning this 101 list, to 11 pairs.
Two of the pairs recently knitted were childrens socks for my charity knit group Loving Hands. They were a very quick knit in chunky wool and didn't take too long. They will be sent along with many other knitted garments to the Linda MacDonald Foundation who then in turn takes them over to orphanages in Bulgaria.
The third pair took a bit longer and are a gift so I wont say too much about them here.

X Marks The Spot

2008-11-06T21:28:00.002Z

97.Vote at a polling station...COMPLETED

Today I voted in the local By-Election. The commmunity centre nearby served as the Polling Station. I have yet to learn if my chosen candidate was successful in gaining his seat in the House Of Commons.

CRIMINAL TRIO

2008-10-20T15:03:00.013+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books...IN PROGRESS 21/50

These are 3 recently purchased paperbacks I bought to keep myself going. The first, Ben Elton's 'High Society' cost me just 50p at the hospital bookstall and give him his dues, it was worth every penny! The story consists of 3 main characters whose very different lives come to overlap due to their connections with the world of illegal drugs. I found this written very much in the style of controversial Scottish writer Irvine Welsh but without the Scots dialect.
I would maybe read more of Ben Elton if his books were in the bargain bin but let's just say they aren't on my Christmas list. Enjoyable enough but nothing new.
'Distant Echo' fits into the genre that has become known as 'Tartan Noir'. It's a tale of murder and revenge by prolific Scots crime writer Val Mcdermid. Although I have never read any of her books previously I was familiar with her style through the TV series 'Wire In The Blood' which has been adapted from her 'Tony Hill' novels.
This particular book of hers is set in Fife (my home county as well as McDermids) and sees the reopening of a cold case murder which has remained unsolved for 25 years. The anniverary of the victims death raises emotions for all concerned with the initial inquiry. When witness's and assumed suspects of the time are fatally picked off one by one it seems a race against time for the surviving innocent suspects.
A good read, but still not sure if it's the writing itself or the familiar place names that drew me in. However, I would read more of her work and perhaps more Scottish crime by other authors.

'Forever Odd' by Dean Knootz is a what? A crime novel? a mystery? a thriller? All of these and more. The title character Odd Thomas is an unlikely hero. A troubled, lonely young man who has a gift he never asked for..the ability to communicate with the dead. When a childhood friend disappears Odd applies his unique talents to the task of finding his friend. He encounters evil personified in both the souls of the living and the dead.
Interesting read, although I probably would have never have picked this up if I'd realised the subject matter not being a great fan of paranormal. I did enjoy this and it has left me intrigued by Dean Knootz's other writings.

BOOKS..A TRIPLE DOSE

2008-09-20T14:44:00.003+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books...IN PROGRESS 18/50

Okay, I have read more books and these three could not be more different from each other.

The first book 'To The Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf I chose because I have never read any of her work before. I can be quite literary minded when I want to be, I loved English classes at school..reading D.H Lawrence and disecting Shakespeare. This book however, I didn't enjoy at all. Maybe I missed something? I found it a bore.

The second book 'Tears Before Bedtime' is Tom Wilson's story written by ghostwriter Andrew Crofts. Wilson grew up in various children's homes and suffered from sexual abuse at the hands of one of his carers. Affecting his life into adulthood Wilson did not speak up until 40 years later when he realised he was not paedophile David Murphy's only victim.

After the affect and sucess of David Pelzers self penned biography of an abusive childhood Crofts has ghostwritten for many such 'victims' who want to at last share their stories but perhaps do not have the ability to do so alone.

What shook me about Tom Wilson's story above similar books I have read is that Wilson is from Kirkcaldy where I now stay and all the homes he was in were in towns nearby. It makes it all the more real to me and reminds me that you can never be sure of what is going on behind closed doors even in your own neighbourhood.

My third read, 'Fanny Hill' by John Cleland is the tale of the title character's life of vice. An 18th Century Belle De Jour perhaps? This book was banned for nearly 200 years due to its risque content and all that makes it different from todays gratuitous paperbacks is the 1700 writing style and use of language. A well written grubby book, haha.

ART ATTACK

2008-09-15T23:30:00.005+01:00

80.Visit 3 art galleries...IN PROGRESS..1/3

Today Gavin and I braved the Fife rain (its omni-present) and made the short journey to the town centre to visit Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery. For a town with so much history that includes ship building, cotton production, coal mining, the manufacture of linoleum, pottery mills, import and export from the harbour (the list goes on) the museum is a poor show. There was no mention of the fact that Kirkcaldy was affected by the Jacobite rebellion invading the town in the 18th century. The Jacobites being a key part of Scots history and a draw to tourists.
The art gallery was equally drab..though housed in a great space, desperately needing bought up to date. The two paintings that in these times are perhaps (my opinion not fact) the biggest draw are by contemporary Fife artist Jack Vettriano. The irony being these were in a small narrow hallway and unable to be viewed at their full potential.
However, the best part of our visit was the lovely homemade lentil soup served in the museum cafe.It might just be enough to lure me back..but only just!

SHOEBOX APPEAL

2008-09-13T16:32:00.008+01:00

30.Fill at least 10 boxes for Shoebox Appeal...COMPLETED

Between us Gavin and I filled 10 shoeboxes for Blythswood Care who distribute them to less fortunate people in Eastern Europe countries or beyond around the festive period. Each box is wrapped in Christmas paper and labelled for a specific gender and age. We filled each with basic essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap as well an item to keep out the cold (either a hat or socks).We also added colouring books, crayons and a small toys in the childrens boxes. Every box also got a bag of sweets.

