2011 - Make It Happen

So... the start of this year, a friend and I decided that things needed to change. Previous years have seen the two of us want to experience so much, yet never get around to actually doing much, if any of it. 
Both having different reasons for wanting to do something like this. She is far more confidant than I am. Loving challenges and trying things at least once. Whereas I am quite a defeatist and tend to back out of quite a lot of things that I would love to do, without trying. A habit that I really must snap out of - quickly. 
Anyway, we decided it would be a good idea to help each other out. Compiling a list of things we want to get out of the way by the end of this year, and tick them all off together. 
I do realise that it is now actually May, which has come around quite quickly I may add. And unfortunately there has just been one thing from my list I have achieved. But there is still plenty of time and once I am out of my current routine I'll get these done at a steadier pace. 
Now this isn't the Worlds most exciting set of things to do, I am aware. However, these are my interests and what make me happy. So that is all that counts really, isn't it?


Concerts

Gigs and concerts have been a massive part of my life since childhood. Moreover, when I reached an age I could travel around the country with friends to attend them. The amount I have been to is ridiculous... seriously! Sadly, though, in recent years there have not been many. 

There are quite a few artists I would really love to see, and probably wouldn't be possible to do all in this year. Nevertheless, I would certainly give it a stab, at least. 

Professor Green, Tinchy Stryder, Matt Morrison, Taio Cruz, Rihanna, Tinie Tempah and Plan B to name a few. Tiesto is definitely way up there on top, though.

Weight Loss

Pretty much been a chubby-boom-bastic from my late teens onwards. Once out of school I went straight into work in unsociable hours. That is basically where the eating routine became messed up. Hence how I now have a habit of very rarely eating before 1pm, and terrible for switching the oven on at 1am.

My goal is to lose three stone. However, in reality, somewhere closer to four would be better. 

At my last weighing, just over one stone had been lost. That was one month ago now, so with any luck, more has been shifted. 

Days of not fitting into nice clothes and being uncomfortable with myself must go - pronto!

NUFC Tatoo

   Needles are one of my biggest phobias, but have wanted a NUFC tattoo for around three years. It is on the list, but if I am honest, it will probably get put off again, as it already has so many times. My ideal tattoo are the letters N.U.F.C across the back of my neck, just like it is on the collar of our home kit :)

Go-Karting

This is something I have wanted to do for so long. My first memories of Go-Karts are when on holiday at Butlins as a kid, getting really frustrated at it not being part of the freebie rides in the 'fun-fair'. I remember thinking my parents were selfish for not paying for us to have a go, and still joke with my Da that my childhood was ruined because of this.  

Haven’t really seen them around much since those days. Although, there was a brilliant one in Orlando a couple of years back, but I could not convince my then boyfriend to go on them with me. So the urge continues...

California

I have been to America three times now and not once visited California. A place I have been dying to get to for as long as I can remember. 

On my first trip to USA I traveled around a handful of states with some friends. California was meant to be the last of our stops, but plans had to be changed when friend got a job she applied for. How inconsiderate? :p

The second time was just a couple of weeks in Orlando with an ex, and the 3rd I spent the whole summer out there. San Diego, Los Angeles and San Fransisco were all on my intended route after finishing in New York. Unfortunately, and quite typically, it fell through.

I am back in the states again this summer, and want this to be the fourth time lucky. Here is hoping I do not come back with more regrets...

Record a track 

Yes, people who know me will understand that this is quite a challenge I have set for myself. Especially with low confidence levels like mine

I do love to sing, but I tend to do it when there is nobody around. However, I have been caught out a few times and been told that I do have an ok voice.

The friend of mine who is joining me in this list has already done three of her own tracks. And even for her, someone with the balls to do pretty much anything, she found this quite tough. Still, she did it. Not only that, but in front of a rather famous band member from the 90's. And regardless of them being best friends, she was still nervous. So what does that say for me? I can easily see this being the last thing I do on the list. But... I will do it!

Theatre

The first time I went to the theatre I was a teenager. It was for free, and embarrassingly it was an incredibly cheesy show called 'Boyband'. Quite fitting at the time, seen as those years revolved around them.
Anyhow, even though I have only been half a dozen times, I still like to class this as one of my favourite things to do. This is the one thing on the list that has been ticked off so far. 
I hadn't seen anything since Jerry Springer around five years ago. I recently saw 'In A Forest Dark & Deep' in London though, which I would honestly recommend. It is quite intense and had many twists. And the very few times that humour was used, it was hilarious.

Of course, there was an added bonus of Matthew fox being lead role. A fantastic actor, who is hot if you ask me ;) I managed to meet him after the show too, but the picture is hideous!


Childcare

Taking a childcare course and getting my qualifications are easily the most important thing that I want to get started on. 

Upon leaving school I went into office based work straight away. Quickly grew up, became more independent and before I knew it, was stuck in a routine that would be hard to get out of. Working was for paying rent, electricity, food... you know, all the things you once got for free. And long, unsociable hours, on top of needing to earn, meant there wasn't really room to study.

It's probably one of my biggest regrets, not doing this sooner. And God only knows I have had it in the ear for years, and years about being 'wasted'. 

Anyway, I was made redundant a couple of years ago. Took a year out to clear my mind, and work out what to do with life. A little hard, as without sounding cocky, there are a few interests that I know I am good at. 

I decided that my ultimate goal would to become a Primary School Teacher, and do photography as a hobby on the side. Weddings and studio in-particular. Although football games would be the highest achievement, but that's a different story...

Well... I am about to start my second year in America working with kids. Which I absolutely love, and it is great for my CV. And once back from the states, the childcare course shall begin... hopefully I will be hearing 'Good morning Miss Ball' in no time... :)