I'm a hairs breath away from completing another task from my 50 for 50. I've been to the bank to discuss financial arrangements for my later years. My plan was to increase my pension contributions and to take out some kind of insurance plan to provide for my family should I die or to cover initial expenses for critical illness. I realise this may sound morbid, pessimistic and definitely not something that most of us want to think about, but life is such that you don't know what is round the corner. This was brought home to me last year when we lost our mum. we knew she was, putting it mildly poorly, but had know idea just how ill she was and loosing her as and when we did was a shock to me and my brothers and sister. Having to organise her final journey made me realise just how important it is to help ease the burden for those left behind. Between us we were able to peace together what mum would have wanted, giving us the peace that we had done right by her. This is kind of what some of the tasks on my list are meant to achieve. By letting my family know what I would like to happen to me and provide some financial provision when my time comes I hope that through the haze I can extend a loving arm of comfort and support to each of them. 

No-one knows what life has in-store for them and even the best laid plans can't stop life as we know it and make it take a drastic diversion from the one we envisaged. It's easy when seeing some-one sleeping rough or begging on street corners to make snap judgements. The truth is unless we take the time and trouble to speak to those who find themselves in that position we will have no idea of their life story. We will have no idea of the circumstances that lead them to be in that situation. For all we know they could have had a comfortable life with a family when a loss of a job or mental illness for example struck. Oh I realise some people may not have helped themselves and that it could be argued that they have only themselves to blame, but honestly, would any of us like to be in their shoes and doesn't everyone deserve the basic human rights of food, shelter and safety from danger? I believe they do. This may sound like empty sentimental clap trap to some, especially as I've never acted upon my beliefs before and there seems not to have been a marriage between my beliefs and my actions. But taking a long look at my life as I was approaching 50 made me realise just how lucky I have been and how less fortunate others have been. It takes all sorts to make a world some that do and some that don't, I want to be a doer and leave behind the person who talks about making a difference but doesn't act upon the words. As the saying goes actions speak louder than words. I'm not doing this to get recognition or make myself feel good but to spread some humanity and a little comfort to those who need it the most. It is for this reason that I added buying food for a homeless person rather than just passing them by. I was fortunate enough to be able to do this today. I hadn't planned to go out and do this specifically when I did but the opportunity arose as I was walking back to the car from the bank. I kind of feel a little ashamed to have this on my list because it feels like I'm doing it just because it filled a space and ticking it off makes it feel worse. But sometimes writing these things down highlights our own faults and imperfections. It shows us that what we wish we were isn't always who we are. This, be assured will not be a one off act, it will not be a tick box exercise but what it is is the first act of kindness in what I hope to be a long line of many.

There are just two more things to finish todays Blog. Firstly here is a photo update of my 1p and 2p tin. I think you'll agree its coming along nicely. I've spoken to a member of the local schools PTA and they are looking at creating a thermometer type chart to plot a running total of how much is collected and we are looking to see how we can get the other parents/guardians/carers involved. I hoping for great things with this one.





To keep everyone more up to date with my progress I've republished my list with coloured highlights. As I complete a task or event they will appear in red , those in blue have been started or dates booked for them to take place.

Here is the list, my 50 for 50 list.

