Visiting The Elderly

I won't say much about this one, as the subject probably doesn't want to be written about on the internet.

But I did visit my great aunt every month for six months. And the reason I did this in the first six months is that I'm hoping to keep it up as a habit. She always seems happy to see me and it's not a huge amount of effort, although finding the time is tricky!

Psycho!

I have never (to my knowledge) watched a black and white film, so this is on the list as I feel that its something cultural I should have done by now!

I had to choose carefully as I wanted to watch a "classic" but it couldn't be on top 20 list as I want to avoid overlaps where possible.

I picked Psycho because it is supposed the first and original horror film.

I watched it with my brother last night and we both really enjoyed. We both knew the iconic shower scene, but neither of us had figured there was a whole plot around it! For anyone who has not watched it, I won't give the plot away but go and watch it!

Bearing in mind the film was released in 1960, this film would have been shocking at the time. In this day and age the violence is nothing. I can only imagine it has its 15 rating for the pyschological angle, as you see hardly no blood, and no nudity to speak of. But 50 years ago, women were never in their underwear on screen, and according to wikipedia, this was one of the first films to show a toilet flushing! And some people objected to this!

Personally I found the small cast refreshing. I lose track of the characters in blockbusers these days, and I felt I was following this quite well. I loved the twists and turns of the plot and I'm so pleased this was on the list. Its also made me look forward to watching some more of the classic films on my top 20 list.

Rocking out with Ash

In November we ticked item 68 "Go to a rock gig with Dan" off the list.

It was on the list because I love live music. Its quite a big part of my life, and I usually have a gig lined up to go to, sometimes months away, but I like to know I have something to look forward to. Theres something about hearing the crashing guitars, and thumping bass right in front of you that is so energising... and I needed to know Dan gets this. Mostly because I'm hoping he wont think its a waste of money, I need these gigs in my life!

So we headed up to Shepherds Bush for Ash. We went to dinner first at a fab Thai restaurant and ate a really spicy curry, hence the need for the gigantic ice cream Dan is holding above! Stupidly we got one each and I wasn't able to finish mine, which is totally unheard of! I really like ice cream! But I was mindful I was about to go and jump and up and down for an hour or two!

Ash were excellent. I've seen them several times before, and they have always been great. They played a mix of the A-Z songs and old favourites. The crowd went mental for "Kung-Fu" I zoned out to my own little world for "Girl From Mars" but actually the best song was "Arcadia" which they opened with.

Apart from both feeling like we had eaten too much ice cream, it was the best night, I was so so happy and didn't want to end, and I think that answers my question about whether or not Dan gets it :)

Arcadia

Light up, spark the detonator

Now I'm homeward bound, way to see you later

If you make that step you're the instigator

Got my mind made up, I'll be your navigator

If you want me to travel over moonlit miles

For a precious smile

Following my lonely heart

Call on me, take me...

Far over the seas

I return in my dreams

Sailing home under the stars

To be safe in your arms

Ever near, travel through time

Ever close in my mind

Say you will truly be mine

Say you'll always be mine

We are a winning combination

We're two stars aligned in a constellation

When I get too low you're my inspiration

Never let me down, you're a revelation

One that comes along once in a lifetime

Oh I realise

You give me love free and wild

Oh my child, lead me...

Far over the seas

I return in my dreams

Sailing home under the stars

To be safe in your arms

Ever near, travel through time

Ever close in my mind

Say you will truly be mine

Say you'll always be mine

Our empire stretches from the deserts

To the ice fields

Love and courage can take us anywhere

We dare to go

Far over the seas

I return in my dreams

Sailing home under the stars

To be safe in your arms

Ever near, travel through time

Ever close in my mind

Say you will truly be mine

Say you'll always be mine

Item No 1

In one sense this is a cheating task. Trying to come up 101 things that are fun/interesting/worthwhile/exciting is quite tricky. And expensive. I had already received for my birthday in early 2010 before The Day Zero Project was conceived a voucher from my dad to go rally driving. I'd always fancied a track day of some sort, and so I figured I could stick this on the list, even though I was doing it anyway!

It turned out to be slightly more of a challenge than I anticipated. In August I had a small accident, and my little Puma was out of action for nearly two months, I'd only had it back a few days before the rally driving, and I was a little nervous of driving and scared of another crash. Not only did I drive the 2 and a half hours to Oxfordshire but I was then to throw myself round a deliberateley muddy course where the aim was to be out of control! I was scared!

You started with a safety briefing, which I don't remember much of, except being told that you mustnt worry about the car as its not yours and to "drive it like you stole it". I decided then to sign up to the insurance they offered. Apparently they dont have many proper crashes, but I could all too easily imagine myself driving into a tree, despite Dans encouraging pep talks.

They drove us up to a building by the track, which was a mile long and twisted and turned over a couple of acres. A tractor went round watering the track to make it easy to slide at slow speeds. Somehow I was first in my group of 4 and straight into the Puma! I can't tell you if its the same as driving my Puma on the road, as Rally driving is just so different. You never got out of 3rd gear as they wanted you to concentrate on the steering. And your aim is to slide the car round corners which I would never dream of doing in my precious car. For my first 15 minute go I was rubbish. The instructor must have wondered what I was doing there. I didn't want to go fast, I couldnt seem to turn properly into corners. I didn't get the hang of handbrake turns as I've never been a boy racer so never tried before! I got out the car thinking the time had gone slowly and worried I wasting an expensive day out.

