First of all, for those of you who don't know what I'm on about, you can see the list and read all about it, including how I was getting on at various stages over the two years, in the following posts.
50 Before 50 - Part One
50 Before 50 - Part Two
50 Before 50 - Update 1
50 Before 50 - Update 2
50 Before 50 - Update 3
So how did I do? Well, here's the complete list. Those things I completed are show in red and any blog posts I wrote about them can be seen by clicking on the appropriate link.
1. Keep a journal. Keeping A Journal.
2. Start swimming regularly. Swimming.
3. Get my fortune read. I had every intention of seeing Lee Ester Alita Lee, the spiritualist clairvoyant who has a kiosk in Whitby but she was closed when we visited. I decided I'd see her the next time we went to Whitby but, unbelievably, she was closed again. Never mind, I'm sure we'll be back to Whitby again soon and perhaps she'll be open next time.
4. See a Shakespeare play. I've only seen one Shakespeare play advertised at a convenient location to me since I set this challenge and it was on a date I couldn't make. I thought I'd have my pick of plays to choose from as I thought Shakespeare would be more popular.
5. Finish Joyful World cross stitch. I still love this cross stitch design but I just wasn't enjoying working on it. You can read about my decision to call it a day in my More Than I Can Chew post.
6. Visit Wales. Weekending In Wales.
7. Take a boat ride. Messing About On The Water.
8. Sleep in a caravan. This is one which Mick was glad we didn't get round to. He likes his luxuries when he's on holiday and has never fancied camping in a caravan or a tent.
9. Read Wuthering Heights. Wuthering Heights.
10. Book on to a workshop or course. Since buying my sewing machine, I thought a sewing workshop or course would be ideal but seeing as I still haven't even taken the machine out of the box yet, I haven't looked for a course. This is one I shall definitely do at some time in the future though.
11. Fly a kite. Let's Go Fly A Kite.
12. Have a health check. I had intended to book for a well woman check up at my doctor's surgery, I haven't done that but I did have a mammogram so I'm counting this as done. Screening for breast cancer begins at the age of 50 in the UK but there's trials happening where you're invited sooner and this is why I was offered a mammogram at the age of 48. I've got a smear test due next month which I'll definitely attend. I've also had my blood pressure measured as the nurse keeps an eye on this when I go for my vitamin B12 injections. All the tests that I have had have come back fine.
13. Explore Leeds Art Gallery. I made arrangements to visit the gallery right at the beginning of this challenge and then found out that it was closed for refurbishment. I never got round to rearranging a visit.
14. Visit a Christmas market. The Wanderer Returns.
15. Have a manicure. This is something I'd still like to do at some point. I usually keep my nails quite short and I'm not one who paints their nails so this would be a bit of a treat.
16. Subscribe to a magazine. Simply Knitting.
17. Pick fruit at a Pick Your Own farm. I really miss the strawberries I used to get from my allotment so I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't get round to this. Perhaps next year.
18. Try a food I've never tried before. Black Pudding. - Weekending In Wales. Scallops - These Are Not Just Yellow Stickers.
19. Take a train ride. I live in a small town and we're very lucky to have not one but two railway stations here, both within walking distance from where I live, yet I rarely use them even though I love travelling by train. I shall endeavour to take a train ride very soon.
20. Take part in a charity walk. Bark In The Park.
21. Lose two stone. Big fail. Least said!
22. Touch the white horse of Kilburn. Horsing Around.
23. Go to the opera. Though we've never been to the opera before, Mick's quite enthusiastic about going to see a performance so I'm sure we'll get round to this in the future.
24. Watch a whole cricket match. I still haven't watched a whole cricket match, even though Mick plays every week in summer. I must make more of an effort.
25. Go to Blackpool to see the illuminations. Blackpool Illuminations.
26. Visit the Lake District. I was hoping that I'd get to visit the beautiful Lake District whilst doing this challenge. I don't live that far away so it's surprising I've never been before but it's still on my list of places to visit so I hope to get there soon.