1)Go and watch a real football match. 
2) See the local Christmas light switch on 
3) Go to local canal day. 
4) Host a cocktail party where everyone brings the ingredients for their favourite cocktail.  26/1/13
 5) Have a cocktail made and named after me. 26/1/13
6) Go to at least one charity bingo nights. 
7) Adventure day at somewhere like go ape. 
8) Send an individual message to every friend I have on Facebook. 22/2/13
9) Visit a town in England I have never been to before. 
10) Visit the natural history and war museums in London. 
11) Find and make contact with a school friend I haven't seen for over 25 years. 
12) Go to the races. 
13) Go to a Shakespeare play. 
14) Take dance lessons. 
15) Go to a music festival. 
16) Do a charity moonlight walk or similar. 
17) Choose a cookery book and cook every recipe in it. 
 18) Create my own web page. 
19) Write a Blog of my 50 for 50. 
20) Give blood. 
21) Plant a tree. 
22) Read all three 50 shades of grey books. 
23) Give a talk to a group.
 24) Take out life insurance. 
25) Save all my 1p and 2p coins for a year and give to charity. 
26) Buy a something to eat and drink for a homeless person rather than passing them by. 23/2/13
27) Have a professional photo shot done. 
28) Have my make up professionally applied and then learn to do it myself .
29) Spend a weekend in the country with my husband.
 30) Have a go at a winter sport like ski-ing .
31) Try sailing. 
32) Go horse riding. 
 33) Visit Bruge Christmas ice sculptures festival. 
34) Decorate a room in my house and have it 100% complete. 
35) Create a calendar girl style calendar. 
36) Have something published. 
37) Register with the organ donor bank. 8/2/13
38) Do the Local circular walk. 
39) Trace my family tree. 
40) Take a photo of myself every day and create a time line of it. 
41) Work in a professional kitchen for a day. 
42) knit baby hats for local maternity unit. 
43) Volunteer at Katherine House Hospice. 
44) Have a girly day doing girly things. 
45) Visit all the squares on the monopoly board. 
46) Go to Hyde park winter wonderland.
47) Do something on impulse. 
48) Eat at a restaurant owned by a top chef. 
49) Get a mention on tv or radio.
50) Left to my family and friends to shock, surprise and/or entice me!!!!!!

Hello again avid readers. I bet you thought I'd given up on this challenge didn't you? Well on the contrary I've been busy behind the scenes trying to make things happen and getting plans in place. First though, I'd hoped to announce another completed task. If you remember I'd set myself the challenge to personally message every Facebook friend I have. A simple task I thought to get me going and not make life too complicated. Well I thought wrong, either that or I blame age! Last night I posted on my Facebook status that I believed I had message everyone. I spoke too soon and have received four messages from friends so far saying I had forgotten to send them a message. I don't know how, I was organised and made a list of everyone and ticked them off as I sent the message. I personally think they are being greedy and just want a second message! I humbly apologise to anyone I missed and ask that they message me so I can include them in my quest.

As a little girl I have fond memories of my Nan spending weekends baking. She would make cakes and pies like no other. It was a family tradition to have full Sunday roast at lunch time followed in the evening with a salad tea and the home made cakes Nan had made. I looked forward to those Sunday tea times with relish. Everything was made with love and care, each morsel was a reminder of old fashioned values and family togetherness. Unfortunately when we lost Nan we lost those Sundays. Mum wasn't as domesticated as Nan so cakes were usually packet mixes which don't seem to have quite the same appeal in my eyes. When I left home I missed the homeliness created by those cooking smells and feelings of love and comfort watching and helping Nan bake.  I began to spend Saturdays baking. There was just the two of us and the amount I  cooked lasted the week, but I loved it. I loved providing for my other half, I loved giving him what I had been given as a child. That's not to say he didn't have that himself at home, on the contrary he did. His Mum is and both Nan's were good cooks and there was always some wonderful desert or cake waiting for us on visits. Stood in the kitchen of our mobile home, covered in flour and surrounded by recipes, ingredients and pans I was transported back to those Sunday afternoons with Nan. I found myself hearing her say things like 'cold hands good pastry makes' and making sure my hands were cold by running them under a cold tap. Baking in our house now is hit and miss. I don't bake every weekend but I do bake with my grandson from time to time as I did with my children. One thing is for sure though, when I decide to have a baking session I have a baking session. Below is the photos of the latest baking session this weekend, and yes they are all from the Hairy Dieters cook book, well, I've got to get through the book by January 25th next year haven't I. One more thing to say on this subject, tradition is a wonderful thing and mixing it with the new creates memories worth cherishing long live tradition.

