# 17 – Learn an Instrument

I thought this was a great challenge and apologise as I have forgotten who set it. There are few times in life (well as an adult anyway) where you feel able to make time to learn something new and challenge oneself. So what instrument did I choose? The ruler of course! A handy instrument that can be played wherever there is a table and can be bought for a mere 25p! I opted for the 30cm ruler. 15cm rulers have a limiting range and metre sticks, whilst providing a good bass tone, are challenging to play! My instructor was the world famous ruler player – Dan Wieden. His book ‘Guide to Ruler Playing’ has grounded me in the basics of successful ruler playing. Below are a few extracts from his book:

‘Using your weaker hand (whilst your other hand is holding) you are free to begin fingering…but how you choose to finger is entirely up to you. Have a little play around and see what you feel comfortable with.’

‘...a metal ruler is great for solos in a plastic ruler band.’

‘…and remember the only limits of the ruler are the measurements of your imagination.’

Take a listen to one my performances - ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ which I chose because let’s be honest, whoever came up with playing the ruler must having been puffing the magic dragon! If you enjoy this let me know and I might just do a little Christmas number as a follow up!

 

# 31 - Have a baby!

Yes the blog is ‘To experience thirty’ and I do know 31 comes after 30! When I was asking people to nominate experiences for me to complete this year several people suggested I add having a baby! As this is something you cannot completely control, I decided it should not go on the list. However, as soon as we found out we were pregnant the bump became known as 31 and I felt therefore deserved a post. 31 was born on 27^th October 2012 at 10.52am weighing 7lb 14oz after a long 39 hour labour! Nathanael (Nate) has to be my favourite challenge so far!

 

# 19 – Write a children’s book.

So I was slightly dreading this one. I went for a picture book (minus the pictures - we all know I’m no artist!). As I am sure you are aware you cannot submit stories to publishers without an agent, so instead I sent it to an agent. Are they going to read it? Probably not, but this way I feel I can cross it off the list. At some point I will share the whole story with you but for now the below synopsis will give you some idea:

‘Have you seen a hopping hare anywhere?’ is based around a hare named Geoffrey who cannot find his son Harvey. As he goes to look for his son, he finds many helpful animals along the way, who offer their support. Geoffrey however, lacks focus and often gets distracted. This results in him losing not only his son but several other animals too. Thanks to a helpful fidgeting field-mouse, Geoffrey is finally reunited with his son Harvey, who had secretly been preparing a surprise birthday feast for his dad!

# 23 – Wear a mask for the whole day

I did consider cheating and doing this on Halloween, when I could have blended in with more of the public, but I thought better of it. The mask was a simple purple eye mask (I think based on a bat – but at £1 I didn’t care too much!). I put it on as soon as I woke up, perhaps a mistake as taking a shower in a mask is not advisable! My day was quite chilled but you really have no peripheral vision in masks so I cannot lie, at times I ‘wore’ it on my forehead. My trip to the local Co-Op was interesting. As with the Santa hat experience people were terribly polite, just the odd second glance. The mask overly matched my coat and it did appear as though I was trying to dress like some sort of superhero, perhaps a little embarrassing considering my age and the fact that I’m 9 months pregnant! However, after leaving the Co-op, we had to return to hand in a wallet we found in the car-park – heroic?!?

Update

Firstly I must apologise for my absence. I feel as though I have somewhat neglected my challenges and experiences over the last few months. I attribute some of this to being heavily pregnant (although I must confess to having a very neat little bump and well behaved baby!) and some of this to pure laziness!  With less than two weeks until D Day and the realisation that post baby the challenges will become even harder to complete I thought I ought to review what I have completed and what is still left to do. So here’s the list:

 

I have begun number 12 – 'Learn to juggle', but must confess it is not coming naturally to me, so am still working on it! There are a some others that I feel I should be able to complete pre-baby so unless 31 arrives early I hope to cross off a couple more over the next two weeks.

Thanks for your patience and if you want to join me for any of them, just let me know!

# 26 – Wear contacts to work

So this seems simple right?! Sadly for me this has not been so easy; hence someone set it for me! Now please don’t think it’s because I’m scared or poking my eye, or think I somehow pull off the ‘sexy teacher’ look when wearing my glasses (I don’t!). Instead the truth is far more boring. I have keratoconus.