LITTLE STEPS

2008-09-08T14:50:00.001+01:00

85.Do recycling trip 20 times ..in progress..2/20

THEM BONES, THEM BONES...

2008-09-07T15:59:00.005+01:00

10.Obtain a x-ray of my spine...COMPLETED

Most of you may know I have severe kypho scoliosis and had surgeries from 1981-88. You may be surprised to learn that there is no scoliosis consultant for adults in the whole of Scotland. Last week I attended a general orthapedic consultant to get my spine checked out after a few aches and pains. I am pleased to report all is well and x-rays show no dramatic changes have taken place with my spinal fusions or Harrington rod.

CHARITY KNITS

2008-08-22T21:51:00.007+01:00

60. Knit 50 items for charity...COMPLETED
I pretty much think this is done. Bear with me lots of knitting photos ahead although not all my charity items are pictured. The haul includes 20 premature baby hats, 5 premature baby jackets, 1 gingerbread man toy, 1 pram star toy, 10 Teddies For Tragedy (which were sent to Africa via the singing children of Africa), 2 school jumpers, 3 pairs of fingerless gloves, 10 scarves. Okay that makes...52? Yup, thats that item complete..hooray!

KEEP ON READING

2008-08-21T17:42:00.005+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books....in progress 15/50

More books to add. At last I got round to reading classic tale 'Kidnapped' by Scots writer Robert Louis Stevenson. Set in 1751, the story is of a young man David Balfour, who has recently lost his parents and is sent out into the world (beyond his native Edinburgh) to seek his 'kinfolk'. His uncle tricks him not only of his rightful inheritance but his freedom as he is scuttled aboard a ship bound for Carolina. Events onboard find him saving the life of wanted Highlander Alan Breck who is in his debt and agrees to help Balfour return home and gain his birthright.

Although I prefer modern fiction I enjoyed this book. I was especially encaptured as part of the story is set at South Queensferry, not far from where I stay. The Hawes Inn mentioned is an actual pub which still stands today and to which I visited last year when Gavin did his abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge just opposite. Its strange to imagine both Forth bridges did not exist when this novel was written.

The second book is Janet Street Porters 'Fallout: A Memoir Of Friends Made And Lost' a follow up to her previous autobiographical 'Baggage'. All I have to say is this book is great, I love this woman. She is witty and unashamadly candid. If I were to ever write a book I wish it too be half as brilliant as her work.

Lets Get Physical!

2008-08-15T21:48:00.004+01:00

1.Do a course & pass it ...COMPLETED

Pictured is my certificate to prove that I have successfully completed the 'Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programme'. The course, based at my local hospital was 16 sessions of physio for people like me with 'crappy lungs'. The class consisted of a small group of people with C.O.P.D or some other form of lung function restriction. Guided and monitored by the physiotherapists I progressed throughout the weeks using hand weights, the bench press and treadmill. Pre-course and post course tests showed improvements in my breathing and stamina whilst exercising.

2 ITEMS FOR 1

2008-07-26T17:49:00.003+01:00

59.Sort out all my boxes in attic...COMPLETED

I wasn't too sure if I could mark this one off but the Mister he say 'yeah'.
To be pernickity I haven't sorted out ALL the boxes that are in the attic but merely the unsealed boxes and all the other stuff that had been flung up there without much care.
It was a joint effort as I am too scared to physically climb the step ladder into the attic. Our last house was fab as it had an attic bedroom with a wee door into a vast attic space but this house has the more traditional overhead attic with entry via a hatch and so for me remains uncharted territory!!
We managed to get rid of a lot of stuff we had forgotten ever existed..so much for
"we might need it later",
and if we do..TOUGH!
After we packed up all the 'no longer required' goods we donated them to 'Blythswood Care'.
Now I have lots of attic space to fill with 'new junk'...hooray!!

And so with that being the 25th item I have marked off my list I can also mark off this one:
100.Have 25 items done in year 1** ..COMPLETED

BOOKS

2008-07-16T21:41:00.006+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books....in progress 13/50

It's not that I have been slowing down on my reading, just that I have not listed them here lately. My reading material has really varied and I'm running short of things to read having caught up with all the books I had stacked by my bedside. An excuse to shop, me thinks?

The last book I read was 'Porno' by Irvine Welsh and is the sequel to his highly successful 'Trainspotting' (made into a movie starring Ewan MacGregor). Written in broad slang Edinburgh dialect, it follows the same characters eight years after Trainspotting. Its a gritty,crude and sometimes shocking tale of drugs, porn,deceit and violence. What makes it come to life for me is that I've lived in Edinburgh, been to many of the pubs and clubs mentioned and met people not unlike Welsh's characters. It's not glamourous but if you have spent any time in Leith you'll realise its not gratuitous either.

'The Rottweiller' by crime writer Ruth Rendell. All I will say is I liked it whilst reading but the ending was a bit flat. Not that memorable.

'Red Carpets and Other Banana Skins' by Rupert Everett was a great read, one really liked and was almost disappointed at the end because I enjoyed it so much I wanted it to go on. This actors biography was full of names, places and incidents but it didnt feel self centred like so many of the celeb biographies are. I enjoyed his stories from the time he lived in Paris and his unashamed admittance of his own naivity.

DEBT RELIEF!

2008-06-21T20:59:00.002+01:00

2.Be debt free...COMPLETED
The third item I have completed this week..oh baby, I'm on a roll!
This item is something to celebrate..I AM DEBT FREE! I have never been one to be extravagant with money but there was a short period of time when I got in the habit of just using my credit card and not paying it off in full at the end of the month. Now, I am living up to my Scottish sterotype and being as tight as a nut!
Today after a good year or so of regular payments and no spending I have paid off my credit card and I AM DEBT FREE..it feels good!!

