What I want to do before I'm 40

I'm nearly 36 years old and would like to think that i have led a fullish life although not as full as i had planned when i was 16 years old.  Visions of me travelling the world are a distant memory since i got married and had children at the age of 25. 

However, I have done some exciting things in my short life.  I have abseiled down the side of a building, climbed Snowdonia and part of Ben Nevis, seen most of the England, been to Paris and Belgium, clubbed my teenage years away, drunk until i couldn't see straight, nurtured two amazing sons, given my time to young beaver scouts, organised trips for Young Hearts (the Oxford based Children's Heart Charity I'm Vice Chair for), been on the News, been on stage and I've been in the newspaper. 

I have met some amazing people who inspire, delight and amuse me.  I'm blessed with some wonderful friends and a husband that, for his sins, tries hard.  So by rights I should be happy and content.  Those who know me that I am never content with the way things are.  I have an addiction to improve myself and set myself goals that are sometimes attainable and sometimes absolutely ludicious.  So I have a list of things that I need to accomplish before I'm 40 years old. 

Here is the list and I'll let you know if I complete them.

1. Scout Winter Challenge - This is actually happening.  Going to be doing this on the 25th February which is an 18 mile hike across the Ridgeway.  Have to say the prospect of this scare me more than jumping of the side of a building which is ridiculous and I have no idea why but that is just the way things go I suppose.

2. 3 Peaks Challenge - This has been on my list for as long as I have known the challenge existed.  So my plan is to do it when i'm 37.  That means I have 1 year to get myself to a level of fitness where the challenge will be acheivable if still slightly maddening.

3. Tour Scotland - I love going to Scotland.  I love the culture, the guiness and the whiskey of course.  I have seen most parts but not all.  Would love to go up to the Highlands and rough it up there for a few days.  I've seen all I can of Edinburgh but will still go back for the Festival.

4. Tour Wales - I have been to Snowdonia and to Cardiff but that is probably about it in Wales so it's about time that i got to know our neighbouring county.

5. Perform on stage in Ireland.  - This is going to come true very soon as the Drama Group that I'm attached to is looking at doing the Irish Drama Festivals next year.  I've never been to Ireland but have always wanted to go.  I have some friends over there that I haven't seen since University and it would be good to catch up. 

6. Learn Japanese - Don't really know why but would love to learn a language that isn't a european language and it will help with the next one on my list.

7. Visit Vietnam and Japan - A place I have always wanted to visit and keep putting it off.  Would also like to visit North and South Korea but with the policial climate the way it is I don't think it would be safe for me to take the kids. 

I think that will be enough to do before I get to 40.  So I have 4 years to complete the above.

With any luck I will have completed them