050 Attend 7 blood donation sessions, and give blood if advised that it is appropriate for me to do

Why do I want to do this?

I'm a reasonably regular blood donor; I just want to keep the habit going. You wouldn't believe how much trouble I had with the wording of this goal. On the last list I had 'Give blood five times'. Fine. Except at least three of the times I went to a donation session I wasn't able to give blood, for various health-related reasons - and so I missed it.

Then I thought, well, why not aim for whatever the next level is in the award scheme. The trouble with that idea is that I've already got the blue card, and have been at least twice since then - so getting the bronze award would entail very little effort. I can't attempt silver, though, because one can only give blood three times a year. I think I've got the wording about right now. We shall see.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have turned up at seven blood donation sessions, and have made every effort to give blood.


I'll record this in this post, and potentially in other posts in this journal.

[9th December 2010] [Two] [Three] [Four] [Five] [Six] [Seven]

051 Go on a demo

Why do I want to do this?

I believe that putting my physical self into a political statement can sometimes be very effective. It's an uncompromising form of protest.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have participated actively in a demonstration, rally or other form of protest.


I'll record this in this journal.

052 Complete a cryptic crossword

Why do I want to do this?

I have a sort of on/off relationship with cryptic crosswords. Every few months I'll pick one up, work out a couple of clues, feel smug, and put it down again. I've never finished one.


How will I know I've done this?

I'll have completed a cryptic crossword correctly, without looking at the answers.


I'll record this in this journal.

053 Be able to identify twelve constellations

Why do I want to do this?

Another of those things I feel I ought to be able to do, and can't. Currently I can do the Great Bear/Saucepan/Charles' Wain/what have you, Cassiopeia, and Orion. It's a bit pathetic, really, when all it takes is a bit of looking.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll be able to point out fifteen (twelve, plus the three I already know) separate constellations in the night sky without having to refer to a plan, guide, or other aid.


I'll record this in posts in this journal.

054 Complete exposition of my interpretation of creeds/39 Articles/UCCF doctrinal basis

What's this about?

Back on my last list, I had the following goal: Articulate my opinions re. Apostles’, Nicene and Athanasian creeds, Thirty-Nine Articles [pdf] and UCCF Doctrinal Basis. I got about five clauses into the Apostles' Creed. This goal is to complete the work I began there.


Why do I want to do this?

The creeds, we're told, summarise what I'm supposed to believe as a Christian. The Thirty-Nine Articles add to this, marking out what makes the Church of England distinctive, though unless I get ordained or similar I probably won't be asked to put my name to them. However, had I ever made it onto the committee of the Christian Union (you laugh, but it might have happened, had Symphony Orchestra not rehearsed on Tuesday nights), I would have been asked to sign the [Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship] Doctrinal Basis. I want to explore just how comfortable I am with all these things I'm meant to believe.


How will I know I've done it?

I'll have articulated my interpretation of and feelings about each clause of the five summaries of belief.


This can be tracked by following the credo tag at shewhostaples.