Nessie!!

2008-06-21T18:24:00.014+01:00

41.Go & look for the Loch Ness Monster..COMPLETED!

My better half and I took the 2 1/2 hour train journey north to Inverness. Often referred to as the 'gateway to the Highlands' Inverness was only granted city status in 2001 and still has a quaint towny feel to its shopping streets. The highlight of our short vacation was our coach trip to Loch Ness, home of the infamous 'Loch Ness Monster'. The tour organised by Jacobite took us from the city centre to the Clansman Harbour on the banks of Loch Ness. There we climbed aboard the 'Jacobite Spirit' and sailed across the deepest part the vast waters to Urquart Castle. After exploring the castle ruins and visitor centre we were once again on the coach and taken to the Loch Ness Monster Exhibition Centre before heading back to Inverness.

Me and the Handsome Lad on our Loch Ness Tour

Woolly Briefs

2008-06-21T17:49:00.005+01:00

45.Buy 10 new pairs of pants...COMPLETED!!

The other day I went to purchase some naughty little panties for a trip away with my Mister..these are what I came back with....
Sean The Sheep briefs!!! Built for comfort rather than passion but in this Scottish climate it pays to keep yer bum warm!!

So, with them being pairs 9 & 10 that is this item done..hooray!

EDIT

2008-06-13T16:58:00.003+01:00

I have made an edit on my list ..
21.Make sure I have savings in high interest account has replaced
21.Open a Post Office account. This is simply because the Post office no longer offers the kind of account I was after and it is perhaps more beneficial to make sure the little money I have saved is earning me the maximum interest available.

Dysart

2008-06-10T00:17:00.014+01:00

79.Visit & photograph Dysart harbour ...
COMPLETED

Last Wednesday, the other half and myself took the short bus journey to nearby Dysart..a small harbour village which is now very much a suburb of Kirkcaldy (Fife,Scotland). This little place is steeped in history and was once buzzing with thriving industries of exporting coal, textiles and salt. These days however all these trades have gone leaving a picturesque,sleepy wee place with only a sprinkling of tiny sail boats bobbing in the harbour.

We enjoyed a really sunny afternoon and stopped for a light lunch at the cafe in the renovated Harbourmaster's House which is now a visitor centre.

Outta My Box

2008-06-09T23:58:00.005+01:00

16.Make Jo special baby gift...COMPLETED

My good friend Joanna gave birth to baby Milo on 7th March this year. I began getting the gift together before he appeared but it was one of those things that kinda got forgotten about for a while. Anyway, to mark Milo's 1/4 birthday I gave him his special baby gift.. perhaps even at 3 months he was still too young to appreciate it but his mum was pleased!

The box was pre-built, I only painted it. However, the design is a match to his very retro nursury wallpaper which I cunningly took a few photos of when I visited way back in January.I hope it made a extra special personal gift.

2008-05-24T16:57:00.003+01:00

85.Do recycling trip 20 times ...IN PROGRESS 1/20

Okay I'm a slacker..although we religiously recycle our plastic, glass and paper I tend to leave it to the other half . The paper waste gets picked up fortnightly from the house but the other stuff requires a short trek across the park to the community centre. I am quick enough to preach to others about the benefits of separating your household rubbish but I sit back and let my mister lug the carrier bags to the recycle bank.
Even since putting it on this list I have never took my turn..that is until today. I took the mutt with me and we had a nice stroll through the park and back. I can see this is an easy item on my list to complete and it will encourage me pull my weight a bit with the more menial of household tasks.

So, people...RECYCLE!!!!

Come On Get Happy

2008-05-15T18:50:00.005+01:00

26.Go see 5 theatre shows..IN PROGRESS..2/5

Last week my other half and I took a trip out to our local theatre to see an adaption of Jim Cartwright's 'The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice'. Starring Scottish favourites Elaine.C.Smith and Andy Gray we knew it wouldn't be short of a laugh or two having seen the comic actors together last year in 'Two', by the same playwright.
This performance exceeded expectations, especially that of Debbie Saloman who portrayed the title character 'Little Voice'. Playing a shy young woman still grieving over the loss her mild mannered father, her only comfort is listening to the vinyl records of female chanteuses that he left behind. In the privacy of her bedroom she mimics the voices of Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe to perfection. Overheard by her overbearing lush of a mother and her shady sleazebag talent agent boyfriend Ray Say the timid 'L.V' is cajoled into a stage appearance. Against her better judgement she finally and reluctantly agrees to one performance in memory of her father.
It is here that Saloman stuns..especially her rendition of Piafs 'Non,Je Regrette non. Wow.
The story goes on, things go wrong..comedy turns to tradegy but I wont spoil the plot for those who may not know it.
The other half and myself came away knowing that we had got our moneys worth and really seen something special.

2008-05-05T17:17:00.002+01:00

19.Start a knit meet-up...COMPLETED?

Although I haven't strictly started a knit meet-up I have recently joined one already formed so I am considering this complete. After all, I only wanted to get together with like-minded 'knit-wits' and I am now able to do that through 'Loving Hands'. Loving Hands is a crafting group who knit, crochet and sew items for various charities. Founded by Fife lady Lou Jaap they now have 200 members in the UK (and a couple overseas!). The weekly meetings for the handful of us here in Fife are a great opportunity to go on and on about patterns and wool whilst drinking tea and contributing to great worthwhile causes.