In the wait til my next go I gave myself a bit of a talking to. I'd asked for this birthday present, and then dragged Dan all the way to Oxfordshire, just so he could photograph me, when he'd already driven 5 hours to see me. And he didn't even get a go! I owed to myself, Dan and Dad to make sure I gave it a proper try.

The second 15 minutes went a lot better. Something clicked in my brain and I was lot better at drifting round the corners. I still turned the steering wheel too much on the handbrake turns, forgetting that the point was that I was sliding and not needing to turn the wheel. This session went far too quickly and I wanted to keep going and I was immediately itching to get back behind the wheel.

The third outing was fantastic. I nailed the handbrake turns to the delight of my instructor (who needn't have sounded quite so surprised I got it), and as I threw the car round the corners, sliding sideways at every opportunity I may even have let out a whoop or two of joy! As we went round for the last lap, my instructor asked if I was proud of myself, as I should be. And I finished with a big grin, knowing that there they probably wasn't a career in rally driving awaiting me but I'd made a massive improvement from the start of the day.

I also got taken out for a spin with a rally driver who was a lot faster than me! I wouldn't say it was scary as such, just very impressive now I knew how difficult it was to do!

In all I definitely enjoyed the day. I'd been wanting to do something like this and I feel as though I achieved something even though I wouldn't say I was a better driver because of it. It was a fantastic day out - thanks Dad!

Apocalypse Now!

On Saturday I watched another of the top 20 films (I can't remember what number this comes in on!) the redux version of Apocalypse Now.

Well. It's pretty long! It was also kinda boring... There were one or two fantastic scenes. It was very well filmed.

I can't really think of much more to say about it. I don't think I'll watch it again! But I am pleased to have watched it, as it explains a lot of references from other films!

I am never quite sure what to make of war films, they make me very sad for the senseless waste of life, and it also makes me sad about the ongoing wars in the world, and that the waste isn't finished yet.

I do feel like I watched a cinematic masterpiece. But it didn't move me (unless confusion at the ending counts) and I didn't learn anything and I didn't love any of the characters...

Becoming A Surf Chick!

Item 56: To be able to stand up on a surfboard

Two weekends ago I headed to Newquay with a friend and a company called Big Friday who whisk you from London to Cornwall for a weekend of surfing. Its the second time I've done it, I wasn't very good the first time, but I did really enjoy it.

My aim for the weekend was to be able to stand up, and I made sure the instructors were aware of this!! During the first lesson on the Saturday, I didn't really manage it. You are taught a 4 step movement which is supposed to make it dead easy to stand up.

Step One - Lying the board facing straight ahead (not as easy it sounds that one!) see the waves coming and paddle paddle paddle like crazy!
Step Two - From legs out straight bring your knees in, with your hands on the rails (side) of the board. I managed this most of the time if I'd caught the wave properly.
Step Three - Keping your hands where they are, bring the lead foot forward so you are kneeling on only one knee.
Step Four - Put your kneeling foot on the board, and then raise up into a crouch, twisting so your body is facing along the beach, but your head looks forward to the beach and thats where are you arms go too.

At least, that was my understanding of it :)

I did manage to stand several times, in fact thinking about it, Saturdays instructor saw me do it as he thought it hilarious that I got up into a crouch/standing position and yelled "that counts! I've done it!" and promptly fell off!

I also stood up several times on the Sunday (always immediately coming off) and I was spotted by others in the group. Unfortunately there is no photo. Although if you were in the water and moving it wasn't that cold. We soon discovered if you stopped to take photos it becomes cold pretty damn quick!

I think I will be back again for another try, but I am pleased with achievement. I am relieved I didn't get bitten by the surf bug, as I have neither the time or cash to get involved in another hobby. There were some on the trip who had spent most weekends of the summer in Newquay and had all their own equipment. I don't think I'll be doing that, but I would like to take Dan along. Its all part of my love of Cornwall, being there and playing in the sea that I usually stand and look at gives another perspective to my favourite place.

Compassion

Item 30: Find someone who inspires me and follow them on facebook

I didn't really know what I was aiming for when I thought up this challenge. It was based on several thoughts along the lines of thinking that I check facebook (several) times daily. I pick up on friends good and bad moods. Sometimes I learn interesting things from news items people to their walls. Sometimes I am overwhelmed by the pain and suffering my friends are going through. I was looking for someone who cold provide me with a "Thought For The Day" type thing, to provide perhaps some spiritual input into what can otherwise be a varied media.

I found what I was looking for accidentally.

I sponsor a child in El Salvador (I put on facebook recently he's from Guatemala but I was wrong - oops!) called Kevin. I find it hilarious that he has the least southern american name you could think of! The company I do this through is called Compassion. I recently found them on facebook, "liked" them and moved on without really noticing what I'd done.

Compassion are the single most inspiring thing I have come across on facebook. They are very active and post at least daily on topics like "funny things sponsor children write in their letters" or counting down to the trip some sponsors did recently to meet their children, and then links to the amazing blogs written of the visits.

I am reminded daily of Kevin, and I have started writing to him again (Item 23) and praying for him more often. I am also reminded constantly of the fact that I have so much in this world, and there are children out there who have so little. I have no idea how to change the imbalance. I know I can't change the world. But maybe I can have some impact on one little boys life.

In fact, I've been so inspired, I'm going to sponsor a second child. It costs very little (only £21 a month) but it gives them education both in terms of schooling and health and nutritional supplement if they need it as well as a centre for activities.

I didn't even realise I'd found my small daily dose of spirituality, as these things often do it came along as a surprise.