#15 Organise the CDs of photos from my overseas trip

Status: Reminiscing

Just days before I leave Australia's fair shores once again, here's a little pictorial update for you. Enjoy a bunch of my favourite snaps from my travels over the past two years, complete with pretentiously-written captions in which I bang on about all the lovely places I visited.

A little flutterby I snapped in Singapore.

The stunning view from my window at sunset in Passau, Germany; note the frost hanging from the roof.

The view from my desk in London. Overlooking the River Thames, the amazing panoramic north-facing view ran from Battersea and Pimlico in the west...

...to Westminster and Waterloo in the east. I'll simply never work somewhere with the same view again.

Pink (London) Eye! Hahaha... ahhh...

A tranquil sunset over a bay in Oslo, Norway...

...while the city never stops.

England's stunningly peaceful Lake District (picture taken immediately before two fighter jets flew overhead).

The corridors surrounding the courtyard of the 16th century Spanish monastery in which I taught English for a week.

The phenomenal beaches of Cádiz: southern Spain's hidden gem.

Wind turbines in action in the Spanish hillside.

There is nothing on Earth like European art.

The sun sets over Berlin's Reichstag building, the original - and current - home of the German parliament.

Home to the largest number of species in the world (and the adorable Knut), here's just one of the creatures at the Zoologischer Garten Berlin.

Not my most masculine hour, but Prague's botanical gardens really are something...

...as are the city's sunsets, which are much more manly. Just think of the millions of tonnes of gases burning furiously and mercilessly above our meager planet. Sure sucked the romance out of that, didn't I?

Pigeons overlook Prague's Vltava river.

Row upon row of terraces growing grapes for wine production in Austria's beautiful Wachau valley.

A bizarre spectacle of a surfer tackling the waves in an artificial stream in landlocked Munich, a phenomenon caused by a pumping mechanism.

Original barbed wire from the truly frightening Dachau concentration camp.

Venice. Says it all.

The striking paintwork of the Venetian island of Burano.

The beautiful, yet imposing architecture of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City.

Rome's Colosseum is arguably more impressive lit up at night.

Dusk atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa (photo corrected for tilt).

The gorgeous and rare (for us east coast Aussies) sight of the sun setting over the ocean, as witnessed by Jackie and I on a Vancouver beach.

This one was taken not by me (obviously), but by my friend, John, as we, er, trespassed to abseil down to touch the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles (not pictured: legal activity).

And finally... the single greatest image I took while on my trip. Allow me to set the scene. While holidaying in Cádiz, I decided to take a day trip to Gibraltar, that big ol' British rock that lies in the south of Spain. While there's not a great deal there, aside from lane after lane of tacky tourist traps, the highlight is taking the cable car to the top of the rock for a phenomenal view of the Spanish coastline and, on a clear day, Morocco. Despite this amazing panorama, this was the view that truly captivated me.

Yes, Gibraltar is also famed for its colony of tailless monkeys, around 230 of which hop around the rock's peak, harassing tourists, picking each other's nits and generally looking exceptionally cute or ugly depending on how young or old they are respectively. Oh, and they love carbonated beverages.

#6 Go through paperwork from when I was overseas

Status: Done

No humorous anecdote here; this task was far too dull for that.

#37 Complete UK tax return

Status: Expecting a large windfall

Well, after much procrastination, it's sealed and I'm off to the post office. I just know I'll get it back because I forgot to declare that money I laundered or some other minor oversight, but for now, I'm calling this one complete.

#10 Have my wisdom teeth removed

Status: Hideously disfigured

SURGEON: There is a one in 1000 chance that your nerves could be damaged during surgery, causing you to lose all feeling in your lower mouth.
MATT: Has that ever happened to anyone you've operated on?
SURGEON: No.
MATT: How many people have you operated on?
SURGEON: 999.
MATT: Oh.

Well, no, that conversation didn't happen (my surgeon was brilliant). Nor am I hideously disfigured. But it is true that I've had my wisdom teeth extracted.