Reading In Bed

2008-05-03T17:10:00.004+01:00

20.Read & list 50 books.... IN PROGRESS..10/50

I got some great biographies for my birthday and because I haven't been too well lately I have read them in double quick time. The first was 'All Of Me' by Patsy Palmer an actress who has recently returned to BBC soap Eastenders to revive her infamous character 'Bianca'. The book tells of her childhood days longing for stardom and of her cockney working class roots. She also divulges into her path of self-destruction through drink and drugs, single motherhood at 19 and nervous breakdowns. It took neaar death encounters and the almost total braekdown of relations with the troubled family she fought yet loved before Patsy found her own way to stop.
This is a typical coffee table biography of a soap celeb, a quick yet enjoyable read.

'A Young Man's Passage' by Julian Clary. Born and brought up in the suburbs to well grounded middle class family a young Julian fled to London for glamour and fame, where he developed his taste for shameless performance. Graduating when the alternative comedy revolution was just in its infancy Julian added his own brand of glitter and smut. Suddenly he was the most famous, uncomprimising queen in the country. This book tells of the highs of success while privately suffering the comprimises of celebrity and the life-altering pain of losing a lover to Aids.

I'M BACK!!

2008-04-19T15:13:00.006+01:00

Okay so I haven't posted for a while but that's due to a severe case of lazybloggeritis. There has been some progress on the 101 list however..

56.Get Patch health check & vaccinated...COMPLETED
My gorgeous little angel puppy/dog from Hell (depending on what day you ask me) , Patch the Jack Russell has been to the vets. He got his health check, 2 vaccinations and behaved not to badly. They were very pleased with him but we were told to maintain the healthy diet we have been giving him as he leaning towards middle age spread. He is now 6 yrs old and still gets mistaken for a puppy at times but he likes his naps, just like his human Mama!!

70.Place a bet on the Grand National...COMPLETED
The Grand National is the biggest horse race of the year and always worth a wee flutter. The other half and I placed a small £2 wager each online. My horse St.John's Castle (chosen because I favour the grey runners) came up from nowhere and took 2nd place. Needless to say the Mister backed 'Comply Or Die' which won..smug git, haha.

You've Been Mangoed!

2008-03-22T16:49:00.004Z

38.Eat piece of fruit/veg never tried before...COMPLETED

As a non regular eater of fruit I have had the best of intentions. I buy the fruit, but then sadly watch it rot in the bowl..it just never tempts me before it blackens and moulds. I'm sorry fruit as much as I hate waste and want to experience your natural goodness, you are clearly just not my thing. To get past this I bought some pre packed mango as I thought my trips to the fridge to grab my usual treats of pork pies, pepperamis or babybels would perhaps make me notice the fruit awaiting me.

I ate some, it was nice and yes I'd probably buy more. Job done!

Review

2008-03-13T15:06:00.002Z

1.Do an academic course & pass it...not made a start on this yet.
2.Be debt free...doing well on this, hope to be completed by July 08.
3.Get married...happy as we are at the moment.
5.Arrange brother/sister day out..waiting til better weather for day out in Edinburgh.
6.See a real live panda...Berlin, Vienna or Madrid zoos only places in Europe..no plans to go yet.
7.Apply for TV quiz show Eggheads..improving my general knowledge, trying to recruit team.
8.Raise at least £250 for charity..nothing planned yet.
9.Buy an apple tree..once the gale force winds cease perhaps!
10.Obtain a x-ray of my spine..awaiting referral to Orthapedic Consultant.
11.Go to Barcelona with Gavin..not sure about this anymore, so many other places.
12.Get a photo/article printed in mag..I should have sent one in, haven't yet.
13.Learn Signalong, sign language..got the notes, must practise.
14.Photo taken with 10 statues of interest..not started yet.
16.Make Jo special baby gift..almost done, baby Milo born 7th Mar 08.
17.Visit my uncle Lindsay..trip to Wiltshire, not planned yet.
18.Visit my uncle Leslie..now also in Wiltshire so will plan both visits in one trip.
19.Start a knit meet-up..keep meaning to get this in action!
20.Read & list 50 books..steady progress, 8/50
21.Open a Post Office account..they no longer do savings account I need, so may edit item.
22.Spend a whole weekend with mum..soon, soon.
24.Go on the London Eye..maybe summer, need decent weather.
25.Paint the kitchen..I want green, another summer job?
26.Go see 5 theatre shows..1/5 done and have tickets for couple more in May.
27.Apply to Gok Wan for makeover!..have application form, not filled it in yet!
29.Knit patch coat/blanket..not started thinking more on blanket idea.
30.Fill at least 10 boxes for Shoebox Appeal..doing well, will box up in Oct/Nov 08
32.Get cheesy photo booth pics taken with Gavin..next time down town & I have make-up on!
33.Attend a book signing..Hope to attend Edinburgh book Festival in August 08
34.Clean & catalogue my Russian dolls..cleaned out & photographed..must upload.
36.Frame Moulin Rouge pictures..keep saying tomorrow, tomorrow. Trip to 'Rejects' dept store.
37.Knit wearable jumper for me..bought wool..thats as far as I have got.
38.Eat piece of fruit/veg never tried before..mango? lychee? Must look in Sainsburys.
40.Bake Gingerbread men..Can't bake, won't bake..well not just now anyway.
41.Go & look for the Loch Ness Monster..planning trip to Inverness June/July 08. In process.
42.Send something to Postpals..must investigate further.
43.Make cushions..later.
45.Buy 10 new pairs of pants..8/10 pairs bought.
47.Buy decent bra..despite no boobage..whatever, its thermal vest weather!!
48.Trace 1930's photo of Grandad in PMR..frustrating task.
49.Fly a kite..must buy one..certainly windy enough here.
50.Enter Annual Show..Sept.
51.Look into my biology..not now.
55.Paint a self portrait..grr!
56.Get Patch health check & vaccinated..half done, next visit Monday 17th Mar 08
57.Go horseriding..another summer plan?
59.Sort out all my boxes in attic..nooooooooooooooo.
60.
65.Paint Russian doll blanks..ready to start, whenever have a minute.
66.Buy a new cooker..leave this til at least Jan 09
67.Take Patch to the beach..you've guessed it..summer plan.
68.Do artwork fit to hang in home..when I have nothing else more important to do.
69.Trip on Maid of the Forth..please hurry summer.
70.Place a bet on the Grand National..April 08, already checking form.
71.Stay in a posh hotel..when we go to Inverness (wont beat our stay in Edinburgh Caledonian!)
72.Tidy under the beds, properly..seem to do this often but never properly.
73.Research family tree..have started notes.
74.Save £1000 from start date..slow but sure progress.
75. Build a snowman..not had enough snow.
76. Knit 20 pairs of socks..think Im on 5/20?
77.Bake & ice a cake..why bake when you can buy? Another last resort item.
78.Buy a pair of brand name jeans (that fit!) ..bought jeans, cheap shit..still looking for nice ones.
79.Visit & photograph Dysart harbour..will we get a sunny day ever?
80.Visit 3 art galleries..must plan a day in Edinburgh doing this perhaps.
81.Carve a pumpkin..Halloween 08.
82.Make a sock monkey..started and abandoned.
83.Arrange 'Brown Palace' reunion..old flatmates get together when Karen back from San Fran?
84.Get a bikini wax..ouch..not now.
85.Do recycling trip 20 times..oops been leaving this to Gavin (& Patch).
86.Buy 3 handbags..will have a spree soon enough.
87.Knit 20 easter chicks..began but lost interest..next year?
88.Go on Eurostar..probably 2009.
89.Throw a party!..most of my friends got babies now so Teddy Bears Picnic? haha.
90.Get photo taken under a palm tree..not given this a thought yet.
92.Write to 5 extended family members..oops.
93.Write up a memory book..2 'stories' will consider complete when 10.
96.Visit 3 friends in new houses..1/3 so far.
97.Vote at a polling station..whenever voting is.
100.Have 25 items done in year 1..over half way there now.
101.Donate £1 for each list item incomplete..considering worthy charities at present.