27. Use my camera more on manual settings. I'm afraid I don't use my DSLR very often these days. I really wanted a zoom lens for it but they're rather expensive so I bought myself a Panasonic DMC-FZ72 bridge camera instead as this camera has a 60X zoom. I actually find it easier to carry this around instead of the Nikon DSLR and I tend to use it with it's pre set functions.
28. Have a go at needle felting. I haven't touched the kit which was bought for me for Christmas a few years ago. I shall get round to it at some point.
29. Take a trip to the cinema. I very rarely go to the cinema but Eleanor and I had decided to go and see the new Mamma Mia! film, we just never made it for one reason or another.
30. Do the Leeds Owl Trail. I thought this would be something to do on a quiet Sunday afternoon but it's something I just never got round to.
31. Go on a picnic. I've been on many picnics over the last two years as we usually take a picnic with us whenever we go out for the day. We've enjoyed picnics at the coast and picnics in the countryside. Mick always makes the picnics and he always makes a good job of it, he packs some scrummy treats.
32. Read all the Harry Potter books. Harry Potter.
33. Watch all the Harry Potter films.
34. Go to the ballet. I haven't been yet but I do have the tickets bought and paid for. Eleanor and I are going to see The Nutcracker in the lead up to Christmas. You can read about it in my Christmas Cracker post.
35. Visit Scotland. Weekending In Scotland.
36. Have a massage. I could have ticked this one off the list when we went on holiday this year as they have a spa at the place where we stay. It's something I'd have done if we'd stayed in the lodge more but we didn't hang around the accommodation very much with the weather being so good.
37. Take an overnight trip with Eleanor. This is something I really wanted to do but with Eleanor being away at university and Mick having to be at home if I'm away to take care of Archie we just never sorted out the dates.
38. Climb Flamborough lighthouse. Flamborough Lighthouse.
39 Go on a ghost hunt. They do ghost walks and bus tours of haunted places in York which I think would have been fun but it's something else I just never got round to.
40. Watch a sunset from a beach. Sunset.
41. Go for afternoon tea. Mick isn't one for afternoon tea so I thought it would be something nice to do with Eleanor. We'll definitely do it at some point in the future.
42. Treat myself to something I really want. A Gift To Me From Me.
43. Adopt an animal for charity. Redwings.
44. Finish the Spice Of Life crochet blanket. I'm afraid this is a big fail, I just wasn't enjoying working on this blanket so I ended up pulling it out. You can read about it in my Rip It Up And Start Again post.
45. Send a message in a bottle. I had second thoughts about this one. I'm sure everyone is aware of the plastic pollution in our oceans and many of us are trying to cut down on our use of plastic and reduce the amount of plastic we buy. I certainly don't want to add to the problem so I decided I wouldn't send a message in a bottle.
46. Engage in social media. I've never had accounts with Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, my blog is really the only social media that I engage in but I had intended to give Instagram a go. I'm a bit of a technophobe so I still haven't quite plucked up the courage to dip my toe in the water, but it's something that I do still intend to do at some point, especially now that I've got an iPad, which Mick bought me for my birthday.
47. Visit a craft show. Spring Into Wool 2017. Nottingham Yarn Expo 2017.
48. Attend the Christmas lights switch on. Christmas Lights Switch On.
49. Grow a tree from a pip. Edward VII And Ashmead's Kernel.
50. Explore Nottingham. Wollaton Hall. Shopping In Nottingham.
So there you have it. I've only managed to tick off twenty five things, and to be honest, some of the ones which haven't been crossed off could have easily been done. What this list has done is encourage me to do some of the things I've been wanting to do for a long time but just haven't got around to, such as Visit Scotland, Read Wuthering Heights and Watch a Sunset From a Beach. I think the thing I enjoyed the most was my trip to Wales, I discovered a part of the UK which I fell in love with and will most certainly visit again.