Less than 24 hours ago, I had no idea I'd be whisked away to have this dreaded task fulfilled last night. After being forced to endure an entire episode of The Bold And The Beautiful in the waiting room, which was arguably more painful than the operation, I was injected with anesthetic, which I vainly tried to fight, and awoke seemingly seconds later sans my lower two wisdom teeth. It's a bit painful now, but I'm hoping this has put an end to the week from hell I've just had.

I do currently resemble Jack Pumpkinhead, from the 1985 quasi-sequel, Return To Oz, in that my face is now wider than it is long and has an odd yellow tinge to it (the green stem currently protruding from the top of my head was an unexpected complication).

Unfortunately, the Tooth Fairy failed to deliver the goldmine I expected for the removal of these two teeth. Bitch.

#10 Visit the dentist

Status: Errr...

"Matt has the worst wisdom teeth I've seen in seven years!"

- Matt's dentist

If anyone is so financially inept as to ever make a movie about my life (preferably directed by Steven Spielberg, but not starring Tom Cruise), that's the quote I want slapped on the poster.

Best of all, it's true, it's intriguing and it gives some idea of the conflict presently in my life. Yes, those pesky wisdom teeth of mine, in all their stupidity, have decided to break through my gums at right angles so perfect you'd need a protractor to tell otherwise.

I'll spare you all the grisly details of what must happen next, but needless to say, it's going to be a more delicate, painful and presumably, costly procedure than most wisdom teeth extractions. What's more, the buggers have got to come out within the next six months or my head will explode (obviously I'm paraphrasing).

Accordingly, I'm renaming this task to "Have my wisdom teeth removed". Where's the sham now, huh?

#24 Buy seasons seven, eight, nine and ten of The Simpsons on DVD

Status: 10 + 1

Do I get extra points for this?

#55 Beat Craig at a "Best Of 9" game of pool

Status: Victorious

Pfft! This list was supposed to be a challenge! All I needed was just one attempt to thrash my brother at pool, after which he collapsed on the ground, defeated.*

Observe as I line up my triumphant final shot.

*This is a lie. It was actually rather close and he was gracious in defeat. Apologies if the body of this post was in any way misleading.

#10 Visit the dentist

Status: In pain

"What a sham item!" I hear you cry. "Visit the dentist! Pish-posh! Why not list 'Eat' or 'Breathe' or 'Blink' as items! Your whole list is a disgrace and, quite frankly, you're much less deserving of my friendship than I could ever have thought!"

Well, good point and well made; even if I can't blink at the moment due to an inexplicable bout of conjunctivitis. So there!

Unfortunately, that's not my only ailment at present. For the past few days, it's felt like my jaw is in a vice. Sure, I'm dosed up on Nurofen to the point where I'm adamant I wasn't walking my dog yesterday, but rather a polka-dotted flamingo with an umbrella. However, it's done nothing for the fact my jaw is also clicking in and out of place like [insert hilarious and appropriate metaphor here].

Anyway, I called the dentist to make an appointment yesterday - personally, I'm worried it's my inaptly-named wisdom teeth - but it seems I can't get an appointment until February! Good thing this isn't 101 in 101, or I'd be freaked!

Although, I could probably get away with 'Eat', 'Breathe' and 'Blink', then...

#4 Book Canada flights

Status: Broke, but excited!

It's official - I'm going to Canada!

On 28 December, I'll be globe-trotting from Brisbane to Auckland to Los Angeles to Minneapolis to Winnipeg to The Pas and, finally, to Flin Flon! I'll be there for a week with Jackie's family and then it's back to Edmonton!

Courtesy of Jackie, here's a picture of the winter wonderland I'll be living in!

#35 Complete 10 random acts of kindness

Status: 1/10

I was standing in the bookshop at Robina Town Centre last week, flipping through the pages of a Charles Dickens novel, or something similarly highbrow, when the lady standing beside me asked if I could do her a favour.