Some update news. Still had no response from the woodland trust about planting a tree so taking another step. I've now contacted a country park that I use as part of my job quite frequently in the hope that they will come up trumps. Also had some offers of help to complete a few things. the head chef of a local hotel has offered to allow me to work in his kitchen for a day. Now that its becoming a reality getting quite nervous I don't cope with being shouted at very well. Also the same hotel may well allow us a room or let us book a room to use for the calendar shoot. I've been in contact and just waiting for a call back. One more event too that is on the way to being sorted is the sailing. Through friends of family I have had an offer to sort this one too. I must say a huge thank you to the younger of my two brothers and his friends for helping to sort these.
Finally I've to report that I've started to look into my family tree on my Dad's side. Unfortunately there is nothing more than this to report as searches on-line seemed to reveal nothing. I'm not giving up though and will post news as I have it.

Whoever thought spontaneity was a good thing needs shooting. I didn't realise just how much of a challenge this one would be. Lets face it how hard can it be to make a spur of the moment decision to have a night out with some girlfriends? Answer very if your name is Janet James. When I first saw the post on Facebook I thought I can do that especially as I was encouraged and nudged just a little in the name of sp sp spontaneity (see it's even getting hard to say that word now), by a lady who I consider to be a friend. An 80's disco, who would believe it could be so hard, all I have to do is agree on the spot and be ready to go when they pick me up, easy. No don't be fooled easy it was not. I was looking forward to it until I realised I have nothing to wear. There is nothing in my wardrobe that even remotely resembles the 80's, this night is going be chalked up as a disaster, a complete and utter one big disappointment  I just know I'm going to wish I hadn't bothered. I would even bet on it that this is one item on my list that I will fail at spectacularly. Wait is that a hand of rescue, yes another friend says she has something I can borrow, great I'll be round later to pick it up, sorted, back on track looking forward to a night out. Spontaneity (Hey I said it!) isn't so bad after all. Don't you just love it when a plan, oh wait no plan this is spur of the moment stuff going on here, when things start to come together and you begin to feel good about something just to have it come crashing down around you. To be honest it's happened to me so often that that is why I don't do spontaneous. Well this time is no different the dress I was kindly lent doesn't fit, too big and too long. Now I'm having second thoughts about going out and just want to stay home. I try to text my friend, the one whose idea it was in the first place, but surprise surprise my network has gone down. This is stacking up the anxiety and all I want to do is be sick, have a migrane anything to have an excuse not to go out. Luckily or not, depending on your view, she is on Facebook so I privately message her with this message 

starting to panic and have second thoughts, can't find anything in wardrobe remotely 80's.


I'm actually sat on my sofa close to tears, I've even searched the local supermarket and a well know clothes shop on line to see if they have anything I can go and buy to use. My sons are home and I'm telling them I don't want to go. I just don't do this, I need to plan and give things some thought. Bless them  they encourage me and tell me to phone them, not to worry and just wear what I'm comfortable with. I love them to bits. My friend, bless her, replies with the following words of reassurance,

No panicking young lady!!! Spoken to the chap and some people are dressing up and some aren't, just wear something going out ish, you've got some lovely stuff for your skinny you! I'm only wearing normal stuff with a few bright pink accessories and sticky up hair!!
Feeling much better I have a shower, a bite to eat and put on some make-up (something else I don't often do). So already for my spontaneous night out I wait for my friends to collect me. 

Part two - after the event.

Well how did it go? Was the stress worth it? Did I have a good time? Did I actually allow myself to have a good time? The answer to all these questions is yes, yes, yes and yes. There was some doubt when we got there, All three of us did wonder whether we should walk away. The reasons, there were very few people there, those that were, appeared to attend the local secondary school where one of our group worked and it didn't seem to have much atmosphere. Well I needn't have feared, when going out with the two wonderful ladies I did atmosphere is the one thing they bring in their handbags in abundance. They had me in stitches with their carefree fun loving attitude to life. I actually felt involved with the night and not an outsider, we danced, drank and giggled at each others antics and I had a really amazing time. Thank you ladies.

