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

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

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

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

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!

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

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!!

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.