50 Things to do Before I'm 50

A firewalk? What on earth made you think of that? Are you out of your mind? Just some of the comments made when I said I wanted to do it. I booked myself to do it as part of a fundraiser for St Josephs Hospice in Hackney fully expecting to go solo. I mentioned it in passing to my friend, JB a week or so before and casually invited her to join me fully expecting rolling eyes and a chuckle followed by a decisive You've GOT to be joking! Imagine my surprise when she  jumped at the chance and agreed to do it immediately. What a joy! The firestarters Nearly ready Although I'm happy to do things on my list alone, its way more fun to share the experience with someone else. Willing conspirators are always welcome!  Nervous anticipation! We had a briefing beforehand and then it was down to business...... Sadly, the photos are blurred but you can see what we got up to. There are no special e...

The opera has always seemed rather highbrow. Elegant ladies, men in full penguin attire. Extortionate ticket prices. I'm thinking of the scene in Pretty Woman, designer evening dress and borrowed diamonds. Certainly not really intended for the likes of me! Ticket prices ARE extortionate, especially in London. I went for something a little more provincial at The Ipswich Regent. Still a professional production with a full orchestra without such a hefty price tag. I sound like a mean old skinflint but in truth, if you don't know whether your'e going to love it or hate it the price has to be a consideration. Poor old C volunteered to join me (he can't even bear to pause channel hopping on a musical let alone an opera!)  We saw Madame Butterfly. Thanks to Malcolm McLaren, I was a little familiar with the story and music. Ironic that the king of punk has made me familiar with the works of Puccini! The production was a feast for the eyes, the sets and costumes were o...

Amsterdam has been on my wish list to visit for a long long time. The laid back atmosphere of the place appealed to me and I wanted to see the quirky, wonky architecture for myself. Not to mention an opportunity to tick several things off my list! I had a fantastic few days with great friends who were up for the adventure. The weather was unbelievably cold and windy (thanks beast from the east part two!) we did our best not to let it hamper us. Dam Square  First tick came with a tram ride. How is it that practically every country I've ever visited has brilliant public transport? Its cheap, well run, simple to navigate, clean, regular.... I could go on. I know this is asked all the time but what is their secret and why can't we copy it over here? To be honest the tram ride was a bit of a non event, it was just like a bus really only quiet. The quietness of the trams actually nearly caught us out a few times when trying to cross the road. Betw...

I don't have any Muslim friends, or even any acquaintances so it was down to Google to find out about visiting a Mosque. It was easier than I thought, one of the first listings from my search was a national initiative called 'Visit my Mosque'  Its an annual event and Mosques across the country take part. I'd thoroughly recommend a visit if you get a chance. I chose to visit a Mosque in Peterborough, tying in a long overdue visit with family. A little research led me to the Masjid Khadijah Islamic Centre. Not one with fancy architecture or towering minarets but the one that seemed the friendliest. Before I visited I was trying to analyse why there is such mistrust of Muslims in society. I've always hated the practice of 'tarring people with the same brush'. Of course, the media and hateful newspapers have their part to play; there's no getting away from the drip-feeding of racist scaremongering that has  taken place over the past few years. Even the m...

A beautiful sunny morning in Glasgow My visit to Scotland was sadly over all too quickly. Two nights and one day was all I spent there. I had hoped for longer but it wasn't to be. How much?? My trip was paid for by a TV production company, I was unbelievably lucky to get the opportunity to appear on a TV show (more about it it a later post!). The longest time I've ever spent on a train and the furthest north I've ever been. Although how they can justify £174.70 for a return ticket and STILL make you cough up 30p for the privilege of using the toilet at the station is downright robbery and really REALLY gets my goat!! I stayed right by Glasgow Central Station overlooking the Clyde. The picture above is taken through the window at about 8.30 in the morning. What a view! Sadly I don't have a lot more to write about.... I arrived in Glasgow at 7pm, just enough time for a quick chilly walk around and some food. I was picked up from the hotel at 6...

A new years trip to Lanzarote gave me a great excuse to tick two more things off my list. One I've been excited to do since I first had the idea for the list and the other was one I consider the second scariest thing on it. As the title says, it's all about balance. Good thing to get a scary one out of the way though! Delighted with myself! I was so pleased to get the chance to do stand up paddle-boarding, I'd seen people do it at a beach festival and really fancied trying it.  Our teacher, Darius turned up to collect us from the hotel in a tiny car loaded with what looked like a couple of suitcases. Off we went expecting to be met at the beach by a large vehicle carrying the equipment. To say I was surprised when he unloaded his little car and produced three inflatable paddle-boards and a couple of pumps is an understatement!   I really wasn't expecting to be any good  but was determined to give it my best go. Surprisingly, I managed to stand up on my ...

In a dairy on new years eve? You've goat to be kidding me!!! Goatally Adorable! A conversation that took place with Bee, my daughter in early December...... Me;   I really fancy a real Christmas tree this year, Our artificial one has seen better days. Bee;  So get one. Me;  I would but it makes me sad throwing away the tree after Christmas and its such a waste. Bee;  You know who loves an old Christmas tree? Me; Nobody? Bee;  Goats! Me;  Huh? Bee;  Old Christmas trees are brilliant goat treats, we can take it to the farm where I used to work. Me;  Oh excellent. I'd be really happy knowing it had another purpose in its life. Bee:  Mum......Have you ever milked a goat? Fast forward to new years eve and here we are at the dairy. The Christmas tree has been gratefully received and devoured by happy goats and I'm perched on a milking stool attempting to milk the beautifully patient Liesel. I'm truly grateful to...