I may now be 50 but I intend to keep going with the list and cross off some more things. It's definitely been a fun thing to do.
You've done well even though you haven't done them all. Why not add 10 more things and do them before you're 60!
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased with the things that I have crossed off and I'm still going to continue with the list. I hope to have the majority of it done well before I'm 60.
DeleteI think you've done really well with your list, and more importantly you've enjoyed some wonderful experiences. It's great that you intend to keep it going and it's a good reminder to seize every opportunity to do what's important to us. X
ReplyDeleteI think it's been a very good reminder to do some of the things I've wanted to do for some time. It's so easy to put things on the back burner and forget about them but I've really enjoyed most of the things I've done on the list.
DeleteI hope to make a start on my list. I liked treat yourself one, something I too rarely too and with regards the social media, I really like instagram and have found it easy to use. I don't understand twitter at all but enjoy looking at the things on instagram.
ReplyDeleteI'm really pleased that I started the list even if I only completed half of it. That's reassuring to hear that Instagram is easy to use, I'm such a technophobe that I worry I won't be able to work things out.
DeleteYou could do two things in one go, try something new and book a course, like you I have a needle felting kit, I am looking for a course to attend so I can start this wonderful hobby.
ReplyDeleteI think the course I book will definitely be sewing, I haven't got a clue when it comes to machine sewing so it will be good to have a bit of help right from the beginning. Eleanor's had a go at needle felting and she found it really easy, she didn't take a course, so I'm hoping it will be the same for me.
DeleteOh, you've inspired me Jo! This is such a brilliant idea for someone like me - I find that the weeks slip by without achieving much and certainly things rarely get ticked off my wish list, although I did buy a new swimsuit the other day (not yet used though!) I have a two hour train journey tomorrow; I may use the time to think about what should be on my list!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely a fun thing to do and it's certainly helped me do more than I would otherwise have done. I've really enjoyed ticking things off, some things I've wanted to do for a long time but it's taken this list to get me going.
DeleteEating black pudding - now that is what I call brave. Facebook is a cinch after that. Facebook would be good for you as there are various groups that you could join that would link up with your hobbies.
ReplyDeleteI didn't manage the whole black pudding, it's not that it didn't taste very nice, it did, it was the thought of what I was eating which put me off. I never thought about the Facebook groups, I suppose that would definitely be a big plus for Facebook.
DeleteFor the Shakespeare, opera and ballet, have you considered the live screenings they show in the cinemas. I regularly go to the Odeon to see NT Live screenings of Shakespeare plays, which for me makes it convenient and affordable.
ReplyDeleteYou've done well with your list and it's encouraged me to do one for my first year of retirement. Thank you!
I've seen the live screenings of Shakespeare advertised, that would definitely be a good way of seeing one of the plays. A list for your first year of retirement sounds good, I look forward to seeing what you put on it.
DeleteWell done, Jo. Lots of us make these kinds of lists and don't achieve nearly as much as you have! :o)
ReplyDeleteI know I could have crossed more off the list if I'd tried a bit harder but at least I've got some lovely things still to look forward to.
DeleteI'm so impressed. You've set yourself fantastic challenges and did very well. I'm not even trying new year's resolutions any more, I never stick to them :-)
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I stopped making new year's resolutions but I really enjoy setting myself fun challenges, they're much easier to achieve.
DeleteNice post and pictures. Well done on doing as many as you did and enjoying them. As you're continuing you've plenty more things to look forward to. xx
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed so many of the things I've crossed off the list and I'm sure I'll continue to enjoy them as I cross more off.
DeleteYou've done well. I'd be afraid to make a list, I'm so not good at complaint things.
ReplyDeleteI think the main thing was adding things to the list which I knew I'd enjoy or which would be fun. I'm more inclined to tick things off if I'm enjoying them.