Part one - the lead up

Some thing new today for all my Blog fans, assuming I have any that is. Spontaneity, how spur of the moment does it have to be to make it spontaneous? A real poser that one. Spontaneity is not some thing I'm very good at. I can often find an excuse not to do something that hasn't been planned for a while or thought about thoroughly. Oh I can change plans last minute in my working day according to weather, mood of the children I care for or unforeseen circumstances. But to do something spur of the moment, last minute or on a whim in my personal life really isn't me. Because of this I have often felt I've missed out on so much and wished when listening and watching others to others that I could be more like them, hence the reason for this item on my 50 for 50 list. What I'm about to write could be subjective as to whether it's classed as spontaneous so I've decided to leave what I've done open to voting. Here is my case for voting yes or at least for a possible maybe. Last Monday I took the plunge and signed up for another course. Another one? yes another one. For those who don't know I've not long completed my BA(Hons) degree in childhood and youth studies. I finished the course last year and didn't think I'd missed those Sundays with my books, laptop and deadlines, but suddenly I've realised I have. Just generally browsing the internet for the mandatory courses I have to do for my job a close friend and I came across one for Child psychology. We had often said we would love to study this because we find it fascinating watching and observing children and trying to guess what makes them tick. Well Monday she emailed me a link for a course in this subject. Here's the spontaneous bit, I hope, I looked at the course details a level 4 home study course and signed up for it there and then. Now some may argue that I'd given this some thought before hand which means it wasn't spontaneous but I say I saw the course and took the plunge, for me that's spontaneous. If people vote against it I can at least chalk it up to a practice run. 
There is a second situation this week that I hope will count. A friend of my posted the following on Facebook along with a link to the event.  


Actually quite fancy this..... anybody else?? 
Banbury United Clubhouse, tickets £3.50 in advance and £4.00 on the door.... could be a giggle! 


followed by
Janet James something spontaneous!


I find it amazing that some people know my list like the back of their hands

I posted back count me in. Can't believe it I actually agree to go out with friends without thinking about it, now that's surely got to be spontaneity hasn't it ?  Please vote and let me tick off another one from my list. All votes are free to post, and will be counted 7pm Thursday 21st February. 

One little footnote. A few days ago I posted that I'd signed up for the organ donor register. I began to think after a suggestion by some-one that it would be great to get others to sign up too and as it's 50 for 50 for me this year it would be great if I could get 50 people to sign up. I'm not putting any pressure on anyone or badgering anyone but all I ask is that you think about it and seriously consider doing something unselfish for others. If anyone does decide to do it please comment on here so I can keep count. I promise all anonymity will be respected although letting family know your wishes is a good idea. 

I've always quite fancied meeting up with girlfriends and 'doing lunch'. Some how it seems quite sophisticated and something that only those with time on their hands can do. I know that seems a bit stereotypical and I apologise if I've offended anyone that's certainly not my intention. Trouble is  when your an outsider to something that you quite fancy doing or experiencing or having, you can't help but be a little dreamy about it and wonder if you just don't fit in with that kind of life style. Well I decided to do something about it and ok I didn't go out to lunch and yes my one guest was someone I work with closely and yes lunch was had while we were working. No I didn't just plonk a sandwich in front of her or go out and buy something  either. I made us a proper lunch and we managed to sit and eat while the children were playing after they had had theirs. Actually we 'lunched' two days in a row so get me I am a lady that lunches. What did we have? we had golden vegetable soup on Monday and stuffed peppers on Tuesday both courtesy of the Hairy dieters recipe book. Ok, so it wasn't really a  ladies that lunch event but it has ticked off two more recipes and widened the circle of family and friends I'm cooking for. Reports were that she would love to have it again so success all round I think.

My presentation.

I nearly forgot in my excitement of lunching, I also made The Hairy Bikers old fashioned chicken casserole for tea on Monday. Its a real winter warmer, a good hearty meal that reaches the spot on cold snowy evenings. Yet another one that we will have again. This cook book so far has been a real hit with us a s a family. The meals have all been tasty, colourful and easy to do. They don't use ingredients that are unheard of or so obscure that you can't get hold of them and they are realistic. The other thing I'm pleased about too is they do't really on lots of spice to mask insipid or tasteless food. In my experience most recipes for dieters tend to be a bit bland so rely on lots of hot spices to jazz them up a bit. The Hairy Bikers have been successful in creating nutritious food that doesn't taste any different from so called 'ordinary' foods. In fact if I was cooking these meals for weight loss purposes I wouldn't be able to tell that that was what I was doing. The only thing I'm finding is my photos aren't really doing my versions justice!

