The List

So... In a few days I will turn 40. I think I’m supposed to be worried about it but actually I’m really seeing it as an excuse to indulge myself a little and to consider what I want the next stage of my life to look like.  I’ve had a few friends do a “40 B4 40” list and so inspired by their endeavours I’m going to do my own list, my 50 before 50!

1. Visit Europa Park
2. Eat at a Michelin star restaurant 
3. See a performance at the Royal Albert Hall
4. Visit Scotland
5. Take a cruise 
6. Hold an owl
7. Camp at a festival 
8. Go to the Edinburgh Fringe 
9. Ride “Shambala” at Portaventura
10. Take a trip on the Orient Express
11. Ride the Wicker Man & Smiler coasters 
12. See a play at The Globe
13. Build a summer house 
14. Attend a murder mystery party 
15. Finish reading all the books in the “Wicked Years” series 
16. Try oil painting like Bob Ross
17. Sew myself an outfit for work
18. Cosplay at Comic-Con 
19. Upgrade the kitchen
20. Paint the bathroom
21. Decorate the dining room
22. Learn to style vintage hair
23. Have a make up lesson
24. Publish a second book of poetry
25. Create illustrations for “Little Lizzy Witch”
26. Sell a piece of art
27. See a burlesque show 
28. Have a couples photo shoot 
29. Have purple hair
30. Get an Oz inspired tattoo
31. Finish my arm tattoo 
32. Submit a manuscript to a publisher 
33. See Hamilton 
34. Have a singing lesson
35. Defeat the Ender Dragon in survival mine craft 
36. Speak on a motion at NEU conference 
37. Grow my nails
38. Drop a dress size
39. Plant a tree
40. Drink the “Millionaire Milkshake” at Shakeaway
41. Do Park Run
42. Plein-air painting in another country 
43. Visit Bombay Sapphire 
44. Visit a Spa
45. Attend “Fright Fest”
46. Watch “Westend Live”
47. Record a Podcast 
48. Learn to make Pasta
49. Go to an Escape Room
50. Learn to play a song on the guitar 

So, that’s the list, and I will be updating the blog as items get ticked off ( I have actually managed a couple already in the last few weeks whilst putting this all together) and if anyone has any ideas for how best to achieve some of the more awkward items on the list please please please do get in touch in the comments. 

Here’s to the next 10 years!