DeleteWell done you achieved so much, celebrate a wonderful achievement and don't dwell on what you didn't.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the things I've crossed off and I'll enjoy crossing off some more. I know I didn't complete them all in the time I set myself but that doesn't really matter, it's all just a bit of fun.
DeleteYou did 25 new things in two years, that is still pretty wonderful. Keep going, life is too short not to try fun things.
ReplyDeleteYou're right. I definitely intend to carry on with the list, the things I've done have been fun.
DeleteInteresting List!!!! Hooray for things done!
ReplyDeleteBut! Please! Get yourself a regular doctor. (Do you have them, in the UK?) He/she will keep track of all things about you.
And get yourself a gynecologist, for a regular yearly appointment.
50 is the time, to start to pay close attention to your health, if you have not done so before. A word to the wise. Do it... Please...
Yes, we have regular doctors in the UK and they're there whenever we need them. We're very lucky having the National Health Service here. As for 50 being the time to pay close attention to our health, I had cancer at the age of 32 so I do understand how important it is to keep a check on things and have done so for many years now.
DeleteThat was a pretty ambitious list and look how much you DID get done! I'm sure you'll have fun catching up with the ones you still want to do.
ReplyDeleteHappy 50th!
Thank you. It was fun seeing things getting ticked off the list so I definitely intend to carry on, there's still lots of fun things that I want to do.
DeleteWhat a fab idea - you could extend to 55 to finish off - but not the plastic bottle! x
ReplyDeleteI definitely thought better of the message in a bottle, I'd hate to be the cause of the death of a beautiful creature.
DeleteI really enjoyed reading this Jo,
ReplyDeleteVery well done you have achieved a lot.
You will have another one ticked off
when you go to the Ballet:)
You have made me think about some
things I want to do x
There's lots of simple things on the list like having a picnic, watching the sun set and keeping a journal, it's so easy to make a list of fun things to do.
DeleteI think you've done so well. You've visited some lovely places and ticked some great experiences off your list and created lots of happy memories too. Plus there are some good ones to look forward too.
ReplyDeleteLisa x
I've really loved the trips I've taken whilst crossing things off this list and there's still more to look forward to. I've thought of more places I'd like to visit too.
DeleteYou drew up a very exciting bucket list, love how many you managed and are about too.xxx
ReplyDeleteThey were mostly fun things which I knew I'd enjoy doing so I'm more than happy to continue with the list and tick off the things I haven't yet managed to complete.
DeleteAn impressive list. I'm not good at making goals/list etc things just roll or don't. I make lists to be organized when I travel, but that's different.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
It was more of a list of things I knew I'd enjoy doing, which makes this list much easier to complete rather than goals etc. I don't think there's anything more satisfying that ticking things off a list.
DeleteWell done Jo to have ticked off many of the things you've wanted to do. I love it that there's such a variety on your list that satisfies the mind and body, some done for others, some done with others and some done in quiet times. All the best as you complete more on your list.
ReplyDeleteThere's certainly a variety of things on the list, I think that's what's kept it interesting. I'm sure I'll manage to tick off a few more things in the coming months.
DeleteWell done on completing so many items on your list. It´s been fun reading about your trips etc and ticking off the boxes. I hope you can find a good course to set you up to use your sewing machine, maybe now its September there will be a few. Years ago I bought a knitting machine and enrolled in night school, it certainly helped although now I just prefer two needles lol xcx
ReplyDeleteThere don't seem to be many places which hold courses around here, I remember the local schools holding night school but they don't do that anymore, such a shame. I think I shall have to look further afield but I won't let it put me off.
DeleteYou've done well. I love a list, I find it makes me more inclined to do something if I've written it down. I'd like to go to the ballet or the opera too. At my local cinema they show live screenings of both and I'm tempted to try those before traveling any distance to see 'the real thing'.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the rest
x
I love lists too, probably one of the reasons I love my Filofax so much, lots of lists in there. We're really lucky here, we have some great theatres which stage so many wonderful performances.