I'm making no apologies for referring to the Pointer Sisters when I say' I'm so excited and I just can't hide it'. What is it that's got me so fired up, well let me see shall I spill the beans or keep you in suspense? What's that you want to know, what really what to know. I'm not sure your excited enough yet, come on get excited. Are you ready here we go the reason I'm excited is ......................................... I spoke to a true friend on the phone this morning. No, don't switch off there's more to tell. This wonderful friend moved to Australia at the end of 2000 to start a new life with her husband and son because her husband had a job opportunity. Since being out there she has never forgotten her family or friends as we haven't forgotten her. This morning talking to her on the phone she informed me that she has been reading odd bits of my Blog. We had a lovely chat about what I'm planning to do and we got round to THE CALENDAR. Well here is a sign of true friendship, from the other side of the world she is going to have a calendar girl style photo taken by a professional photographer  so she can do her bit to help me raise money for Children in Need. I think that getting excited about my Blog going global is justified!!! Seriously I thank you dear friend and believe me when I say  I will Forget-you-not xxxxx

A few changes to report today. First of all I've actually completed another task. I've been on line and filled in a form. Which form? The organ donor form. I am now officially on the organ donor register so when I die I can hopefully help someone live. I know that for some this seems an odd or upsetting thing to do. For some families the only way is to lay their loved one to rest whole, a complete person and I respect that and totally understand the reasons and feelings around this decision. It's a hard one to make especially when the wishes of the person passing hasn't made clear what it s they want. I've often thought about signing up to the register and have hinted at the fact several times to my family but I've never actually done anything about it. Turning 50 and having my 50 for 50 list has given me the push I needed to actually do something about my feelings instead of sitting back and waiting until the proverbial tomorrow to come. It was quite an odd feeling knowing that I had given my permission for my organs to be used after my death. After the deed was done, I sat and wondered whether it really was what I wanted, after all the ideals of doing such things doesn't always  translate into the reality of actually doing such things. I'm not sure how my family feel about me doing this, haven't really said anything about it either way. I have however, made it very clear to them that is what I want and I only hope they have the courage to allow this to happen when the time comes.  Here is the proof I've done this, It's a copy of the confirmation from the register.

You are here: > How To Become A Donor > Registration > Thank you

Thank you - step 3 of 3 1 2 3

Thank you for registering your wishes about organ donation to help save others after your death. What will happen next? Your details will be matched with your NHS number. If we already have your details, we will update your current entry. If not, we will add your name to the NHS Organ Donor Register.

To amend your details or remove your name from the Register, please go to amend or remove pages and follow the on screen instructions or call the Donor Line on 0300 123 23 23.

Talk about it Let your family 
and friends know
your wishes about
organ donation

Raise awareness Visit our
campaigns 
pages for
details




I did say at the start of this Blog that I would explain my reasons for doing each of the tasks on my list as I do them. I'm not entirely sure I've done this so here are the reasons for the things I've done, completed or started so far. 

My Cocktail party and invention of a cocktail.
I like entertaining or rather getting together with family and friends. We used  to be busy every weekend at one stage in our lives but as time has gone on our, and when I say our I mean Andrew and me, social lives have dwindled to the point the most exciting thing we have to look forward to on a Saturday night is the latest series or reality show on TV! When our children were younger every bank holiday we would get together with family and stop over each others houses. Now as families have got busier and the children have got older, getting together has become less and less frequent. We have even found getting everyone together at Christmas just isn't happening any more. Having the party was the perfect excuse to get people together. Why a cocktail party? Well last year Andrew and I celebrated our 25th Anniversary and hosted a Black tie ball. Everyone loved it and really liked the idea of dressing up so the idea of a sophisticated cocktail party was born. If your going to host a cocktail party cocktails are obviously a must and as it was for a special occasion the creation of a cocktail for me seemed appropriate hence the reason for these two things on the list.