‘Keratoconus (from Greek: kerato- horn, cornea; and konos cone) is a degenerative disorder of the  eye in which structural changes within the cornea cause it to thin and change to a more conical shape than its normal gradual curve.’ (Wikipedia 2012)

So due to this, over the past 10 years several hospitals have struggled to create lenses that can properly sit in my eyes. I have tried various styles of lenses, many of which have been made to measure, but sadly with little success. However, thanks to a locum optician I saw in TESCO last year I was informed of a new brand of lenses (Kerasoft) which are designed with my condition in mind. Privately these would have been out of my reach (£300 for the initial consultation alone), however, thanks to a helpful receptionist at an alternative opticians I was informed that if I could get referred to specific hospital they outsource their contact lenses to this optician and I could then get them on the NHS. To cut a long story short I now have Kerasoft lenses! Are they really comfy? No, but they do fit and so I have FINALLY been able to wear lenses to work. I wore them when teaching at the end of last term and today I wore them for an INSET day so I truthfully feel I can cross of number 26. Let’s just hope I can keep wearing them.

# 24 – Visit a UK city that you have never been to before

I liked the idea of this experience a lot as I’ve done a far bit of global travelling but my knowledge of UK towns and cities is shamefully poor! I was however concerned as to when I would have time to complete this challenge. With my weekends getting very full and 31s arrival getting closer and closer time was running out. However, during our three day mini break in Wales (see experience 27) we crossed back over the border to the nearby city of Hereford. It was a lovely city. We visited the cathedral which has beautiful grounds and pottered around the centre. It has a real agricultural feel (similar to Taunton) with a good number of shops. There was a small market going on in the centre where we bought our first ever antique. Slightly randomly this was a yoke Bristol to Taunton sign from a dray horse on the canal. With me being from Bristol and my husband from Taunton we thought it might look cool in our home. Overall we had a lovely day in Hereford and I’d recommend visiting if you are nearby.

# 27 – Sleep in a gypsy caravan

I was super excited about this experience as it is something I have wanted to do for years.  Being married to a man who is almost 6’5” has meant it has been a no go as Romany caravans are unsuitable for 6’ and above. However, thanks to whoever set this, I began the hunt again and found http://www.cottage-holiday-wales.co.uk/romany_gypsy_caravan_vardo_let_wales.shtml a Romany caravan plus cabin (which houses a sofa bed). For my birthday, my lovely husband then surprised me by booking us in for three nights in the summer. It was AWESOME. Beautiful caravan and the cabin had a lovely bathroom and kitchen. Thankfully the husband managed to sleep all three nights in the caravan but it reassured him knowing the sofa bed was there if he got too squashed (my 7 month bump probably didn’t help either!). Really recommend it. We had great weather so didn’t get to use either of the wood-burners, but enjoyed the private garden and views of the Welsh hills. Thanks again for the experience.

# 13 - Put a piece of art in an auction

Okay so I am no artist. In fact when choosing my GCSE options my dance, drama and music teachers suggested I took their subjects for GCSE, my art teacher did not! So this was always going to be tough. I thought about eBay (well that is an auction site) but figured that would be cheating. So I put it in a ‘real’ auction, albeit a silent auction. Oh and did I mention it was at my school summer fete! So the art itself was created using blue, red and white acrylic paints and a potato masher (yes that’s right a potato masher!). It was aptly named ‘A drop in the ocean’ as it if you look closely you will notice one white mash ‘dropped’ into the picture! The auction description named me as a local artist - LJH. It gained two bids and sold for an incredible £3! Best of all, the final bidder waited to the end to ensure she won it. However, I must confess the winner was a 9 year old girl who just happened to be the only child in the school to know that this local artist was in fact her very own teacher, Mrs Stone (her mum is the chair of the PTA so had to be in on my secret!). So the frame may have cost more than it sold for but the school gained £3 and I ticked off number 13!

# 3 – Wear a Santa hat whilst shopping in June

When Jill set me this experience I imagine she was picturing a sunny June day, people out and about in town with shorts and shades. Just over a week ago this might have been the case, but it is the school holidays and what does that mean in good old Blighty? Rain of course! To be fair it wasn’t raining today but the sun was far far away. So with a Santa hat to hand, or rather on my head (thanks for the loan Rosie), I headed into Maidenhead town centre. First stop, brunch at Costa. A few odd looks but as I was to discover over the course of the morning, British people are far too polite – the odd glance then walk on. To make it more festive I had my preferred Christmas beverage of choice – mint hot chocolate…mmm! The rest of the morning was spent in good old Wilko, Poundworld, Card Factory (can you tell money’s a little tight at the mo!) and Tesco. It was an interesting morning, if not a little embarrassing especially as I NEVER bump into people I know in town and today I saw at least six, and perhaps more friendly faces were out and about but after seeing the hat – stayed clear! My husband was ever so kind and when I said how out of place I looked he replied “Don’t worry it’ll just look like I’m your carer and we’re on a day trip.” No Comment!

# 5 – Run the Marlow 5

Finished!