DeleteCongratulations on ticking so many things off your list, I think you did really well.
ReplyDeleteI was looking for a beginners sewing course to, like you have said the local schools used to do them but they don't seem to do it round here either anymore. I know Hobby Craft do very basic introduction one, you would think they would do more really seeing as they sell machines.
It's so hard to find classes for anything these days, I suppose more and more people are turning to online classes, which I must admit, I'm thinking of myself. I really wish night school was still a thing, it would be so convenient.
Deletefascinating glimpse into your goals ! Adopt an animal! Love the horse
ReplyDeleteRedwings, where I adopted Gulliver, the horse, is such a lovely place. It's so tranquil and the horses there live such happy lives after such a bad start.
DeleteCongratulations and happy birthday, Jo! I'm so proud of you, I think you did amazingly well. I'm sorry to be pretty behind on your blog right now, but I hope you had a wonderful birthday and that all is going well with you and your family. Take care.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I had a wonderful birthday. I'm making the most of these last couple of weeks now that Eleanor has at home before she returns to uni.
DeleteHi Jo,so sorry.I will read through the posts I have missed,slowly.Congratulations on your 50th,sorry I missed it.hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you. I had a lovely birthday.
DeleteI think you did really well crossing off even half of them. Loots of lovely things still to come and they do say "Life begins and 50" don't they? lol xx
ReplyDeleteI hope so. I can't say I feel any different now that I'm 50 but I think I am beginning to feel that life is whizzing past, I do wish it would slow down.
DeleteWow, you've done so much in 2 years but more importantly had fun. I've mixed views about facebook - I do use it & it's good for being in 'interest groups 'such as crochet etc and I'd be lost without being able to connect with the bookclub members or the knit & natter ladies. I might need to actually pick up the phone and speak to them! I say that in all seriousness. It's great to connect & share news and views but like texting, fb has made us all a bit lazy I think. One bookclub membed refuses to do texting, e-mail and fb. No, she says, phone me if you want to speak to me. She has a point.
ReplyDeleteYou must do as you wish Jo. I love it, would be lost without it, though I regularly scale down groups and pgs I've joined / liked. Generally if I chat to peeps in a group, I don't friend them individually. All the best x
I have managed to cross off quite a few things, but there's still plenty to do. I'm not sure whether I'll join Facebook or not, Instagram is the thing that I'm swaying towards as it seems there's lots of crafters on there. Perhaps I should give it all a try and then see which I prefer.
DeleteWell done Jo. I know I've read all those posts & remembered so much of what you did. I think getting half done in two years is a credit to you. Look forward to hearing about more. Thanks for the update, take care & huggles.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed blogging about each thing as I ticked it off. Hopefully there'll be more to come.
DeleteI think you have done so well with your list, and good to see it again and all your lovely photographs … that sunset is amazing.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for continuing it ...
All the best Jan
I'm really glad that I started the list, it's enabled me to tick off some of the things I've been wanting to do, even if I didn't manage everything. I'm sure a few more will get ticked off before I'm done.
DeleteWell, I for one am impressed by everything that you ticked off your list - setting a deadline is a wonderful idea, really encouraging us to do all those things that we really want to do but keep putting off till later. My daughter has taken to doing seasonal bucket lists i.e. summer bucket list, fall bucket list, etc. and we actually ended up doing quite a few things that we otherwise wouldn't have done because of that.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the seasonal bucket lists, I think they're a really good idea and something I may adopt myself in the future. I've really enjoyed ticking off things I've been wanting to do and will continue with the list for a while longer.
DeleteWell done you on achieving a lot of your Bucket List,love the photos,thanks for sharing.I am now over 60,and have not achieved anything lol.I must address this Anxiety thingy maybe I could achieve more.Cuddles for Archie.xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sure you've achieved plenty of things. I've found that making a list gives me the push I need to do lots of things I've been meaning to do for a while.
Delete