2008-03-06T18:37:00.003Z

44.Amend nana's gravestone....COMPLETED
I have completed another item on my list..something that's been needling me for a long time. My Nana died a few years ago but some amendments were needed to her headstone. I took it upon myself to do this and now its been done. My Nana was a big influence in my early life , installing in me the need for good manners and self respect. When she went out she was always impeccably dressed and not forgetting a smidgen of lipstick. One Christmas at ours, she even brought with her beaded slippers to match her elegant beaded jumper. People have sometimes remarked that I posess my Nana's 'la-de-da' attitude of which I'm rather proud. She was working class and proud of it but there's nothing wrong with having aspirations.

Booky Wookys

2008-03-03T21:41:00.006Z

20.Read & list 50 books.... IN PROGRESS 8/50
If nothing else I have kept up with my reading and have two wonderfully colourful autobiographies to add to my books read (and books most definately recommended!). The first is a book I have coveted for a while and came to me as a Valentine's Day gift from my other half. Stand up comedian Russell Brand's 'My Booky Wook' was fab. I don't have the words in me to fully describe my feelings for this flamboyant, eloquent, Cockney eccentric. He truely facinates me..he's the kind of guy you either love or hate. The book tells of his 'normal' childhood, his heroin addiction,how he camped it up 'to attract the laidies' and then went on to be crowned 'Shagger Of The Year'. His writings begin and end with him in rehab being treated for sex addiction. Funny and shocking but not as gratuitous as you'd expect. Read it.

In Janet Street-Porter's 'Baggage: My Childhood' the newspaper editor and TV producer begins with the story of how her parents met during WW2 and instantly fell in love. The problem being both were married to other people at the time. Her father got a divorce but her mother could not and the new couple were forced to conceal this scandelous secret as they pretended to live as man and wife for years with their 2 daughters. It may seem like no big deal in today's Jeremy Kyle society but this was the 1940's were social standards were still in place. Janet's childhood was neither tragic or idyllic and most of it she decribes as a bore..but her writing style is far from that. Her teenage years where she longed for independance and quenched her thirst for learning and loving in 1960's swinging London. Another great book. It has too be said well written autobiographies far out weigh a normal biography because in a self penned book you can hear the famous celebrity writer speak as you read. A joy!

Thanks to Christy and Tartan Wonder for their kind words of encouragement. Hopefully my 101 List mojo is on it's way back! Watch this space!

Hit The Wall?

2008-02-26T19:33:00.004Z

As far as my 101 List is concerned I seem to have 'hit the wall'. I haven't attempted any new items and seem to be making little or no progress with the ones I have started. I was admittedly ill with the cold for a couple of weeks, unable to do much of anything and this has kind of put me off my stride.
Any words of motivation?

Baby & Book

2008-02-15T17:17:00.003Z

16.Make Jo special baby gift..IN PROGRESS
Don't want to say much more at this stage as it's a surprise. Baby due in about 3 weeks I think so hopefully will have it finished by then and post a pic thereafter.