I gladly obliged and she asked if I could retrieve for her a copy of May Gibbs' Snugglepot And Cuddlepie from the top shelf. Craning my neck skywards, I attempted to locate the book in question. Squinting, I could just make out the hardback book, perched delicately on the very top shelf. It was at least twenty feet off the ground. I looked back at her and she smiled. I couldn't say no.

I clambered uneasily onto the bottom shelf and began to climb row upon row of books. After foolishly using one of the early Harry Potter novels as a foothold (as opposed to a much more stable later instalment), I slipped. Clinging desperately to The Dangerous Book For Boys, I dangled precariously 15 feet off the ground. The circulation from the ducted air conditioning was, at this altitude, unbearable. Through the hair whipping coldly in my eyes, I spied the lady way down below me with a look of pure admiration on her face. I grimaced, and with sheer determination, swung back in toward the shelf and, crashing into a row of yellowing Goosebumps books, made my way to the summit.

Once there, I carefully reached out, slid the book off the shelf and placed it under my arm. With my spare hand, I reached up and yanked an electricity cable that was connected to a security camera and tied it around my waist. Gently, I abseiled my way to safety and handed over the classic children's picture book to a very grateful customer.

Mission accomplished.

As a caveat, you may notice some of this tale is embellished. To clear the air, I was reading Jeremy Clarkson, not Dickens.

#37 Complete UK tax return

Status: Level 1

I honestly sat down tonight with the intent of finally finishing my UK tax return.

Then I found this.

So I can hardly be to blame, right?

#41 Find Magners Irish Cider outside of the UK

Status: Drunk

Well, not really. But merry.

I can't even begin to tell you (for obvious reasons) how many literally pint-sized bottles of this delicious drink I consumed while living in London.

Given how important a part of my British life it was, it's been an essential search to track down some scrumptious Magners Irish Cider Down Under. I'd heard rumours that it existed here... I even had a sighting once! But I had never witnessed it available in a bar first-hand. Until today!

After a surprisingly arduous walk from Main Beach to Surfers Paradise (as part of Bodie's 101 in 1001), we stepped into the first Irish pub we could find, and lo and behold, there it was!

Mmm, delish!

#26 Walk the dog three times a week for a month

Status: Lazy

I think this list is consuming my life. Last week, while I was working, I had to fill up my car with petrol. The attendant at the service station asked if if I was starting work or finishing. I simply replied, "In progress".

"In progress?" Who talks like that? If I could have said it in bold, red font I would have.

Despite this subconscious obsessiveness, it's my sad duty to inform you that, after getting off to a walking start, I have dismally failed this attempt to complete what is, frankly, a very easy task.

Week One went off without a hitch, but I started to slip in Week Two, only walking Dana twice. By Week Three, I didn't walk her at all, but bravely thought to myself I could successfully complete the task by walking her every day this week, thus averaging out to three times per week over the whole month. It's now Saturday and I couldn't even tell you where her leash is.

Anyway, to distract you from my dismal failure, I've posted a sickeningly cute picture of my dog.

Awwwwww, isn't she cute! Wook at dose big, adowable eyes! And dat wittle bwack nose! And de way her mouf is open wike she's smiwing! Wook at it! Wook!

...what failure?

#25 Bowl another score of 160 or over at ten-pin bowling

Status: Gutted, not guttered (see what I did there?)

Four strikes and four spares, but still two pins short.

Still, I topped last time.

#60 Watch the entire series of Deadwood

Status: Enthralled

In a time when the idiot box is living up to its name, it seems impossible to switch on the telly without being clobbered over the head by some patronising drivel. From Farmer Wants A Wife, a show as clumsily-conceived as its name, to Surprise, Surprise, Gotcha, a programme as redundant as two-thirds of its own title, it really is a rum state of affairs in TV land. I suppose it has some mercies, such as the fact the 1.068 million gawping plebs who watch two and a half freaking hours of So You Think You Can Dance each week are kept out of my face on a Thursday night.