The recipe book.
How many recipe books do we have on our book shelves and either never use or only cook one or two recipes from it. I bet everyone who owns a recipe book does it, I know I have. I began to realise that all those cook books were wasted on the shelves and all the worked put into creating them was for nothing if we don't recreate more than a handful of the recipes in them. Again its the wonderful idea of possessing the latest cook book by the latest Chef on TV that makes us want these books of never to be tasted meals. Not any more. Why the Hairy Dieter book, simple that was the one I was bought for Christmas.

Planting a tree.
Why plant a tree? why not is my response. Not a good enough reason? well maybe not but to put back some thing in the environment that can benefit everyone is i my opinion. Oh I know one tree on it's own won't change the world but it's my contribution and if I can prompt others to plant a tree just because then I will have made some difference to the world we live in.
A update on this by the way, I have contacted the woodland trust and am waiting a reply.

The collection of 1p and 2p coins.
I'm pretty sure this was covered fully in my post about starting this collection so I won't bore you with repeating the details on this one. What I will do though is urge everyone to pass their coins onto to me so we can sort out the school mini bus. Thank you. 

To finish this posting a report on the latest recipe courtesy of the Hairy Dieters. Chicken Korma. I am ashamed to say I have never made a curry of any description from scratch. After making this I can honestly say I will .......................... be making one again This was so beautifully fragrant and tasty and a big hit with the whole family. I will definitely make this for family and friends again. Curry night here we come. I feel another excuse to entertain.

here's the proof I made it. I do wish I could get mine to look just like theirs though.

Well I'm afraid its been another quiet day on the 50 for 50 front today. Not ticked off anything more from my list or started anything new. In fact the only change to report is another recipe cooked and a response from Local District Council. An update, I contacted the council about planting a tree. They kindly responded but unfortunately can not help me as they only have plans to plant one tree in my home town and its going in the middle of a round-a-bout. For obvious reasons they didn't feel it would be a suitable location for me to fulfil my  wish. They did however suggest I contact the woodland trust so tomorrow and email is going off to them. I hope they can help.

Delicious

and so was this!

Well here we are photo evidence of  yet another recipe completed from the Hairy dieter cook book. To be more accurate this is the Hairy Bikers version 

This is my version, ok I agree it doesn't look as pretty, but it sure did taste good. I'm not keen on burn the roof off your mouth spicy food. I'd rather leave my taste buds intact for another day. The fact The guys gave you licence to adjust the amount of chilli you put into it was great. I know what your thinking, what's to stop you making those adjustments according to your own taste anyway. The answer is that my challenge is not only to cook every recipe from a cook book but to replicate them accurately as the author or authors intended. Anyway, as some of my family prefer it spicier they added extra dried chilli flakes, happy dinners all round.

Tonight this is what we had, fish gratin, another mmmm  mmmm mmmmmmm. Having said that we did find the sauce a  little runny but that would be easily remedied with a little extra cornflour mix. Not a fault of the Hairy Bikers but mine as measuring table spoons of anything is open to a bit of judgement and not as accurate as say measuring 50g of something on a set of scales. My family did say however, they prefer my own fish pie to this one. Sorry Si and Dave mixed reactions t this one.

Here's my representation of fish gratin.

Whilst on the subject of catch up, a little note on my daily photos. Imagine the worst passport or driving licence photo ever. Better still take a look at crime watch next time its on, yep that's what my daily photos look like. Now, I know I'm not the most photogenic person in the world and lets face it taking your own photo in a mirror isn't easy, but the photos are embarrassing. If you don't believe me take a look at  the sample one below. I apologise for any trauma or nightmares caused by viewing it but you have been warned. Sweet dreams mwahhahaha. 

I'm innocent honestly. Taken today 5th February 2013.

And finally, to complete my day of catch up, my headboard arrived for our new bed. What's that got to do with the 50 for 50 list? Well if you've studied it well enough you'll know  I want to decorate a room and have it totally complete. No finishing off bits to do, no last picture to hang, no 'oh that would be nice to complete it'  I would like the whole thing finished, unashamedly, totally and utterly completely finished. The headboard is helping me on the way to achieving this one.