Inspiration just next door
May 11th, 2010
My next door neighbour at work, Amalia, has just embarked on a brand new endeavour – as a cast member of an amateur radio theatre production.
I am excited because it is always great to see people try new things, and she seems to be having a great time so far.
And it means I get to experience 1940’s radio theatre in a month’s time when the production starts (Nat and I will be there, cheering her on).
If you are in London at the start of June, why not head along too. Buy tickets here.
Teux Deux
March 21st, 2010
A to-do list is a neat way of keeping track of what you need to get done.
I like to-do lists (as you might have guessed!) and was really impressed when I stumbled across Teux Deux recently.
It is a recently launched free to-do tool and what I like about it is that is so simple (or as they describe it, minimalist).
My favourite bit is the logically-named ‘Someday’ section, where you can jump throw stuff in that you want to do ’someday’.

I have been using it for a while now, and think that if you are looking for a easy-to-use to-do list tool, give it a try.
Head to the website to sign up.
And good luck with your teux-deux lists!
3 years to go…
March 7th, 2010
I turn 27 next Wednesday, which will mark 3 years until the big ‘three-o’, and the end of Project 183.
There are still 119 goals to achieve. Splitting this over 3 years, that means about 40 goals a year, or about 3-4 goals a month.
It is going to be a big three years! Thanks to everyone who has been along for the ride so far.
The ultimate jetsetter
January 28th, 2010

Just read about Kashi Samaddar, an Indian man who has set a world record by travelling to EVERY country in the world. Read all about it here.
His journey took just over six years, and £350,000 to complete, and came with many misfortunes along the way, including being stuck in Nauru for a month and a half after the plane out of the island was cancelled eight times.
A genuine jetsetter if ever there was one.
Need a hand with your 2010 resolution?
January 1st, 2010
Monina Velarde, a clever designer, has developed a simple tool for anyone struggling to come up with their new year’s resolution.
Head to the site, click one button, and your inspirational resolution is delivered. Simple.
Check it out here.
Hello 2010. Goodbye 2009.
December 31st, 2009

Have a great night tonight everyone, and thanks for taking an interest in my project during 2009.
Here’s to a big 2010!
Nigel Parker
December 6th, 2009
I have written occasionally on this blog about people who inspire me.
Now I have decided to make this more of a regular feature of the blog, and when I hear about someone who does something inspirational, or even just plain nice, I am going to shout about it for everyone to hear.
Which brings me to Nigel Parker, who was given the honour of turning on the Christmas light at Portishead this year (a very big honour that is usually reserved for celebrities). Nigel looks to be one of the nicest blokes around, and if you are feeling a little down today, just take a leaf from Nigel’s book.
Here’s the video. If you come across anyone that you think is an inspiration, please let me know. Everyone needs a little inspiration.
Too late? Never!
October 18th, 2009
Sometimes, sources of inspiration are on your doorstep.
One of the people at my work is a guy called Stephen.
Stephen is a unique character. He is never short of a story, is always friendly and happy around the office, and he is someone that personifies the spirit of never believing it is too late to start something new.
Despite being what some might describe as a member of ‘the older generation’ (he has just turned 60 and proudly holds a Freedom Pass), Stephen has not let the opportunities of life slip him by. Let me give you a couple of examples.
At 50, despite never having ridden a motorbike before, Stephen bought a Harley Davidson. While waiting for the bike to arrive at the showroom, he learnt how to ride, got his license, and when the Harley was ready to pick up, he successfully drove the bike home.

And just this year, a burning desire to learn guitar was finally realised, with Stephen starting guitar lessons once a week and putting to use the Fender he bought a few years earlier.
Too often I hear people say that it is too late to start this, or too late to do that.
To them I say – it is NEVER too late!
And for the thousands of Stephens out there that are living proof of this, thanks.
Can’t Be Arsed
September 26th, 2009
I came across this book in the bookshop today. Probably the perfect antidote for anyone who doesn’t want to start up a list.

I flicked through it at the shop (didn’t buy it of course, as it might have an adverse effect on my list!), and found it quite amusing.
Here is the snippet of the description from Amazon:
Can’t Be Arsed is a hilarious diatribe that takes a detailed look at the alternative side of the 101 most frequently cited must do’s, revealing the ugly details that most of these guidebooks conveniently ignore. It gives off-putting facts and statistics to quote at holier-than-thou thrillseekers, so the next time somebody tells you that you simply must swim with dolphins, read Kafka in Prague, or go skydiving, you can tell them exactly where to get off.
So, if you are looking for some light relief to the pressure of making and completing a list, check out Can’t Be Arsed.
Get it online here.
The biggest non-goal achieved so far
August 23rd, 2009
Might seem slightly bizarre that this one didn’t make the list (especially as I struggled to think of the last 20 or 30 goals!).
But it didn’t make it.
Not that it was a goal that I didn’t want to achieve.
Anyhoo, it is now a goal that has been achieved.
What was the goal?
To get engaged (and then married).
That’s right readers. Nat and I are now engaged to be married!
I am officially a grown-up now, complete with fiance status, and a big bill from the beautiful engagement ring that Nat now wears on her finger.
I have to say – this is the best non-goal I think I have ever achieved.
I love you Nat – thanks for agreeing to continue putting up with me!