Anyway, as fate would have it, the best stuff's not even on the box at all. Enter Deadwood, a show I'm increasingly convinced may be television's finest (series of) hour(s). On the surface, it's a western, but it's all a façade as the programme quickly reveals itself to be a glorious character study set in a town without law. Based partly in reality, the series opens with righteous sheriff Seth Bullock leaving Montana to set up a hardware store with his friend, Sol Star, in Deadwood. There, they encounter a myriad of characters, each with their own motives for coming to the town. There's famous gunslinger Wild Bill Hickock, drunkard Calamity Jane, scheming saloon owner Cy Tolliver, jittery innkeeper E.B. Farnum, sympathetic prostitute Trixie, elegant Alma Garret, put-upon Doc Cochran and plenty more fantastically-realised characters. However, all are shown up by Ian McShane's incredible portrayal of Gem Saloon owner, Al Swearengen, who must have the most commanding screen presence of any character to ever appear on television. Every word he utters and every movement he makes is delivered with such conviction. Deadwood's entire cast embody their characters like none I've ever seen, but McShane is Swearengen.

The programme received the most publicity for its no-holds-barred depiction of swearing, violence and sex, which are all fair comments. However, everything about the show is perfectly conceived and executed. The direction, casting, cinematography and acting is phenomenal. Best of all are the scripts. Each episode takes place over a single day in the town, allowing for slow burn plotting that truly fleshes out the large cast of characters, all of whom deliver anything from a cutting jibe to a Shakespearean monologue.

The only downside is that the series was cut short after just three seasons, while the telemovies planned to wrap up the show's loose ends look increasingly unlikely to happen.

It's superb stuff, though admittedly not to everyone's taste. But if I find out even one of you tuned into National Bingo Night...

#25 Bowl another score of 160 or over at ten-pin bowling

Status: So very, very close

After coming up rather short last month, I came blazing back tonight at Strike with Bodie, Brady and special guest bowler, Zoe. Game 1 saw victory snatched from within my grasp in the final frame by Brady (it's okay; I forgive you); 128 points versus my 121. Zoe took third place with 86, while Bodie, having a self-confessed off day, scored 77 (just like an essay, hey, Brady?).

My dinner arrived - a burger containing a well-lubricated piece of chicken schnitzel that promptly slipped out from between the buns - and Game 2 was underway. In his inimitable bowling style, Bodie took fourth place on 89; though at the time of posting this blog entry, his final bowl was still making its way down the lane. Brady came in third on 99, while Zoe's years of high school practice landed her a very respectable 113. However, heartbreak came when I fell just nine pins short of my 160 goal. That said, I was chuffed with 151 and if I managed to top 160 already, it'd be a wee bit of a cop-out.

After returning our shoes (is it wrong I find bowling shoes incredibly comfortable?), we made for the bar. Wasn't long before we were ambushed by a make-up artistry tutor begging for us to gatecrash her private function for her graduating class and belt out a couple of karaoke numbers to liven things up. As typically happens on a Thursday night out. Fortunately, we kept them involved in inane conversation long enough for most of their class of teenage Barbie dolls to lose interest and head off home. Left to fend for myself against the remaining tutors and students (last time I ever sit at the end of a table), we discussed a series of hard-hitting topics, including the shallowness of Gold Coasters, how we all know each other (about 17 times) and some "hilarious" story about some girl that, er, did something. And then she threw up. I think. Truthfully, I was thinking about a monkey on a skateboard.

#37 Complete UK tax return

Status: Bored

I know I started this a month ago, but even if there are millions upon millions of pounds awaiting me, this paperwork has long since sucked the life-force clean from my body. Consequently, I couldn't care less if I'm actually breathing in enough oxygen right now, let alone what my total weekly income (with bonuses and overtime) before stoppages was for those three weeks I temped as a data entry clerk, a job that was almost as dull as the paperwork I'm filling out for the taxes I paid while I was working there.