20.Read & list 50 books.... IN PROGRESS 6/50
I'm doing not too badly with my reading progress and have another book to list. This was a gift from a friend sent all the way from America. Thanks, Kim. Humourously titled 'There's A (Slight) Chance I Might Be Going To Hell' this is the first offering by U.S author Laurie Notaro. It is indeed a comical read about one womans quest to make friends in the odd little town in which she has just moved. After a series of false starts which almost finds her banished from the town Maye, the central character uncovers what may be the last chance to connect with her neighbours. The kooky town holds a deadly serious annual Sewer Pipe Queen Pageant open to contenders of all ages and genders. With a deranged former beauty queen as her mentor Maye competes then accidently on purpose goes on uncover a sinister mystery that has haunted the town for decades. A great tale of small town peculiairity and dark secrets.

Excuse Me Darling..I Never Promised You A Herb Garden

2008-02-11T16:48:00.000Z

94.Create a herb garden (inside or out)..COMPLETED.

I'm at odds as to whether this task is actually completed or not. The herb pack was purchased and the seeds have been planted. So, now I'm just waiting for them to sprout. I guess my part of the task is completed, I've just got to wait for nature to do it's bit. Looking forward to tufts of coriander, basil and chives appearing although as an uneducated foodie I'm not sure what to do with them thereafter..ah well!

Give A Toss!

2008-02-07T15:34:00.000Z

58. Make pancakes on Pancake Day...COMPLETED
Tuesday the 5th of Februaury was 'Shrove Tuesday', the name of which comes from the shriving (confessing) that Anglo-Saxon Christians were expected to do prior to receiving absolution immediately before Lent. We, of course more commonly know this day as 'Pancake Day'. The reason that pancakes are associated with the day preceding Lent is that the 40 days of Lent form a period of liturgical fasting, during which only the plainest foodstuffs may be eaten. Therefore, rich ingredients such as eggs, milk, and sugar are disposed of immediately prior to the onset of the fast. Pancakes and doughnuts were seen as an efficient way of using up these perishable goods, besides providing a minor celebratory feast prior to the fast itself .

So, the other half and I made some pancakes but didn't commit to the Lent idea..we like our food too much!!

Sock It To 'Em

2008-02-02T19:19:00.000Z

76. Knit 20 pairs of socks...IN PROGRESS 3/20

I only began knitting socks a few months ago and knitted myself a few pairs. Thinking once I had mastered my DPN's I would then abandon this method of knitting then forget it totally I have vowed to knit at least 20 pairs in the 1001 days to keep my hand in (or should that be 'keep my toes in'?). I am still only knitting the basic sock pattern but using the self patterning 4ply Opal wool makes the finished item more interesting and people are often misled into thinking I have mastered the art of Fair Isle. I do correct them but at the mention of self patterning wool non-knitters seem to think I'm joking..ahh well let them continue to think I'm gifted..why argue?

After many kind comments on my hand knit socks I have toyed with the idea of selling them and have been playing around with my own label...Littlelou Knits.

Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner

2008-01-31T00:48:00.000Z

95. Send 3 people a gift for no reason...COMPLETED
(When I state 'for no reason', I mean other than Birthday/Christmas or anniversaries)
For Christmas I got a talking keychain called "Dirty Dancing In My Pocket" which upon the push of a button gave out memorable quotes from my favourite chick flick of all time. The mere sound of "Nobody put's baby in the corner" sent me back to memories of me as a 12 year old swooning over Patrick Swayze's butt. My friend and former flatmate Fiona is also a dedicated DD fan and I was desperate for her to wow at my keychain with me but she lives in Hampshire and we only see each other about once a year these days. Anyway..my desperation for Fiona to share in this devices brillance led me to buy another and send it to her. SHE LOVED IT!

My next gift was to a friend Kim in North Carolina who expressed awe at my sock knitting and said she must try. I gave her no excuse to back out of this statement and sent her a fab book with all sorts of sock patterns.

Finally to my new penpal Elizabeth from Indiana I sent a Scotland calendar with lots of beautiful scenic views for throughout the year.

Television :Drug Of A Nation

2008-01-30T20:06:00.000Z

15. 48 hrs without TV, ouch...COMPLETED If you know me you will no this is no mean feat. I am a self-confessed telly addict watching at least 8 hours of the 'goggle-box' a day. My addiction probably stemmed from long periods off school convalescing after back surgery or reoccurring chest infections. TV kept me company as my mum busied herself around the house during the day and at night when insomnia set in. Television is a social thing too, childhood memories of the family all sitting to watch 'The Muppet Show' or 'Gladiators' is warming. The current reality show trend with the likes of 'X-Factor', 'I'm A Celebrity..' and 'Big Brother are the shows we all love to hate but all seem to talk about.I studied TV Production for a while at college and earned pocket money as a TV extra..even my dream last night was of Mr John Logie-Baird's invention.Anyhoo, I went without TV for 48 hours...gotta go Coronation Street's starting...

99.Have 10 items done in 6 months..COMPLETED
Nice one..now that makes 11 completed items..only 90 to go.

Words On Words

2008-01-28T20:03:00.000Z

20.Read & list 50 books.... IN PROGRESS 5/50
'The Friday Night Knitting Club' by Kate Jacobs is one of the many books I was lucky enough to receive for Christmas. As a single mum in her late 30s, Georgia Walker has her hands full juggling the demands of running the Walker & Daughter knitting store with the challenges of raising her lively teen daughter, Dakota. Georgia’s regular customers gather once a week to work on their latest projects and chat – and occasionally clash – about love, life, and everything else. The members of the Friday Night Knitting Club are as varied as the skeins of yarn. And when the unthinkable happens, all of Georgia’s customers are forced to realize they’ve created not just a knitting club, but a sisterhood. Yes..its a chick book, very Americanised (is that a word?) and my enthusiasm for the characters hit peaks and troughs but not a bad read all in all. Think 'Steel Magnolias' in a knitting shop and only read if that's your kinda thing. I still prefer factual books to novels these days though.

