50:50

I enjoy watching a good game show, mostly the ones which require some real general knowledge like The Chase, The Wheel or Tipping Point. Like most viewers I play along, feel pretty pleased with myself when I score better than the contestant and say that I should apply myself one day. That's why applying to be on a TV game show made it on the list! Early in 2021 I began by applying for all of my favourites using their online application process and waited for a reply. As I was now registered on the application site I received an email with information about a new show looking for contestants called Unbeatable and applied for that too, as new shows get fewer applications. These applications all follow a similar pattern: besides your details, occupation and interests they want to know which topics you are good and bad at and what you would spend any winnings on. They then ask a series of more interesting questions, those I had to answer included:  "Describe your most embarrassing...

In the spirit of post-Covid abandon I went on two holidays! Both were to Northumberland, an area of the country that I feel so drawn to, that I am considering retiring there. Perhaps that goal will make it onto the 60 list. My first trip was at Christmas, to a static caravan with stunning sea views at Newbiggin-By-The-Sea. The caravan was cosy and comfortable, just big enough for me, the dog and the excessive amount of festive food and drink that I had transported up with us. I had found the accommodation on Airbnb and our host had thought of everything: a Christmas tree all lit up for our arrival, extra blankets, dog treats, a hamper of Prosecco and sweet and savoury treats, everything needed for breakfast and even binoculars for a closer look at the sea life right outside our window. As it turned out these luxuries were needed as the weather did not cooperate. It was wet and stormy for most of the week and besides the daily, blustery dog walk on the beach I spent the majori...

  There are times when, even at 50 years old, I still don't feel like a real adult. Often this is when I see photos on social media of other adults I know who have matching tableware in the shot, art that they actually got around to putting in a frame, coordinated bedding or, in particular, an arrangement of  houseplants. Owning multiple thriving houseplants is just showing off in my opinion. I have proved that I can succeed in keeping humans and pets alive but I wonder if that's largely because they would protest if I forgot to feed them or if they became too hot or cold. Neglect a plant and it wilts and dies, I have no patience with this kind of martyrdom. Nonetheless I decided to give it another shot. I bought a cheap selection of low maintenance potted plants from a well known Swedish furniture and meatball emporium. I also received a couple of plants from friends: the first a cactus (this person knows my limitations) and the second an orchid (these friends have grossly ov...

I am notoriously bad at saving money, I generally spend up to my overdraft limit each month and should probably have more money sense than a teenager at this point in my life. As you see here though, I have managed to find a savings app which makes it a little easier. Although I have met my objective, with £1000 set aside, I did at one point have more than double according to the lifetime deposits total. I think I spent most of that on other things on this list!