So for those of you who don’t know the Marlow 5 is a five mile race around Marlow, Buckinghamshire. I think around 1400 people entered this year and to give you some idea of the skill level the fastest time was 24.5 mins! So the plan was to start training in January and aim for about a 50 minute finish. That was until I learnt of 31 and was advised not to start running. This was good advice as I’m currently waiting on physio for my pelvis. However, I could not be defeated by yet another challenge, so I entered all the same. My plan was to power-walk the race. Two of my lovely friends (Emma and Kelly) offered to walk with me. This is especially kind as they both have respectable previous Marlow 5 times and today’s race was never going to be a personal best! So we walked (quickly I promise). The hope was to complete it in 1hr10. We were over taken by everything from push chairs to 90 year olds but we kept smiling and reminded everyone that we had the key role of bringing up the rear!  The patronising claps and ‘come on you can do it,’ irritated us and made us smile all at the same time. Advice however to race marshals, never ask a runner ‘are you the last?’ This is NOT motivational and at this point NO WE WEREN’T! There was a whole two runners behind us! We got to the home stretch and ran for the crowd. I must explain we were running for our school (hence the nasty yellow vests!) and you feel obliged to run when children cheer you on! As we crossed the finish line and our names were called out, the commentator said, ‘I don’t think these girls were really running, more like having a party.’ I liked this statement, it was far less patronising than, ‘well done’ which when you are almost last doesn’t sound so genuine. Once we received our medals and neon T-Shirts we had the chance to cheer the last two runners in. Now I know what you’re thinking, how hypocritical to disapprove off patronising cheerers and then to become one yourself. But I cannot lie, I didn’t think I’d get a chance to cheer anyone once I’d finished. So as bad as it is, I cheered and it felt good! My chip finish time was 01:12:40. Slower than we’d hoped but less than 15 minutes per mile, and you must remember we did WALK the whole thing, well except the last 50 metres! Thanks for the challenge Emma, but more so for walking with me, thank you too Kelly and Ruth for looking after my bag!

# 29 – Have a fish pedicure

So on Easter Monday I was strolling through the streets of Exeter – enjoying a rare day off with the husband when I saw a fish spa. I was going to walk past but then thought I ought to at least check the price. Before we’d even crossed the road the owner stepped outside and persuaded us to at least take a look inside. I was pleased we did. The treatment began with a foot inspection (sounds horrible but it was very reassuring that they don’t let anyone in the tanks with infested feet!). Next was a five minute regular foot spa, to make sure my feet were nice and clean for the fish to nibble on.  I was given the middle aged fish (this also means middle size). As the spa was pretty empty I had one foot per tank, rather than the usual two feet in one tank. I couldn’t quite bring myself to put my feet into the fish so had to ask the owner to force my feet in!  She promised me it would only tickle for two minutes and she was right. The remainder of the fifteen minutes felt a little like pins and needles but without the pain. Finally I was given a 5 minute foot massage with a choice of creams. My feet were left super, super smooth! Overall for a 25 minute treatment I thought it was £15 well spent but it was not relaxing enough that I would do it regularly.  Anyway to whoever suggested this experience my feet and I THANK YOU!

# 4 – Climb Snowdon

My first semi defeat – I’m gutted! Now I have to confess to not completing this experience in the way I would have wanted. I would love to have climbed the whole way up on foot and believe me this was the plan – however, the VW campervan (as fun as it was) hampered this plan. We arrived in Snowdon so late (due to our restricted speed limit!) that it was clear that we would not make it up and down the mountain in daylight. No worries, we thought we can walk up and get the train down. So we went to buy train tickets only to be told you cannot buy a train ticket down until you are at the top and will then only get a ticket if the train is not full. We asked how likely it would be to get a ticket down and were told “I suggest you get a ticket up and walk back.” This made me very sad but we felt as if we were left with no options. So we got the train up. I’d love to say the views were beautiful but you are packed in like sardines (we had a Chinese student who was petrified of the spider in our carriage – think someone needs to explain to him how harmless British spiders really are!) and the mist was so dense there was no view to been seen. The train stops just short of the summit so I was at least able to ‘climb’ the last bit of Snowdon – although I felt like a cheat with every step. The walk down was lovely. The occasional break in the mist revealed some beautiful scenery. I WILL go back and ‘climb’ Snowdon in the true sense but fear it may not be until after I am thirty so felt I must blog this entry and confess my failure. Emma, thank you for the suggestion – I’m only sorry the outcome wasn’t slightly better (was still lovely to be in your homeland!).

# 21 – Try a VW campervan holiday

So the first weekend of the Easter hols was spent in Tango – the 1965 VW camper. Tim (the husband) picked me up on my birthday from the pub (end of term essential drinks) – I think I heard him before I saw him! Tango is lovely but she is loud (mainly due to her original engine!). We drove from Marlow to a campsite in Oswestry, this took quite a while as our max speed was 50 mph and the engine cuts out every time you have to slow down resulting in forced coasting around roundabouts whilst trying to restart the engine. The next day we drove on towards Snowdon for experience number 4. Overall we had a great weekend in the van, even if the nights were pretty darn cold. The drive home was as fun, and challenging, as was the ride up. We continued to get flashes and beeps of respect from other VWs, mountain bikers, Mini Coopers and even a Porsche! A fun birthday weekend – thanks to whoever suggested it!