Anyway, I think I'm almost done. I'm in awe that I actually thought to keep my P45 and P60 forms. No, I don't know what they are either, but I wanted to give you some idea of just how mind-numbingly boring this all is.

#21 Get a new job

Status: Temporarily, but respectably employed

All that finger- and toe-crossing must have paid off!

I start this Friday as a service officer for the Department of Communities in Robina. The office is quite swanky and the people seem very friendly. Plus, I'm right beside Robina Town Centre, so I can spend those dollars as quickly as I earn them!

Anyway, it's only until 23 November, but I'm prepared to call this one complete.

And for those of you curious how I quit my old job, it went a little something like this...

#26 Walk the dog three times a week for a month

Status: Surprisingly exhausted

Having formally kicked off this task on Saturday, Dana was treated to a walk along the Broadwater on Sunday. Worries me that the dog was still bounding around at the end of the day, while I was in bed just after 9pm. Put that down to two weeks of this, though. Honest. I'm not that unfit.

#50 Eat vegetarian for a month

Status: What's the rush? I still have 973 days

Just to clarify, this means to eat as a vegetarian; not to physically eat a vegetarian, which would mean the opposite thing entirely.

#21 Get a new job

Status: In limbo

Glad that's over.

Anyway, I've just applied for a new, temporary fixed-term position with the Queensland Government Department of Communities, which sounds right up my alley. Plus, the money's good and the timing for my proposed Canada departure date is superb. So all of you cross all of your fingers and toes for me until I find out if I got the job. Arthritis is no excuse.*

(Just one last thing about my work at 7-Eleven. I've discovered that people who go about their business at night - or in the wee small hours of the morning - are characteristically exuberant. I'm not talking about the stoned male teenagers who stagger in to flick through the adult magazines before realising they've lost their shirts during the course of the evening; instead, I mean the shift workers, the builders, the joggers and the delivery men. It's weird, but I feel there's an explanation. It's the grown-up version of the childhood fantasy of being locked in a department store overnight. While the rest of the world is essentially out of the picture, tucked up in bed and oblivious to anything or anyone, us professional night owls are merrily passing the hours without the borders or burdens that modern-day society places upon us. No traffic jams, no bustling crowds, no-one to tell me I can't refill my Slurpee cup. And when the sun rises, we scurry away to our homes while the day drones trudge about, only to re-emerge when it's safe to come out and play again. Actually, scrap all that - it may have been a better explanation that the world is full of happy vampires.)

* It may, however, be a consequence of long-term digit-crossing. I accept no responsibility for any injury sustained while willing me this job.

#26 Walk the dog three times a week for a month

Status: In progress... NOW!

Okay, thanks to the graveyard shifts of terror at 7-Helleven, which led to me working 27 hours per day, this was simply impossible over the past month. Now that those days nights are mercifully behind me, I can get stuck into this important little task.

I know walking Dana mightn't seem like a particularly character-building job, but if you knew how little exercise I actually do, you'd be encouraging me like there's no tomorrow. Consider this the closest thing my list will have to an item that reads "Join a gym".

Unless I'm desperate for 101 items.

Really desperate.

#21 Get a new job

Status: Square one

There are some criteria one ought to be wary of when accepting a job. For your future reference, and mine, I have listed these below:

• Your boss is unaware of what day it is when you phone him
• Your shifts are so long that your fingers actually hurt from using a touchscreen register
• People go to bed and wake up in the time you're still at work
• A crowbar is encouraged to be used both as a tool and a weapon
• You work with highly explosive substances, but are not told how to handle so much as a minor spillage - unless it involves the Slurpee machine (particularly embarrassing when store inspectors visit on your third shift)
• It's in your job description to throw out slightly-less-than-fresh donuts; seriously, it's heartbreaking
• You work hours during which it's impossible to have reasons not to work ("I have a doctor's appointment ... at 3am")
  
• Your boss wears a wifebeater

That's right - I quit 7-Eleven.

