My "24 for 24" List
This is the fourth time I am writing up this list and sharing on the blog. I really like this framework as life admin and bucket list items can be mixed on the same list. If you would like to learn more or get some tips Gretchen Rubin has a very helpful article.
1. Renovate my kitchen. Last year I wanted to save up for kitchen but that wasn't 100% successful. I did save, but kitchens are expensive! So the new plan is to beg, borrow or steal to make it happen. It's no longer simply an aesthetic issue, the kitchen has many safety issues, and needs a complete overhaul.
2. Furnish my spare room. This has been painted and it has curtains now (progress!) but it doesn't have much purpose. I would like to get a small desk, and set up some noticeboards so it finally becomes my HQ.
3. Attend 40 ballet classes. I put a vague version of this on my "23 for 23" list, but I want to try again with a more specific goal. I was very inspired by Liz Craft, who committed to a certain number of hikes in 2023, and blew through her target!
4. Complete a comedy course. Specifically, I want to sign up to the new BBC Maestro class from Bill Lawrence (creator of Scrubs!) on Writing Comedy for Television. Perhaps I should sign up soon, because next up on my list is...
5. Enter three comedy writing competitions. There are three opportunities coming up: David Nobbs Memorial Trust (16 March), BAFTA Rocliffe Comedy Script Competition (21 March), and Sitcom Mission (28 April), and I I'm sure more will be announced throughout the year
6. Do 100 Days of Meditation. For some reason, I am feeling very motivated to give daily meditation a try (and not just because I have the stickers!). To be clear, I am a fan of guided meditations so I will go with those for now.
7. Keep up reading 20 mins a day. I love reading, but to keep up consistent reading I need to have "page turners" around. To ensure that I have made 10 reservations for books that have been recommended by Crime Reads. My library seems to stock most of the recommendations, so hopefully this will keep me replenished with crime novels and thrillers.
8. Go to 12 exhibitions. This should be a simple one, and I can use my Daily Meditation Set to track my progress. I can start with a visit to Crossness Pumping Station (yes, it is classified as a museum).
9. Get 6 massages. Okay, this one is going to be more challenging for me, as it seems very extravagant, but I do enjoy a good massage, and would like more of them in my life.
10. Upgrade my luggage. My carry-on was bought many years ago on Putney High Street (and served me well) but it makes a lot of noise when being wheeled about - not conducive to getting my steps at the airport! Monos looks intriguing!
11. Complete volunteer registration. And complete one six week volunteer session with Doorstep Library.
12. Make homemade hazelnut liqueur. I am completely obsessed with a small-batch German hazelnut liqueur, which is not available in the UK, I want to try and make my own, using this recipe as a guide.
13. Try two new recipes. Okay for the chefs out there this must seem crazy, but I have been struggling with cooking so much I have actually signed up for Hello Fresh. Having said, that two recipes have caught my eye: Coconut Shrimp Tacos (to bring back San Francisco memories), and Chicken and Rice (in honour of Patricia and Nox, two colleagues at a late night coffee shop I worked at in my 20s).
14. Listen to music more often. Anyone who knows me knows most of my sentences start with "On a podcase I was listening to....". Is that going to change any time soon? No. But I'd like to add music back into my life - it can have such an impact on mood!
15. No spend March. And April, and May, and June! This is mainly so I can save enough to tackle my kitchen and spare room.
16. Watch old TV. The list is long new: Mrs. Columbo, Homicide Life on the Street (RIP Andre Braugher), Almost Perfect (writer from Frasier and host of one my favourite podcasts), Maude and maybe even some Mary Tyler Moore if I can track it down. I'd also love to rewatch some episodes of my childhood favourites: The Carol Burnet Show, Cybill, and Caroline in the City.
17. Attend at least one nostalgic gig. Over the last few years I have been lucky enough to see Blur, Blink 182, Alanis Morisette, Britney Spears and The Spice Girls. And yet, I keep forgetting that bands I loved in my youth might still be touring, so I should look out for tours and tickets. Third Eye Blind would be 👌
18. Write 24 in 24. This year I am going to join Gretchen and Elizabeth, and do the #Write24in24 challenge. I've always been a bit sad I don't keep a journal, so this could be a good opportunity to build the habit (or at last try it out!).
19. Switch energy tariff. A friend at work gave me a great tip about my energy provider (Octopus), so I want to check and switch if necessary.
20. Complete 2-3 courses. Specifically with a focus on things I need to learn for SUPERSTREAK such as courses on Canva, social media, SEO or marketing.
21. 10 Days of Culture. Again, another concept I have stolen from Gretchen Rubin, but I live in London, and ten days of focused culture would be a good way to make the most of the this amazing city.
22. Complete an artwork puzzle. I got this idea from Patrick Stewart at his book event last year. The idea is to buy a puzzle of a famous artwork. This way you get to enjoy the puzzle, plus see the artwork in a new way.
23. Begin overpaying mortgage. I have to remortgage this year, so my monthly payments are going to go up (thank you Bank of England), but I would still like to get into the habit of overpaying, maybe with the help of an app like Sprive
24. You know, I think I will keep this as a placeholder in case something new comes up. Maybe I can launch PhotoReminder, but let's see.
Right, that's everything. It's already March as I write this so I better crack on! If you've got a "24 for 24" list please share in the comments below.
Natalie x