# 11 - Camp out in the garden in winter

So onto number 11 – To camp out in the garden in winter. I have to admit I was hoping to achieve this one last month but our weekends got very busy and suddenly it was March. Now there is quite a debate as to when winter ends and spring begins but according to the article below it is still very much winter:

"They may say that 1 March is the first day of spring - which it is not - but it certainly doesn't feel like it," says the seasonally named Sir Nicholas Winterton, Conservative MP for Macclesfield.

He is supported by Stuart Bell, Labour MP for Middlesbrough, who says: "Spring starts on March 20/21 and if the Met Office are not aware of this simple fact, it reflects a casual approach to facts, which is all too inherent today."

Historically spring starts on the day of the vernal equinox, which usually occurs on the night of 20/21 March.

Vernal comes originally from the Latin word for bloom and refers to the fact that, in the northern hemisphere, this equinox marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

An equinox is a time when the nights are as long as the days and the vernal equinox is recognised the world over as the start of the new astrological cycle.

Extract taken from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/4767522.stm

So based on this research I camped out on 10^th March 2012.

So thanks to Sharon, who lent me a tent (I am now officially a convert to pop up tents!) I snuggled down to bed at 10ish. My mother-in –law who set this experience said no hot water bottles. Now those of you that know me will know how tough this was for me – I have them all the time! But I kept to the rules. I only woke once a little cold at 3am and was struck by the amazing sound of bird-song!  It really was amazing as it’s not something I usually bother to listen to. By 3.30am however, the sheer volume of bird-song was driving me slightly insane! I did manage to get back to sleep but at half six it was time to leave my tent and venture back inside where I won’t lie I may have had an early morning nap! Overall it was a fun experience. I felt like a kid again! So if you’re bored one day why not try it – although maybe wait until summer!

# 30 - Spend a day in character

So yesterday I spent the day as Snow White. On Thursday 1^st of March it was World Book Day but my school decided to celebrate this on Friday. So I felt this would be the perfect day to tick off experience number 30 – To  spend a day in character. The decision to be Snow White was quite simple – we had the costume! What is worrying is the costume actually belongs to Tim (my husband) as he was made to wear if for his stag do as his height ‘dwarfs’ people.

So onto the day. After a quick glass of juice I headed off to work via Starbucks. There was quite a few laughs as I entered to order my breakfast and this was possibly the most embarrassing part of my day as it was the only time I was totally alone. The woman serving me did that awkward laugh where she wasn’t sure if she should laugh but couldn’t keep it in! School was easy as everyone was dressed up so I looked relatively normal! In my class alone I had witches, wizards, many Greek Gods and Goddesses and even Jesus! After school I met Tim for a meal out. The restaurant was a little confused but surprisingly there were no laughs just a LOT of odd stares. These continued out on the streets as we walked backed to the car. Blockbusters went well – we found ‘my DVD’ and had a great chat with the staff who loved the outfit and were very keen to hear of the next few challenges!

Overall, a fun, if a little embarrassing, day but sadly none of my seven dwarfs showed up!

# 1 - See a show on Broadway

So I thought this would be one of the easiest experiences to complete. Tim and I were off to New York in February, so liking to be organised, I booked tickets to see the Lion King on Broadway the night we arrived. What I did not take into account was the prospect of a delayed flight! So we arrived in Times Square after the Lion King had finished! This meant we spent our first morning in New York queuing in Times Square for new theatre tickets. It was a freezing (and I mean so cold that I actually lost the ability to balance as my toes had gone so numb!) one and a half hour wait. It was however a very sociable time talking to the promoters who were of course all out of work actors who desperately wanted to entertain the crowd. We also had a lovely chat with a lady who lives in New York with her British boyfriend, they met when she did an exchange year at Oxford University and also an old man who had be stationed in London post war. Finally we reached the front of the queue and were able to get matinee tickets for Anything Goes. An old 1930s classic which won awards last year for being the best new revival. So that afternoon I crossed off the first thing on my list – I saw a show on Broadway and it was GREAT!

Shameless Blog Promotion

Where better to promote a Blog than in Times Square, New York?! Up for 12 hours - oh yeah!

The List

Here's the list!

With thanks to: Tim, Roz, Julia H, Julia C, Emma B, Emma D, Becci & Simon, Gwyn & Glyn, Jenny, Jill, Cathy,  Ruth M, Chloe, Amalia, Emma DE, Ruth I and all the other people who have set the above challenges and experiences! 

Here's to the next 15 months! x