043 Get something else published

Why do I want to do this?

Firstly, I want to nag myself into producing something of publishable quality. Secondly, I want to work up the confidence to submit it.


How will I know I've done it?

A work produced largely or exclusively by myself will have appeared in a publication over which I have no editorial control. This can be text, photographic or in another form, and the publication can be online or can take physical form.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

044 Set up home filing system

What's the picture got to do with this?

This goal was originally going to be 'Make will'. However, having gone with my mother when she updated her will, I realised that it's a bit pointless because I have a) no property to speak of; and b) no dependents. I decided to concentrate on something that's going to be of more immediate use.


Why do I want to do this?

I'm sick of having to hunt through a pile of credit card bills, magazines, postcards, and goodness knows what else every time I want to pay the council tax. Or whatever. In short, my study is a mess.


How will I know I've done it?

The big box in the corner of my room will be empty, its contents either filed or disposed of.


I'll record this in a post in this journal. I'll try to keep it to one post; it's hardly the most fascinating item on this list.

045 Give up alcohol for a month

Why do I want to do this?

The photograph is slightly misleading. The reason I've got a half bottle of wine lying around to photograph is... that I don't actually drink much. I hardly ever drink at home. I do drink socially, though, and I'm curious to see how I'll cope in social situations without that crutch.


How will I know I've done it?

Simple: no alcohol (bar communion wine) for one whole calendar month.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

046 Have really nice underwear

Why do I want to do this?

I don't tend to spend a lot on underwear, mainly on the grounds that nobody's going to see it. However, given the way that e.g. an itchy bra strap can drive me to extreme irritation, there's quite a lot to be said for having well-fitting garments in natural fibres (important, this - you really don't want to know what synthetics do to me) next the skin.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have the following in my possession:

- bras, everyday, non-wired, 2 (one black, one white/camel)
- bras, everyday, wired, 2 (one black, one white/camel)
- bras, posh, 3 (one black, one white, one exciting colour)
- at least three pairs of pants to go with each bra
- slips, camisoles, etc, according to my whim.

All will be at least 95% natural fibre, and all will fit me properly.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

047 Enter five competitions

Why do I want to do this?

In the midst of this rather rigid, controlled exercise, I'd like to remind myself that there are some things that are beyond my control. Luck is going to have to creep in here somewhere.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have participated in five competitions. It doesn't matter what sort.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

Seasonal Silliness Competition

048 Hold a murder mystery dinner

What's this about?

A murder mystery dinner: it's like a dinner party combined with a parlour game, with certain props and storylines pre-prepared.

Why do I want to do this?

This is a stupid thing I've got really het up about for no good reason. Should I invite the people I went to the last murder mystery dinner with? Should I invite the people who've expressed in interest in going to one? Who is on speaking terms with whom? This goal is designed to make me do the damn thing, whoever comes or doesn't come.


How will I know I've done it?

People will have come to dinner and solved a mystery. Either the one in the picture or another one. I could even write one myself.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

049 Hold a dinner party and a picnic

Why do I want to do this?

I enjoy cooking and I enjoy entertaining friends. I'd like to set myself the challenge of producing food to suit a variety of situations. 'Dinner party' doesn't have to be as formal as it sounds - in fact, knowing my friends, it probably won't be. I'd like the picnic to be something special, though.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have provided an evening meal, cooked largely or entirely by myself, for at least four people including myself. I'll also have provided a picnic, prepared largely or entirely by myself, for at least four people including myself.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.