#3 Mail Canadian visa papers

Status: Well and truly complete

I know I mailed these almost three weeks ago, but the refreshingly efficient Canadian government have kindly granted me permission to work in their country.

Having successfully weaselled my way into the Australian and British governments, it now just seems to be a matter of time before my plans for world domination continue.

Wait, I've said too much.

#21 Get a new job

Status: Technically complete, but I don't count it

In order to complete #4 on this list, I've taken a second job at, er, 7-Eleven. I've just come off a 12-hour overnight shift (immediately following a four-hour stint at Job A) and my legs are killing me... Still, I kind of enjoyed it once the people started coming in on their way to work. There's something interesting about watching everyone at the very start of their day- the jogger, the builder, the security guard, the bloke who madly exclaimed to me that milk is only $2.55 at his local corner store.

Oh, the characters...

I need sleep.

#25 Bowl another score of 160 or over at ten-pin bowling

Status: 37 pins short

I love those sports that require little effort. Pool? Sign me up! Mini-golf? Hand me my putter! Darts? Er, okay! Bowling requires arguably the most effort of any of those sports (that said, chalking a pool cue can be quite straining on the wrist), but it's so gosh-darn fun - and social!


Anyhoo, in light of my record of 168 pins* set with Jackie in Canada (which only occurred so that my reassurances that I was a lousy bowler could be unfairly disproved), and my regular Thursday night excursions to Strike with Bodie, Brady and Neil, I've set this task to recreate that momentous fluke of a game.

Sadly, this Thursday was not the night. A few early clunkers set me on the wrong track, but a couple of decent last frames set me up for a score of 123 (one pin more than last time, if I recall correctly). Neil, once again, gave us a good walloping, while Bodie (who bowls like a sleepy kitten) managed a very respectable 98. Brady managed to get drunk again (er, and come fourth!), while special guest ball-chucker Dan also, um, knocked down some pins. Good times!

* I think that's right. Jackie, did you still have the scorecard of the game? I left it on your desk! You wouldn't throw out a tangible memory, would you?

#2 Give Jackie a glowing mention on my blog

Status: Complete, but mushy (you have been warned)

This task is to rectify a very unfortunate oversight that occurred during my recounting of the Great Baggage Tag Heist Of 2006 - the omission of the part that one very special person played in that particular event, and the course of my life ever since.

It began with her throwaway insult towards an entire nation and its people on that summery London night last year, but has since blossomed into something much, much more. Not long after, I texted her from Spain - think of the international roaming costs; it must have been special! - begging her to remain in the UK and promising to correct the slightly sub-par time she'd been having in England thus far.

We spent the next few blissful months hanging out in London's various parks, making fun of children dropping their ice-creams - seemingly in spite of the fact I had a job to go to - before, at her suggestion, we went to Amsterdam together (site of said heist).

Unfortunately, it was with great sadness that our time in London had to come to an end - she had to return to Canada.

Yet we kept it touch as the months went by, despite the Atlantic, and our friendship became something more - which lead me all the way across that ocean two months ago, for a simply amazing two and a half weeks together. Ever since, I've been head over heels for one of the most incredible people I've ever met.

Happy three months, Jackie!

#37 Complete UK tax return

Status: Nauseatingly in progress

A task so boring, it will no doubt transform me into an appallingly dull fellow, unimaginative, timid, lacking in initiative, spineless, easily dominated, no sense of humour, tedious company and irrepressibly drab and awful.

Yes, 20 soul-destroying pages of employment details, agent authorisation forms, allowances and liabilities, property details, relevancies of domicile (whatever the deuce that means), and signatures, signatures, signatures!

But it potentially holds big bucks for me, so I'll persevere. That said, because my hopes are up, I'm guessing I'll receive no more than $20 (minus 18 percent commission*, of course).

Shall we start a tab?

* Now in 50% finer print

This Far Side has no relevancy; just had to throw it in to liven up what was an equally boring post.

