60 for 60 remix

A few weeks ago (60 for 60) I posted a list of activities that I intended on completing between now and my 60th birthday in May 2021. It was free ranging list and included little things like making a souffle right up to travelling to Scotland or Iceland.

I have been transferring the items to index cards which I intend to move from the to do to the done pile as they get done. I also thought it might be a good idea to work out  a rough schedule of when I would do the activity so I could make efficient use of time and money. For instance, I want to see an active volcano and go to Iceland. It would be sensible to see a volcano in Iceland.

It was here at this point,  that I saw the flaws in my list. I knew the list was ambitious. I knew it would be expensive. As I tried to fit things loosely into a calendar, I simply ran out of time.  Let’s not even talk about how much I would have to spend! Of course, if I do end up winning the lottery (see this post) it will be fine! I can quit the day job and concentrate on the list full time. Unfortunately, though,  I do have to work full time to pay for my fun.

I need to regig, remix and reassess the list.  I need more small items that I can do without having to go anywhere or spend a lot on while still giving me a sense of accomplishment. I could replace all the travel with writing, but that takes time too. I want to succeed. I don’t want to set myself up for failure before I start by having unrealistic expectations and at the same time I don’t want to make it too easy either.

So here is the new list. The changes are subtle but they will make a difference.

• Pay off extra on my current mortgage.
• Sell some of my writing
• Make a profit through Old Chook Enterprises
• Sell some of my photos
• Hit at least 1000 followers on WordPress (help me out here guys!!)
• Hit at least 500 followers on Instagram (help needed here too!!) @robynlang3
• Go to the UK, more specifically, Scotland
• Go on a another cruise (6 – 10 days)
• Make a 15-minute documentary that gets some success (define success!)
• Finish the Buttons story (a sci-fi themed novella I am writing. Four out of 9 chapters done)
• Write a screenplay
• Finish the Anca story (another short story/novel idea.)
• Finish the family history story about Sarah Anne Usher
• Publish a blog post every week
• Not to drink alone.
• Do a woodworking course
• Spend the weekend in Melbourne for my birthday again (I went in 2013)
• Use frequent flyer points to pay for an entire international flight.
• Photograph the Milky Way
• Will do the southernmost extremity of the Australian mainland when I do a Melbourne road trip for my birthday
• Paint the interior of my home
• Get new carpet/floor covering
• Re-read and do the steps in the Side Hustle Book.
• Enter works into a photography exhibition – the Scarborough Art Show (October 2019)
• Go six months without added sugar – I’ve started this one!
• Road trip to Broken Hill, NSW
• Fly in a hot air balloon in Australia
• Write up the interview I did with Tracey and Sue about the Bibbulmun Track
• Visit at least 15 more lighthouses in Australia. (I like lighthouses and want to see as many Australian ones as I can – there are more than 2000 so it might be a stretch to see them all!) There are 15 close to home (within 300 km) that I haven’t seen yet so this should be do-able.
• “Day in the life” photography series for at least 4 people – follow 4 people in different occupations and photograph their day
• Do an “extraordinary man” photographic series. An environmental portrait project.
• Make a soufflé
• Donate blood for the first time
• Do a big >2500 piece jigsaw puzzle
• Sell most my 2019 calendars (help me out here too!!)
• Publish a 2020 calendar
• Do another year of no new things in 2020.
• Stop dying my hair and embrace the grey!
• Finish a short course in food photography – Daylesford Victoria
• Publish a cookbook of family favourites with my own photography
• Do a short online graphics design course
• Do some more light painting
• Do an interview on radio/TV about something to do with Old Chook Enterprises
• Modify the design and remake the running belt you made. A lycra belt to wear while running that holds my phone/keys and tissues etc. I have already made one but it needs some modifications.
• Enter at least 10 writing competitions
• Enter at least 10 photography competitions
• Go on a writing retreat in 2019 (perhaps as a cruise?)
• Do another cheese making course
• Design some fabric to make some cushions for my home and to sell at markets
• Have a 60th birthday celebration
• Cut my time for 10km run to less than 56 minutes
• Learn how to use eyeliner properly
• Hold a market stall at least twice
• Learn how to swim properly by getting swimming lessons.
• Read at least 4 novels a year form the list of “good books”
• Maintain weight at less than 60kg.
• Learn how to do boxing style rope jumping and sustain for  at least 5 minutes.

Already done!

• Buy a dymo labeller
• Set up a saving fund for my grandson
• Set up a worm farm
• Pitch an article to a real magazine/publication (see point 49)
• Create a passwords spreadsheet
• Get a new phone
• Make a will

Whats gone?

• Learn enough Italian to have a short conversation
• Enter some photos in the Royal Easter Show (a big fair in Sydney, Australia)
• Try being an AirBnB host
• Write a children’s picture book
• See an active volcano (I could do this in Iceland)
• Go to Broome, Western Australia.
• Get my first paid article published. I had this twice.
• Tidy my garage -hmmm not really a life goal.
• Get a new job – to get everything done I think I need stability in my day job!
• Go on a really long walk like the Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia
• Meet someone very famous.

Wish me luck! I will publish updates at 6 monthly intervals. I’d love to hear what you would have in your list. Please add your ideas in the comments below.