Which leads me on to the second book...Between the Lines/My Story Uncut By Jason Donovan. His biography is a brave effort I feel not just because it is self penned (let's just say he is perhaps not a natural author) but because it does come across as very honest and heartfelt. Rather than just blah blahing on about his career as many of these C list celeb bios do, he has given the reader not just the behind the scenes view but a candid account of his innermost feelings at the various stages of his life. He makes no apology for his cocaine addicted days but nor does he condone it but merely explains it as it was at that time. It was a quick read but I did enjoy it having been a 12 yr old at the height of the 'Charlene & Scott' popularity he shared with his then real-life girlfriend Kylie Minogue.

4.Get a cheesy celeb autograph...COMPLETED
Although I did not get receive this from Jason Donovan in the flesh...my other half ordered me the signed copy of the aforementioned biography so I am counting this item as done!!

New Recruit

2008-01-20T22:13:00.000Z

98.Recruit a new lister to 101 ...COMPLETED
My new fellow 101 lister is an online friend and New Zealand resident David Paterson. We have kept in touch via email for over a year now after I read of his ambition to walk from London to Ediburgh to raise money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation. David is a 66yr old native Scot who a few years back underwent a heart bypass and has since been trying to make his 'Walk of Hope' plans come true. Please take the time to look over David's blog.

Another online aquaintance is fellow knitter Andy B. He intially expressed some enthusiasm in making his own 101 list. I hope he still goes on to do so as his blog is beautifully written with warm words and often comical observations of his new homeland Amsterdam.

All I Do Is Talk To My Pillow..

2008-01-18T17:45:00.000Z

35.Make DVD database..COMPLETED
I decided to compile an online DVD database mainly because when I am online shopping and see something that interests me I often can't remember whether I've already got it or not. Laziness is a factor in this as it saves me trudging through rooms and checking my DVD shelves. I especially enjoy Doris Day movies such as 'Pillow Talk' or 'Send Me No Flowers' and often people ask what ones I have/ don't have at Christmas and birthdays..now I can just refer them to my database. That's a hint folks..it's my birthday in..let me see..83 days, haha.
You can view my database at littlelou's dvd database or start your own at dvdspot

With This Ring..

2008-01-17T19:58:00.000Z

39.Buy Gavin engagement ring...COMPLETED
Gavin and I have been engaged for 3 and a half years, at least that's how long ago he bought me my lovely white gold and diamond ring. I have always meant to get him a ring too but finding out his size without him knowing was a bit tricky. I initially purchased a ring in 3 various sizes to present him at Christmas but none of them proved suitable. So, to cut a long story slightly shorter..we went to the jewellers, got his correct ring size and bought a lovely white gold band with a brushed gold finish across the centre.

87.Knit 20 easter chicks...IN PROGRESS
I have started knitting my Easter chicks. There is no real plan but I'm hoping they will be egg cosies to give them to friends at Easter with a yummy cream egg. I'm making the pattern up as I go along but well, it's not rocket science is it?

I'm ready for my close up, Mr.DeMille

2008-01-15T23:09:00.000Z

28.Watch Sunset Boulevard ...COMPLETED
I watched my DVD of Billy Wilder's 1950 picture 'Sunset Boulevard' on Sunday afternoon. It stars Gloria Swanson as Norma Desmond, an ageing former silent film queen and William Holden as the struggling writer who is held in thrall by her madness. No special effects or gratuitous nudity is needed to make this black and white Hollywood blockbuster watchable..the only gimmick being the sensational dramatic acting and the tragic destiny of the unfolding tale. Recipient of 3 Oscar awards, it's most definitely a winner with me.

More Progress

2008-01-11T22:29:00.000Z

13.Learn Signalong, sign language
My mum phoned me tonight to tell me she had me some Signalong notes for me, so looking forward to beginning this task soon. One of the reasons I'm interested in learning this form of sign language is that I'm a volunteer at my local hospital on the children's ward. Some children who come in may have learning difficulties, impaired hearing or speech problems and Signalong is beginning to catch on as a method of communication.

30.Fill at least 10 boxes for Shoebox Appeal...IN PROGRESS
My other half and I became aware of the Shoebox Appeal a couple of years ago and contributed by filling a wrapped shoebox with toiletries and small gift items which was sent to an orphan or person devastated by disaster in Eastern Europe. This year we are hoping to fill at least 10 such boxes for Blythwood Care who will then distribute them. We have been putting extra items in with our weekly shopping. With Asda toothbrushes at 15p and toothpaste at 21p it doesn't have to cost a fortune to help people who may have nothing.

Wooly Tale

2008-01-09T18:12:00.000Z

91.Organise all knitting stuff in one place..COMPLETED

When compiling my list I actually imagined this to be one of the last items I'd get round to doing..I'd previously been avoiding it for months. It just goes to prove this list is working and is motivating me as planned. I had wool, needles, patterns and knitting works in progress...EVERYWHERE! There was some in bags, under the bed in tubs, in drawers and crammed in cupboards..but no longer is there such chaos. I have been Little Miss Organised and arranged drawers and tubs all labelled and tidy. Lets hope it stays this way at least for a while eh?

I also had to post a picture of my glamourous assistant Patch who can be seen sporting a Louise Original knitted scarf.