#7 Recruit someone else to 101 in 1001

Status: Complete

Well, that was easy! Love that colour scheme, by the way! Wonder who chose that!

Oh, and pogs, Jackie? What have I got myself into?

#34 Set up a blog for Jackie

Status: Complete

Another easy one, but I know once I do all of those, I'll be left with a bunch of tough ones to deal with.

Anyway, once my Jackie pops her list onto her blog, I'll be able to cross off #7 as well. Hooray!

#3 Mail Canadian visa papers

Status: Complete

After opening and resealing the envelope several times due to the fact I kept forgetting to complete various aspects of the application process, this baby's off in the post!

It's going to apparently take four weeks to be approved - but it's out of my hands now, so this one can be crossed off the list!

#23 Read the John Gardner James Bond novels

Status: In progress

A more arduous undertaking than many may think. John Gardner wrote 16 of these suckers in the 1980s and '90s. I attempted to start reading them before I left for England, but lost interest on page 24 of the first one. I'd just come off the Ian Fleming and Kingsley Amis books, so I may have been suffering Bond burnout. However, Gardner is seen as the Roger Moore of the literary 007, in that many of his later efforts are considered inferior entries to the series and that he hung around for far too long. That said, I plan to give this my all, though, as I started from the beginning of his tenure - Licence Renewed - while on the train today. 64 pages and counting...

#24 Buy seasons seven, eight, nine and ten of The Simpsons on DVD

Status: In progress

Can I rename this task "Become broke"? I know it's my own fault, I know it's a shallow task and I know I can watch every episode of these four seasons by simply tuning into Network Ten next week, but, well, I own the others, so this was inevitable.

Anyway, today I spent more money I don't actually have on seasons seven and eight. Thank heavens Big W were sold out of season nine, or I may have had to take out a mortgage on the house I don't actually own.

I promise more rewarding and less consumerist tasks are to come!

#33 Find out exactly when 1001 days from 9 September 2007 is

Status: Complete

6 June 2010.

This gig's easy!

#1 Finally update blog

Status: Complete

Okay, so my first task is a total cop-out, but, well, whatever it'd take to kick-start my enthusiasm for this slice of web space.

So with an exceptionally large nod to Brady, who suggested I partake in this, and whose basic layout I have totally ripped off, I hereby embark upon a mission to complete 101 tasks in 1001 days, which, by my calculation, takes me through to, er, I'm not sure when. Might add that to the list, actually.

Anyway, 101 is an exceptionally high number, so any suggestions to help nudge me closer to that figure would be much appreciated. Keep 'em achievable, quantifiable and, er, clean. Ta!

Oh, and if I let this list - and consequently this blog - fall by the wayside at any point, you have permission to throw something of substantial weight at me. And then add that to your own list.

101 in 1001

101 Things to do in 1001 Days

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

For those who I didn't excitedly call, text or email, it snowed in London on Thursday!!!

It happened a couple of weeks ago when I was in Switzerland. Despite the fact I was in Engelberg and being battered with an avalanche of the stuff, I was still bitterly disappointed I missed London being turned into a Winter Wonderland. Nevertheless, my prayers were answered when I awoke last Thursday, leapt out of bed and saw my street topped with a gorgeous dusting of snow.


The words "kid" and "Christmas morning" sprang to mind, as I raced downstairs to check out my back garden.


I skipped merrily to work, too cheerful to be bothered by the dangerously slippery patches of ice that had already formed on the footpath. Quaggy Gardens, my local park, was a pristine and untouched layer of snowflakes.


Given the trains in London tend to be severely delayed whenever a leaf falls on the tracks, I expected the worst from 10cm of snow. However, my journey to work, during which my face was pressed up against the train window like a small child at a pet store, went by surprisingly quickly.


Landed on the receiving end of a snowball outside of my office, courtesy of my manager. I howled as it hit me, if only because I wish I'd thought of it first.


Well, I can tick that off my winter checklist. Now bring back summer; this cold is miserable!