Book Worm

2008-01-07T00:41:00.000Z

20.Read & list 50 books...IN PROGRESS 3/50

I have read two of the books I received as Christmas presents. The first is a biography of former female impersonator now teatime chat show host Paul O'Grady. I had always admired the over the top baudy manner of his alter-ego 'Lily Savage' and minus the make-up Paul himself is only a slightly toned down version. This book penned by Neil Simpson didn't quite live up to expectations however. A good enough read chronicalling events through O'Grady's life was marred somewhat by all the quoted anecdotes from 'friends', 'collegues' and 'fans' of the star. I look forward to a self-penned version which Paul O'Grady himself has announced is in the pipeline.

The second book entitled 'Too Many Mothers' by Roberta Taylor has been on my 'must read' list since last Christmas. It was worth the wait. This book is an autobiography by former Eastenders actress Taylor (presently in ITV police series The Bill) and describes intricately the story of her own East End family background. The title of the book reflects the strong female characters of her maternal Grandmother, 3 very different Aunts and her mother Win. It is not a cosy sweetness and light version of events but a gritty, gutsy, tragic yet endearing book. Beautifully crafted with the ability to make you smile and weep on the same page I was loathe to finish this read as it truely was a joy.

Chill Out!

2008-01-06T22:06:00.000Z

31.Purchase a fridge/freezer..COMPLETE.

The photo depicts my other half showing off our new fridge freezer in a somewhat comical fashion..oh how we laughed! The appliance is a bit more ample than it appeared to look in the shop and so I have given it the moniker of 'Big Boy'.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008

2008-01-04T17:10:00.000Z

45. Buy 10 pairs of pants IN PROGRESS 8/10

Happy New Year...bring on the new pants for all to view, haha. I have just purchased 8 pairs of booty warmers in the NEXT sale and I pride myself on yet another bargain buy. Lovely quality pants and at a total of only £10. Okay I wont go on about them too much..I'm no Belle De Jour.

The picture is merely as evidence..not titillation!!

28. Watch Sunset Boulevard

Not owning this movie and goodness knows when it may be on TV I have ordered it from http://www.4cheapcds.com for only £4.91. Bet its on telly next week now, usually the way.

Go, Go, Go Joseph!!

2007-12-19T17:09:00.000Z

26.Go see 5 theatre shows IN PROGRESS 1/5
Yesterday me and my other half took a trip to see 'Joseph And His Technicoloured Dreamcoat' at Edinburgh Playhouse. Having been a fan of musicals since I was knee high (okay so I haven't grown that much!) I had never been to see any on stage so it was a great introduction for me. It was a good show with impressive performances by the cast. I look forward to going to see more musical theatre soon.

Ahh Bisto!

2007-12-16T22:13:00.000Z

23.Buy a gravy boat..ahh Bisto COMPLETED

Due of course to the Festive Season I haven't really given my list much thought (too busy compiling yet another list perhaps?..my one to Santa..diamonds are a girls best friend Mr.Claus!). I have however had time to purchase a rather elegant piece of kitchenalia..a swish gravy boat. It will look simply divine on our Christmas dinner table and was a bargain at only £4.69 at Dunelm Mills. You may scoff..as my other half did..but I'm chuffed, haha.

992 Days To Go

2007-12-04T18:27:00.000Z

Well, I am beginning to wish I'd waited until after Christmas to begin my list, the days have already counted down to 992 and I've hardly had a minute to think about it. At the moment I am in bed feeling lousy so I thought I'd take some time out from feeling sorry for myself and see what list items I may have in progress.

98.Recruit a new lister to 101 IN PROGRESS..Andy B, who I have corresponded with via knit site Ravelry has expressed an initial interest in list building. He seems a very nice chap and writes a very warm and entertaining blog. Here's hoping he gets the time and inclination to get a list done so I can cross #98 off mine.

20. Read and list 50 books IN PROGRESS 1/50..I worked out I have 20 days to read each book. Some will take less, like the coffee table biographys of D-List celebs I love so much (The books I love..the celebs not so much!) and some will perhaps span out for longer. There are some old classics I have never got round to reading such as 'Kidnapped' by Robert Louis Stevenson, it was always too easy just to watch the movie version. A book allows you to build your own picture and being a dreamy kind of person this is what I enjoy from a good story.
So far I have read 1 book (49 to go) but it was very uninspiring. It was the only book I could find in the house I hadn't yet read (perhaps for a justified reason?). The Tinder Box is a novella by thriller writer Minette Walters, but truth be told it did nothing to thrill this reader. A small Hampshire village is shook up when an well to do elderly lady and her nurse are brutally murdered. Fingers are immediately pointed at an Irish labourer whose family receive threats by a bigoted community. As with all these stories all is not always as it first appears but the twist in this particular tale was, well..a bit flat.

1 Down, 100 To Go!

2007-11-26T20:16:00.000Z

Day One of 'The List' and I've completed an item already, so a good start!
#46 : Eat a meal never tried before. COMPLETEDMy lovely other half cooked us roast duck for din-dins. This was my first time devouring duck (sorry Daffy!) and was quite surprised that it tasted more like pork than poultry, having only ever had chicken and turkey before.

Geek Alert!

2007-11-25T02:07:00.000Z

After years of making wee 'to-do' lists on tiny scraps of paper and annual resolutions I thought this barmy list idea suited me down to a tea! In my advancing years I am lacking the motivation or inclination to get even the mundanist things completed. So my list contains not so much the unusal or shocking (I've done most of that rebellious phase..shaved my head, danced on stage at a gig, got tattooed, had sex in a phone box etc) but it does contains things I need to get done and things I've meant to do.

I will post on this blog as I progress or complete things showing evidence where I can.
Maybe you feel want to know more..heres where I got the idea http://triplux.com/dayzero/default.asp . Click for more information and examples of other lists.